Jon Cronshaw's Blog, page 28

The Unconventional Hero of The Land: Thomas Covenant’s Legacy

In the annals of fantasy literature, where heroes are typically as shiny and flawless as a knight’s armour, Stephen Donaldson’s “Thomas Covenant” series sticks out like a sore thumb – a leprous, cynical sore thumb.

Here comes Covenant, a man as unlikely a hero as a goblin at a fairy tea party, thrust into a fantastical world that he stubbornly refuses to believe in, even as it believes in him.

An Unheroic Hero: Flipping the Fantasy Script

Donaldson didn’t just create a protagonist; he lobbed a grenade into the cosy, comfortable lap of fantasy heroism.

Thomas Covenant is bitter, broken, and about as heroic as a wet weekend in Wales.

His arrival in the Land, a realm brimming with magic and wonder, is met not with valiant quests but with disbelief and despair.

Donaldson challenged the very notion of what a fantasy hero could be, giving readers a protagonist who was as relatable as he was frustrating.

The Power of Unbelief: A New Kind of Magic

In a genre where belief is often the key to magical powers and happy endings, Donaldson’s Covenant wields the power of unbelief.

His stubborn refusal to accept the reality of the Land becomes his strength, a curious inversion of the typical fantasy narrative where belief is the hero’s greatest weapon.

Donaldson asks the question: what happens when the chosen one refuses to choose?

Complex Moral Ambiguities: No Black and White Here

Donaldson’s series is as much a foray into moral ambiguity as it is into fantasy.

Covenant’s actions and decisions are not clear-cut; they are mired in shades of grey, forcing readers to grapple with the uncomfortable complexities of his character.

This is no tale of good versus evil; it’s a tale of human versus self, a journey into the darker recesses of the soul.

Influence on the Genre: The Anti-Hero Trendsetter

The “Thomas Covenant” series set a precedent for complex, morally ambiguous protagonists in fantasy.

It paved the way for a generation of anti-heroes, characters who defy the traditional mould of the noble, self-sacrificing hero.

In the wake of Covenant, fantasy became a playground for exploring the nuances of character and the inner conflicts that drive us.

The Lasting Legacy of Unbelief

Stephen Donaldson’s “Thomas Covenant” series is a landmark in fantasy literature, not just for its unconventional hero, but for its deep dive into the complexities of the human psyche.

Covenant’s journey through disbelief and despair, set against the backdrop of a richly imagined world, challenged readers to rethink what fantasy could be.

The series stands as a testament to the genre’s capacity for innovation and introspection, proving that sometimes, the most powerful magic lies in the murky waters of the human heart.

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🧟‍♂️ New Episodes & Captivating Tales | Author Diary – May 3, 2024 – Writing & Reading Adventures 📚📺

“Punks Versus Zombies” Updates:

This week, I’ve added two new episodes to the “Punks Versus Zombies” series. Continuing this saga is always an exciting challenge, and I’m eager to see how the story will evolve as it unfolds further.

New Short Story Release:

I’m thrilled to announce another addition to the Ravenglass Legends series—a prequel short story titled “The Beast Hunt.” It’s now available on Ream (Visit: joncronshawauthor.com) and adds depth to the backstory of the world I’ve been crafting.

Reading Journey:

Recently Finished: “Forest Mage” by Robin Hobb, which was a fantastic read, full of intricate developments and compelling character arcs.

Currently Reading: “Renegade Mage,” the third book in the series. This continuation promises more intrigue and magical challenges, and I’m thoroughly enjoying the journey so far.

Entertainment Wrap-Up:

I’ve just finished watching the Fallout TV show on Amazon Prime. The series did an excellent job of capturing the essence of the game, and I thoroughly enjoyed the depth and twists of the storyline.

Feel free to discuss your own writing endeavors, your thoughts on the Fallout TV series, or your current reading list. Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for weekly insights into my author’s life and explorations in storytelling!

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The post 🧟‍♂️ New Episodes & Captivating Tales | Author Diary – May 3, 2024 – Writing & Reading Adventures 📚📺 first appeared on Jon Cronshaw.

Fantasy Writing Tips: Insights from ‘This Is Spinal Tap’

In the diverse landscape of fantasy literature, where authors create realms of boundless imagination, learning from various storytelling forms can enrich their craft.

“This Is Spinal Tap,” a cult classic mockumentary, offers a trove of insights with its satirical take on a fictional rock band.

The film’s clever blend of humour, character, and narrative provides unique lessons for fantasy writers.

Let’s explore what fantasy authors can learn from the hilarious yet poignant world of “This Is Spinal Tap.”

