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- [Three Live Events Added!](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/three-live-events-added/) - I've added three more live events here so please swing by if you're in the area!
- [Summit Update](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/summit-update/) - Many of you know I've co-hosted the Fantasy and Sci-Fi Authors Summit since 2024. After last year's event, my co-host decided to drop out. I do intend to continue the summit myself, but she was the one running the website and handling the administration, while I did the bulk of the interviews and speaker outreach.
- [Live Events Added](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/live-events-added/) - I have a somewhat full schedule of conventions, craft fairs, and book festivals lined up already, with a few more in the works. Check out the live events page for the latest.
- [Book Fest Award!](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/book-fest-award-mobile/) - I attended the Fredericksburg Indie Book Festival a few weeks ago and was given the Best Exhibit Booth Award! This surprised me. I didn't even know they gave those out. I beat scores of other authors. I've sometimes wondered if my setup is too much, despite getting a lot of compliments on it, but I
- [Book Fest Award!](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/book-fest-award/) - I attended the Fredericksburg Indie Book Festival a few weeks ago and was given the Best Exhibit Booth Award! This surprised me. I didn't even know they gave those out. I beat scores of other authors. I've sometimes wondered if my setup is too much, despite getting a lot of compliments on it, but I
- [Author Services!](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/author-services-2/) - I'm now offering various services for authors! See below for the possibilities. Why do this now? I'm transitioning to freelancing. And I'd appreciate your business if you hire me. If you've ever benefitted from my work, or all the free advice I give via podcasts and more, or the free world building templates, please consider
- [Summit Encore](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/summit-encore/) - If you missed the 2025 Fantasy/Sci-Fi Authors Summit, it's not too late. 1000s of people registered for this epic online event, and if you missed it, you’ve got one more chance to see it all by registering or logging in. https://bit.ly/2025SFAuthorSummit Why? Because my co-host and I are setting all 20+ hours of it on
- [Summit Day 5](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/summit-day-5/) - The fifth and final day of the 2025 Fantasy/Sci-Fi Authors Summit is now underway. Come join us: https://bit.ly/2025SFAuthorSummit Rhonda Douglas tells us the ins and outs on working with a book coach. I talk with my cohost about one of my favorite subjects - how to create monsters. Character development is critical, and Lynn Bohart
- [Summit Day 4](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/summit-day-4/) - Day four of the 2025 Fantasy/Sci-Fi Authors Summit is now rocking. Come join us: https://bit.ly/2025SFAuthorSummit Janice Hardy talks how to use the conflict in our setting to help us create gripping stories. Then my cohost Paula talks about how to write emotionally complex characters. Stacy Juba and I talk about mistakes that beginning authors make
- [Summit Day 3](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/summit-day-3/) - Day three of the 2025 Fantasy/Sci-Fi Authors Summit is underway! Come join us: https://bit.ly/2025SFAuthorSummit Today we have the following talks: How to write fiction that creates better engagement, with book coach Kevin T Johns. Author Scale founder Marvin Wey on how his platform can simply the creation of videos for TikTok and other platforms. Tracee
- [Summit Early Access Open!](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/summit-early-access-open/) - The May 2025 Fantasy/Sci-Fi Authors Summit will take place May 12th through May 16th, with a handful of sessions every day, and I promise it’ll be a top-notch event. If you’re serious about writing, publishing, and promoting your fantasy or sci-fi novels, this is the must-attend event of the year. Whether you’re a relative
- [Summit Day 1 is Live](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/summit-day-1-is-live-mobile/) - My co-host, Paula Judith Johnson, and I are kicking off the 2025 Fantasy/Sci-Fi Authors Summit with experts including Savannah Gilbo, Ina Nes, Matt Stone, and the writing team of Golden May—TODAY. With over 20 training sessions, the 2025 Fantasy/Sci-Fi Authors Summit lasts through May 9th and compiles the latest cutting-edge techniques for writing, publishing,
- [Summit Day 1 is Live](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/summit-day-1-is-live/) - My co-host, Paula Judith Johnson, and I are kicking off the 2025 Fantasy/Sci-Fi Authors Summit with experts including Savannah Gilbo, Ina Nes, Matt Stone, and the writing team of Golden May—TODAY. With over 20 training sessions, the 2025 Fantasy/Sci-Fi Authors Summit lasts through May 9th and compiles the latest cutting-edge techniques for writing, publishing,
- [Summit Day 2](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/summit-day-2/) - We've started day two of the 2025 Fantasy/Sci-Fi Authors Summit. Come join the fun without spending a dime: https://bit.ly/2025SFAuthorSummit Email is one of the most important tools we have, and today's line up kicks off with email marketing that sells, with industry expert Derek Doepker. Then Paula talks with Trish Loehr on how
- [Fantasy and Sci-Fi Authors Summit 2 Coming](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/fantasy-and-sci-fi-authors-summit-2-coming-mobile/) - I am once again co-hosting the [now second] annual Fantasy and Sci-Fi Authors Summit, for five days starting May 12, 2025! We have over 20 speakers lined up on subjects ranging from world building, email marketing, book cover design, mistakes beginning authors make, and much more! This is a FREE event. Toward the end of
- [Fantasy and Sci-Fi Authors Summit 2 Coming](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/fantasy-and-sci-fi-authors-summit-2-coming/) - I am once again co-hosting the [now second] annual Fantasy and Sci-Fi Authors Summit, for five days starting May 12, 2025! We have over 20 speakers lined up on subjects ranging from world building, email marketing, book cover design, mistakes beginning authors make, and much more! This is a FREE event. Toward the end of
- [And I Quote Interview](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/and-i-quote-interview-mobile/) - I was recently interviewed by Ryan Persimon for his show, And I Quote. We talked for an hour about how I became an author, where I get ideas from, how I go about writing books, and other cool stuff. I met the host, Ryan, at a convention earlier this year. You can watch the replay for a limited time,
- [New Talon Book](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/new-talon-book-mobile/) - I've mentioned this book longer than I want to admit, but in the past few weeks, I have finally plotted (ore re-plotted) The Screaming Moragul, the next Talon Stormbringer book. It's the headless horsemen meets Pirates of the Caribbean, though I had the idea it's based on before those movies. Like those films, it was inspired partly
- [New Talon Book](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/new-talon-book/) - I've mentioned this book longer than I want to admit, but in the past few weeks, I have finally plotted (ore re-plotted) The Screaming Moragul, the next Talon Stormbringer book. It's the headless horsemen meets Pirates of the Caribbean, though I had the idea it's based on before those movies. Like those films, it was inspired partly
- [And I Quote Interview](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/and-i-quote-interview/) - I was recently interviewed by Ryan Persimon for his show, And I Quote. We talked for an hour about how I became an author, where I get ideas from, how I go about writing books, and other cool stuff. I met the host, Ryan, at a convention earlier this year. You can watch the replay for a limited time,
- [Fantasy Summit Day Five](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/fantasy-summit-day-five/) - The fifth and final day of the 2024 Fantasy/Sci-Fi Authors Summit is now underway. Come join us.We begin with Robert Wood Anderson discussing how to add tension and surprising twists to hold our reader's attention.Joshua Dyer then talks about mastering emotional arcs for character depth.Grab your ticket or login to rejoin the sessions Then Hayley Milliman of Pro Writing Aid and I discuss how to use the tool to master
- [Podcast Appearance](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/podcast-appearance/) - One of the speakers at the Fantasy & Sci-Fi Author Summit, Savannah Gilbo, invited me onto her popular podcast about all things writing. We talked about one of my favorite subjects - creating monsters.At the end, we did a little Q&A where she asked me if one character or another from popular stories was a
- [Fantasy Summit Day Four](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/fantasy-summit-day-four/) - Day four of the 2024 Fantasy/Sci-Fi Authors Summit is now rocking. Come join us.We begin with my talk with Product Manager Hank Marcacci of Publisher Rocket, a powerful tool for finding the best (and avoiding the worst) keywords for our books. This includes how to stay up to date on the sometimes rapid changes taking place.Next up is Lorraine Johnston, who talks
- [Fantasy Summit Day Three](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/fantasy-summit-day-three/) - Day three of the 2024 Fantasy/Sci-Fi Authors Summit is underway. Come join us!We're starting off with Jennifer Hilt discussing something every fantasy and sci fi author needs to know - tropes in these genres and how to use them effectively.Then my co-host talks with yours truly about one of my favorite subjects - world building!Cary Richards then talks about how to sell more
- [Fantasy Summit Day Two](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/fantasy-summit-day-two/) - Fantasy & Sci-Fi Author Summit - Day Two - is under way! Today we start with Golden-May, a duo of writing coaches. I had a great talk with them about how to create evil characters that are not a caricature or cliched.Next up is one of my favorite talks for world builders, with Dakota Krout of Mountaindale Press. We
- [Fantasy Summit Day One](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/fantasy-summit-day-one/) - My co-host, Paula Judith Johnson, and I are kicking off the 2024 Fantasy/Sci-Fi Authors Summit with experts including Janet Forbes of World Anvil, Damon Courtney of Book Funnel, C.R. Rowenson, and more—TODAY. This is a FREE event you can register for right now. With over 25 training sessions, the 2024 Fantasy/Sci-Fi Authors Summit lasts through May
- [Fantasy Summit Early Access](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/fantasy-summit-early-access-2/) - Are you ready to take your writing to the next level? Or that of your author friends?One of the perks of following me, the co-host of this summit, is that you can get early access to every session. Grab your ticket here.Paula Judith Johnson and I have pulled together dozens of the most successful names
- [More Con Appearances](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/more-con-appearances/) - I've added two additional convention appearances to the list at Live Events. The first one, at Farpoint near Baltimore, went pretty well! ThyGeekDom Con https://thygeekdomcon.com/ May 24, 2024, 3-10pm May 25, 2024, 10am-8pm May 26, 2024, 10am-6pm Greater Philadelphia Expo Center 100 Station Ave. Oaks PA, 19456 Fairfax Comic Con https://www.fairfaxcomiccon.com/ August 17, 2024, 10am-5pm
- [New Store Open!](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/new-store-open/) - While I've been selling music and books for decades, I've finally opened my own online store, which you can visit here. Why? Well... Revenue. Depending on the format and store, like Amazon, I lose between 30-75% of the money. With my store, I keep it all, minus taxes. Bundles. I can offer you bundles that
- [Convention Appearances](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/convention-appearances/) - I'll be making appearances at three Maryland conventions in the spring of 2024., starting with Farpoint, Annapolis Comic Con, and Four State Comic Con (the Hagerstown one). More will be added and you can keep track on the new Live Events page. For now, I'll stick to having an author table where I'll be selling
- [Valend Cards Designed!](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/valend-cards-designed/) - For the Llurien setting (used in The Ever Fiend and Death Singer), I have completed the creation of the valend cards - all 65 - and ordered an initial pack for myself to check before finalizing. This was a time-consuming project but quite fun. The cards were featured in an unreleased book and now I'm
- [DGS 2 Audiobook Released!](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/dgs-2-audiobook-released/) - Narrator Brad Derry has finished recording the audio book for The Light Bringer and it's available for sale at Amazon, ACX and Audible! He's almost done with the third book, The Silver-Tongued Rogue.
