How folklore can inspire your next story
You know that saying ‘Everything old is new again’? Nowhere is that more true than in folklore. Ancient stories circle back with new lessons and new perspectives just when we need them most. It wouldn’t be a stretch to say that nearly all fantasy novels, and a huge...
Antiheroes: How not to cut yourself on an edgy protagonist
Antiheroes are not a modern thing. They have their roots at the very core of fantasy literature, and indeed storytelling in general. Robert E. Howard’s Conan (who I will bang on more about later) is certainly an antihero. As is the wetboy Kylar Stern. As are, I would...
SFF podcasts: An easy crash course
What does ‘radio drama’ make you think of? Noir detective stories projected through a gramophone? Creepy stories under the blankets whispered from a 1950s handheld? Auditory storytelling is making a huge comeback in the form of audiobooks and podcasts – and the next...
The ultimate list of fantasy and science fiction magazines
Are you looking for somewhere to send your short story, personal essay, or poem? You’re in luck – we have THE ULTIMATE LIST of sci-fi and fantasy markets right here. Many of them even pay cold hard cash! The Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers Association defines a...
How to start submitting to literary magazines: Everything you need to know
Did you know that some of the most successful SFF authors got their start submitting to magazines? Stephen King, Kelly Link, Gregory Maguire, and tons more have graced the pages of some prestigious literary journals (and probably some not-so-prestigious, too). Now,...
How to get started writing short speculative fiction
The short story market is booming, with fantasy and science fiction leading the pack. Not to mention, you can make some serious money if your short story is accepted by a high-ranking SFF magazine, you’ll get your name circulating in the literary world, and you’ll...
Lovin’ Lovecraft: How to use Lovecraftian elements in your writing
‘The oldest and strongest emotion of mankind is fear, and the oldest and strongest kind of fear is fear of the unknown.’ ― HP Lovecraft HP Lovecraft is one of the most influential writers of our time. Robert E Howard, Stephen King, Terry Pratchett, Alan Moore,...
How to use relics and other special objects in your story
Special items and relics have a long and illustrious history in both fantasy and science fiction. Sigurd used the magical sword Gram to slay the dragon Fafnir, and Greek myths are full of examples of heroes being given shiny bits of kit by various gods and goddesses....