Beyond the Pyramid: The Fictive Dream

Did you know whenever you read fiction, you’re actually dreaming? Don’t believe me? The more realistic and interactive a dream feels, the more you want to stay in that dream, right? Isn’t it the worst when you wake up from a vivid dream that ended on a cliffhanger? You almost want to go back toContinue reading “Beyond the Pyramid: The Fictive Dream”

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)”

Understanding the Pyramid of Abstraction (The Basics)

One of the best writing tricks I’ve ever learned came from one of Brandon Sanderson’s lectures, a lesson on the Pyramid of Abstraction. Utilizing the pyramid as a tool while you’re writing and editing will instantly level you up as a writer. But it’s got a lot of nuance many writers tend to overlook. LEVELContinue reading “Understanding the Pyramid of Abstraction (The Basics)”

One Last Dream

This is the first time I’ve written a short story based on an image prompt. According to the rules, the story must be self-hosted online. Which is why you’re seeing it here. The way it works is writers submit a tale and readers get to vote on which entry is their favorite. …Wish me luck!Continue reading “One Last Dream”

How The Neverending Story inspired me to write: The Ende

Darkness. Stillness. Bastian asks, “Why is it so dark?” “In the beginning,” says the Empress, “it is always dark.” BASTIAN’S MUSE A light from the Empress’ hand illuminates their faces. A single glowing grain of sand. This is Bastian’s act of creation, from which will spring forth a wellspring of creativity. She’s here now withContinue reading “How The Neverending Story inspired me to write: The Ende”

How The Neverending Story inspired me to write: Solving the Riddle

The image above represents a powerful moment in my life. And we’ll get there soon enough. “Is it really me?” asks a confused Bastian over the heavy and opened book, battling through waves and waves of cognitive dissonance. “Maybe he doesn’t know what he has to do!” screams Atreyu as the floor of the IvoryContinue reading “How The Neverending Story inspired me to write: Solving the Riddle”

How The Neverending Story inspired me to write: Part 12

Where we ended our recap last time, Atreyu, riding Falkor, had just wished upon the Auryn. “If the Ivory Tower still stands, take us there.” Lo and behold, the power of the Luck Dragon holds once again – Or perhaps it’s the power of the Auryn this time? Maybe a little of both? Either way,Continue reading “How The Neverending Story inspired me to write: Part 12”