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.

78 Articles

A visual respresentation of writing through depression: An illustration of a girl standing in a dark room lit solely by light coming through a window.

Writers With Depression: When Words Feel Heavy

By Alesia Matson

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8 Min Read

When depression silences your writing, these strategies can help you find your voice again— and why creative writing is good for mental health.

An elephant dressed in a blue wizard's robe and carrying a glowing staff and lantern strides to the left of the screen. The wise old mentor is one of the fantasy tropes that still work --- if you know how to make them seem new!

Stop Apologizing for Fantasy Tropes. Make Them Work Instead!

By Alesia Matson

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6 Min Read

Fantasy tropes that still work aren't lazy writing. Here's how we use forbidden love and the wise mentor in our own romantasy fiction - and you can, too!

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

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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

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7 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

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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

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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

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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

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6 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

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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

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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.