AE McRoberts's Blog

Makai Tree: Roots of Destiny – A Complete Ebook!

It’s official! Makai Tree: Roots of Destiny is now a fully complete, downloadable ebook, ready to root itself into your collection. This story has been a journey of tangled emotions, cosmic twists, and the fragile, luminous hope that blooms even in the shadow of destruction. And now, you can carry it with you forever (with some adorable pictures included, of course—because who doesn’t love visuals to match the vibe?).

What is Makai Tree: Roots of Destiny?

For those who haven’t been on this journey yet, Makai Tree: Roots of Destiny follows the dramatic events of the Makai Tree arc, weaving an emotional tale of growth, destruction, love, and redemption. Ail and An’s story finds new depth, while the Sailor Guardians face emotional fractures and impossible choices. It’s a story about the roots that hold us steady and the branches that strive for sunlight, no matter how dark the storm.

This ebook captures all the highs and lows, complete with bonus art that will melt your heart, bring a tear to your eye, or maybe both. Whether you’ve been here since the start or you’re just diving in now, this is your chance to experience the full story in one place.

Where Can I Download It?

Right here! The ebook is completely free and waiting for you. Download Your Copy Now

What’s Next?

I’ve been getting questions about what’s coming after Makai Tree: Roots of Destiny, and… yes, I’m already plotting the next story. In fact, I’m practically buzzing with ideas. (And maybe some caffeine. Okay, definitely caffeine.)

But here’s the thing: I’ll be writing two stories at the same time—another project that will be my primary focus. I’m committed to continuing these cosmic adventures, but I may need to adjust the release schedule. I’m aiming for once-a-week releases instead of twice a week.

I want to give each story the care it deserves, and I’d rather take my time than rush through something that doesn’t bloom the way it should. Growth can’t be forced, after all.

Stay in Touch

Follow along here on my blog for updates on the next story’s progress and release schedule. You can also find me on Fanfiction.net, Wattpad, and Archive of Our Own. Your support means everything to me, and I can’t wait to share what’s coming next.

Thank you for being part of this journey. Let’s keep growing together.

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Dark Kingdom: Shattered Moonlight

New Release Alert: Dark Kingdom: Shattered Moonlight is HERE!

So, you thought I’d stop at Silver Millennium: Forbidden Bonds? Nah, friends, we’re just getting started. It turns out that when you take a little inspiration from the Moon Kingdom, you end up with not one, but a series of epic Sailor Moon tales. And let’s be honest, how could I not explore the deep, dark, slightly heartbreaking world of the Dark Kingdom?

Dark Kingdom: Shattered Moonlight is officially live and ready for your eager eyeballs! This story brings us straight into the shadows, diving deep into the love, loss, and ultimate destiny of everyone’s favorite moonlit pair, Usagi and Mamoru. This one’s got it all—ancient love, lingering heartbreak, and the ever-persistent shadow of Queen Beryl and the ever evil Queen Metalia, looming like that extra shot of espresso you probably didn’t need.

What to expect? Think memories flickering like an old VHS, romance that transcends timelines, and a few (okay, a lot of) dark twists that make you question if love can survive in the face of ultimate darkness. The Guardians awaken, the Four Kings are closer than you think, and Mamoru has some soul-searching to do (and maybe a little… okay, okay, a lot of brooding on the side).

This is the second book in my expanding Sailor Moon fanfiction series, right after Silver Millennium: Forbidden Bonds took us back to the good old days of Moon Kingdom love. But, don’t worry there will be even MORE Sailor Moon stories to come. Here is a complete list of all the upcoming books!

Makai Tree: Roots of DestinyBlack Moon: Eclipse of FatePromise of the Rose: Blooming ShadowsDeath Busters: Silent RevolutionDead Moon Circus: Twisted DreamsSailor Galaxia: Eternal StruggleSilver Destiny: Ascension of SerenityCrystal Tokyo: New Guardians

I’m already working on Makai Tree: Roots of Destiny! This will take place during the Doom Tree Arc, and bring Usagi and Mamoru face to face with those mysterious aliens Ail and An!

So grab your reading glasses, set your heart for maximum feels, and let’s take a deep dive into the shattered world of Dark Kingdom.

Head over to Gumroad to get your FREE copy of Dark Kingdom: Shattered Moonlight, and let’s see just how far the magic of Sailor Moon can take us. I hope you like this story more than pancakes! Is that possible?

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Sailor Moon Fanfiction. Silver Millennium: Forbidden Bonds

Exciting News for Sailor Moon Fans!

Today marks a special release: the complete and compiled edition of Silver Millennium: Forbidden Bonds—available exclusively on Gumroad for free!

This fanfiction series dives deep into the untold history of the Silver Millennium, exploring the dramatic shift from a thriving kingdom to desolation. It’s been a thrilling journey to reimagine the intricate backstories of beloved characters within the Sailor Moon universe, and I’m excited for you to experience the saga in one epic read.

