Fantasy Fiction

JL NICH blog beats article, Beyond the Veil: An In-Depth Look at Arcane Magic in Fiction. Blog Cover image

Beyond the Veil: An In-Depth Look at Arcane Magic in Fiction

Beyond the Veil: An In-Depth Look at Arcane Magic in Fiction In fantasy literature, one element consistently captivates readers’ imaginations: magic. From the subtle manipulation of elements to the wielding of powerful spells, magic systems shape the fantastical worlds an author creates. Magic systems refer to the rules, restrictions, and abilities that define magic—its theories, […]

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JL NICH blog beats article, The Burden of Living: Survivor's Guilt in Fantasy Literature. Cover image

The Burden of Living: Survivor’s Guilt in Fantasy Literature

The Burden of Living: Survivor’s Guilt in Fantasy Literature In fantasy literature, amidst tales of epic quests and battles between good and evil, lies a thread that explores a more personal and haunting theme: survivor’s guilt. In these novels, characters grapple with the weight of their survival amidst tragedy, haunted by the ghosts of those

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JL NICH blog beats article, The Fault Lines of Society: Inequality in Dystopian Novels. Cover image

The Fault Lines of Society: Inequality in Dystopian Novels

The Fault Lines of Society: Inequality in Dystopian Novels In the haunting worlds of dystopian literature, inequality reigns supreme. Societies are divided by class, race, and power, as depicted in some of the most gripping new dystopian novels, like The Down Days by Ilze Hugo, The Companions by Katie M. Flynn, or The Memory Theater

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JL NICH blog beats article, Rising Against the Regime: Dystopian Novels of Rebellion. Blog cover image.

Rising Against the Regime: Dystopian Novels of Rebellion

Rising Against the Regime: Dystopian Novels of Rebellion In a dystopian novel with the world in chaos, heroes rise against oppressive rulers and ordinary people become rebels with a cause. From George Orwell’s 1984 to Suzanne Collins’s The Hunger Games, these stories are filled with characters fighting back against unfair systems, standing up for what’s

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JL NICH blog beats article, The Lonely Road: Exploring Isolation in Dystopian Novels. cover image

The Lonely Road: Exploring Isolation in Dystopian Novels

The Lonely Road: Exploring Isolation in Dystopian Novels In the stark landscapes of dystopian worlds, societies often teeter on the brink of collapse and the remnants of humanity struggle to survive. Examples: The Road by Cormac McCarthy The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins The Giver by Lois Lowry Within these landscapes, the prevalent theme of

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JL NICH blog beats article, The Last Tree: Dystopian Stories of Ecological Imbalance. Blog cover image

The Last Tree: Dystopian Stories of Ecological Imbalance

The Last Tree: Dystopian Stories of Ecological Imbalance In the eerie shadows of imagined futures, where the balance between humanity and the environment has been irreversibly disrupted, dystopian tales of ecological imbalance unfold. These haunting narratives offer cautionary glimpses into worlds where nature’s delicate harmony has been shattered, leaving societies teetering on the brink of

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JL NICH blog beats article, Standing Strong: Dystopian Novels of Survival and Resilience. Cover image

Standing Strong: Dystopian Novels of Survival and Resilience

Standing Strong: Dystopian Novels of Survival and Resilience In dystopian fiction authors often reflect our deepest fears and most pressing concerns. What happens when power is concentrated in the hands of the few?  Will technology take control? “I’ll be back.” ~The Terminator, directed by James Cameron.  I couldn’t resist.  Will the government erase women’s rights? 

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JL NICH blog beats article, Dystopian Realities: Totalitarianism and Government Control in Fiction. Cover image for blog.

Dystopian Realities: Totalitarianism and Government Control in Fiction

Dystopian Realities: Totalitarianism and Government Control in Fiction “Better never means better for everyone. It always means worse for some.”  — Fred (Season 1, Episode 5) Granted this quote is from the TV show, but The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood is a great example of a totalitarian government with control issues. Set in a

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JL NICH blog beats article, Dramatic Scene Cutaway: The Ultimate Writers Tool. Cover art for blog

Dramatic Scene Cutaway: The Ultimate Writers Tool

Dramatic Scene Cutaway: The Ultimate Writers Tool In this blog, I want to show you a monster technique for writers to add suspense and deepen reader immersion. The impactful dramatic cutaway is a powerful tool.  The three varieties can enhance pacing, build suspense, and deepen immersion in a variety of mediums, and are a leviathan

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JL NICH blog beats article, Character Construction: The Influence of Role Models. Cover image for blog

Character Construction: The Influence of Role Models

Character Construction: The Influence of Role Models Would your character be influenced by a close relative?  Are there role-model relationships you can foster in your novel?  Let’s look at some fairly huge examples. Practically, the root plot of The Hunger Games by Susanne Collins is built around Katniss and her sister Prim’s relationship.  Quote: “Promise

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