I LOVE making cultures. 🙂 My strategy is to mash up various characteristics of real-world cultures to make something unique. Although each culture has a specific aesthetic that I shoot for. For example, I might have a Medieval European aesthetic, but incorporate cultural elements/traditions from feudal Japan.

As a cold-blooded…[Read more]

Welcome to the family! Worldbuilding is always a favorite topic. I have created some languages here and there, but I’m not a linguist at all. I often create a language based off a certain “sound” I want.

Do you like creating cultures? And do you base them partly off  real world cultures?

Let us be sword fighting noobs together. 🙂

LOL

Jackson E. Graham

Honestly, from what I’ve seen, it seems better to not directly describe the moves a character is doing in a fight scene, and instead focus on the emotion and feel of it. Allow me to demonstrate:

Original – “John executed a perfect overhand cut, which Xavier quickly blocked with a hanging point.”

And yes, I did just pull two…[Read more]

Well done sir. The style and feel is very reminiscent of Tolkien (in a good way). #Silmarillion

One of the highlights of my afternoon!

Jackson E. Graham

http://jacksonegraham.wixsite.com/jackson-e-graham

@dekreel

I’ve listened to Andrew Peterson’s music, and I know that he had a book series, but I haven’t gotten around to reading it yet (writer/reader goals). I read Les Miserables for school and I do have to say, it was LONG, but definitely worth it!

@emma-flournoy

The Count of…[Read more]

Any book recommendations? I’m looking for fantasy or historical fiction (or even historical nonfiction) with political intrigue, or just intrigue in general. Or maybe just some clean reads……[Read more]

The moment in some movies where one of the characters finds a secret message wrapped around an arrow (which is shot into the room)… Is it cliche?

Jackson E.…[Read more]

Believe it or not, it’s for a medieval fantasy in a territory similar in language to norse/viking culture.

@dragon-snapper

I like Caspin root!

Any names for a fake medicinal plant/root/herb?

I also forgot to post this:

https://www.sword-buyers-guide.com/support-files/trueswordsman.pdf

This is a good starter ebook on German Longsword. Hopefully this helps!

Jackson E. Graham

Yay! The topic I wanted to write about today! @daeus nailed the various types of swords (excluding some of the more strange swords, ie. Messers, Falchion, etc.).

I’ve recently gotten into HEMA (Historical European Martial Arts) and have done quite a bit of research for sparring with friends. I am mostly interested in German…[Read more]

Do you guys think elemental powers (i.e. fire and ice powers) are cliche? And if they are, what are some reasonable alternatives?

Jackson E. Graham

http://jacksonegraham.wix.com/jackson-e-graham

Thanks for the replies! I really appreciate the help!

Jackson E. Graham

This is for fantasy.

@daeus

I don’t think vikings would care whether someone put boundary markers there…
“Oh look! Red flags! We’re not allowed to raid here, men!” 🙂 Just kidding.

@kate-flournoy, @lifeofkatie

I like the river idea!

Jackson E. Graham

What are some ways to separate two enemy countries at the border, yet have someone accidentally cross it (or go to war)? I thought about a wall, but that’s not really original.

Jackson E. Graham

Alright. In one of my future story ideas, there is…

A strong female character.

She belonged to a group of outcasts, and was exiled for her violent behavior and extreme independence…[Read more]

I usually do CampNaNoWriMo, which is in July. You plan the novel in June, then go all crazy and write it in July. Its a lot easier to fit into a schedule.

Jackson E. Graham
http://jacksonegraham.wixsite.com/jackson-e-graham

Wow. Government reflects the people’s worldview. Great point! Never thought about it like that before.

Also, @aratrea, @kate-flournoy, @daeus

Who do you think first created the “political intrigue fantasy” subgenre (new genre title officially coined)?

Jackson E. Graham

Not necessarily an info dump where the author tells you everything about the royal line, etc. I’m more referring to where there are those competing for the throne (for an example).

Jackson E. Graham

Fun Question—
What are you guys’ opinions on political intrigue in fantasy? Is it riveting? Is it cliche? What do you guys think? How many of you have used it in your writing?

Jackson E. Graham

Does your previous sword fighting experience give you any ideas?