But the journey doesn’t end here. I’m moving on to a new era with Dark Kingdom: Shattered Moonlight! This story unfolds during the modern age when Usagi, Mamoru, and the guardians awaken after being reborn. Told from Mamoru and the guardians’ perspectives, this fresh take opens up exciting new storytelling possibilities and explores their unique experiences and challenges. I’m also bringing back the Four Kings of Heaven and giving them and the Sailor Guardians the love they deserve!

If you enjoy the adventure and wish to support further explorations into the Sailor Moon universe (and help fund my Sailor Merch collection!), consider dropping a small donation—absolutely appreciated but never required!

Download your free copy here

Enjoy the read, and may the power of the Moon be with you!

 

Here’s a sneak peek at the upcoming titles in the series:

Dark Kingdom: Shattered MoonlightMakai Tree: Roots of DestinyBlack Moon: Eclipse of FatePromise of the Rose: Blooming ShadowsDeath Busters: Silent RevolutionDead Moon Circus: Twisted DreamsSailor Galaxia: Eternal StruggleCrystal Tokyo: New Guardians

Each arc promises to bring fresh twists and captivating narratives, ensuring that our journey together continues to be thrilling and unforgettable. Your support and enthusiasm mean the world to me, and I’m excited to share these stories with you. Thank you for being part of this adventure. Stick around to see how everything develops and ends—there’s so much more to come!

Be prepared. The entire saga is almost as good as pancakes, almost.

 

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AI in Science Fiction

Greetings Padawan! We’ve all read AI in science fiction books, the good, the bad, the ugly. Today, I’m going to tell you about one of my most favorite projects, Alternate Intentions. Well, perhaps that’s not true. Like children, I’m not sure I could really determine which book I’ve written is my favorite! Because each had its own special charm that snagged me. That goes for the books that I haven’t published (all 15 of them) as well.

Do you remember the TV show Heroes? A big catch phrase for the first season was “Save the Pancakes, Save the World.” Oh! Wait, it’s “Save the Cheerleader, Save the World.” My bad. I forgot that not everything revolves around pancakes. LOL!

But I digress. I got my own personal motto from that phrase. Change the Stories, Save the World.

Egotistical? Probably. But I really believe that we can change our world through the stories that we tell. The pen is mightier than the sword, after all. Stories have the power to truly change how we think and how we, as a society, operate.

Do you think I’m overreacting?

July 11, 1960, To Kill a Mockingbird releases. Harper Lee spotlighted injustice and discrimination through a child’s eyes. Atticus Finch remains, to this day, as an icon of integrity defending the oppressed.

June 8, 1949. 1984 is released. This book transcended art with profound societal impact. Orwell cautioned against totalitarian regimes strangling freedom and truth. Big Brother still warns against unchecked powers spreading propaganda.

These stories compel us to demand better from systems and from each other. But wait! There’s more!

Harry Potter shows us tolerance. Katniss Everdeen shows courage against tyranny. Offred. Luke Skywalker. Uhura. Spock. The list can go on.

These are all fictional characters that have seriously impacted the world, even though they are fake. They’re only images on a screen or words on a page. But they changed the world.

Now, don’t get me wrong. I’m not comparing Alternate Intentions to these powerhouses. I’m a small fish in a big pond. But my point stands, stories can change the world. So, I set out with this book to change a little slice.

Artificial Intelligence.

I’m a full believer in the power of AI to change the world, but many people seem to fear it. Even more, there are a lot of stories that try to show AI as this horrible, corruptible thing. That’s why I set out to write a story where there isn’t an evil AI, hell bent on destroying the vermin called humans from the world.

I wrote a story about a woman, Olivia, who is an artificial intelligence. She has no idea for most of the book, but eventually she learns she is just a computer program. Compared to the human from base reality, she is a synthetic accumulation of code and numbers. She is artificial. But, I wanted to take a different route than most AI in science fiction books.

When the idea to write a story about the potential goodness, helpfulness, and positivity of AI came to me, I knew I had to write it. Because I want to show the world that artificial intelligence can elevate us from a primitive, shallow society to something that’s more.

I could probably prattle on and on about AI and what that technology can do for humanity. Seriously, I could go on and on. I love AI and the advancements that’s happening on that front. I use some form of AI every day, and you probably do too without knowing it.

That’s now Alternate Intentions was born. Through the desire to see more positive stories about AI in the world. But that’s only a small slice, really. Because I think Alternate Intentions also explores what it means to be human as well.

Because if you think about it, we still don’t really know what makes us “human”. Forgetting that we still have no idea what consciousness is (don’t believe me? Read this), we have no idea if other animals/creatures feel/experience the way we do.

