Of all the bits of Avalon, the failure of the ‘main’ antagonist is at once the most surprising in retrospect and the clearest. Surprising, because I can remember how dangerous Morgian seemed, how appropriately threatening and powerful; clear, because when
I have now read Dune. I first conceived the ambition more than a year ago, and at last I have done it. So, do I recommend it? Well, yes, but not without reserve. Dune is written with undoubted skill and
What is realistic? Many a story is alleged by those who read it to be ‘unrealistic,’ for all sorts of reasons. Some of these complaints are perfectly correct, in theory, if not always in application. Characters can strain past the
The art of writing lies in what you don’t write. The art of writing lies not just in what you write but in what you don’t write. Sometimes the ‘don’t write’ is a positive command, a moral injunction. Often, however,
Some often unrecognized parts of his mastery. Tolkien is recognized far and wide as a master of worldbuilding, of language, and of legend. Some dislike his implementations. Some despise his theology. Some say a lot of things. But, as a
Beware subjective morality. Online media criticism has some peculiarities. Among these is the term ‘Mary Sue,’ derived from a Star Trek fanzine story. The term is widely used and therefore, by the same virtue as other powerful pejoratives (‘fascist,’ ‘racist,’
Eowyn stands as perhaps my favorite female character in all of fiction. A few there are which stand near her- Harriet Vane, for instance- and a few I will acknowledge as being, to my experience, as well written- Orual (Till
#1 – Characters Need to Hurt A good story matters. A good story touches the reader’s soul and changes it, just a little. A good story matters because it touches the reader’s soul and changes it for the better. Which
Today we’re going to deal with two problems of direction, a false goal and a false guide to art. This is Part Three of a series (1, 2) dealing with the issues of modern writing, as I’ve observed them, a
This article is a companion to “Watch Me Edit Prose” Original: Penny’s eyes flashed from Jamie’s scarlet dagger, to his face, then, with an effort of will, to his chest, watching for movement. The dagger had not been scarlet a