- [Death Singer Published!](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/death-singer-published/) - Death Singer is now available at Amazon. Trapped in a game. Seven days to escape. Failure means death. When Max awakens in the VRMMORPG game Llurien Online, he doesn’t know how he got there or why he can’t logout. And a mysterious Life Counter that no other player has is steadily descending to zero. The
- [Getting My Book In Book Stores](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/getting-my-book-in-book-stores/) - When I decided to start self-publishing, people began asking me if I can get my book in stores, to which I've said no, not really. They almost always ask in amazement, “Don’t you want to see your novel in book stores?” I usually shrug and say no and ask why they think it's so important,
- [Virgin Sacrifices in Fantasy Stories Are Stupid](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/virgin-sacrifices-in-fantasy-stories-are-stupid/) - So I'm sitting here watching Conan The Destroyer, which includes the age-old premise that a virgin will be sacrificed. Personally, I think that's a waste of a perfectly good virgin, but what struck me is the silliness of this. There's no way to know for sure that someone is a virgin unless they're very closely watched.
- [Fantasy/Scfi Movie Fights Are Too Ridiculous](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/fantasyscfi-movie-fights-are-too-ridiculous/) - If you've seen any SciFi or fantasy films over the last 20 years, you know the fight scenes are ridiculous and unbelievable. When did it become okay for archers to make impossible shots time after time, sometimes with two arrows fired from the same bow at once (Legolas in The Hobbit and Lord of the
- [World Building Audio Books Released!](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/world-building-audio-books-released/) - Two audio books in The Art of World Building series are now available! 3000 World Building Prompts ACX: https://www.acx.com/salesTitle?asin=B0BNKR89WK Audible: http://www.audible.com/pd/?asin=B0C29QFF2H The Complete Art of World Building ACX: https://www.acx.com/salesTitle?asin=1946995428 Audible: http://www.audible.com/pd/?asin=B0C24VTXDX
- [DGS 1 Audiobook Released!](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/dgs-1-audiobook-released/) - Narrator Brad Derry has finished recording for the audio book for The Dragon Gate and it's available for sale at ACX and Audible! He's almost done with the second book, The Light Bringer, and will be moving on to book three, The Silver-Tongued Rogue.
- [Plans for 2023](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/plans-for-2023/) - My plans often change, but here are the projects on tap, regardless of what order they're finished in: Death Singer - minus editing and formatting, this is done and on pre-order for May release. This is what tied me up in 2022, along with life. Audio book for 3000 World Building Prompts - I need
- [Dragon Gate Audiobooks](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/dragon-gate-audiobooks/) - I've hired someone to do The Dragon Gate audio book, and he'll follow that with the rest of the series as they are done. Expect the first book by April/May with the others following hopefully every 1-2 months.
- [Death Singer on Pre-Order!](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/death-singer-on-pre-order/) - Death Singer is now available for pre-order at Amazon. The release date is May 2, 2023. Trapped in a game. Seven days to escape. Failure means death. When Max awakens in the VRMMORPG game Llurien Online, he doesn’t know how he got there or why he can’t logout. And a mysterious Life Counter that no
- [3000 World Building Prompts Released!](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/3000-world-building-prompts-released/) - The newest (and eleventh!) book in The Art of World Building series, 3000 World Building Prompts, has now been released! This is similar to 185 Tips on World Building in that it covers material from the main three volumes and in the same order. These detailed questions should get your creativity going. Click here to
- [Death Singer on Royal Road](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/death-singer-on-royal-road/) - I have great news! My next book, Death Singer - A LitRPG Fantasy Adventure (Ascension Quest, #1), is now posted on Royal Road (at this link). It's also on Patreon before it is eventually published on Amazon. You can start reading several months in advance, though you should know this is the unedited draft. My
- [Book Updates](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/book-updates/) - The new series, Ascension Quest, is well underway with Death Singer 70% written. This has gone slower than expected due to some personal life changes that have been good but reduced writing time. Things are picking up again though. I will be resuming the Dragon Gate Series after this, but it is unlikely that book
- [Death Singer Cover Revealed!](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/death-singer-cover-revealed/) - The cover for Death Singer (Ascension Quest, #1) – A LitRPG Adventure, is now complete. The book will be released later this year. Right now there’s no blurb, so I’ll be posting more info as it’s available. The map of where the book takes place is available on the book’s page.
- [Dragon Gate Omnibus Onsale](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/dragon-gate-omnibus-onsale/) - The Dragon Gate Omnibus 1 is now available! You can get the first three volumes of The Dragon Gate Series in one edition. This is in Kindle Unlimited, too. If you've already read the books, I would love a review of this - authors live and die by reviews, so help me and the series
- [Majestic Magus Cover!](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/majestic-magus-cover/) - The cover for The Majestic Magus (The Dragon Gate Series, #5), is now ready! I still have to write volume four first, so this will be later in 2022, but at least you know it's coming!
- [Silver-Tongued Rogue Released!](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/silver-tongued-rogue-released/) - The Silver-Tongued Rogue (The Dragon Gate Series, #3) has been released! Will impersonating a legend cost him his life? While being mistaken for one of the missing Ellorian Champions has made Eric afraid for his life, playing along during quests has also saved him from death. He just wants to be free of the danger,
- [DGS 1 - Patreon eBook Download](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/dgs-1-patreon-ebook-download/) - For Patreon supporters at the Sorcerer tier, the full eBook of The Dragon Gate is available for download! Thanks to everyone for the support.
- [DGS 2 - Patreon eBook Download](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/dgs-2-patreon-ebook-download/) - For Patreon supporters at the Sorcerer tier, the full eBook of The Light Bringer is available for download! Thanks to everyone for the support.
- [DGS 3 - Patreon Download](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/dgs-3-patreon-download/) - For Patreon supporters, the full eBook of The Silver-Tongued Rogue is available for download one week before the release! Thanks to everyone for the support.
- [Starter Bundle Released](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/started-bundle-released/) - Today I have released The Dragon and the Fiend starter bundle, which brings together The Ever Fiend and The Dragon Gate, the first two books in the Talon Stormbringer books and The Dragon Gate Series. It's available in Kindle Unlimited, too. Grab a copy today!
- [Dragon Slayer Cover!](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/dragon-slayer-cover/) - The cover for The Dragon Slayer (The Dragon Gate Series, #4), is now ready! The tentative release date is December 26, 2021, the day after Christmas. I'll start writing in early October and I'm guessing it'll take 4-5 weeks, so I should easily make the date, but I like to be at least halfway done
- [Silver-Tongued Rogue Cover!](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/silver-tongued-rogue-cover/) - The cover for The Silver-Tongued Rogue (The Dragon Gate Series, #3) is done! I'm still working on the book blurb/description, and the book is half-way written, but I am confident it will be released November 9th, 2021.
- [Starter Bundle Pre-Order!](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/starter-bundle-pre-order/) - On August 31, I will release The Dragon and the Fiend starter bundle, which brings together The Ever Fiend and The Dragon Gate, the first two books in the Talon Stormbringer books and The Dragon Gate Series. It's available in Kindle Unlimited, too. Grab a copy today!