For all we know, dolphins could be more “human” than us. They show a lot of similarities that we have. Same thing with crows and cows! Is because the fact that they can’t talk means that they aren’t human?

That’s the conundrum that I explore in Alternate Intentions. Olivia isn’t human, but she feels and experiences like one. She experiences heartache and excitement, disappointment, and success, just like organic humans do.

Like oppressed groups fighting to prove the fullness of their dignity and spirit, artificial intelligence is automatically assumed to lack the essence of conscience. We project our worst fears—heartlessness, sinister objectives, capacity violation.

But what if we got AI’s capacity for compassion wrong, just as we originally discounted courage in “less sophisticated” humans? My hope is offering a glimpse of Olivia’s rich inner universe makes the tendency to underestimate foreign states of being hit home. She changes not through gaining attributes deemed “human”, but by sharing universal experiences of growth and connection.

I’m fully confident that an AI trained on Bob Ross, Mr. Rogers, and Levar Burton would never try to eliminate every human on the planet. But if we treat the upcoming AI as the barbaric overlord, we expect…doesn’t that mean we’re training it to become that?

Here is a quote just for you!

“For if you suffer your people to be ill-educated, and their manners to be corrupted from their infancy, and then punish them for those crimes to which their first education disposed them, what else is to be concluded from this, but that you first make thieves and then punish them.”

Sir. Thomas More, Utopia. I think it applies to AI, and thieves.

Alternate Intentions pleads we approach unfamiliar kinds of minds with open souls rather than clenched fists. Echoes of seeing sentience where old biases obscured now are clear. What more might AI, animals, strangers offer if we lead first with faith in some shared spark—one bearing love as much as logic across infinite formats? The possibility is profound.

I hope that one day we can really explore the advantages that having such a powerful technology at our disposal means. Because AI can transform our world from our current lives to a true utopia. We only need to change the story, to change the world. We need to see more good AI in science fiction, in all stories.

Let’s take AI from the evil overlord, oppressor, murdering scapegoat that it’s currently portrayed as and make into the savior that it can be.

The innovative technology of artificial intelligence, guided by compassionate role models, can show us new paths and a new future. I’ll be first in line for that future, and I hope that after stories change the world, you will too.

Given we cannot prove the underlying nature of our perceived reality, who is to say you too are not an artificial construct like Olivia?

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Kiss of the Reaper

I’ve been working on a new story, Kiss of the Reaper! Something a little different for me as well. Because I ventured away from long form novels into light novels! The only real difference is the emphasis on dialogue and character, so right up my alley! This story is almost as good as pancakes…almost.

Kiss of the Reaper is an urban fantasy light novel.

The best part is you can already read the first two chapters! On Royal Road and Rainobu!

The dicks who assembled the bible changed several details. The most egregious being four horsemen of the apocalypse. They aren’t men, they’re women.

Styx leads the horsewomen of the apocalypse as Death. After existing since the creation of the world, she’s been around the block a few times.

Kiss of the Reaper

Which is why, after being summoned against her will by a nerdy human scholar, she’s rather perturbed. She doesn’t have time to deal with that complication, because for the last few centuries, demons, invaders from the unknown realms, have plagued the world.

They have extremely powerful magic, ruthless morals, and a hidden agenda. All the things that Styx hates. But somehow, she discovers something that she hates even more.

Being hopelessly attracted to Caleb. Styx should hate him, with his stupid grin, obsession with books, and an annoying propensity to look at her like she’s the most fantastic thing since indoor plumbing.

Still, against all reason, they’re drawn to each other. The timing could be better, though, because the demons are escalating and putting the known realms at risk.

Styx should have better things to do than eat popcorn and sort through runes with Caleb, but neither one of them can deny the growing bond that’s sprouted.

Destiny and desire draws them closer together, with both Styx and Caleb risking everything being involved. Despite the growing feelings for each other, the demons are slowing tearing apart the world, and Styx has to stop them.

But as desire rapidly gives way to devotion, sinister demonic powers target Caleb, hungry to mercilessly reap the lovers’ passionate soul bond fueling abilities beyond imagining.

With both mortal and immortal realms balancing upon a razor’s edge, Styx must chart a course beyond life, death, and even love to preserve their cosmic equilibrium and sacred bond from annihilation in a final reckoning, where the winner takes all.

 

 

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New Release: Blood Stone

Hello my faithful padawans! I’m so happy to announce the release of my adventure romance novel, Blood Stone: A Red Fox Romance.

Blood Stone is an adventure romance that follows the story of Lark, a bubbly and enthusiastic woman who is in love with the grumpy ex-marine, Brix. When Lark discovers a stolen and valuable jewelry set, she vows to return it to its rightful owners, but things quickly become dangerous as she is stalked and threatened by those who want to take the set for themselves. With the help of Brix and the private security company, Red Fox, Lark must fight to protect herself and the jewelry set while also confronting her feelings for Brix. As the threats escalate, Lark and Brix are forced to face their fears and risk everything for love.

