Author

Alesia Matson

An analog hobbyist waking up in a digital world. Author, counted cross-stitch enthusiast, cricket fan. Music, Shakespeare, cats, kindness, Oxford comma, EM dash. CRONE.

66 Articles

An ebook reader with an image of the print version of "Alice in Wonderland" open on the screen. Apple Books vs Amazon KDP? Either way, it's a rollicking good story!

Apple Books vs Amazon KDP: A Guide for Indie Fantasy Authors

By Alesia Matson

No Comments

8 Min Read

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.

A woma dressed in a gauzy, sparkly costume leans over to gaze down at a sparkling orange and yellow display. Magic systems in romantasy books describe visuals like this.

Magic Systems in Romantasy: Discover How Menelon’s Works

By Alesia Matson

No Comments

8 Min Read

How does Menelon's magic compare to ACOTAR and Fourth Wing? Meet the five classes of magic users, and discover and why miracles are something else entirely.

A roller coaster in silhouette, with the open spaces in the structure filled in rainbow colors. Running and indie press is a lot like riding a roller coaster!

Running an Indie Press: From Beta Bliss to Death Threats

By Alesia Matson

No Comments

5 Min Read

A heart-felt update from an indie fantasy publisher on the ups (beta reader bliss) and downs (death threats, anyone?) of running an indie press.

An old-style cartographer's map of a fantasy world. How to make a fantasy world feel real? A map's just the beginning!

How to Make a Fantasy World Feel Real—and Lived In

By Alesia Matson

No Comments

4 Min Read

Exploring these 3 sure-fire fantasy worldbuilding tips will help writers and roleplaying gamers learn how to make a fantasy world feel real and lived-in.

An illustration of a woman reclining on a white sofa with a pug at her feet. She's reading one of the most anticipated romantasy books of 2026.

Fall 2026 Romantasy Releases: What’s Left, Including ACOTAR 6

By Alesia Matson

2 Comments

7 Min Read

A list of eight of the most anticipated romantasy books for 2026, including upcoming romantasy novels, a few sequels, and works from debut authors.

In this illustration, a low, flat boat poled by a single figure in silhouette is backlit by a large, rull white moon. This is emblematic of the Hero's Quest in fantasy fiction.

Timeless or Tired? The Alluring Secrets of the Hero’s Quest

By Alesia Matson

No Comments

5 Min Read

What exactly makes the hero's quest trope so enduring? And how do fantasy fiction writers keep it fresh in a sea of traditional fantasy? Read on to find out!

An elaborate doorway set in five nested arches. Behind-the-screens at MetPub!

A Behind-the-Screens Spotlight: Life at Metaphor Publications

By Alesia Matson

No Comments

5 Min Read

An epistolary-style, peek behind-the-screens into the lives of the publishers. We cover AI book-marketing scams, copyright infringement + a very adorable cat.

A rusty sword in a stone, an iconic metaphor for the "chosen one" trope in fantasy fiction.

The Chosen One: Why Fantasy Can’t Quit This Trope

By Alesia Matson

No Comments

5 Min Read

Why does the Chosen One trope endure? Explore its ancient roots, its modern reinventions, and why readers never tire of a destined hero.

A figure in silhouette stands in front of a large round portal-style gateway. Mountains and a lake in the background, while daylit clouds surrender to a moon lit sky. This portrays character-driven fiction very well.

Use These 5 Tips to Master Character-Driven Fiction

By Alesia Matson

No Comments

5 Min Read

Character-driven fiction puts people before plot. Discover the 5 defining features that make this storytelling style so resonant + tips for writing it yourself.

An illustration of two cartoon emoji hearts with smiling faces. That's what co-authors look like at their best!

How to Co-Author a Book With Your Spouse (Without Divorce)

By Alesia Matson

No Comments

6 Min Read

When people discover that Michael and I write books together, the reactions split fairly predicably between two camps...