Jackson E. Graham

This angel doesn’t have wings, so he’s quite agile. The fighting arena is flat, so no parkour I’m afraid (saving that for a later book!). 🙂

Jackson E. Graham

Alright. Female character goes up against strong, evil male angel character in sword fight. She’s skilled in sword fighting, but is not nearly as strong as the villain. How would she fight him without…[Read more]

Thankfully, only book 1 of my series has these orcs in it. And even then, they are more than just ugly creatures with no regard for the lives of their kin (although they are certainly violent). Have you ever written any other races in your stories besides humans? By the way, I downloaded Treachery of the House of Fairwin awhile back and I…[Read more]

I just read the article “How to Resist Writing Sterotypical Fantasy Races”. In my book (which is set to be available for sale by Christmas), I have elves and an orcish race. Does this make it too…[Read more]

Awesome! Be sure to tell me when it gets published! Best wishes for editing!

Jackson E. Graham
http://jacksonegraham.wix.com/jackson-e-graham

In a battle, how would you reveal someone who can turn invisible at will? Has to be something that not everyone can do.

Jackson E. Graham
http://jacksonegraham.wixsite.com/jackson-e-graham

I’ve been thinking of including the Tree of Life in my story (named differently, but basically the same as the one in Genesis). However, I was wondering if non-Christians who read my book would think I…[Read more]

Warrior monks and gut punching. 🙂 Sounds like something my younger brother would write.
I definitely am aiming for a more gritty sound (to match the mood of the books).

Jackson E. Graham
http://jacksonegraham.wixsite.com/jackson-e-graham

My first title was #1, but then I tried saying it and it didn’t roll of the tongue.

Jackson E. Graham
http://jacksonegraham.wixsite.com/jackson-e-graham

I have another book series that I’m going to write in the future, but I am having difficulties with the title. Pick the one you like:
1. The Heathen’s Sword
2. The Heathen Sword (without ‘s)
3. The…[Read more]

I already have a griffin in my story that the main characters ride. This creature is going to be a fierce predator. Thank you for the suggestion though! Griffins should become cool again.

@daeus

As to your weakness—let’s just say a “little birdy” told me… *evil laughter*
I’ve never thought how most other people don’t make the d…[Read more]

The Great Platypus of Dragonkind…
If you ever write this into one of your books be sure to let me know! 🙂

My main concern was that the bird/lizard sort of mashup would hint at dinosaur to bird “evolution”. Maybe if I add some fur elements it would help…

@daeus
Where art thou?

Jackson E.…[Read more]

I’m in a dilemma. I’ve created this creature for my fantasy book that is like a large dragon type creature. It is covered in metallic scales, has a long tail, and looks pretty much like a dragon except…[Read more]

Those songs are great! What genre of music were you thinking of? The second song definitely describes me. I love the woods. 🙂

I know this topic has kind of gone dead, but I was wondering if y’all could give me some advice and ideas. I’m currently writing this song about rebelling against the culture and sticking to God’s…[Read more]

I’ve been using MuseScore for the past several weeks for a composition. It has been ENORMOUSLY helpful.

Jackson E. Graham

Probably a mix of #1 (exhausted) and #3 (not satisfied with ideas). I also heard you have published your book! Congrats!

@kate-flournoy

Thanks for the advice! I find it difficult to not obsess over how something should be written.

@dragon-snapper

Thanks for the advice! Your profile pic looks cool too. 🙂

Jackson E.…[Read more]

Probably a mix of #1 (exhausted) and #3 (not satisfied with ideas). I also heard you have published your book! Congrats!

@kate-flournoy

Thanks for the advice! I find it difficult to not obsess over how something should be written.

Jackson E. Graham
http://jacksonegraham.wixsite.com/jackson-e-graham

I am suffering from major writer’s block. I’ll start in the morning and find that, at 3:00 I have 300 words (give or take). This has been happening for several days now, and I am getting stressed out.…[Read more]

From my research, it seems that slamming your shoulder into the wall is going to do worse damage, not make it better. I would suggest your character get help to put it back into place. If that’s not possible (as it was in mine), I suggest you do some research and find a single person method that has been tested to work and works…[Read more]

Great question! I totally support keeping the narrative focused.
As for the scientific element, I don’t explicitly call it what it is, but the reader should definitely be able to tell. Also, the scientific things that I need to research affect the character’s being able to survive in my world. At this point, he would die if he…[Read more]