Introduction The idea of a school for magic is far from being a new thing in literature. We all immediately think of JK Rowling’s Harry Potter books, which are certainly the most well-known modern examples. Some of us will remember Ursula LeGuin’s Wizard of Earthsea as well. But the idea goes back much earlier. Chiron the Read More »
The Academy: New Approaches in Fantasy Literature Read More »
Introduction In the first part of this series, I’ve already noted a couple of factors (reading habits and career) that influenced my writing. But readers have sometimes asked me if other events in my life have influenced my writing. Surprisingly, that’s not an easy question to answer. If you read any of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s Read More »
Inspiration, Part 3: Personal Life Read More »
Introduction Most people hear research and associate it with nonfiction, where it is undeniably crucial. What we don’t always realize is that research can be important in fiction as well–and not just in a genre like historical fiction. Depending on the circumstances, even fantasy can benefit from the judicious use of research. A Counterexample: What Happens When Read More »
Inspiration, Part 2: Research Read More »
Introduction My first published novel, Living with Your Past Selves, went live on September 9, 2012. As I near the tenth anniversary of my publishing adventure, I’m thinking a lot about what inspired me to write in the first place and what has influenced the way I write. I decided to write about this on the Read More »
Inspiration, Part 1 Read More »
