Alice Leiper

I'm an ancient history graduate and I draw themes and ideas from my studies to inform my writing. I prefer low fantasy, without any (active) magic, dragons or elves, etc, instead focusing on how characters act in certain situations and interact with each other. I also write articles about ancient Greece and Roman Britain, which can be found on suite 101 and my tumblr, perpetualpast.tumblr.com. Aside from writing and studying ancient Greece, I also enjoy painting, which I do with my fingers because it's relaxing and creates a very impressionistic style. I also play computer games, including Dungeon Defenders, Minecraft, Left 4 Dead, Portal 2, and Guild Wars.

Using History as Inspiration for Fantasy

by Alice Leiper

When others learn I am a writer, one of the most common questions I am asked is “where do you get your ideas from?” Now the obvious answer is “everywhere,” because life is inspiration for fiction. But one of those places where it is easiest to draw the direct correlations between what I see or … Read more

Howl’s Moving Castle: A Review of Its Adaptations

by Alice Leiper

Howl’s Moving Castle by Diane Wynne-Jones was one of the first fantasy books I read. I bought it at a book sale at school, and loved it right away. Since then, I have bought it a further two times, after previous versions got lost or were lent to someone and never returned. Because Howl’s Moving … Read more

Suspense and Pacing in Fiction

by Alice Leiper

There are many components to a good novel. An intriguing plot, relatable characters, suitable setting, fluent prose – to name but a few. And also suspense. To keep a reader, you need them to want to know what is going to happen next. You need them to have this constant curiosity, this yearning to find … Read more