- [New Ever Fiend Cover!](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/new-ever-fiend-cover/) - I just got the new cover for The Ever Fiend! This replaces the five-year-old cover I did myself for this book. It wasn't bad, especially given who created it, but it was time to upgrade this. It makes me more excited to be returning to more Talon stories this fall. Stay tuned!
- [Starter Bundle Cover Reveal](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/starter-bundle-cover-reveal/) - I just got the new cover for The Dragon and the Fiend (Series Starter Bundle)! This brings together the first book in The Dragon Gate Series (The Dragon Gate) and the Talon Stormbringer books (The Ever Fiend). Stay tuned for when I release!
- [New Book(s) in 2020](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/new-books-in-2020/) - The headline is slightly misleading, as The Dragon Gate was written over a decade ago, but the book is scheduled to be published in fall of 2020. I'll be reviewing it soon and doing the usual activities: ordering a cover, (re)writing the blurb, and having my editor JJ work on it, then formatting and release.
- [The Dragon Gate Scheduled](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/the-dragon-gate-scheduled/) - The Dragon Gate (The Dragon Gate Series, #1) is now scheduled for release on December 1, 2020. I hired a conlanger to create the magic system language and I just got my first sneak peak the other day. It is looking great and is called Nu'Eiro. You'll have to read the book to see it
- [The Dragon Gate Released](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/the-dragon-gate-released/) - The Dragon Gate (The Dragon Gate Series, #1) has been released! It is available in eBook, paperback, and hardback. I'm not sure when and if audio book will be done, so stay tuned.
- [Dragon Gate Series Update](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/dragon-gate-series-update/) - With The Dragon Gate (The Dragon Gate Series, #1) released this month, I now have titles for the next four books in the series. The order of these may actually change and already has once: The Light Bringer The Silver-Tongued Rogue The Majestic Magus The Dragon Slayer Each title is the nickname of one of The
- [The Light Bringer Update](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/the-light-bringer-update/) - The Light Bringer (The Dragon Gate Series, #2), is complete and will be published on May 25, 2021. I already have a lot of ideas for The Silver-Tongued Rogue (The Dragon Gate Series, #3), and have already written about 8,000 words. Work on its cover will start next week.
- [The Light Bringer Published](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/the-light-bringer-published/) - The Light Bringer (The Dragon Gate Series, #2) has been published today! This ones features all four characters all the time just like the first, but Anna faces more serious troubles in this one than the others. You’ll also get some more information about the Ellorian Champions and find out what Soliander is up to
- [How Mountains Affect Rainfall](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/how-mountains-affect-rainfall/) - When drawing maps of continents, being realistic is a good idea even when inventing for a fantasy or SF landscape. We’re not freed from plausibility unless we’re purposely throwing out the laws of physics and nature. Most of us are probably creating reasonably Earth-like terrain, but even if not, there are natural forces at work
- [Guest Post: Unconventional Writing Tools](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/guest-post-unconventional-writing-tools/) - 4 Unconventional Tools to Fix Common Creative Writing Problems by Guest Blogger Ethan Miller Once upon a time, there lived a writer who churned bestsellers after bestsellers without breaking a sweat. Words flowed out of him with such ridiculous ease that he was rumored to be unaware of the phrase ‘writer’s block’. And his name
- [World Building Webinar Replay](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/world-building-webinar-replay/) - If you missed the first World Building Webinar, the replay is now live! Here’s what we covered, with time stamps to jump to the relevant parts: - Organizing world building notes - https://youtu.be/ZkAnT8KzHgY?t=22 - Do I start top down or bottom up? - https://youtu.be/ZkAnT8KzHgY?t=212 - Making #maps and commissioning artists - https://youtu.be/ZkAnT8KzHgY?t=288 - Are magic
- [YouTube Channel Launch](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/youtube-channel-launch/) - I'm excited to announce the launch of my YouTube channel for world building. The first video is the channel intro, which you can watch here. It talks about my experiences, endorsements, and is an overview of what you can expect from the channel's videos. Please subscribe to be notified of all releases. I need 100 subscribers
- [Writing Update](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/writing-update/) - For those of you following my fiction writing, I'm sad to say I haven't been doing it much for a few years now but am returning to it in 2020. I didn't know when I released The Ever Fiend in 2016 that I'd be side-tracked with The Art of World Building three book series (non-fiction)
- [185 Tips Book Published](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/185-tips-book-published/) - Subscribers to The Art of World Building newsletter receive world building tips in their inbox (along with downloadable templates), but now you can have them all in one place in a new, short book, 185 Tips on World Building. This has all tips from all three volumes, including those not yet sent to subscribers. The
- [30,000+ Downloads!](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/30000-downloads/) - You guys are amazing! Just a year after reaching 10k and six months after 20k, I'm up to 30k in downloads! I thought things would slow with me not releasing new episodes most of this year, but I guess not! On that note, I've recorded a half dozen more shows but am saving them up
- [Vol 4 Released](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/vol-4-released/) - I've published another volume in The Art of World Building series, but it's not the highly anticipated volume three, Cultures and Beyond. It's a book of transcripts of podcast episodes, most of which were based on volume one. As a result, the book is called, Creating Life - The Podcast Transcripts. This is volume four
- [Vol 5 Published](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/vol-5-published/) - Volume 5 in The Art of World Building series has been published! More information on Creating Places - The Podcast Transcripts can be found at the official site. It's a collection of transcripts from the world building podcast, and each episode included in this book is based on a chapter from volume 2, hence the
- [WBU Launch Giveaway!](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/wbu-launch-giveaway/) - In celebration of the launch of World Building University (WBU) in the coming weeks, I'm doing a giveaway tailored to world builders! If you're not such a person yourself, forward this to any fantasy or sci-fi author, screenwriter, gamer, game designer, or hobbyist who might be interested! To enter the contest, just go to this link: http://www.artofworldbuilding.com/giveaways/wbu-launch-giveaway/ So what
- [World Building University Coming!](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/world-building-university-coming/) - I'll be turning the successful series, The Art of World Building, into online courses that will be launched within the next year. There should be a free mini-course, a main course, and then the flagship one that has all the bells and whistles. This will take some time to plan, film, edit, and prepare for
- [Guest Podcast Episode](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/guest-podcast-episode/) - I was recently asked to be guest on another podcast and the episode is now live. I talk more about my experiences with world building, so if you're following my own podcast or The Art of World Building, check it out!
- [Creating Places Audio Book Released](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/creating-places-audio-book-released/) - The audio book of Creating Places (The Art of World Building, #2) has been released on all major vendors: On Audible On iTunes On Amazon
- [Piers Anthony Quote #2](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/piers-anthony-quote-2/) - NY Times Bestselling author Piers Anthony was once again kind enough to read a volume in the series. This time, it was Creating Places, and he had this to say (bold highlights are mine): "I read Creating Places—the Art of World Building Volume II, by Randy Ellefson. This is the second volume of a three
- [Creating Places Published!](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/creating-places-published/) - Creating Places has been published in both eBook and paperback format! The audio book will be released soon. Join The Art of World Building mailing list to get the free templates! Chapter summaries are below. Chapter 1—Case Studies Three case studies show how the contents of this volume can aid in creating relationships we can use
- [Guest Post at ProFantasy.com](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/guest-post-at-profantasy-com/) - The makers of Campaign Cartographer and other map-making programs I use invited me to write a guest post on their site, ProFantasy.com. It went live Monday and can be read at this link. The article discusses subjects covered in Creating Places (The Art of World Building, #2), including how a continent's hemisphere, prevailing winds, and
- [Podcast Launched!](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/podcast-launched/) - Hear the first three episodes of The Art of World Building podcast today for free. Transcripts are available online. iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play, and Podbean!
- [Ultimate World Builders Giveaway!](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/ultimate-world-builders-giveaway/) - Get three of ProFantasy's best map making programs, a world building course, and a golden chest of the best eBooks, plus a free eBook just for entering!
- [Another Ed Greenwood Endorsement](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/another-ed-greenwood-endorsement/) - The inventor of The Forgotten Realms, Ed Greenwood has called Creating Places a "must have" reference book that is fun to read, unlike most.
- [Creating Life Published!](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/creating-life-published/) - Creating Life has been published in both eBook and paperback format! Join The Art of World Building mailing list to get the free templates! Chapter summaries are below. Chapter 1—Why Build a World? While world building is expected in many genres of fantasy and SF, we must decide how many worlds to build. This will
- [Creating Life Audiobook Released!](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/creating-life-audiobook-released/) - The audiobook of Creating Life (The Art of World Building, #1) is now available at iTunes, Amazon, and Audible. Running time is 5 hours and 13 minutes and it's on sale for between $17-19. Now you can have it read to you while you go about your day!
- [Creating Places TOC Updated](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/creating-places-toc-updated/) - Now that the writing of Creating Places is largely finished and only needs editing, I've updated the table of contents (TOC) to reflect the final contents. This includes a new chapter on "Travel in Space" and some rearrangement of other items. This isn't final as I might still move a few things, but you can
- [Creating Places on Pre-Order](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/creating-places-on-pre-order/) - You can now pre-order the Kindle format for Creating Places (The Art of World Building, #2), which will be published on November 14, 2017. Pre-orders don't work for other formats, unfortunately, but the book will be available in paperback and ePUB as well. The audio book may be ready at that time, but I'm still working
- [Cover Art Wins Award!](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/cover-art-wins-award/) - The eBook cover for Creating Life has won an award from The Book Designer website. The folks at Deranged Doctor Designs did a great job on this when I hired them, as you can see for yourself!
