In any fantasy or science fiction story, whether literature or film, there’s always at least one premise… One pill to swallow, if you will. Too many pills forced down the reader’s throat and they’ll choke. A person can take one, maybe three, premises, but too much more than that and the story simply gets silly. […]
We fantasy readers want a champion we can root for, suffer with, struggle alongside, and ultimately cheer on. If our fantasy heroes too wondrous, too cold, or too inhuman, we are apt to quickly lose interest. And when you don’t care what happens to a story’s characters, the story’s sunk. Here are five traits with examples […]
This is my list of essential fantasy novels. Don’t like it – make your own list or leave a comment. I like to hear from you and discuss the wonderful world of fantasy. Here we go: 1. The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe This book is the classic definition of fantasy. It takes the […]
Do fantasy characters need to floss? The short answer is yes, they need to floss. That is, if they want to keep their teeth. Real world necessities. Fantasy world necessities. Whichever. Necessities are… well, necessities. Watching Lord of the Rings I believe it’s no wonder the orcs are so cruel and cranky. I mean, have […]
I wonder about the question of universal redemption from evil. It’s the question that started me writing my science fantasy Curious Origins of a Restless World. Here’s my thoughts on the purely theoretical question of fantasy theology… Or is it theoretical? 1. Non-Sentient Let’s first consider a planet with life but no life that has […]
