Browse Category

Writer to Writer

19 Articles

The silhouettes of a man and a woman backlit by a fiery heart. This depicts slow burn romance at its best!

How to Write a Slow Burn Romance in Fantasy Fiction

6 Min Read

What is slow burn romance, and why is it so popular? Read about the neuroscience of the slow burn trope, and learn how to make your next romantasy a scorcher!

An illustration of a male/female couple talking together over their electronic devices. Picture it when thinking about how to co-write romantasy with your partner.

What Co-Writing Romantasy Taught Us About Each Other

By Alesia Matson

No Comments

5 Min Read

Want to know how to co-author a novel with your spouse? After thirty years of writing together, here's what we've learned — and what keeps us coming back.

A young priestess in red robes sits cross-legged on the floor before a blazing hearth. She is praying to the gods of her fantasy religion.

What the Gods Want: Faith-Forward Romantasy in Menelon

By Alesia Matson

No Comments

6 Min Read

Many fantasy novels keep gods at a distance. In this faith-forward romantasy, the God of Paladins has a will, a way, and the plot consequences that go with it.

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.

When Words Feel Heavy: Writing Through Depression

By Alesia Matson

2 Comments

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

No Comments

5 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

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.

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!

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...

The Dark Side: Exposing AI-Driven Book Marketing Scams

By Alesia Matson

No Comments

6 Min Read

AI-powered scams are targeting indie authors. One almost fooled me. Here's how to spot the red flags and protect yourself and your book.