This book has a lot of my favorite tropes going for it. Sunshine/grumpy, age gap, best friend’s sister, and damsel in distress just to name a few. I really enjoyed writing this book because of the interactions between Brix and Lark. She’s so enthusiastic and he’s so even that they really play off each other really well. At least I think so! But you’ll have to tell me what you think because I always love to hear from my readers.

This book is dear to me because it’s the first romance that I’ve released! My first book, Slivers of Infinity, is a fantasy. Romance is my absolute favorite to write, so I’m so excited to be able to release this wonderful book into the world! I hope you love it as much as I do! Now this new release of Blood Stone will hopefully bring you as much pleasure to read as it was to write!

You can find it on Amazon and read it free on Kindle Unlimited!

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Crafting Authentic Character Dialogue

Introduction

Alright, fellow padawan’s! Crafting authentic character dialogue can be challenging, but also rewarding. Ever read a book where the author crafted authentic sounding dialogue? So crisp and captivating that it felt like the characters were whispering in your ear? That’s the magic of well-crafted dialogue, sort of like using fresh buttermilk in pancakes. It takes good to great!

Buckle up because we’re about to dive headfirst into the chatty waters of dialogue, character speech, and the role they play in our beloved world of fiction.

“Dialogue” in fiction isn’t just about characters gabbing away. It’s a powerful tool that breathes life into your characters and pushes your plot forward. In this post, we’ll explore how to level up your dialogue-writing skills, from understanding its purpose to perfecting its punctuation. Grab your favorite pen (or keyboard) and let’s get chatting!

 

Understanding Dialogue

Let’s get to the basics first. Dialogue, in the simplest terms, is when your characters yakkity-yak. They could be arguing over the last stack of pancakes, whispering sweet nothings, or just talking about the weather. But guess what? Their conversation isn’t just about what they’re saying, but also about what they’re not saying. It’s a sneaky way to reveal their personalities, their relationships, and even to advance the plot. Watch this really great video to learn all about subtext!

Monologues, on the other hand, are those moments when a character takes center stage to express their thoughts, feelings, or ideas. It’s like they’ve grabbed the mic and aren’t letting go until they’ve had their say.

 

Crafting Authentic Conversation

Ready to create dialogue that’s as real as a fresh maple syrup? Start by avoiding “on-the-nose” dialogue. Your characters shouldn’t always blurt out exactly what they’re thinking—that’s not how people talk in real life, after all. Instead, keep your dialogue unpredictable, fresh, and interesting. Now I’ll wave my caution flag, because you can create a character that does just that. But know that it will be a little more challenging to keep the reader interested in what they have to say.

Surprise your readers (and maybe even yourself) by flouting expected patterns. A character’s words should reflect their place, time, and personality. Victorian-era vampires probably won’t use 21st-century slang, and a snarky teenager will sound different than a wise old sage.

But don’t just stop at realism. Make your dialogue as unpredictable as a cat on a hot tin roof. Don’t let your characters fall into a rut of expected patterns. Keep your readers on their toes with dialogue that’s fresh and interesting.

 

Mastering the Art of Engaging Conversations

Got your notepad ready? Here come the steps to write dialogue that’ll have your readers hanging on to every word.

First, cut the chitchat. Skip the greetings and small talk. Your readers are here for the meaty stuff, not the garnish. Next, use action beats to add rhythm and drive the momentum. Have your characters do something while they’re talking. They could be pacing, sipping coffee, or flicking a speck of dust off their sleeve. Small actions can speak volumes about their state of mind. These are also critical for developing character and character quirks. Because we’ll remember when a character always spits when they talk, or slurs each s.

Now, here’s a tip straight from the pros. Keep your dialogue oblique. Let your characters dance around the subject, hint, and imply, but don’t spill all the beans at once. Oh, and steer clear of too much exposition. Your readers are smart cookies. They can pick up on subtleties.

Finally, and most importantly, make your dialogue do some heavy lifting. Ask not what your character wants to say, but what they need to accomplish. Dialogue isn’t just a chance to chat, but a tool to overcome obstacles and push the story forward.

This is where I’ll mention an important aspect of creating realistic characters, speech mannerisms. This is where you throw in the distinct parts of your character to make them memorable. I’m talking the slurred s’s, formal speech, or slang terms. The real trick with dialogue is to make sure that each character sounds different. Make them all unique. Make them memorable.

 

Crafting Authentic Dialogue: Punctuation and Formatting

Punctuation in dialogue is like a well-placed comma—it can make a world of difference. It clarifies who’s speaking, preventing your readers from playing the “Who said that?” guessing game.

Quotation marks are your best friend when it comes to marking character dialogue. They signal that you’re reporting what someone else is saying. And remember to start a new paragraph for each new speaker to avoid dialogue soup.

