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…
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.
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.
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Meridar Outpost One: Character-Driven Fantasy Novelette
Meridar Outpost One is Aleisa’s character-driven fantasy prequel to the first book of a soon-to-be-published series, The Legacy of Chandar. In it, you’ll be introduced to Coralin Callens, one of the protagonists of the series. She is a very…
Classic Fantasy, Modern Storytelling: The Legacy of Chandar
Every fantasy writer has lots of decisions to make when they begin to block out their next story, and our journey through the production of The Legacy of Chandar was and is no exception. Everything from the beginning to the ending, heroes to villains,…
A (Brief) Journey Through Time: The Enchanting Evolution of Fantasy Literature
This is a post I’ve wanted to write for awhile now. Fantasy literature has been a favorite with Michael and I long before we established Metaphor Publications. It’s a sub-genre that offers us a much-needed refuge from reality, using the power of words…
Your Favorite Romantasy Style
So, as we put the final touches on our upcoming epic romantasy series, we thought we'd ask: what's your favorite romantasy style of fiction? Is it: We'd love to hear your views on what makes a good romantasy story. What turns you on and keeps you turning…
How Do You Know If You’re A Writer?
How do you know if you’re a writer? It’s the question every writer asks themselves. I don’t know one who hasn’t, at some point in the struggle to get words on paper, just thrown down the pen or chucked the keyboard at the wall in…