Tag Archives: fiction

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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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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Calendar and Holidays of Windemere

Posted on April 11, 2022 by Charles Yallowitz

Originally, I was going to make a 7 tips list for designing holidays in fantasy worlds.  Then, I realized I never really used them in my stories.  Part of the reason is that I always forget to keep track of … Continue reading →

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Poetry Day: Apprentices

Posted on April 7, 2022 by Charles Yallowitz

(This poem is self-explanatory.  Apprentices are used a lot in fantasy stories.  I don’t know exactly what prompted the poem, but here we are.) Chosen by their thirteenth year To follow in a master’s steps They wave farewell to youth … 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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