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.
A Behind-the-Screens Spotlight: Life at Metaphor Publications
Today seemed like a good day to bring you up to date on what’s been happening behind-the-scenes here at Metaphor Publications,
The Chosen One: A Proven Trope for Fantasy Fiction Fabulists
The Chosen One’s journey is simultaneously personal and universal. It is a metaphor for transformation and self-actualization.
Use These 5 Tips to Master Character-Driven Fiction
In character-driven fantasy fiction storytelling the characters drive the plot. It may seem obvious, but there are subtleties that aren't always clear.
How to Co-Author a Book with Your Spouse and Not Lose Your Minds, or Your Marriage
When people discover that Michael and I write books together, the reactions split fairly predicably between two camps...