Reblog- SpecFaith: Free Original Storyworld Ideas

Free Original Storyworld Ideas

A series of 10 articles from Speculative Faith, covering ideas for Christian storytellers to use in their fiction. Topics are mostly Sci-Fi oriented, but there are plenty of Fantasy and Sci-Fi/Fantasy blends that are addressed.
I found several things that I'd like to incorporate into my own story worlds!

Reblog- Spec. Faith, Dreams and Dragons

How to Find Signs of God in Many Fantastical Worlds- God has many ways of showing up in the real world, and he can show up in fantasy in just as many ways.

Elements that Make (or Break) a World- Hey'a, everyone! It is February, and that means it's Fantasy Month in the bit of the blogosphere that Jenelle Schmidt influences, including this blog! This year's themes are Worldbuilding and Fantasy Creatures...today, we're talking about worldbuilding elements that really make (or sometimes break) a world for me. These range from the big and mostly-obvious to the small and easily overlooked, but they're all things that, if done well, will take a world to the next level (in my opinion).

Valentine's Day Special: Beauty and the Bard- Ok, so this is not actually a Beauty and the Beast retelling, but I was stuck for a title, so there you go. Anyway. For Valentine's Day, my D&D players requested that I write a short story about how two of the romantically-involved NPCs, Lady Tiria Serys (aka the chief quest-giver) and Ardent the bard (aka Bardent), met. (They all ship this couple to some degree or another. It's great and makes me SO PROUD.) Since I was already planning to write a Valentine's Day short story, I happily complied . . . and then, because I'm an overachiever, I decided to write two versions of the story, one from each perspective.

Take the time to read the comments in the article; they often get into some interesting conversations/expound on the article, and have great book recs.

I'm thinking about re-branding my blog, since I've not been able to keep up with any sort of regular schedule or theme (aside from being sporadic and somewhat random, that is. Hmm, "Sporadic Musings: book reviews, random stories and such from an absent-minded halfling.")
Anyways, look forward to a belated Valentine's Day book review, and (hopefully) some participation in February is Fantasy month.

Reblog- Story Embers: Three Ways to Avoid Stagnating Your Skills as a Storyteller

Three Ways to Avoid Stagnating Your Skills as a Storyteller- Many of us, myself included, struggle to break away from the types of stories we gravitate toward. We assume that we need more training before we can tackle a different genre or point of view. But expanding is one of our responsibilities as writers, and it’s a precursor to growth!

Reblog- Specfaith: A Shadowy Argument for Christian Fiction, and Others

A Shadowy Argument for Christian Fiction- Shadows cast by stories can sometimes obscure the truth, but can Christian fiction paradoxically illuminate through shadow?

Is Prayer in Fiction Fictional?- What constitutes an unrealistic view of prayer in fiction?

Getting the Most out of Conferences- What an opportunity, then, for writers to pick the brains of these professionals at a conference, starting with a presentation—a pitch—of their own work. How else can writers find out if they have an idea that captures the interest of those who are experienced?

The first story that came to mind, in regards to the second article, was Failstate by John W. Otte.

It was action-packed, full of suspense, and the protagonist faced some tough decisions. All went well (for my reading, not the protagonist), until...

The prayer scene played to the "God of the Vending Machine" trope. It wasn't enough to totally ruin the book for me, but tears were shed. (And I'm upset enough that I haven't picked up the book for a re-read. It was an awesome story with unique use of powers, but the relationship between God and the protag was messed up.)

The protagonist doesn't really care about God. Until he's being pounded 6 feet into the floor, that is. Sure, in the course of the story he shot off a few "help please" prayers (who doesn't?), but he doesn't really "believe"/give much thought to God until he's given a deus ex machina. I mean, he made it this far "without help" (according to him, as literally none of his earlier pleas are answered in the positive); what's one more fight?

Maybe I'm due for a reread, since it has been a while since I read it, but every time I think about that prayer scene...okay, since I'm still dwelling on it years later, maybe it did ruin the book for me.

But, if that kind of thing doesn't bother you, you'll probably enjoy Failstate. It has a gripping story line and unique usage of powers. However, much of the story has a dark undertone. If you want a heavier (medium-weight? It wasn't nearly as dark as Reapers) read, definitely check it out.

Reblog- Spec. Faith: The Quantum Mechanics God of Alternate Realities

The Quantum Mechanics God of Alternate Realities: Are alternate universes fair game for Christian writers of speculative fiction? This post takes a look at why so many science fiction stories feature alternate realities based on quantum mechanics–and suggests ways a Christian worldview can be compatible with this kind of tale.

The author of this piece mentions that not nearly enough writers take advantage of making alternate versions of their own worlds. Kyle Robert Shultz immediately came to mind. He's an author that is doing a wonderful job in making full use of time travel, alternate/possible realities, and his oh so quirky characters! *plugplugplug*

Reblog- Spec. Faith: Dreams of Other Worlds

Dreams of Other Worlds- Why do we have dreams of other worlds? Do fictional visions point to a reality beyond our own?

Reblog- Spec. Faith: Great Male Characters...

Who are some of your favorite male characters in fiction?
I have to say, though it changes from time to time, Janner and Pete the Sock Man from The Wingfeather Saga have held a top spot in my heart for a while. Their heroics and character development is amazing. <3 p="">(Psst, did you know there's, like, an episode for the beginning of The Wingfeather Saga?! I know it's been out for almost a year, but I'm still excited about it. :P)

Speculative Faith: Great Male Characters in Fantastic Fiction: E. Stephen Burnett asked five female friends to describe a favorite male character from fantastic fiction.

Reblog- Speculative Faith: An Apologetic of Horror by Brian Godawa

An interesting series of articles about the horror genre and how it relates to the Christian. Or rather, the truth portrayed in the Bible.
The site--Speculative Faith--has some other good articles, both for and against this position, if you search "horror" in their archives.

An Apologetic of Horror, Part 1 by Brian Godawa: Horror is not an inherently evil genre of storytelling. It can be used for gratuitous evil purposes, or for godly moral purposes. The Bible tells many stories using the horror genre in order to inspire holy fear of evil and admonish or chastise those in sin.
"", Part 2 by Brian Godawa: The portrayal of good AND evil, as well as their consequences, are two sides of God’s one honorable, pure, lovely, excellent, and praiseworthy truth. According to the Bible, pointing out wrong is part of dwelling on what is right, exposing lies is part of dwelling on the truth, revealing cowardice is part of dwelling on the honorable, and uncovering corruption is part of dwelling on the pure.
"", Part 3 by Brian Godawa: The defense of horror and thriller movies in principle should not be misconstrued to be a justification for all horror and thriller movies in practice. It is the mature Christian who, because of practice, has his senses trained to discern good and evil in a fallen world.