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.
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.