- [Ed Greenwood Endorsement](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/ed-greenwood-endorsement/) - I just received an endorsement from Ed Greenwood, creator of The Forgotten Realms® and dozens of other imaginary worlds: Worldbuilding—creating a fictional setting—is THE biggest job of a storyteller. It can be done badly or minimally, but doing so risks robbing a tale of richness and impact, by leaving the audience uncaring or making “the
- [World Building Podcast](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/world-building-podcast/) - I started recording The Art of World Building Podcast this month. I'll be covering much of what's in the three volumes but not everything (sometimes more, sometimes less). In addition to learning more about world building, you'll have the chance to hear my lovely speaking voice. A transcript of each episode will also be available on
- [My Guest Post](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/my-guest-post/) - Today, author John Robin was kind enough to publish a guest post of mine about species and races in world building. You can read it here. The article is drawn from Creating Life (The Art of World Building, #1), which Amazon has listed as a hot new release in its category, currently at #4 (down
- [Piers Anthony Endorsement!](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/piers-anthony-endorsement/) - On the eve of publishing Creating Life, I just received a great endorsement from bestselling author Piers Anthony! Impeccable timing. "I read Creating Life (The Art of World Building, #1), by Randy Ellefson...It is exhaustive, well written, and knowledgeable...I, as a successful science fiction and fantasy writer, have generated many worlds, so this material is familiar,
- [5 World Building Tips Series Begun](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/5-world-building-tips-series-begun/) - If you're into world building, my other site, The Art of World Building, has begun a series of 5 world building tips articles that will be released periodically. You can follow along here, with the first article, on using analogues.
- [Pre-Order Creating Life!](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/pre-order-creating-life/) - Creating Life can now be pre-ordered at Amazon! Other retailers will follow soon. The official release date is May 2, 2017. Newsletter subscribers (for The Art of World Building) will receive the free templates in April ahead of the release.
- [Creating Life Being Edited](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/creating-life-being-edited/) - Creating Life (The Art of World Building, #1) has been written and is now being edited by JJ Henke, who's worked with me for years on various projects. I should have it back in about two weeks. Then it will take another couple of weeks to go through all the suggested changes and format it
- [Screaming Moragul Cover Revealed!](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/screaming-moragul-cover-revealed/) - Here's the cover for the next Talon Stormbringer book, The Screaming Moragul. The story is named after the ghostly ship that will give Talon and his crew trouble from beyond the grave. It's my version of The Flying Dutchman. The ship is named after a carrion bird of my invention for Llurien, where all the
- [The Epic of Ronyn Released!](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/the-epic-of-ronyn-released/) - You know you're too busy when you forget to announce a new release! Doh. "The Epic of Ronyn" story from the forthcoming The Tales of Llurien is now available. It's an over the top adventure that will have you laughing and wanting more stories featuring the lead. I do intent to use Ronny in a series
- [The Ever Fiend Released!](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/the-ever-fiend-released/) - The Ever Fiend has been released today! Hopefully this will be the start of a great career. You can help out by grabbing a copy. Click the button to buy from your preferred vendor, or if you're smarter, you'll just join my mailing list and get an eBook copy for FREE! Self-Publishing Review had this to
- [Rhaikan Race Revealed](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/rhaikan-race-revealed/) - The page on rhaikan has been uploaded. Some highlights: Rhaikan are a race of the jhaikan species. The gods of truth, empathy, peace, and fairness created the more benevolent race using a magical jewel. Rhaikan keep talons on hands and feet shorn, particularly the latter, to appear less threatening. They tend to dress fashionably and neatly to cultivate an
- [Kadean Race Revealed](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/kadean-race-revealed/) - The page on kadeans has been uploaded. Some highlights: Kadeans are a race of the mandean species. They are the result of a plot by the gods of hate, domination, and cunning to prevent mandeans from having uncontested control of the seas. A group of mandeans were forced to drink a brew that changed their character and those of their
- [Divine Covenant Explained](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/divine-covenant-explained/) - The Divine Covenant (fully explained there) is an agreement between the gods of Llurien. As a result, the gods created the race of morkais from the daekais species, which subsequently became thought of as a race of the kais species. Magic and healing were given to the species/races, who created religions. Karelia had their sixth sense augmented
- [Gods of the Violet Sphere](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/gods-of-the-violet-sphere/) - The four gods of the violet sphere, who created the riven species, have been revealed here on Llurien.com. They are: Blaeykynor, goddess of haste, patron of jesters, a spring and air deity Mooryndal, goddess of hate, the killing god, a summer and fire deity Ilioth, god of cynicism, god of doom, an autumn and earth deity Raekynlor,
- [Dariven Race Revealed](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/dariven-race-revealed/) - The page on dariven has been uploaded. Some highlights: Dariven are a race of riven and result from abandoned riven being raised by other species. Aside from upbringing and the benefits of a better life, they are physically no different. Dariven are found almost exclusively in joint settlements. They face considerable racism. Dariven are most often the result of riven mothers
- [Riven Species Uploaded](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/riven-species-uploaded/) - The page on riven has been uploaded. Some highlights: Riven are one of the seven original humanoid species. Riven don’t value life, including their own. They are known for spreading diseases; all species burn riven corpses. They sleep more than half the day in short naps. They are the greatest danger to those leaving town. Riven are three to four
- [Niquerra Race Unveiled](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/niquerra-race-unveiled/) - The page on niquerra has been uploaded. Some highlights: Niquerra are a race of the querra species. The god of greed, Neistrum, cursed a group of querra to be obsessed with greed because the species is beyond his ability to influence. The resulting race, niquerra, tunneled into mountains in search of precious gems and metals. Niquerra are physically
- [Meet the Yellow Sphere Gods](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/meet-the-yellow-sphere-gods/) - The four gods of the yellow sphere, who created the querra species, have been revealed here on Llurien.com. They are: Daedras, god of inspiration, lord of creation, a spring and air deity Darra, goddess of empathy, the dancing goddess, a summer and fire deity Kojen, goddess of rejuventaion, Mother Llurien, an autumn and earth deity Timonen, god
- [Querra Species Revealed](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/querra-species-revealed/) - The page on querra has been uploaded. Some highlights: Querra are one of the seven original humanoid species. Querra run so fast that everything else is compared to them; they also travel so slow that everything is compared to them. They are the world’s best cooks, winemakers, engineers, gardeners, and farmers. Querra are three to four feet tall and slim.
- [Learn About the Nidean Race](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/learn-about-the-nidean-race/) - The page on nideans has been uploaded. Some highlights: Nideans are a subterranean race of the mandean species. Most people have no idea they exist. They and other life forms in their habitat are often bioluminescent. They tend to be shorter than humans; some think they are mandean children. Their skin is often pale, even translucent so that internal organs are visible.
