Writing, war, memory and the real-world roots of Kelmarin.
I posted a discussion about memory loss in fantasy novels while avoiding my manuscript edits, and 47,000 people showed up. Then 23 strangers in the comments taught me what I'd actually written.
What do wedding expos and fantasy novels have in common? More than you'd think! Discover how real-life planning inspires immersive world-building, from crafting magic systems to creating emotional moments. Learn how to make your fantasy worlds feel as real as walking down the aisle.
A real PTSD flashback on I‑95 became the backbone of a fantasy scene—how sensory memory, time distortion, and body-first reactions create authentic trauma on the page.
At Longwood Gardens, a beautiful fountain show revealed a darker truth: beauty can be a mask for power. Here’s how real spaces inspire gothic fantasy—plus a challenge to become a Gothic Location Scout.
Sometimes, defying expectations, like a guitar riff that arrives earlier or louder than anticipated, is what makes a story truly unforgettable.
I used to write terrible fight scenes with lines like 'Roar'Z fought fiercely.' Then I started studying UFC fights frame by frame, and everything changed. Here's what watching hundreds of hours of MMA taught me about writing gladiator fights that readers can feel in their bones.
Fantasy has come a long way from portraying orcs as mindless, evil monsters. But are we just trading one limiting box for another? It's time to explore morally complex orc protagonists and magic systems with real consequences.
D. Bohica
