@stevewestenra.bsky.social#SFFChat Outro:
You're a terrible host, but thank you anyway!
This week I'll share my recent novella, The Barbarian at Dream's End from Brackenbury Books! ISword & Sorcery + [secret genre]! newedgeswordandsorcery.com/product-cate...
Free sample (audio): www.youtube.com/watch?v=o1MD...
@coripalladium.bsky.social#SFFChat
I am 6 chapters into the next book, but I need to proofread before I post anything. In the meantime, have book one.
@sffchat.bsky.social#SFFChat Outro:
Thanks for answering!
I have to head to work, so I may not reply right away, but I'll try and pop in using my regular account to repost throughout the day! ❤️
After replying to someone else’s post, comment below with something you’d like shared.
@stevewestenra.bsky.social#SFFChat Q4: I think every author does this, otherwise books would all be the same, but what's interesting to me are the really deliberate approaches to tweaking/inverting/etc basic elements. This doesn't have to mean subverting, either, but could mean throwing oneself wholeheartedly into elements
@alswrites.bsky.social#SFFChat A4 There are few
Like I never have dragons as my villains. Same with orcs, goblins and some undead.
Also, no racism. It's 2026 and I think using racism, even for a character's growth (I hate orcs because they killed my pa!) is low-hanging fruit.
@alswrites.bsky.social#SFFChat A3 - *sighs* J.R.R. Tolkien if you're looking to write fantasy.
Having said that, you don't need to be a fan of Lord of the Rings to enjoy fantasy.
Terry Pratchett is another, especially for wanting to subvert the typical fantasy tropes.
@alswrites.bsky.social#SFFChat A2. The basic blocks of fantasy is bringing otherworldly elements like magic and ancient ideas into your world.
Cozy fantasy - low stakes and interesting characters
Sword and Sorcery/Pulp - action scenes and over the top characters
@gaycannibalism.bsky.social#SFFChat I love playing with standard fantasy tropes, really diving into things often used casually and expected as standard, to fully explore all the elements of it. Especially the fucked up possibilities.
@alswrites.bsky.social#SFFChat A1: Hello, I'm AL. I write fantasy fiction and TTRPG.
An element of my work I'd consider fundamental of my work is making it fantasy but also relatable. Cozy fantasy can be easy because it has elements we've experienced like a found family, warm treats, and conflict.
@coripalladium.bsky.social#SFFChat
Oh yeah, I break so many rules you could easily make the argument that Last Train to Blazes is not a real fantasy. I have the magic, the lore, the races, but I don't give my characters grand adventures, the chance to actually overcome evil, and the stories are set post industrial revolution
@sffchat.bsky.social#SFFChat Q4: Are there basic elements of your genre that you tweak or twist in a significant way?
@gaycannibalism.bsky.social#SFFChat
Le Guin, of course, Mervyn Peake, William Gibson, Mary Shelley, folk and fairytales.
@gaycannibalism.bsky.social#SFFChat It's very simple indeed. A 'what if?' and a sense of wonder - in the old fashioned sense of the word, where it didn't necessarily have to be a good feeling.
@stevewestenra.bsky.social#SFFChat Q3:
Subgenre's a factor, but I do think it's important to have at least a sense of the scope of what's already out there, and especially what significant shifts have occurred in your genre. This isn't just about creating an SFF Mount Rushmore, but about reading better through an
@coripalladium.bsky.socialI don't think I have a lot of unique insight here, other than to say I preferred The Hobbit to the Lord of the Rings. Also, study mythology. Also the Greeks and Norse myths are great, but don't be afraid to look at folklore too. Even the silly shit like mothman and the Fresno nightcrawler
@sffchat.bsky.social#SFFChat Q3: What authors or books do you consider fundamental or foundational reading in SFF?
