Prince Athos: A Reluctant Hero for Romantasy Readers
He never wanted to be a soldier. He never wanted a crown. What he wanted was to spend his life in quiet scholarship and prayer. What he got was a war — and a destiny he couldn't refuse. Prince Athos Mirac is the romantasy hero of What God Has Ordained,…
Stop Apologizing for Fantasy Tropes. Make Them Work Instead!
I’m going to say something that might ruffle a few feathers in certain writing circles: tropes are not the enemy. Michael and I have been building the World of Menelon since 1994, and I can tell you with absolute certainty that What God Has…
Apple Books vs Amazon KDP: A Guide for Indie Fantasy Authors
Indie fantasy authors have a lot to consider when they publish. In this post we break down the major differences between choosing Apple Books vs Amazon KDP.
Magic Systems in Romantasy: Discover How Menelon’s Works
If you’ve spent any time in the romantasy genre, you already know that a world’s magic system isn’t just window dressing. It shapes the story’s stakes, defines its power dynamics, and tells you something fundamental about how that…
Running an Indie Press: From Beta Bliss to Death Threats
Sometimes, I think that running an indie press was a pretty cool life choice. Other times, not so much. April and May have reflected that roller-coaster pattern in ways both old and new, and May is ending with a “first time” life experience that’s been a…
How to Make a Fantasy World Feel Real—and Lived In
We get a lot of praise for how we made the fantasy world of Menelon feel “real” and “lived in.” Michael and I have often been asked how other authors can do the same with their worlds. To answer that, I have to start by admitting…
8 of the Most Anticipated Romantasy Books 2026
Take a look at the eight upcoming, most-talked-about (epic) romantasy books around the web in a genre that has grown exponentially in the last decade.
Orcs in LitRPG Fantasy: What You Need to Know
Orcs in LitRPG fantasy fiction are well-known. This is especially true when players encounter—or even play as—these formidable creatures. But in fantasy lore, not all orcs are created equal. In the world of Menelon, the Common Orc and War Orc take on…
Ogres vs Trolls: Fantasy Lore & LitRPG Origins
What's the difference between ogres vs trolls? Well, in fantasy folklore ogres were terrifying child-eating monsters of ancient folklore, and trolls served as sometimes hostile guardians of the natural world, embodiments of an untamed wilderness. Ogres…
Timeless or Tired? The Alluring Secrets of the Hero’s Quest
What exactly makes the hero's quest trope so enduring? And how do modern writers keep it fresh amidst a sea of traditional fantasy? Fantasy writers are reinventing quests in imaginative ways that surprise and engage today’s audiences.