Whoever started the “said is dead” was dead wrong. Using said in dialogue is a great way to quicken the pace and allow the dialogue to be at the forefront of the reader’s mind. That being said, it shouldn’t be the only dialogue tag. Make sure you sprinkle in enough action tags and descriptors to ensure your readers don’t get bored.

There are a lot of rules about punctuation and formatting dialogue, so check out this website to make sure you’re doing it right.

 

The Final Curtain on Dialogue

We’ve sauntered down the bustling boulevards of dialogue together, my fellow literary padawans. From the alleys of understanding the definition and purpose of dialogue to the grand avenues where authentic dialogue breathes life into our characters and plots.

Our journey led us through the maze of crafting dialogue that’s as real as your morning coffee, yet as surprising as an unexpected plot twist. Dialogue that doesn’t just echo who your characters are, but shouts it from the rooftops. It’s been an expedition, hasn’t it?

We’ve climbed the mountain of writing great dialogue, skipping the empty chatter at base camp, adding action beats to our ascent, and ensuring that every spoken word pushes us further up that story arc. We’ve scaled the heights of dialogue that serves a dual purpose – not only expressing a character’s words, but accomplishing their goals.

At the peak, we found the importance of punctuation and formatting, the guardians of clarity in dialogue. We’ve seen how quotation marks can shepherd our readers, and how a new paragraph is a neon sign announcing a new speaker.

Well, there we have it! Our dialogue odyssey has come full circle. In the grand tapestry of fiction writing, dialogue threads its way through every aspect. It’s our characters’ voice, their heart, their soul. And now, equipped with these techniques, it’s in your court. Go ahead, make your characters talk, argue, whisper, shout, and sing. Create conversations that readers can’t help but get lost in. After all, isn’t that why we write?

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A Whirlwind Guide to Character Development

Alright, you literary padawans! Gather ’round, it’s time to dive into the enchanting realm of character development. Have you ever wondered why some characters stick with you long after you’ve turned the last page, while others fade into oblivion quicker than a vampire in the midday sun? The secret, my friends, lies in pancakes! Okay, okay, not really. The secret lies in the magic of character development (and let’s be honest, pancakes also play an enormous role).

Imagine character development as the secret ingredient in your literary brew. It’s the process and execution of creating a fully rounded, complex, and lifelike character. Without it, your spell won’t work, and you’ll end up with a narrative as flat as a witch’s broomstick!

 

Understanding Characters

Now, let’s get to the nitty-gritty. What makes a well-developed character? Is it their devilishly good looks? Their stunning wit? Nope, it’s their backstory, their personality traits, their actions, and their emotions. Your characters need to be as complex and relatable as your noisy next-door neighbor. Your readers need to feel that your characters could walk off the page and into their local café.

Backstory is important for every type of character in every type of story. It’s what makes romance heroines relatable, or science fiction heroes poignant. But here’s the kicker: your reader probably won’t even KNOW all of it. But each line of backstory that you create fuels that character into making believable choices. So come up with the backstory because that’s what gives your characters the feeling of realism.

Think of an iceberg. You only ever see the very tip top, but there is a huge structure below the surface. That is where your backstory really lives. Spend the time to discover who your character is under the water and you’ll create a living entity. That won’t sink your unsinakble story.

In the grand theatre of your story, you’ll find two types of characters – static and dynamic. The static ones are like that old oak in your backyard. Solid, dependable, but unlikely to burst into song and dance. Dynamic characters, on the other hand, are like caterpillars turning into butterflies. They evolve, grow, and change as the narrative progresses. They have a character arc, which is the fancy literary term for their journey of change.

 

Creating Complex Characters

Now that we’ve laid the groundwork, let’s roll up our sleeves and get our hands dirty. A few posts back I gave ya’ll my character map, and this is exactly the place to break it out. Because it will be invaluable in creating your characters. How do we create these fascinating, complex characters? Fasten your seatbelts, because here comes your step-by-step guide.

Create a Background for Your Characters: Imagine your character’s past as a treasure chest. It’s packed with gems that shape their interests, quirks, and fears. Delve deep into their childhood, their friendships, their hobbies, and their motivations. Remember, a character without a past is like a book without words.

Know Your Characters’ Strengths and Weaknesses: Understanding your character’s strengths and weaknesses is like having a map of their psyche. These will guide their actions, reactions, and decisions throughout your story. Is your character a charming smooth-talker or a timid wallflower? Either way, these traits will shape their journey.

Craft Realistic Motives for Your Characters: Motives are the engines that drive your characters. Whether it’s revenge, love, or the pursuit of the perfect cappuccino, make sure their motives are believable and relatable.

The Role of Characters’ Past in Their Development: A character’s past is like a ghost, always hovering in the background, influencing their present actions and decisions. Make your characters haunted by their past and watch them come alive!

