Myth and Magic

Is this dystopia right now? Are we living through a dystopian period? Here's a list of the essentials of dystopia. Also, where is your when? In what (historical) period should you set your fantasy? And, what is a Ceffyl Dŵr?

Who was the real Valentine? What do wolves have to do with Valentine's Day? What are Februa? And, what is the essential ingredient of fantasy? Poppins Paradox explored...

How insanely inventive can your monsters be? Be like Bosch in your monster creation and think surreal. Also, what is the curse of exoticism? How can you make your fantasy cogent & relevant without resorting to exoticism?

In search of the phoenix. Also, what does your protagonist worship? Why is documenting worship important for character development?

Are you playing the glad game? How the Pollyanna principle might help you develop a more authentic character. Plus: committing yourself to authorship in the New Year. Also, what is a wryneck? What has it got to do with bad luck?

Who is January? Is sacrifice about giving? How sacrifice can help your writing. Also, what is it like to be old? And how to use magical thinking in your novel

Six ways to supercharge your writing in the New Year. How to deal with criticism, neg feedback + the dreaded 2-star review and getting back your confidence to write. Also, Amazon warrior women — did they actually exist? Is Wonder Woman based on fact?

Where is Christmas? Strange overlaps of religions in Bethlehem. Also, the true story of Cinderella

Why does fantasy fiction so often focus on a theoretical "Disneyfied" mediæval Europe? Also, what is the most magical castle in Europe? And the true story of Little Red Riding Hood

How to deal with insomnia as a writer. Also, the true story of Snow White. And what are snow trolls?