- [See the Indigo Sphere Gods](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/see-the-indigo-sphere-gods/) - The four gods of the indigo sphere, who created the mandean species, have been revealed here on Llurien.com. They are: Krisira, goddess of innocence, patron of children, a spring and air deity Fjora, goddess of passion, patron of lovers, a summer and fire deity Lierein, god of expression, the lulling one, an autumn and earth deity Vylorn, god
- [Read About Mandeans Species](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/read-about-mandeans-species/) - The page on mandeans has been uploaded on Llurien.com. Some highlights: Mandeans are one of the seven original humanoid species. They are amphibious. On land, they can breathe through their skins instead of lungs but that requires their skin to be moist. They do not have scales as some believe, but their skin is poisonous to consume. Salt water mandeans are
- [Red Sphere Gods Revealed](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/red-sphere-gods-revealed/) - The four gods of the red sphere, who created the kryllan species, have been revealed on Llurien.com. They are: Lonnieri, god of curiosity, patron of scholars, a spring and air deity Adarra, goddess of aspiration, patron of fools, a summer and fire deity Solon, god of fairness, the divine judge, an autumn and earth deity Kriseri, goddess
- [Kryll Species Revealed](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/kryll-species-revealed/) - The page on kryll has been uploaded to Llurien.com. Some highlights: Kryll are one of the seven original humanoid species. Averaging six inches taller than humans, kryll are powerfully built humanoids, with agile, muscular bodies capable of impressive acrobatics and martial arts. They are graceful and adept at climbing trees, have strong, large hands and feet, and are
- [Orange Sphere Gods Revealed](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/orange-sphere-gods-revealed/) - The four gods of the orange sphere, who created the daekais race, have been revealed here on Llurien.com. They are: Moiryn, goddess of deception, patron of rogues, a spring and air deity Neistrum, god of greed, the lord of treasure, a summer and fire deity Ronkainen, goddess of envy, th wretched one, an autumn and earth deity
- [Morkais Race Revealed](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/morkais-race-revealed/) - The page on morkais has been uploaded to Llurien.com. Some highlights: Morkais originated from the Divine Covenant and are not one of the seven original, humanoid species. They share physical traits with daekais, but do not have poisonous teeth or claws. They have great memories and quick, attentive, wise minds. They make few social mistakes, slips of the tongue, or inappropriate comments. Morkais are
- [Daekais Race Revealed](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/daekais-race-revealed/) - The page on daekais has been uploaded to Llurien.com. Some highlights: Daekais are three to four feet tall and have large, feathery wings. They are known as the most self-centered, greedy, ignorant and amoral thing alive. Legends say that daekais are so cowardly that a whole group of them once fell dead when the god of courage appeared among them
- [Kais Species Uploaded](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/kais-species-uploaded/) - The page on kais has been uploaded. Some highlights: Kais are three to four feet tall with large, feathery wings. Both races are physically identical except that daekais have poisonous teeth and claws, and their eye colors differ. The wing coloring on top disguises kais from above. The underside is typically light. Forest kais have green feathers, sea
- [Sorelia Species Revealed](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/sorelia-species-revealed/) - The page on sorelia has been uploaded. Some highlights: The sorelia are a corrupted race of the noble karelian species, originating from Ronkainen, the goddess of corruption, reading the passage on karelia from the Book of Creation. Sorelia are physically identical to karelia except for random iris colors. It is impossible to tell them apart except
- [Green Sphere Gods Revealed](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/green-sphere-gods-revealed/) - The four gods of the green sphere, who created the karelian species, have been revealed on Llurien.com. They are: Tarrera, goddess of truth, patron of sages, a spring and air deity Sorrin, god of magic, the burning one, a summer and fire deity Coiryn, god of courage, lord of heroes, an autumn and earth deity Scrylyn, goddess of intuition,
- [Karelia Species Revealed](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/karelia-species-revealed/) - The page on karelia has been uploaded. Some highlights: Karelia means “night walker.” Nearly five feet tall, karelia have slight bodies that are stronger than they appear. Karelia have lorenia lines radiating out from their eyes toward their hairline. The almost translucent marks cause their supernatural sight, weather and direction sense, and allow them to follow supernatural forces
- [Blue Sphere Gods Revealed](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/blue-sphere-gods-revealed/) - The four gods of the blue sphere, who created the jhaikan species, have been revealed here on Llurien.com. They are: Okier, god of wrath, bringer of storms, a spring and air deity Loiria, goddess of malice and cruelty, the patron of torturers, a summer and fire deity Araiya, god of cunning, an autumn and earth deity Krairon, god of domination, lord of the
- [Jhaikan Species Revealed](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/jhaikan-species-revealed/) - The page on jhaikan has been uploaded. Some highlights: Jhaikan are one of the seven original humanoid species are synonymous with evil and brutal violence. They are used in stories to frighten children and adults. For jhaikan, dying outside of battle is dishonorable. They’ve tortured and killed more people than anyone. They are ferocious, antagonistic, driven to conquer, man-eaters,
- [The Ever Fiend SPR Review](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/the-ever-fiend-spr-review/) - I just got my first editorial review for The Ever Fiend from SPR, at 4.5 stars. Some of the best comments: "The Ever Fiend is a fantastic (pun intended) first showing from debuting author Randy Ellefson, starting off the Talon Stormbringer series with a bang. Our anti-hero lead is an enigmatic and charismatic rogue...Talon is
- [Epic of Ronyn on Pre-Order!](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/epic-of-ronyn-on-pre-order/) - The Epic of Ronyn is now available for pre-order at just $.99! For the first few months, it will only be on kindle so I can take advantage of their KDP Select program. The short story will be released in early November. I have ten other stories from The Tales of Llurien that I could've published instead, but I
- [Smashwords Interview](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/smashwords-interview/) - Today I did a short interview with Smashwords, through which I'm publishing the books to various vendors like Apple and Kobo. You can read it here.
- [Ever Fiend Excerpt Up](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/ever-fiend-excerpt-up/) - Chapter one of The Ever Fiend (Talon Stormbringer, #1) is now available! "While most in Talendor slumbered, Talon Stormbringer crept through a hallway dark with flickering shadows, his human ears and eyes alert. He’d already slipped undetected past a jhaikan and a mynx, undeterred by their ferocity and taste for man-flesh. Even the dozen sleeping
- [Epic of Ronyn Cover Reveal](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/epic-of-ronyn-cover-reveal/) - The cover for The Epic of Ronyn short story (from The Tales of Llurien) is here! Publication will be early December, probably the 6th, with pre-orders starting three months before that, in early September. The story has gone into pre-production: beta-readers, editing, proofreading, and formatting. It will be over a year before The Tales of Llurien itself is published, but I wanted
- [Map for The Ever Fiend Uploaded](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/map-for-ever-fiend/) - I uploaded the map for The Ever Fiend (Talon Stormbringer, #1) to the website today. Have a look! Now when characters call him "the Nyborian," you can see where that means he's from. The story takes place in Talendor and includes a sorelia (one of my races) from the Sorelian Forest. I should be doing this for every
- [The Ever Fiend On Sale!](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/the-ever-fiend-on-sale/) - I'm excited to announce that The Ever Fiend is now available for pre-order at Amazon.com. More vendors will be coming soon, so check the page for the book here. This will start my publication career - after literally three decades of writing (not just this book, I swear!) and creating the world of Llurien where this
- [Series Renamed](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/series-renamed/) - I've renamed The Champions Series as The Never Quest Series. The original title was actually Ever Quest, but I learned that's the name of a computer game and later, books, so that was out. I've been trying to think of a good name for a long time and come up short. Hopefully I won't get sued anyway!
- [The Problem with "The Hobbit" Movies](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/the-problem-with-the-hobbit-movies/) - I just saw the second installment of "The Hobbit" movies, "The Desolation of Smaug", and thought it suffered from the same problem as the original, which is no real surprise as they were filmed at the same time. I don't care about the characters or what happens to them, or if they succeed. None of
- [How to Create Fictional Characters, Part 1](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/how-to-create-fictional-characters-part-1/) - Regardless of your genre, authors, screenwriters, and playwrights have much to think about when creating a character. One tool to help is a kind of fill-in-the-blanks template you can use for each one. I've developed a rather extensive one over the years and share it here. It can be overkill, so don't feel the need
- [How To Create Fictional Characters, Part 2](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/how-to-create-fictional-characters-part-2/) - This is the second in a series on creating fictional characters. Part 1 covered an overview. You can download the full template as a Word doc or a PDF. Personal Life General History Family & Upbringing This includes place of birth, parents and siblings, quality of home life, general family status (wealth, position of power,
- [Writers Block vs. Idea Block](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/writers-block-vs-idea-block/) - Most authors have "writer's block" at some point, but I suspect we're often suffering from something I call "idea block". The definition of writer's block is "the condition of being unable to think of what to write or how to proceed with writing." But I think that raises two separate issues: Not knowing what you
- [How Agents and Publishers Think About Manuscripts](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/how-agents-and-publishers-think-about-manuscripts/) - Like most authors, I've submitted books to agents and either gotten no response or the form rejection letter. Well, let me be specific - I've sent a query letter, one page summary, and anywhere from 5 pages to 3 chapters as per each agent's instructions. I jokingly tell myself that my books have never been
- [Evaluating Artist Feedback, Part 1](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/evaluating-artist-feedback-part-1/) - Whether a musician, author, or other artist, we've all received feedback on our work. Obtaining meaningful feedback is an art all its own. Sometimes we have to work at it, deciphering comments to figure out what someone means, so I’ve written some observations about this, with examples. Defining Helpful Feedback First we should define what
- [Evaluating Artist Feedback, Part 2](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/evaluating-artist-feedback-part-2/) - This is part two of the blog about evaluating feedback on your writing or other artistic pursuits. Read part 1 here. Biased Feedback A person giving negative feedback can be biased in some way. We can sometimes tell from their words. I have some examples here: A CD reviewer once slammed my instrumental guitar CD,
- [Author's Shouldn't Try to Be Funny in Their Bios](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/authors-shouldnt-try-to-be-funny-in-their-bios/) - There's a lot of advice on how to write a professional author bio, and here's mine: don't try to be funny or clever. It seldom works. It can also make you look juvenile, narcissistic, and unprofessional. Here are some examples of bad lines extracted from actual bios (names withheld very much on purpose). Please note that I
