The Unexpected Talikae
I’ve heard about TV shows hiring an actor for a two-bit role that becomes more. Perhaps it is just a line at first, maybe two, but in their brief moment…
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The Unexpected Talikae
Tyranny of the One and the Many
As the last act of “Tears from Iron” gains momentum into the climax, the Empress Kayrstana worries about the undercurrents of the Syraestari imperial court. From these concerns, she makes…
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Tyranny of the One and the Many
Stick Figures from Iron
As Christmas fast approaches, this article will take on a lighter tone than recent ones.In one of my first articles, I commented on how I’ve always wished I could draw. …
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Stick Figures from Iron
A Yearning for the Epic: Belarrin’s Path
**********WARNING! This article discusses core plot and theme ideas, including major spoilers of what occurs in the climax of the story. I strongly encourage that you only continue reading this if…
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A Yearning for the Epic: Belarrin’s Path
Blooms from Iron II
Last article, we looked at the role of smelting in “Tears from Iron.” This time, we’re taking a step back to ask not only what smelting is, but why it…
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Blooms from Iron II
Blooms from Iron
The Kaliaer settlement at Nahirazith and, more specifically, its smelting camp, served as one of the major settings for “Tears from Iron.” In the next two articles, we’ll be diving…
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Blooms from Iron
Here there be Monsters
With the previous article concluding on the nature of good and evil, it felt appropriate to follow that discussion with one on monsters. There is a growing trend in epic…
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Here there be Monsters
To Be Aestari
[The Aestari] are tall, taller even than the Humans or the Ie’dhae who came after, and slight of frame with long features, sharp noses, angular cheeks, and pointed ears. To…
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To Be Aestari
They’re Just Elves, Right?
One of basic components of fantasy is the blending of the familiar with the fanciful. But sway too far one way or the other and the majority of readers will…
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They’re Just Elves, Right?
The Cartography of a Novel
In the last article, I mentioned that I do a lot of visual work when I prepare to write a novel, particularly maps. Ever since I was a child, I’ve…
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The Cartography of a Novel