Developing Memorable Characters

“This Is Spinal Tap” is a masterclass in satire, using humour to comment on the rock music scene.

Fantasy authors can similarly employ satire and humour in their narratives, using their fantastical settings to reflect and critique real-world issues or genre conventions.

Balancing Absurdity with Relatability

The members of Spinal Tap are distinct and memorable, each with their unique quirks.

In fantasy writing, creating vivid, well-developed characters is crucial.

They should stand out, not just for their roles in the plot, but for their individual traits, quirks, and arcs.

Using Mockumentary Style to Enhance Narrative

Despite its absurd premise, “This Is Spinal Tap” presents characters and situations that are surprisingly relatable.

Fantasy authors can balance the absurd elements of their worlds with characters and themes that resonate with real human experiences and emotions.

The Importance of Subtle World-Building

The mockumentary style of “This Is Spinal Tap” adds a layer of authenticity and humour.

Fantasy writers can experiment with unconventional narrative styles or perspectives to add freshness and intrigue to their storytelling.

Crafting Clever Dialogue

While primarily set in the real world, “This Is Spinal Tap” builds the world of the band with subtlety and detail.

In fantasy, detailed world-building that feels organic and integral to the story enhances the reader’s immersion and belief in the world.

Embracing the Unexpected

The film’s witty, improvisational dialogue contributes significantly to character development and humour.

Effective, clever dialogue in fantasy writing can reveal character, advance the plot, and provide levity or depth when needed.

Amplifying Fantasy Tales with Spinal Tap’s Essence

“This Is Spinal Tap,” with its unique blend of satire, memorable characters, and clever storytelling, offers valuable lessons for fantasy writers.

By integrating these elements, authors can create fantasy stories that are not only imaginative and engaging but also resonate with the humour and insight of this iconic mockumentary.

So, fantasy authors, are you ready to turn your narratives up to eleven, inspired by the comedic genius of “This Is Spinal Tap”?

How will the film’s approach to satire, character development, and narrative style influence your fantastical worlds and tales?

Share your thoughts, and let’s discuss how a mockumentary about a fictional rock band can inspire the craft of fantasy writing.

The post Fantasy Writing Tips: Insights from ‘This Is Spinal Tap’ first appeared on Jon Cronshaw.

“The Beast Hunt”: A Thrilling Prequel to the Ravenglass Legends Series

Listen to the audio version of “The Beast Hunt”, a prequel story set in the world of Ravenglass Legends by Jon Cronshaw.

When a monstrous creature begins terrorizing the village of Meerand, young warriors Ragnar and Kest join a hunting party led by Ragnar’s uncle Olaf to track down the beast.

As they climb into the frigid, perilous mountains, the skilled hunters follow the trail, realizing they are pursuing no ordinary wolf.

Join Ragnar on his hunt to prove his worth as a warrior and save his village in this immersive audio production filled with action and adventure.

If you enjoy this thrilling tale, be sure to check out the other audio storiess in the Ravenglass Legends series and the works of Jon Cronshaw.

Like, subscribe and share this video production if you want to hear more epic audio adventures!

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Exploring the Magic of “Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell” by Susanna Clarke

In the landscape of fantasy literature, often dominated by tales of distant lands and ancient times, Susanna Clarke’s “Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell” arrived like a well-mannered gentleman at a barbarians’ banquet.

Set in an alternative 19th-century England where magic is as rare as a sunny day in November, Clarke’s novel reintroduced the fantastical into the drawing rooms and battlefields of Regency Britain with a subtlety and wit as sharp as a cut from a gentleman’s rapier.

A Not-So-Simple Tale of Two Magicians

The novel, a tome hefty enough to stop a door or crush a small goblin, revolves around two contrasting magicians: the cautious and studious Mr Norrell, and the adventurous and impulsive Jonathan Strange.

Their partnership, rivalry, and eventual conflict is less about flashy wand-waving and more about the nuances of power, influence, and the cost of knowledge.

In essence, it’s less a fireworks display and more a slowly burning fuse with an uncertain end.

Magic in the Real World: A New Kind of Spell

Clarke’s vision of magic is as intricate as lacework on a Victorian gown.

It’s a blend of folklore, history, and a painstakingly crafted magical system that makes the reader believe, just for a moment, that the fae might actually be lurking in the English hedgerows.

This integration of magic into a recognisable historical setting was a breath of fresh air – or, more accurately, a breath of musty, book-lined air from an old library.

The Footnotes: Where History Meets Myth

A unique feature of “Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell” is its footnotes, an academic’s dream, providing a depth and richness to the world that most fantasy novels achieve through less scholarly means.

These footnotes add layers to the story, creating a history that feels as real as any textbook, but considerably more entertaining – unless one finds the Corn Laws particularly gripping.

