Author Appleton

Writing. Fantasy. Sci-fi. Mystery

Archives for January 2015

Magic in Fantasy Fiction: Powers of God and powers of the Devil

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There are many ways that various writers have dealt with the subject of magic in their stories, but most pitch a “good” wizard or witch against an “evil” wizard or witch.

What is acceptable when creating a fantasy story from a Christian worldview? We know that God condemned wizards, witches, sorcerers, mediums, and the like. Some Christians are apt to ignore or else deny that the Devil has real power in the world. He, like God, can perform signs and wonders, but just because there is power in such things does not mean that they are right.

We read of magic in fantasy stories and, interestingly, throughout Biblical history we have stories of what we can term “magic.” Moses’s shepherd staff was empowered by God. At will he or Aaron could throw it on the ground and it would transform into a snake. He stretched it over the Red Sea and the water dramatically divided, leaving a dry path for the Israelites to pass over. Angels of God were seen with flaming swords and chariots of fire and other spirit beings manifested themselves. Even after Biblical history signs and wonders of God continued. In Eusebius’s History of the Church he details a war in the heavens above Jerusalem, and other wonders.

The Devil is a chief imitator. It gives him great pleasure to copycat God’s marvels. God sometimes allows it and certainly he allows it in the devil’s followers.

Magic, if we are using it to refer to all of these things, can be good or bad. In writing fantasy we need to be intentional when dealing with magic. If we are intentional then people can analyze and determine what is proper and good, and what is demonic and wrong.

It is important to remind readers that just because something is unexplainable, miraculous, or extraordinary does not mean that it comes from God. Be sure which Master the “magic” serves.

Question: How does your worldview affect the use of magic in a story?

3 Elements of Creative Thinking

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Often the best things in life cannot be forced into existence. It is not easy to think creatively. Sometimes the creation flows, bringing us endless smiles. Other times we are hanging on a thin rope over the edge of a black chasm, groping helplessly for that sliver of light that will bring our creativity back.

Creative thinking is composed of three key elements:

  1. Absorption
  2. Reflection
  3. Inspiration

We start by absorbing books, music, movies, conversations with friends, and activities with family. Thinking of ourselves as a large pool, absorption is the process of filling up with so many ideas or concepts that our creative reservoir reaches maximum potential.

With all the new ideas, considerations, and dilemmas flowing through our mind we are ready to sit back and reflect. Meditation frees the mind to examine how best to use our creativity. Process it before we move forward on a particular creative path, whether that be writing a blog post, drafting a novel, painting a picture. The possibilities of creativity are endless.

Inspiration at last kicks in. Our brain is overflowing with ideas. Some good and some not, yet we can move forward. The reservoir is full and ready to take pen to paper, plan to the drawing board, hands to the loom.

Question: What have you done to break into creative thinking?

Backstage Pass! Creating an original Fantasy creature: the Megatrath

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The many aspects of the creative writing process includes designing creatures never seen before. I love this process! It brings the fantasy world to life and enables visual representations that make it real for the reader. One such creation was the Megatrath.

Dragons, elves, fairies are all great in fantasy fiction. Also, they are undeniably linked to classic and established fantasy. When writing your own fiction the last thing you want to do is appear to be stuck using other writers’ ideas. While I do appreciate using the classic fantasy creatures in my stories, I find greater satisfaction in designing new ones.

In my old fantasy sketchbooks I have a wealth of creature ideas. These were first conceived of during the initial creation of The Sword of the Dragon story. Looking back, I am glad I took the time to create not only written content, but sketches and maps, too.

For the Megatrath I drew inspiration from the head of an alligator, the tail of a lizard, the feet of a dragon, and then I gave it six legs. The sketch that you see in this post is artist Amber “Vantid” Hill’s representation of one of these creatures. It was not easy at first to get her to sketch what I had envisioned. The process took several hours of live video chat so that the Megatrath turned out right.

You will recognize this creature from my novels Offspring and Key of Living Fire.

Question: Have you envisioned any original creatures that you would like to see used in fantasy novels?

Are New Year’s resolutions overwhelming you?

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If you are anything like me you have looked at the New Year and put together a detailed list of your New Year’s Resolutions. I have done this for a long while now, and each year I find I have fallen a little short of my goals and, often, I have burned myself out in the process. This New Year I approached things more simply.

If you are an author, artist, business professional, or entrepreneur the likelihood that you overcommit your time and resources is high. I know with myself it’s become a sometimes self-destructive pattern. The drive to achieve goals, complete projects, and prepare for future projects comes with the territory when we are highly motivated to succeed. Yet when I commit to many objectives I am unable to give each my best effort, and inevitably I fall short of some due to lack of time. 2015 is a new year and it’s time to resist the urge to create a long list of New Year’s resolutions.

This year I have committed to only three things:

  1. Finish writing and then publish “In Search of Dragons”
  2. Eliminate all remaining debt
  3. Build financial savings

These things are very achievable and necessary to my happiness and that of my family. In years past I have had a long list of resolutions. Most years I achieved the majority of the goals I had set, yet I left myself no breathing room. My days away from my day job have so many other commitments that I often feel overwhelmed, which has led to stress and exhaustion. This year will be different and I believe it will boost my productivity and happiness.

If we take better care of ourselves, we can better care for those we love. If we over commit, we will work ourselves to a frazzle and lessen the quality and impact each of our achievements have.

This year take a look at your resolutions. Have you over-committed?

By shaving your list to the bare minimum you will:

  1. Increase the quality and impact of the work you do
  2. Reduce your stress, and
  3. Improve your relationships

These are the results I am looking to have. This is why I have such a short list this year.

Question: Would your year benefit from trimming your New Year’s resolutions to a minimum?