When no other defining characteristics make the FMC compelling or likable, the self-sacrifice trope reinforces the idea that a "good woman" sacrifices her identity, safety, and autonomy for the benefit of others. Not because she is making an active choice that will result in personal growth or heroism, but because that’s simply who she is—sacrificing is her default.
Read MoreJust like the name suggests, ARCs are copies of a book, printed or digital, sent to readers so they can read and review the novel before it’s published. Why is this so important? Because the reviews ARC readers write provide social proof and advice to the reading public so that when the book officially launches, there are already helpful reviews to let them know whether a book is right for them before they purchase.
Read MoreReaders don’t require the laws of the real world, like gravity, to exist in fantasy stories to believe in them; they simply need the laws created to be consistent and, crucially, for the characters who exist within that world to believe in them too.
Read MoreAI has made great strides in generating natural-sounding language and even creating poetry and short stories. In fact, some AI systems have already been used to co-author books and articles. However, these AI-generated works are often formulaic and lack the depth and complexity of truly creative writing.
Read MoreI don’t know how your Spring has been, but I’ve been working on so many projects I can’t see straight, and the temptation to run off into the woods is real. Anyone got a cabin to spare?
I’m kidding…mostly. But there are a few projects I seriously can’t wait to share with you because I am SO excited for these stories.
Read MoreIn a very real way, what I create now is an expression of the little girl who searched the woods for fairies, barefoot and pretending to be a magical princess. Which is a fine thing for a little girl to do, but I also spent my teenage years with my nose in books, daydreaming about magic and being profoundly uncool.
Read MoreIt wasn’t till this year I realized that fantasy was a safe place for me, not because it isn’t real, not because it’s make-believe, but because fantasy is more real than regular life.
I realize that sounds crazy, but stay with me for a minute.
Read MoreThis is the story of a pair of overalls, and a girl who never really knew how to be who she was.
Read MoreYour eyes snap open but you’re still a bit woozy from sleep, so at first you don’t realize it was a Tyrannosaur that woke you up. You stumble into the bathroom to throw up because all the shaking has upset your stomach, but by the time your throat and sinuses are burning, you’re conscious enough to realize that there is, in fact, a Tyrannosaur stomping around your bedroom.
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