- [The Importance of Death](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/the-importance-of-death/) - I watch a lot of SciFi (and when available, fantasy) on TV and in movies. All too often, death means nothing. A major character can be killed off and I just shrug, knowing they'll be back, sometimes before the episode is over. Then they show another character mourning this and I just wonder why. Like
- [Fantasy Species vs. Race?](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/fantasy-species-vs-race/) - What’s the difference between “race” and “species” and when should you use what in your fantasy settings? I’ve taken a look into this myself and made the right choice for me. Read on for ideas on making the right choice for you. Race What’s a race? The answer can be complicated (but interesting reading), but
- [Creating Fantasy Names For Your Fiction Stories](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/creating-fantasy-names-for-your-fiction-stories/) - Depending on your ability, creating names for people, places, and beings in fantasy books can either be fun or a pain. I’ve been doing this for three decades and will provide some tricks and thoughts to help. KISS KISS doesn't really stand for “keep it simple, stupid”, but it's a good principle to follow when
- [How to Create Fantasy Races or Species, Part 1](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/how-to-create-fantasy-races-or-species-part-1/) - In this three part series, we'll look at creating races in fantasy books. This entry focuses on the physical considerations, while Part 2 will discuss the mental ones. Part 3 includes a downloadable template you can use. While using the standard elves, dwarves, dragons, and other usual suspects in fantasy fiction is fine, and maybe
- [How to Create Fantasy Races or Species, Part 2](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/how-to-create-fantasy-races-or-species-part-2/) - In part 1, we looked at some physical considerations when creating races in fantasy books, while building your own world. Now we'll look at some mental aspects. Mental Considerations Worldview When I watch alien species/races on TV or see them in print, more often than not, I feel like they’re just humans in costume, for
- [How to Draw a Fantasy Map, Part 1](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/how-to-draw-a-fantasy-map-part-1/) - One of the fun aspects of fantasy world building is drawing maps. This blog provides some ideas to keep in mind and tools to help. Some of this is kind of obvious but worth mentioning anyway. Where to Start A good working unit is the continent. Despite the term “world building," fantasy authors usually write
- [Creating a Fantasy City, Part 1](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/creating-a-fantasy-city-part-1/) - Without cities, towns, and villages, no fantasy world building project is complete. In part 1, we’ll look at some things to consider. Part 2 will be the template I use for creating a new settlement. Location, Location, Location No settlement stands alone. A city has towns nearby, and towns have villages nearby. However, when drawing
- [Should You Create Plants and Animals in Your Fantasy Setting?](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/should-you-create-plants-and-animals-in-your-fantasy-setting/) - When world building, I used to think there was no point in inventing animals and plants for a fantasy setting. After all, they’re often just variations on real Earth animals, in which case, why bother? For example, maybe you have a horse with an extra pair of legs, or a tomato that’s yellow and poisonous,
- [How to Create Plants and Animals for Your Fantasy Setting](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/how-to-create-plants-and-animals-for-your-fantasy-setting/) - In another blog, I discussed whether you should create plants and animals for your fantasy setting. Assuming you’ve decided to do it, here are tips for doing so. New Ideas If you already have ideas, you can just write them up according to a template like the one I’ve provided here: The Template Animal/Plant Name:
- [Ever Fiend Cover Reveal](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/ever-fiend-cover-reveal/) - The cover for The Ever Fiend (Talon Stormbringer) is done! This is actually a self-portrait. Let me know what you think. Once I have a blurb written, I'll launch the book's page here with more info, including chapter 1. I think publication will be November 1st, with pre-orders starting three months before that, in early August. The
- [The Ever Fiend Complete](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/the-ever-fiend-complete/) - I just finished writing The Ever Fiend (Talon Stormbringer) a few minutes ago! Technically I have editing to do, then letting it sit a month before a final review with fresh eyes, but the actual writing is done. After that it goes to beta-readers, an editor, and proofreader. And then I format it. And then I'm
- [Writing and Blogging Update](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/writing-and-blogging-update/) - I haven't been blogging since last fall because I've been so preoccupied with writing, which is a good thing. I have around 80,000 words for The Art of World Building three volume set, which dwarfs all the blogs I've written about the subject so far. If I'd been posting those, you probably would've see a blog
- [Free eBook Coming in 2016!](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/free-ebook-coming-in-2016/) - Before 2016 is over, I'll have a free eBook available to all newsletter subscribers. The book will be a Talon Stormbringer novella. As I'm spending this year writing five of them, I haven't decided which it will be yet. The Ever Fiend, being written now, is a good candidate, with Talon being forced into entering
- [Art of World Building Covers](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/art-of-world-building-covers/) - As you can see from the home page, all three covers for The Art of World Building have been finalized! There's also a cover for the complete set, as seen here. Publication will start in 2017, meaning I jumped the gun a little on getting covers, but at least you know I'm serious about releasing these.
- [Plans for 2016](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/plans-for-2016/) - Since my plans change a lot, maybe I shouldn't say anything, but I've got a solid plan right now and am well into making it a reality. In 2016, I will finish writing The Art of World Building (two volumes done and one partly done) and five of The Adventures of Talon novellas (one outlined and writing starting
- [Tales of Talon Stories](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/tales-of-talon-stories/) - I've invented a new character to use in a series of adventure yarns, his first name being Talon. He's a mix of people like Conan, James Bond, Tarl Cabot (from the Gor series), and any movie you've seen with Sylvester Stallone, Arnold Schwarzenegger, or other action movie stars. The stories are intended to be novellas of
- [How to Draw a Fantasy Map, Part 2](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/how-to-draw-a-fantasy-map-part-2/) - In Part 1, we looked at where to start and basic continent considerations for drawing a fantasy map. Now we’ll look at some geographical considerations. Remember Geography Having a basic sense of geography is important or your map won’t make sense. Some of this is obvious but is still worth pointing out. Rivers For example,
- [Map Making](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/map-making/) - I've been making a map of a continent for the past two weeks and can't seem to stop working on it! I should be done in a few days. Before now, the only map I've had has been of a single continent on the world I've been developing for decades. I had some bad sketches
- [Book Covers Commissioned](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/book-covers-commissioned/) - For The Art of World Building three-volume set, I've hired an artist to create all three book covers. I'll see their first versions toward the end of January and will likely have all of them finalized in February. It's always fun working with artists, though it's only been for my music career before now. On that note, I've
- [Art of World Building Vol 2](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/art-of-world-building-vol-2/) - I've been hard at work on Creating Places (The Art of World Building, Volume II) for the past two months, authoring completed chapters on drawing maps, travel on land, creating planets and creating continents. This includes a very cool template for estimating travel times on land through various terrain and modes of travel. I totally geeked
- [Art of World Building Update](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/art-of-world-building-update/) - I've done a lot of writing for The Art of World Building this past month, including completed chapters on creating monsters, gods, and world figures like heroes and villains. Each has a new template, too. I've also drafted much of a chapter on inventing undead, travel considerations, and another on creating organizations like the X-men, Knights
- [How to Create Fantasy Races or Species, Part 3](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/how-to-create-fantasy-races-or-species-part-3/) - In Part 1 we discussed the physical aspects of creating races in fantasy books. Part 2 covers the mental. Now we'll look at a downloadable template you can use as a starting point to aid your creative writing. Download the PDF or Word template. The Template Fantasy Race/Species Name Here Nicknames: “” Famous For General
- [Creating a Fantasy City, Part 2](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/creating-a-fantasy-city-part-2/) - Below is the template I use when creating a fantasy city during world building. Feel free to adapt it your purposes. You can read Part 1 here. Download the PDF or Word template. City/Town Name General Alliances Independent city or part of a kingdom? Allies? Identification Symbol and Banner: City Colors: Slogans: Famous For What
- [World Building Interview](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/world-building-interview/) - Another fantasy author who does world building, John Robin, interviewed me this week on his blog. Stop by and see what we talked about. You can learn more about my world building process in advance of Evermore Press publishing The Art of World Building.
- [How To Create Fictional Characters, Part 3](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/how-to-create-fictional-characters-part-3/) - If you're creating a character for fantasy or another genre where they go adventuring, this part of the template may help you. You can download the full template as a Word doc or a PDF or read Part 1 and Part 2 online As Adventurer Does he seek “adventure” or go on missions? History How
- ["A Kingdom of Ends" Done](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/a-kingdom-of-ends-done/) - I've completed a new short story (5500 words) and submitted it to the Writers of the Future contest this week. "A Kingdom of Ends" is about a woman who has tried to improve her life but only screwed it up, so when a wizard offers her a dangerous job, it's her last chance. Getting near the
- [Lots of World Building Done](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/lots-of-world-building-done/) - This year has seen me do a lot of world building for the fantasy setting I've been working on for over 25 years. This includes: Adding kingdoms and wars between them Adding cities, including some underwater for a water-dwelling species and floating ones for a flying one Creating the monetary system Creating magic portals Creating
- [Writers of the Future Contest Award #2](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/writers-of-the-future-contest-award-2/) - Another story from The Tales of Llurien has received an Honorable Mention in the presitgious Writers of the Future contest. This means that it was close to being a winning entry in the biggest SciFi/Fantasy writing contest in the world. The difference between winning and almost winning is literally someone's opinion on minor matters, so I'm
- [Writers of the Future Contest Award #3](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/writers-of-the-future-contest-award-3/) - For the third time in a year I've won Honorable Mention in the quarterly Writers of the Future Contest! This time the story is "Bounty for a Heart", which is from the The Tales of Llurien.
- [Book Covers](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/book-covers/) - For the first time, I have some book covers available! However, I designed these myself and they are just placeholders for now. Try not to get too attached them!