Influence on Modern Fantasy: A Quiet Revolution

The impact of “Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell” on modern fantasy has been as profound as it has been subtle.

Clarke’s novel showed that fantasy need not be set in an imaginary land far, far away; it could be nestled in our own history, hiding in the shadows of what we thought we knew.

It inspired a new wave of historical fantasy novels, stories that weave magic into the fabric of real history, inviting readers to look twice at the world around them.

A Lasting Enchantment

Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell remains a landmark in fantasy literature, a novel that reminded us of the magic lurking in the corners of our own world.

It’s a story that weaves a spell over the reader, as intricate and compelling as the enchantments within its pages.

In the world of fantasy, Clarke’s novel stands as a testament to the power of subtlety and the allure of a well-spun yarn, proving that sometimes the most powerful magic is found not in the thunderous roar of a dragon, but in the whisper of an old book’s pages turning.

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Unveiling the Magic of Human-Animal Relationships in Fantasy Worlds

In the intricate dance of fantasy fiction, there’s a tango that often goes unnoticed yet is as pivotal as a plot twist – the human-animal bond.

This isn’t your garden-variety, ‘man’s best friend’ scenario; it’s more ‘man’s best friend can breathe fire and has a penchant for telepathy’.

From Anne McCaffrey’s “Dragonriders of Pern” to Robin Hobb’s “The Farseer Trilogy”, the bond between human and beast (mythical or otherwise) adds layers to the narrative fabric that are as complex as they are compelling.

Dragonriders of Pern: Telepathy and the Ultimate Sky Ride

Anne McCaffrey‘s “Dragonriders of Pern” elevates the human-animal bond to stratospheric levels.

Here, dragons are not just oversized reptiles but telepathically bonded partners.

This bond isn’t just about shared emotions; it’s a union that defines identity and purpose.

The dragons of Pern aren’t just transportation with scales; they are soulmates with wings, sharing everything from thoughts to feelings, making your average pet-owner relationship seem as exciting as watching paint dry on a dungeon wall.

The Farseer Trilogy: Wit and Skill, Beyond Ordinary Kinship

Robin Hobb’s “The Farseer Trilogy” takes the bond a step further, with two distinct types of connections: the Wit and the Skill.

The Wit is a frowned-upon bond with animals, seen as something only slightly more respectable than being a court jester.

The Skill, however, is a telepathic link with humans, considered far more noble.

This dichotomy not only provides an intriguing plot device but also mirrors our own world’s class divisions and prejudices – with a fantastical twist.

His Dark Materials: Daemons and the Soul Outside Your Body

Philip Pullman’s “His Dark Materials” introduces us to daemons, animal representations of a person’s soul.

These aren’t just pets; they are the essence of a person’s being in animal form.

The bond here is not just deep; it’s existential.

Lose your daemon, and you lose yourself – a consequence far graver than forgetting where you left your keys.

The Temeraire Series: A Historical Twist on Dragon-Human Bonds

Naomi Novik’s “Temeraire” series presents an alternate history where dragons are a vital part of military forces during the Napoleonic Wars.

The bond between Captain William Laurence and his dragon, Temeraire, is one of mutual respect and deep friendship.

Their relationship challenges the norms of their society and highlights themes of loyalty, duty, and the struggle against societal constraints.

How to Train Your Dragon: A Tale of Friendship and Understanding

In Cressida Cowell’s “How to Train Your Dragon,” the focus is on the growing relationship between Hiccup and Toothless, a dragon he initially intends to kill.

Their evolving friendship represents a journey of understanding and breaking down prejudices, as they learn to trust and depend on each other in a world that often misunderstands both of them.

The Inheritance Cycle: Bonds Beyond Battles

In “The Inheritance Cycle” by Christopher Paolini, the bond between Eragon and Saphira is explored not just in battles but in everyday interactions.

Their relationship showcases how deep connections can influence personal growth and understanding, helping each other overcome fears, insecurities, and challenges.

A Symphony of Bonds in Fantasy Literature

In the realm of fantasy, the human-animal bond, particularly between humans and dragons, is a symphony of complex, emotional, and profound connections.

These bonds are not mere plot devices; they are the heart and soul of many narratives, offering insights into trust, friendship, loyalty, and growth.

Characters like Eragon and Saphira, Laurence and Temeraire, Hiccup and Toothless embody the depth and richness of these relationships.

Through their stories, we see reflections of our own bonds with the natural world, reminders of the deep connections that can exist beyond the human experience.

In fantasy literature, these relationships are not just about the fantastical; they are a mirror to our own hearts and souls, echoing the unspoken bonds we share with those we care about, both human and otherwise.

