One of the worst things that can happen in a story is when something happens in the story that feels completely out of place. It can be an out of character moment, something suddenly happening out of the blue, or the dreaded deus ex machina that deflates a climactic moment. Many authors are aware of … Continue reading Tonal Whiplash and How to Avoid it
Tag: Books
The Strength of Implicit Worldbuilding
One of my favorite aspects of storytelling is when the world feels alive without being told that it is. I know how that sounds a bit confusing, but it’s a really amazing concept when pulled off correctly. I was thinking about it was I finished a run of Hollow Knight and started playing Silksong. The … Continue reading The Strength of Implicit Worldbuilding
Author Update: Tiring August but Promising Progress
Hello Everyone!I have to admit, summer is one of the hardest months to stay productive. I find some days get way too hot to be able to focus. That being said, I still managed to get some work done on the projects I’m working on. Luckily I was able to figure out how to resolve … Continue reading Author Update: Tiring August but Promising Progress
Book Review: The Enchanted Greenhouse by Sarah Beth Durst
Most of the stories I read are often epic fantasy adventures with high stakes and dramatic moments, but I have to admit that I do enjoy cute and cozy stories as well. There is a very nice and relaxing vibe that these stories provide even though moments of drama and action. It might be because … Continue reading Book Review: The Enchanted Greenhouse by Sarah Beth Durst
The Benefits of Stepping Away from a Project for a bit
No this isn’t me going on another random hiatus but rather something I’ve learned while working on multiple projects all at once. Admittedly I’ve been having a bit of writer’s block when it comes to book 4 of The Legend of Nariko as there are certain parts I need to reconsider. There’s a certain part … Continue reading The Benefits of Stepping Away from a Project for a bit
How to write a Character with a Curse
Curses allow for a lot of creative flexibility in how they are implemented and what they force upon the characters and the world. It’s a classic tool for writers to initiate the plot and start the story, either an outcome or the cause of the inciting incident. Sometimes it can be more of a metaphysical … Continue reading How to write a Character with a Curse
Book Review: Once Upon a Witch’s Death Vol 1: The Tale of the One Thousand Tears of Joy by Saka
Most of the fantasy novels I’ve read have mostly ended up being these epic adventures on massive scales. But every so often there are stories that are on a smaller scale that’s more relatable and grounded with a touch of magic. Despite the terrifying fate hanging over Meg Raspberry’s head from the start of the … Continue reading Book Review: Once Upon a Witch’s Death Vol 1: The Tale of the One Thousand Tears of Joy by Saka
How to Write Effective and Characterful Voice and Dialogue
The way characters talk to one another and even themselves is something that often makes or breaks the flow of a story. Dialogue is often a reflection of a character’s personality but also how they view and interact with others. It’s a way of illustrating how they view the world in a manner that is … Continue reading How to Write Effective and Characterful Voice and Dialogue
Return from Hiatus
Hello Everyone! Hope you’re all doing well. I’ve taken a bit longer than I intended to but the break has helped me to organize my thoughts, my projects, and my schedule to a bit more of a stable flow. I’ve got a lot that’s surprisingly taken shape and form in a way that feels tangible. … Continue reading Return from Hiatus
Update and Progress on Books and Manga
Hello Everyone!March has been quite a month of development. I’m sure most have noticed that I haven’t posted any book reviews recently. I’ve mostly been focused on getting the worldbuilding established for the science fiction novel I’m working on, but I’ve also been working on the story for book 4 of The Legend of Nariko … Continue reading Update and Progress on Books and Manga
Raph's Cozy Musings 