Writing Archives

Journalism and novel writing could be said to be distant cousins—one bound by the constraints of facts, the other bound only by the author’s imagination. The differences in the two fields actually create a situation in which they can be of benefit to each other. Several celebrated novelists began their careers in newsrooms and brought the skills learned on the beat to their fiction writing: Ernes…

Writing conferences offer key advantages in that many provide an opportunity for networking, education, and collaboration. Authors should consider their goals and objectives, along with other considerations such as cost and travel time, when making a commitment to attend a conference. But how do you decide which conferences are worth your while? Some in-person conferences take place near an autho…

Artificial intelligence (AI) dominates today’s headlines, often swinging between hyperbolic promises and existential fear. Depending on what you read, AI is either poised to solve humanity’s greatest problems or destroy creative industries altogether. The reality is more nuanced. For authors, AI is neither wholly good nor wholly bad. It is a powerful toolset that introduces both creative opportun…

Imparting wisdom and leading the way to adventure What’s the purpose of mentors in fiction? In real life, mentors can be found in schools, the business world, in athletic programs, or at church. They teach, guide, and motivate those who are less savvy about the world to negotiate life’s trials. So how are mentors employed in fiction? Taking inspiration from Joseph Campbell and Christopher Vogler…

What is LitRPG? LitRPG—short for “Literary Role-Playing Game”—is a fantasy and science-fiction subgenre built around worlds governed by explicit game-like mechanics. Characters exist in settings where abilities, power, and progression can be measured, tracked, and often displayed through an in-world interface commonly called “the system.” Unlike stories that merely reference games, LitRPG integra…

A new wave of ‘gentle fantasy’ is captivating readers who crave wonder without the war The first time I spotted Legends & Lattes at my local bookshop, I experienced a flutter of recognition. Here was a fantasy novel about an orc who retires from adventuring to open a coffee shop. No dark lords. No chosen ones. Just someone building a small business and finding community. As a cozy mystery au…