One of the greatest things an author can do, especially a master of the craft, is pass on the information they’ve learned to the next generation of writers. Unfortunately, some of these famous and oft-quoted pearls of wisdom have suffered widespread misunderstanding. Queue the dreaded four words: “Write what you know.” The above is sometimesContinue reading “Misunderstood Quotes from Famous Authors – “Write What You Know.””
Tag Archives: books
The Fascinating Rise and Fall of Brandon Sanderson
There were so many reasons to respect Brandon. This guy managed to: He seemed like a genuinely good guy, a regular dude who had a Cinderella project land on his lap and actually delivered on it, and has become nothing less than a hero in my eyes as a result. And what’s more, he wasContinue reading “The Fascinating Rise and Fall of Brandon Sanderson”
Beyond the Pyramid: Haecceity
We’ve talked about the Pyramid of Abstraction but there’s a much older, yet quite similar concept I’d love to introduce you to called “haecceity”. It’s a philosophical term used to describe the individual uniqueness of someone or something – the properties which make an entity distinct from all other entities. It’s what makes something “this”Continue reading “Beyond the Pyramid: Haecceity”
Q&A & Verisimilitude
I’ve gotten an influx of new followers lately. And with that came a surprising number of questions! I thought I’d share some of the Q&A I’ve recently received so you can get to know me better. Who is Nick Enlowe?: I am an author of high fantasy, dark fairytales, and sword & sorcery (heroic fantasy)Continue reading “Q&A & Verisimilitude”
Understanding the Pyramid of Abstraction (The Final Level)
LEVEL FOUR If you wind up only reading The Basics, I’ve failed in my mission. Part of the problem with only knowing the information in the previous posts is it can be tricky to understand exactly where to apply the Pyramid of Abstraction to achieve the greatest effect. Have you done too much? Too little?Continue reading “Understanding the Pyramid of Abstraction (The Final Level)”
The 200th Post: How it all began, how it’s going, and sure signs of an exciting future
It all started with a tree. Sometimes to figure out where you’re headed, it’s good to look back at where you’ve been. When I started this blog, I owned a house in a completely different state with a pastoral backyard. And this monster of a tree, looming over my former home, has served not onlyContinue reading “The 200th Post: How it all began, how it’s going, and sure signs of an exciting future”
Understanding the Pyramid of Abstraction (Advanced Course)
Welcome back! Previously, we discussed perhaps the most invaluable tool I like to have close-at-hand whenever I’m writing: The Pyramid of Abstraction. But we only covered the basics. This is where things get interesting. The fourth level is by far my favorite use of this tool, where it goes from “Okay, this is pretty handy,”Continue reading “Understanding the Pyramid of Abstraction (Advanced Course)”
How The Neverending Story inspired me to write: Part 8
As terrified as Engywook was of the Sphinx Gate, he’s even more afraid of the second test, the “Magic Mirror Gate”. He’s terrified that Atreyu must face this second gate on his own, armed with no information on what to expect. Because the mirror forces you to face your true self: Engywook: …kind people findContinue reading “How The Neverending Story inspired me to write: Part 8”
How The Neverending Story inspired me to write: Part 7
Luckily for Atreyu, Engywook is Fantasia’s (self-proclaimed) foremost expert on the Southern Oracle. He explains there are two tests one must pass to reach his goal. And he just happens to have his telescope trained on the first test: The dreaded “Sphinx Gate”. He invites Atreyu to accompany him to the observatory, leading to theContinue reading “How The Neverending Story inspired me to write: Part 7”
How The Neverending Story inspired me to write: Part 6
Realistically, Bastian’s dad will file a missing child report with the police soon. But then again, dad seems to be a bit of a workaholic. Bastian was probably a latchkey kid ten years before it was the “thing to do”. That’s likely why dad was trying to pressure Bastian into some extracurricular activities in theContinue reading “How The Neverending Story inspired me to write: Part 6”
Nick Enlowe 