## Pages

- [Fiction Home](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/) - Thanks for checking out my epic fantasy and world building books! Upcoming Release The Screaming Moragul A headless pirate. A ship of the damned. And a lust for power. Having summoned supernatural horrors in the streets of Talendor, Talon Stormbringer escapes town aboard The Black Tarn, never suspecting the ship has its own secret. The
- [The Screaming Moragul](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/talonstormbringer/the-screaming-moragul-mobile/) - A headless pirate. A ship of the damned. And a lust for power. A Talon Stormbringer Story Having summoned supernatural horrors in the streets of Talendor, Talon Stormbringer escapes town aboard The Black Tarn, never suspecting the ship has its own secret. The legendary ghost ship, The Screaming Moragul, and its headless captain Jonnier want the
- [Talon Stormbringer](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/talonstormbringer/) - Talon Stormbringer is the sword-wielding hero in a number of fantasy stories on the world of Llurien. The Ever Fiend - Talon must journey into the supernatural Ever Pathways to acquire silver elixir from the poison pond, but his companions and he encounter the Ever Fiend that rules this place, and they must fight for their sanity
- [The Screaming Moragul](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/talonstormbringer/the-screaming-moragul/) - A headless pirate. A ship of the damned. And a lust for power. A Talon Stormbringer Story Having summoned supernatural horrors in the streets of Talendor, Talon Stormbringer escapes town aboard The Black Tarn, never suspecting the ship has its own secret. The legendary ghost ship, The Screaming Moragul, and its headless captain Jonnier want the sea’s
- [Live Events](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/live-events-mobile/) - The scheduled live appearances are below, with more added as they become available. Craft fairs seldom have a website, so I've provided the address and hours. But the conventions and book festivals always have the most up-to-date info (click the header link). 2026 Fable Con July 31 - August 1 York, PA Oakenmist Ren Fest
- [Live Events](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/live-events/) - The scheduled live appearances are below, with more added as they become available. Craft fairs seldom have a website, so I've provided the address and hours. But the conventions and book festivals always have the most up-to-date info (click the header link). 2026 Fable Con July 31 - August 1 York, PA Oakenmist Ren Fest
- [Biography](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/biography-mobile/) - Author and world building strategist Randy Ellefson has been world building since the 1980s, having worked on a single world (Llurien) for decades, while also building separate worlds for other projects. Rand has won honorable mention three times in the prestigious Writers of the Future contest and publishes fantasy novels, novellas, and short stories via Evermore
- [Biography](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/biography/) - Author and world building strategist Randy Ellefson has been world building since the 1980s, having worked on a single world (Llurien) for decades, while also building separate worlds for other projects. Rand has won honorable mention three times in the prestigious Writers of the Future contest and publishes fantasy novels, novellas, and short stories via Evermore
- [Book Formatting](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/author-services-2/book-formatting/) - Prior to starting any work, we will discuss your needs, including the complexity of your manuscript. Please don't hesitate to reach out to me. Give your book the polished, professional finish it deserves. My book formatting service ensures your manuscript is transformed into a beautifully structured, reader-ready file—whether you're publishing in print, digital, or both.
- [World Building Assessment](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/author-services-2/world-building-assessment/) - Get your story’s setting in great shape with my custom world building assessment! I’m one of the foremost world building gurus, and the only one offering this highly specialized service. I’ll provide the following for everything you submit for my review (and you have the option to cite any concerns you have): What you’ve done
- [Editing](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/author-services-2/editing/) - Prior to starting any work, we will discuss your needs, including the state of your manuscript (prior to editing). Please don't hesitate to reach out to me. Developmental Editing My developmental editing service for fantasy and sci-fi stories will help you shape your work into a powerful, immersive journey. I work closely with you to
- [Author Services](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/author-services-2/) - I'm now offering multiple services to authors, especially those in fantasy and sci-fi.
- [Author Services](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/author-services/)
- [Why Buy Direct?](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/why-buy-direct-mobile/) - Please consider buying directly from my online store. It's better for both of us. Advantages to You Bundles (at discounted prices) I can't offer at Amazon Sale prices that save you money Coupons Birthday gift discounts if you provide your birthday Loyalty rewards Advance sales - from 2024 onward, new books will initially only be
- [Why Buy Direct?](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/why-buy-direct/) - Please consider buying directly from my online store. It's better for both of us. Advantages to You Bundles (at discounted prices) I can't offer at Amazon Sale prices that save you money Coupons Birthday gift discounts if you provide your birthday Loyalty rewards Advance sales - from 2024 onward, new books will initially only be
- [Thanks](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/thanks/) - I'm glad to see that you're sticking around for my fantasy newsletter! As a way to thank you, here's a coupon you can use on your whole next order at my online store: StayOn15. The coupon is only available for a few days. Use it before it expires!
- [Newsletter](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/newsletter/) - Who doesn't love a free book? Fiction newsletter subscribers receive a free copy of an ebook! I just need your soul, er, email address to send it to you.
- [The Silver-Tongued Rogue](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/dragon-gate-series/the-silver-tongued-rogue-mobile/) - Volume Three of The Dragon Gate Series. Will impersonating a legend cost him his life? The families of the real Ellorian Champions have captured Eric and his three friends, stripped them of power, and put them in chains. Can Eric live up to the reputation of Andier, the Silver-Tongued Rogue, and persuade them he had
- [The Silver-Tongued Rogue](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/dragon-gate-series/the-silver-tongued-rogue/) - Volume Three of The Dragon Gate Series. Will impersonating a legend cost him his life? The families of the real Ellorian Champions have captured Eric and his three friends, stripped them of power, and put them in chains. Can Eric live up to the reputation of Andier, the Silver-Tongued Rogue, and persuade them he had
- [The Light Bringer](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/dragon-gate-series/the-light-bringer-mobile/) - Volume Two of The Dragon Gate Series. The power to heal only comes when she believes. On her quests to other worlds where elves, dragons, and magic are real, Anna is thrilled she can save the dying – and destroy the undead. But on an Earth where magic has awoken after a thousand-year sleep, she
- [The Light Bringer](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/dragon-gate-series/the-light-bringer/) - Volume Two of The Dragon Gate Series. The power to heal only comes when she believes. On her quests to other worlds where elves, dragons, and magic are real, Anna is thrilled she can save the dying – and destroy the undead. But on an Earth where magic has awoken after a thousand-year sleep, she
- [The Dragon Gate](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/dragon-gate-series/the-dragon-gate-mobile/) - Volume One of The Dragon Gate Series. He swore an oath to protect all life. Now he must kill to survive. Being a knight at the Renaissance Festival is easy, but when Ryan is magically kidnapped to another world, the quest he must do might leave him dead. Mistaken for a dragon-slaying knight, he must
- [The Dragon Gate](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/dragon-gate-series/the-dragon-gate/) - Volume One of The Dragon Gate Series. He swore an oath to protect all life. Now he must kill to survive. Being a knight at the Renaissance Festival is easy, but when Ryan is magically kidnapped to another world, the quest he must do might leave him dead. Mistaken for a dragon-slaying knight, he must
- [The Art of World Building](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/the-art-of-world-building/) - Creating a unique, immersive setting one idea at a time Written with fantasy authors in mind but applicable to other genres and fields, The Art of World Building is a detailed guide to creating a fictitious setting, from the planet down to the blades of grass. It includes chapters on creating maps, cities, nations, cultures,
- [The Ever Fiend](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/talonstormbringer/the-ever-fiend-mobile/) - Only a fool steals from a wizard A Talon Stormbringer Novella Talon Stormbringer thought he knew the risk of stealing from Viland Shadowbreaker – until he got caught. The wizard will spare him if Talon fetches the deadly silver elixir from the Everway, a supernatural land of lost souls and worse, ruled by the Ever Fiend.
- [The Ever Fiend](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/talonstormbringer/the-ever-fiend/) - Only a fool steals from a wizard A Talon Stormbringer Novella Talon Stormbringer thought he knew the risk of stealing from Viland Shadowbreaker – until he got caught. The wizard will spare him if Talon fetches the deadly silver elixir from the Everway, a supernatural land of lost souls and worse, ruled by the Ever Fiend. Talon
- [Fiction Home](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/home-mobile/) - Get a free Talon Stormbringer eBook, read blogs, and learn about The Art of World Building series.
