Category Archives: Thoughts

What is Anthropomorphism?

Posted on June 8, 2022 by Charles Yallowitz

Anthropomorphism is when you put human traits on an animal or non-living object.  This can be physical, mental, and emotional.  Sounds very much like personification, right?  It’s why the two get mixed up so often.  We’ll compare them on Friday … Continue reading →

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Using Personification in Fiction

Posted on June 6, 2022 by Charles Yallowitz

I’m going to touch on two things this week: PERSONIFICATION and ANTHROPOMORPHISM.  These two literary tactics get mixed up a lot because they’re very similar.  Even the image above isn’t giving the full story.  So, let’s start with the first … Continue reading →

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Pros and Cons of Zoning Out

Posted on June 3, 2022 by Charles Yallowitz

Zoning out can be pretty useful.  It can also come with several risks if you do it in the wrong place.  Should you avoid it?  No, but be careful by following these Pros and Cons. Pro–  You can focus on … Continue reading →

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Using Analogies is like Giving Yourself an Ink Blot Test

Posted on June 1, 2022 by Charles Yallowitz

Did the title work?  Maybe not, which is one of the challenges with analogies.  They’re like jokes in that they depend on the audience and don’t always hit their mark.  You can share an analogy that has one person nodding … Continue reading →

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The Fun of Temporary Magic Items

Posted on May 23, 2022 by Charles Yallowitz

When it comes to fantasy, people think a lot about magical items.  Rings, armor, swords, and all of these enchanted objects come to mind.  I hear them get mentioned more often than another category: Temporary Magic Items.  I also like … Continue reading →

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Fun with Magical Parasites

Posted on May 20, 2022 by Charles Yallowitz

You know, I wrote this down as a topic with no idea what I was thinking.  I’ve never used magical parasites.  Not in my books either.  Still, someone said the idea sounded really interesting and that’s all my needy ass … Continue reading →

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How Far Should a Hero Go for Power?

Posted on May 18, 2022 by Charles Yallowitz

To explain the gif, the guy is swallowing the mummified finger of a power demon.  He swallowed one early on without knowing what it would do and the series pretty much follows that trend.  Entertainingly, of course.  We’re not here … Continue reading →

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The Secret Protector

Posted on May 16, 2022 by Charles Yallowitz

A while back, I started re-watching the BBC show called ‘Merlin’.  It’s clearly about Merlin from the Arthurian legend.  This time he’s a young wizard who is working as Arthur’s servant.  Uther is the king and hates all magic, so … Continue reading →

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Writing Characters from Maligned and Abused Groups

Posted on May 9, 2022 by Charles Yallowitz

I’m starting this week off with a bang.  One that I’m sure I’ll regret once the comments start rolling in.  Nobody likes to poke the social hornet nests that we live with, but you have to at times.  It becomes … Continue reading →

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Did You Know There Are Swords in Fantasy?

Posted on May 2, 2022 by Charles Yallowitz

So, did you know swords are common in fantasy?  I know, totally surprising.  You’d think it has something to do with most fantasy stories taking place in a pre-firearm age.  So, swords would be the most logic weapon to have … Continue reading →

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