Category Archives: Thoughts

A Multi-Monster Army: Does It Work?

Posted on April 29, 2022 by Charles Yallowitz

The simple answer is: Yes. The more complicated answer is: Yes if certain requirements are met. Keep in mind that monsters are typically seen as primal and destructive.  If they’re marching as a massive group then the reason is usually … Continue reading →

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7 Tips to Using a Monster Army in Fiction

Posted on April 27, 2022 by Charles Yallowitz

Monster armies marching on a village or being intercepted in the wild is a fairly common set piece for fantasy and science fiction.  From the outside, it seems like it’s a simply obstacle to create and use.  Monsters rush forward, … Continue reading →

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Elite of the Monster Races

Posted on April 25, 2022 by Charles Yallowitz

Ever play a video game or read a story with monsters when a ‘special’ type of a common species turns up?  If not then there really isn’t much more to explain.  Heroes run into an elite version of a common … Continue reading →

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Writing the Friendly Fool Hero

Posted on April 22, 2022 by Charles Yallowitz

I’m not sure how common this type of hero is outside of anime and manga.  Not these days anyway since I think Inspector Clouseau may fall into this category.  Still, I tend to see friendly, foolish characters leading anime/manga.  You … Continue reading →

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Inanimate Objects with Personality

Posted on April 13, 2022 by Charles Yallowitz

I was going to do a ‘Ye Olde Boat Shoppe’ until my son and I reached a specific episode of the anime called ‘One Piece’.  I’d already chosen the Going Merry picture, but this episode focused on her.  If anyone … Continue reading →

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The Risks of Noble Intentions

Posted on April 8, 2022 by Charles Yallowitz

“Their heart was in the right place.” “They meant well.” “It’s the thought that counts.” The road to Hell may really be paved with good intentions.  Probably a lot of potholes too since it’s bound to be a bumpy ride.  … Continue reading →

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Heroic Teamwork: Combo Moves

Posted on April 6, 2022 by Charles Yallowitz

Everybody loves it when heroes team up.  Well, most people do because you always have haters.  Anyway, there are many aspects that authors need to consider when writing about heroes working together.  Do their personalities clash?  Are their goals the … Continue reading →

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Staying in Shape on the Road: Adventuring Fitness

Posted on April 4, 2022 by Charles Yallowitz

This doesn’t come at all.  Why would it?  We kind of take it for granted that our adventuring heroes are in shape.  They usually start that way after training or . . . living in a farming village.  It’s rare … Continue reading →

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7 Tips to Writing the Pursued POV

Posted on March 30, 2022 by Charles Yallowitz

This topic is a little shaky.  At least, trying from the Pursuer POV was tough.  The reason is because you see the opposite more often.  A chase tends to happen when the protagonist needs to escape.  So, readers will be … Continue reading →

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7 Tips to Writing the Pursuer POV

Posted on March 28, 2022 by Charles Yallowitz

One type of action scene is ‘The Chase’.  It doesn’t happen as often as fight scenes unless the story involves vehicles or running, but it’s a big one.  A challenge here is to bring across the pace and feelings of … Continue reading →

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