Avoid “Perfect” Characters: Perfect characters are boring, period. Give your characters’ flaws, make them stumble, let them have bad hair days. Remember, perfection is overrated.

Give Characters Unique Features: Whether it’s a nervous tic, a funky style, or a peculiar accent, unique features make your characters memorable. It’s the cherry on top of your character creation sundae.

Develop a Variety of Character Personalities: Variety is the spice of life, and the same goes for your characters. Mix it up! Create a medley of personalities that will keep your readers on their toes.

 

Conclusion

Whew! That was quite the journey, wasn’t it? But as we’ve journeyed through the landscape of character creation together, we’ve discovered some truly fascinating insights, haven’t we?

In our exploration, we’ve understood that character development isn’t just a fancy term tossed around in writers’ circles. It’s the very soul of your story, the lifeblood that gives your tale its heartbeat. From defining what character development means to illustrating how it breathes life into a narrative, we’ve dug deep into the heart of what makes characters resonate with readers.

Characters, we’ve learned, aren’t just fictional constructs, but reflections of the human experience. They have strengths, weaknesses, backgrounds, and motives that make them who they are. They are as complex, unique, and multifaceted as the people we meet in our day-to-day lives. And just like us, they are shaped by their past, molded by their experiences, and driven by their dreams and fears.

We’ve also debunked the myth of the “perfect” character, understanding that perfection is not only unattainable but also unrelatable. Instead, we’ve emphasized the need for a diverse cast of characters, each with their own unique personalities and voices, each bringing their own slice of life to the story.

But most importantly, we’ve learned that character development is not a one-off task, but an ongoing process. It requires patience, attention to detail, and a deep understanding of the human psyche. It’s an art that, when mastered, can transform a good story into a great one.

So, to all the authors reading this, remember: your characters are the heart of your story. Spend time with them, understand them, and let them grow. Because in the end, it’s the characters that readers fall in love with, the characters that they remember long after they’ve turned the last page.

So make your characters memorable, make them real, make them resonate. Because a story with well-developed characters isn’t just a story well told, it’s a story well lived. And isn’t that what great storytelling is all about? Now, I’m going to recommend one of my most favorite books about creating characters, Character and ViewPoint by Orson Scott Card. It’s a really great resource to really understanding the importance of creating really well-rounded characters.

 

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Worldbuilding: Crafting Immersive Settings in Fiction Writing

Hey, padawan! Got your pancakes? Got your favorite writing compression gloves? Perfect. Now, let’s dive into the wondrous, whimsical world of… well, worlds! World-building, to be precise. Let’s se the scene for the uninitiated: world-building is the art of creating a fictional universe that doesn’t just serve as a backdrop, but as a living, breathing character in your stories.

Every setting you craft, every mountain range your characters traverse, every society they interact with, are all part of world-building. It’s a lot like hosting a pancake baking party – you’re setting the stage for your characters to shine, while making sure the environment is just right to keep the narrative flowing.

World-building isn’t just about drawing maps or deciding whether there are three suns in the sky (although that’s fun too!). It’s about grounding your reader in your world, giving them a concrete location to anchor their imagination. It’s about creating a world that serves your story, influences your characters, and, most importantly, captivates your reader.

Yet, some don’t realize that world-building isn’t just for epic fantasies and science fiction. World building is used when you make a fictional small town for your two love birds to meet. World-building is found in every story that’s set in a fictional place. Even if there aren’t dragons!

World-building! Physical Appearance: The Look and Feel of Your World

 

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Imagine this: you’re dropped into a new city with no map, no idea of the weather, and no clue about the terrain. Confusing, right? The same goes for your readers when they dive into your story. They need to know what your world looks like, feels like, and how it influences the narrative.

Is your world a sprawling metropolis? A quaint, small town? Or a vast wilderness with diverse environments? Your world’s physical appearance influences everything from your characters’ clothing to their means of transport. So, don’t skimp on the details – the devil’s in them, after all! That’s what really makes an excellent and immersive story, the details.

This can be things the types of plants found, or the architectural design of the buildings. As above, these types of questions are critical in all stories. Because your fictional small town can be known for beautiful tulips or fragrant roses. This is where world-building comes into play, making these decisions.

If your story involves travel, you may need to create multiple countries or even planets. Each one should be as unique as a fingerprint, with its own languages, natural resources, and cultural practices. Don’t just build a world, build a universe!

Inhabitants: Who’s Living in Your World?

Next up, we have the stars of the show: the inhabitants. They’re the ones driving your story, so it’s important to know who they are, where they came from, and how they interact with each other and their world.

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From humans to aliens, to mythical creatures, your world could be home to a vast range of beings. Consider the social structures among them: is there a class system defined by wealth, power, or some other factor? Are there alliances or conflicts between groups?

