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Recent content by Saphirion

  1. Saphirion

    The Mentor of the Main Character

    As a reader, I totally agree with Feo. If the mentor is capable of doing the job, why do I have to follow some bratty kid around? In a terrible book I read recently, the mentor not only had the power (until plot conveniently required he didn't) but he also had FOREKNOWLEDGE of everything and...
  2. Saphirion

    A Treasure Trove of Tips

    I love the first one! 1. NEVER TRY TO BE COOL: That’s one of 17 cool pieces of advice by writer Steven Heighton in this post. Posts - Steven Heighton Other faves... 10. KEEP A WORD LIST 13. TOO EDUCATED TO BE CREATIVE 15. YOU’D NEVER KNOW A really good list that leads to...
  3. Saphirion

    describing non-human main characters and races when there are no humans

    I'm in a similar situation, where humans have died out and there are several "races" of elves that act as the human-equivalent for the world. Personally, I think you're fine calling them elves or your equivalent, and using an elfin standard of comparison. You may have to work a little harder to...
  4. Saphirion

    How do you describe non-human characters

    Generally for a main/important character, I'll let the description give the reader an idea before I say what a creature actually is. I really enjoy reading that technique in other books, so I try to follow it in my own. And for an unimportant character, I'll jut refer to the race and maybe a...
  5. Saphirion

    Master List of "Stock" Fantasy Races (And Creatures?)

    Unicorns Merfolk Cats - normal and magical Giants Kraken Talking animals (non-shifters) - Not a single race perhaps, but extremely common in fantasy. Elemental spirits - clouds, fire, ect. Pegasi
  6. Saphirion

    Guidelines for Discussing Religion

    Same here, Sherman. That's been one of the unexpected aspects of my writing - realizing how my religion affects the stories I write (lends toward happy endings/bigger purposes) AND the aspect of writing characters with extremely different religious beliefs. It's surprisingly fun.
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