Fantasy tropes and conventions

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…

10 years ago

Fantasy/Scfi 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…

10 years ago

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…

10 years ago

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…

10 years ago

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. …

10 years ago

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…

10 years ago

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.…

10 years ago

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,…

10 years ago

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…

10 years ago