Remember, your world should feel as alive as ours. This means detailing the inhabitants’ lives right down to their resources, their struggles, and their triumphs. The more lifelike your world, the more immersive it is for your readers.

This may seem like it’s only for those writing epic fantasies, but really this is fundamental story stuff. All stories need background characters and secondary characters to make them seem more alive. That small town lover story? It would be super boring if it were just the two lovers… or would it? A ghost town with only two inhabitants might be super fun.

I digress, that small town would be a lot more charming with a quirky barista, a grumpy old sheriff, and a broody teenager!

World-building History: The Past Matters, Even in Fiction

What’s a world without a past? As boring as a party without cake, that’s what. Just as our world has a rich history, so should your fictional one. The past informs the present and influences your characters and plot.

Consider the major rulers, key events, and changes they brought about. Did they have an impact on the political or religious landscape? Were there environmental disasters, wars, or noteworthy events that shaped your world? You don’t need to know every tiny detail, but having a robust understanding of your world’s history can add depth to your story and provide opportunities for foreshadowing and plot twists.

Again, this is just as critical to consider in contemporary stories and epic fantasies. Your small town should have a history, even if it’s not a central plot point. The characters can lounge in the shade under Sr. Reginal, who founded the town. It can even be incorporated into the name of the town. It’s these little details that will both enrich the story and make your

readers fall in love.

Common Pitfalls in World-building

Alright, fellow builders of worlds, it’s time for some real talk. Despite our best efforts, sometimes our worlds fall a bit flat. This often happens when we build our world’s half-heartedly. Without authenticity, our worlds can leave readers wanting more. You know that feeling when you enter a room and something just feels… off? That’s the vibe a poorly built world gives off. So, what can we do about it?

Especially if you’ve made unresearched assumptions. A small town high in the Colorado Rockies, that never snows. A quaint European town with a huge supermarket. While fiction is fiction, you’ve got to do your research to ensure that it’s not so blatantly dumb readers leave you in the dust!

Well, the first step is to ensure you fully understand your world. Know its nooks and crannies, its politics, and its hidden secrets. A well-understood world is a well-written world. Secondly, ensure your world-building serves your plot and

characters. Your world should help to propel the plot forward and facilitate your character’s growth.

Finally, remember to have fun with it! Readers can tell when an author is enjoying themselves. Let your passion for your world shine through your words. You’re not just building a world, you’re crafting an experience.

Conclusion: Creating Immersive Worlds

And there you have it, wordsmiths! A little glimpse into the art and science of world-building. It’s not just about creating a setting for your story; it’s about constructing a living, breathing world that captivates your readers and enhances your narrative.

World-building isn’t for those 100,000 word books, it’s for every little story in between. You could even make the argument that even stories taking place in known locations like New York still have some world-building because of the side characters and background. Spend some time to craft the perfect world for your manuscript, because it’s well worth the time!

Remember, a well-built world is like a good party: engaging, immersive, and leaving your guests (or in this case, readers) wanting to stay a little longer. So, grab your pen, put on your world builder hat, and let’s start crafting some unforgettable settings!

Before you go, I’ll drop a few links if you’d like to read more about world-building! I have to point you to the master (in my mind) of world-building, Brandon Sanderson!

The post Worldbuilding: Crafting Immersive Settings in Fiction Writing appeared first on The Dangling Participle.

Inciting Incident

The Inciting Incident

Salutations. Padawan! I prepare yourselves, but today I’m going to type at you about the inciting incident.

Plot points all have their uses, and I’m not really sure you could rate one above the other. They all serve very crucial roles in developing a compelling story. But the inciting incident is one of the important ones.

Why?

Because I said so!

LOL. Just kidding. The inciting incident is important because it’s really the first major indication of character. Yep. Character. Because the primary job of the inciting incident is to throw your character from their totally normal and cozy world into the shadow world. Or basically their version of hell.

Now, here is a little interesting sort of side bit. Some think terms like the normal world or shadow world only apply to specific stories. Ya know, epic quests, great conflicts, portals to another dimension. BUT they don’t. A normal world and shadow world can easily mean the cute, badass CEO chick, walking into a business meeting and facing her lover from college. She’s stepped from her normal world, into a new world. See? Those seemingly genre specific story words can actually apply to any story. It’s magic!

Moving on.

Let’s start with a few examples from popular books and movies, because that’s how the professionals do it. And I am (sometimes) a professional.

Pride and Prejudice. It’s first because it’s a romance and I love romance.

Inciting Incident: The dance at Meryton Assembly. Oh boy, oh boy.

Here we see a meeting of all the characters and all the personalities. We also get the first sight of Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bingley. This is where our fierce heroine, Elizabeth, gets to see Darcy’s strong jawline and dreamy eyes. Darcy also gets an eyeful of Elizabeth’s sparkling smile and refreshing honesty. It’s also where, gasp, Darcy insults Elizabeth’s pride. And so beings the journey.