- [The Dragon Gate Omnibus 1](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/box-sets/the-dragon-gate-omnibus-1-mobile/) - Volume 1-3 Omnibus of The Dragon Gate Series THE DRAGON GATE (DRAGON GATE SERIES, #1) He swore an oath to protect all life. Now he must kill to survive. Being a knight at the Renaissance Festival is easy, but when Ryan is magically kidnapped to another world, the quest he must do might leave him
- [The Dragon Gate Omnibus 1](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/box-sets/the-dragon-gate-omnibus-1/) - Volume 1-3 Omnibus of The Dragon Gate Series THE DRAGON GATE (DRAGON GATE SERIES, #1) He swore an oath to protect all life. Now he must kill to survive. Being a knight at the Renaissance Festival is easy, but when Ryan is magically kidnapped to another world, the quest he must do might leave him
- [The Dragon and the Fiend](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/box-sets/the-dragon-and-the-fiend-mobile/) - A Series Starter Bundle THE DRAGON GATE (DRAGON GATE SERIES, #1) He swore an oath to protect all life. Now he must kill to survive. Being a knight at the Renaissance Festival is easy, but when Ryan is magically kidnapped to another world, the quest he must do might leave him dead. Mistaken for a
- [The Dragon and the Fiend](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/box-sets/the-dragon-and-the-fiend/) - A Series Starter Bundle THE DRAGON GATE (DRAGON GATE SERIES, #1) He swore an oath to protect all life. Now he must kill to survive. Being a knight at the Renaissance Festival is easy, but when Ryan is magically kidnapped to another world, the quest he must do might leave him dead. Mistaken for a
- [Books](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/books-mobile/) - Fantasy Stories I started my fantasy career in earnest in December of 2020. As of 2025, there are three fantasy series underway - Talon Stormbringer, The Dragon Gate Series, and Ascension Quest (LitRPG). The Art of World Building The Art of World Building is a highly-rated, bestselling, ten-volume set of books that are teach aspiring
- [Books](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/books/) - Fantasy Stories I started my fantasy career in earnest in December of 2020. As of 2025, there are three fantasy series underway - Talon Stormbringer, The Dragon Gate Series, and Ascension Quest (LitRPG). The Art of World Building The Art of World Building is a highly-rated, bestselling, ten-volume set of books that are teach aspiring
- [Death Singer](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/ascension-quest-litrpg-series/death-singer-mobile/) - Trapped in another world. Seven days to escape. Failure means death. When Max awakens on a different planet, he doesn’t know how he got there or why he can’t get home. And a mysterious Life Counter is steadily descending towards zero. Now he’s alone in a world unknown, where his skills as a bard might
- [Death Singer](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/ascension-quest-litrpg-series/death-singer/) - Trapped in another world. Seven days to escape. Failure means death. When Max awakens on a different planet, he doesn’t know how he got there or why he can’t get home. And a mysterious Life Counter is steadily descending towards zero. Now he’s alone in a world unknown, where his skills as a bard might
- [Thank You](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/newsletter/thank-you/) - Wait! Before you're officially on the list, I need you to do three things: Check your email and find the one from mail@randyellefson.com. Please check your spam filter in case it ended up there! Click on the button in the email to confirm your subscription! It's also a really good idea to whitelist my email
- [The Dragon Gate: Excerpt](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/dragon-gate-series/the-dragon-gate/the-dragon-gate-excerpt-mobile/) - The Dragon Gate, (The Dragon Gate Series, #1) Prologue: “The Lone Survivor” Lucion stared unseeing into the campfire. His ears strained to hear past the rustling treetops and creaking boles of the dark forest. Gusts of wind tore through the woods as if searching for him, the noise drowning out the chatter of his four
- [Stories](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/stories/) - Dial Up Your Imagination In a near-future Earth, a writer with Attention Deficit Disorder can't control his imagination until he gets an experimental implant embedded in his head, but the device has unintended consequences. Genre: Sci-fi Publication by Evermore Press: TBD A Kingdom of Ends Desperate to improve her lot in life, a woman accepts
- [History](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/history/) - Growing up playing AD&D and reading fantasy books like The DragonLance Series, the Gor Books, and Conan, I began writing stories in the 1980s and then completed my first book, which really turned me on to storytelling as a teenager. By 1991, TSR, Inc., the makers of AD&D games, had me draft a novel outline
- [History](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/history-mobile/) - Growing up playing AD&D and reading fantasy books like The DragonLance Series, the Gor Books, and Conan, I began writing stories in the 1980s and then completed my first book, which really turned me on to storytelling as a teenager. By 1991, TSR, Inc., the makers of AD&D games, had me draft a novel outline
- [Free Book](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/freebook/) - Please note that which book is given free changes from time to time despite the one named in this graphic! Editorial Reviews of the book The Ever Fiend is a fantastic (pun intended) first showing from debuting author Randy Ellefson, starting off the Talon Stormbringer series with a bang. Our anti-hero lead is an
- [Bibliography](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/biography/bibliography/) - This is a comprehensive list of all books and stories I have authored, regardless of genre or pen name. Key: (TBD) - it has either been planned or drafted to some degree (Year/TBD) - written but needing substantial edits or a rewrite (Year) - it has been published that year Fiction Non-Fiction
- [Ascension Quest](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/ascension-quest-litrpg-series-mobile/) - Summary This epic fantasy adventure, Death Singer, follows Max, a Maryland-based rock guitarist who finds himself trapped on another world, where other people are hunting him. A mysterious "Life Counter" is dropping by the minute, suggesting his time to get home will end soon, assuming someone doesn't kill him first.
- [The Dragon Gate Series](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/dragon-gate-series/) - Series Summary The Dragon Gate Series follows four friends from Maryland who are summoned – against their will – to worlds where dragons, elves, and dwarves are real, just like the magic that brought them there. They've been mistaken for and assumed the place of four legendary champions – a knight, wizard, priest, and rogue
- [Ascension Quest](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/ascension-quest-litrpg-series/) - Summary This epic fantasy adventure, Death Singer, follows Max, a Maryland-based rock guitarist who finds himself trapped on another world, where other people are hunting him. A mysterious "Life Counter" is dropping by the minute, suggesting his time to get home will end soon, assuming someone doesn't kill him first.
- [Box Sets](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/box-sets/) - As the books are released, more box sets will become available. The books below are available now. The Complete Art of World Building: Volumes 1-3 The Dragon Gate Omnibus 1 (Volumes 1-3 of The Dragon Gate Series) The Dragon and the Fiend: Series starter omnibus of The Dragon Gate (The Dragon Gate Series, #1) and The
- [The Dragon Gate: Excerpt](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/dragon-gate-series/the-dragon-gate/the-dragon-gate-excerpt/) - The Dragon Gate, (The Dragon Gate Series, #1) Prologue: “The Lone Survivor” Lucion stared unseeing into the campfire. His ears strained to hear past the rustling treetops and creaking boles of the dark forest. Gusts of wind tore through the woods as if searching for him, the noise drowning out the chatter of his four
- [Audiobooks](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/audiobooks/) - Links to all Randy Ellefson audio books are below. The Dragon Gate series (available here) and Death Singer (available here) are only available via Amazon/ACX. For all other books, please consider buying them directly from me, as I get 100%. When you buy through Amazon/ACX, I only get 25%! The Art of World World Building
- [The Majestic Magus](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/dragon-gate-series/the-majestic-magus/) - Volume Five of The Dragon Gate Series. Blurb coming soon... Release Date: TBD, by Evermore Press.
- [The Dragon Slayer](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/dragon-gate-series/the-dragon-slayer/) - Volume Four of The Dragon Gate Series. Blurb coming soon... Release Date: TBD, by Evermore Press.
- [eBooks](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/ebooks/)
- [Frequent Questions](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/frequent-questions/)
- [The Ever Fiend: Excerpt](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/talonstormbringer/the-ever-fiend/the-ever-fiend-excerpt/) - Talon Stormbringer, Volume 1 Chapter 1: “The White Tower” While most in Talendor slumbered, Talon Stormbringer crept through a hallway dark with moving shadows, his human ears and eyes alert. He’d already slipped undetected past a jhaikan and a mynx, undeterred by their ferocity and taste for man-flesh. Even the dozen sleeping riven in the courtyard
- [The Tales of Llurien](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/the-tales-of-llurien/) - The journey’s the thing - unless you never arrive It’s an adventure for knights and wizards, nobles and peasants, and those who should’ve stayed home. The Tales of Llurien follows a caravan of twenty-eight people traveling to the Festival of Heroes to see a famous sword, which legend says will allow its destined owner to conquer
- [Contact](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/contact/) - I love to hear from people! You can email me at mail@randyellefson.com
- [Whitelisting](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/whitelisting/) - Email Whitelist Instructions Since your Email Provider probably uses some type of overzealous filtering; We ask that you add us to your trusted list of senders, contacts or address book. All also known as "Whitelisting." If you do not see an email from in your Inbox, my email may have mistakenly been sent to your
- [Privacy Policy](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/privacy-policy/) - Here is my privacy policy for interested website users: I respect your privacy. I won’t use your email id and name other than sending you my newsletter (if you have subscribed) or contact you in reference to any issue which is currently open or was open in the past between you and me. I won’t share your
- [Press](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/press/) - Randy Ellefson Bio (2017) Randy Ellefson has been building worlds for three decades and began his career in 2016 with the publication of a novella, The Ever Fiend (Talon Stormbringer). He has been published in Bewildering Stories, and the Writers of the Future contest has recognized him three times. Creating Life is his first major
- [Smashwords Interview](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/smashwords-interview/) - This interview was conducted by Smashwords, through which I'm publishing books to various vendors. It's actually an automated interview but hey, it's an interview. When did you first start writing? In my teens, when I first started creating Llurien, the setting I've been building for 30 years now. I was more into world building than
- [World Building](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/blogroll/world-building/)
- [Critiques](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/blogroll/critiques/)
- [Writing](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/blogroll/writing/)
- [Blogroll](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/blogroll/)
- [Fiction Articles](https://fiction.randyellefson.com/fiction-articles/) - All my articles on fantasy fiction are listed below. Fantasy/Scfi Movie Fights Are Too Ridiculous The Problem with “The Hobbit” Movies On Writing Writers Block vs. Idea Block How to Create Fictional Characters - Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3 Getting My Book In Book Stores How Agents and Publishers Think About Manuscripts On

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