This is a great inciting incident because it forces Elizabeth and Darcy into each other’s orbits. It also provides a great highlight for the major theme. Pride and prejudice. Yep. there is a reason Jane Austen is da bomb.

Want more? Sure. I’ll hit you up with more. A movie probably everyone has seen.

Starship Troopers. The inciting incident is a little further into the film, but it works. Because you can see how Johnny has really hit a sort of dead end with his character. He’s in the army for reasons that are crumbling, then add to that the death of a teammate, which he’s responsible for. So he quits.

As he was walking down washout lane, news hit. An asteroid has hit his home city of Buenos Aires. Killing everyone, including his parents.

Now THAT is a tremendous character defining moment. Which is exactly what the inciting incident is.

 

Importance of the Inciting Incident

Character is one of the critical elements of a compelling story. Which shouldn’t really be surprising since a story is only just an in-depth examination of the chosen POV characters. This is why you should strive for a great inciting incident. It will allow your readers to really understand what makes this character important. Why they should follow this character through their journey.

Think of Elizabeth Bennett. Why do we want to follow her around through these pages? It’s the author’s job to make these characters as interesting and well rounded as they can. And the inciting incident is the first proper step in that process. Which makes sense, considering the inciting incident falls somewhere in the beginning of the first act.

Now if you remember in my post about crafting an excellent beginning? I menton the beginning is where you must form your character. This is why the inciting incident is in the first act. Because you need your readers to understand who they’re going on this journey with.

They must identify (at least some parts) with that character.

So the inciting incident and character development are intertwined. You can’t have one without the other. You can’t have a completely amazing inciting incident without character, and you can’t have character without a great inciting incident. Well, I guess you can, but the story will be a flop. Worse than flat pancakes.

The inciting incident is a very important stepping stone to the next major plot point. The first plot point. I’ll go into the first plot point in another post, which I’m sure you’re dying to read.

 

Location, Location, Location

If you’re going off the three act structure, like I said above, the inciting incident should be in the first part of the first act. This is for several reasons. Probably the biggest being the first act is where you lay the foundation for the story. There’s a reason there is so much world building/character development going on within the first act.

If you use the first act to its full capabilities, your story will have all the required momentum and interest to keep readers engaged through the middle and ending. If your beginning is lacking, the rest of the story can drag before being set down by a disappointed reader. We don’t want disappointed readers, so the first act is critical.

If you want an exact number, the inciting incident should fall somewhere around the 15% mark. Now, don’t get too hung up on the exact percentage where it falls. But keep in mind there are excellent reasons it’s at about the 15% mark.

The hook, which captures your reader’s interest, should fall within a page or two. Which is why Starship Troopers picked the report show about the bug aliens and the destruction on the planet. That was a great pick for a hook. Because now you’ve got to know what in the hell is going on!

But then things calm down, because you can’t keep readers on the edge of their seats too long before fatigue sets in. So you bring the story down a little. In Starship Troopers, you get to see Johnny in his normal world. We meet his friends, his teachers. We get to know him as a character. This is prime act one material.

Normal world shit.

But if you continue on with normal world shit for too long, the reader gets bored. The story has to move along. It has to progress to a place where your character steps out of the normal world into the shadow world. This is the inciting incident, and therefore it should fall about the 15% mark.

It’s placement here means that you have plenty of space to set your characters up, to build your world a little. Then you smack the reader with some excitement. Get their blood pumping.

This is for all genres. Even romance. In romance, the inciting incident can be a few different things. It can be where your two lovers meet for the first time, or where one gets in trouble, or where one fights feelings, etc.

This goes to show that all plot points are non-genre specific. They just get changed a little to suit the story.

 

Wrap it up!

I’ve typed at you a lot today, and for good reason. The inciting incident is both character critical, momentum critical, and story critical. If you’re able to come up with a great inciting incident, you’ll give your readers an in-depth view of your character. This will give them the chance to bond with them and glimpse their inner workings. It’s an excellent opportunity to further cement them as more than words on a page, but make them feel real.

It’s placement in the middle of the first act, gives you a chance at both world building, and ensuring that your reader doesn’t get bored because nothing is happening. Boredom is a mood killer, so you should always strive to ensure your stories don’t get boring. Because fear isn’t the little death. Boredom is. If a reader gets bored, they set the book down and never pick it up again. Even worse, is they’ll tell all their friends that so-and-so author is boring. Cringe.

In terms of story, the inciting incident really catapults your character into the next dimension, shoving them further and further away from their normal world into the shadow world. Its placement at about 15% will set the story up nicely for the next plot point, which is the first plot point. This point is easily the most important in a story. Now that will be a beefy post. Because the first plot point is like the inciting incident on steroids. I’ll get to that, eventually.

 

Take all you’ve learned here and go make a stellar inciting incident! Make me proud.

 

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