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Siren’s Song: An Audio Story of Adventure and Myth

Dive into the chilling depths of “Siren’s Song”, an audio short story from the Ravenglass Legends series.

This enthralling prequel follows Ragnar, heir to the chieftain, as he embarks on a perilous journey across the treacherous Braun Sea. Compelled by haunting melodies that have lured many ships to their doom,

Ragnar defies his father’s wishes and, alongside his loyal friend Kest, seeks to unravel the mysteries of the siren’s enchanting yet deadly song.

As each wave unfurls a new secret, Ragnar and Kest navigate through a saga of courage, friendship, and the untameable forces of nature.

Will they succumb to the siren’s call, or will they unearth the truth that lies beneath the surface?

Don’t miss this captivating tale of adventure and myth. Subscribe for more mesmerizing stories from the Ravenglass Universe.

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Tracing the Epic of Gilgamesh’s Influence on Modern Fantasy Literature

In the grand, ever-evolving saga of fantasy literature, where mythic tales and legendary heroes reign, the ancient epic of Gilgamesh stands as a foundational pillar.

Dating back to ancient Mesopotamia, this epic poem not only predates Homer’s “Iliad” and “Odyssey” but also continues to echo through the corridors of modern fantasy literature.

Let’s embark on a journey through time, tracing the influence of the world’s oldest epic hero, Gilgamesh, on the fantastical tales we cherish today.

The Epic of Gilgamesh: A Primer

For those who haven’t had the chance to stroll through the ancient libraries of Uruk, the “Epic of Gilgamesh” recounts the adventures of Gilgamesh, the part-divine King of Uruk, and his wild companion, Enkidu.

Together, they battle monsters, defy the gods, and seek the secret of eternal life, confronting themes of friendship, heroism, mortality, and the quest for meaning in life.

Heroic Archetypes: The First Fantasy Hero

Gilgamesh, the larger-than-life hero, can be seen as one of the earliest prototypes of the fantasy hero archetype.

His extraordinary strength, his divine lineage, and his quest for immortality are elements that have found their way into the DNA of modern fantasy literature.

Characters like Tolkien’s Aragorn or Martin’s Jon Snow owe a narrative debt to Gilgamesh – heroes torn between their human limitations and their larger destinies.

The Quest Narrative: An Ancient Blueprint

The central quest of Gilgamesh and Enkidu – to achieve fame, confront mortality, and ultimately find wisdom – sets the blueprint for the fantasy quest narrative.

This structure underpins countless modern fantasy stories, where characters embark on epic journeys, face monstrous adversaries, and grapple with existential dilemmas.

Fantastical Creatures and Monstrous Foes

The “Epic of Gilgamesh” is rich with fantastical creatures and monstrous foes, from the fearsome Humbaba to the divine Bull of Heaven.

These beings have influenced the menagerie of creatures that populate fantasy literature, from dragons and trolls to otherworldly gods and monsters.

The epic reminds us that the human fascination with the fantastical and the monstrous is as old as storytelling itself.

Mortality and Immortality: Eternal Themes

At its heart, the “Epic of Gilgamesh” is a meditation on mortality and the human desire for immortality – themes that resonate deeply in fantasy literature.

The quest for eternal life, the struggle against the inevitability of death, and the search for lasting legacy are themes explored in fantasy works from J.K. Rowling’s “Harry Potter” series to Brandon Sanderson’s “Stormlight Archive.”

The Timeless Legacy of Gilgamesh

The “Epic of Gilgamesh” may be millennia old, but its influence on modern fantasy literature is undeniable.

In its pages, we find the early echoes of themes, character archetypes, and narrative structures that have shaped the fantasy genre.

Gilgamesh’s journey from tyrant to wise king, his friendship with Enkidu, and his existential quest continue to inspire and resonate with readers and writers alike.

In the realm of fantasy, where the ancient and the modern intertwine, Gilgamesh walks among us, a reminder of our shared narrative heritage and the timeless power of a good story.

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Listen to Punks Versus Zombies (1-24) – FREE zombie survival audiobook

Punk’s Not Dead…But The World Is! Join Tommy’s Thrilling Fight for Survival!

Brace yourself for an adrenaline-fueled, gore-soaked adventure as Tommy and his punk band battles hordes of undead while on tour!

When a zombie apocalypse strikes, Tommy, Laila, and Micky must navigate a crumbling world fraught with danger at every turn. Can they make it back home to Philly alive?

This pulse-pounding audio experience brings you the first 24 episodes of the post-apocalyptic zombie survival serial, Punks Versus Zombies.

Immerse yourself in a gritty struggle where every choice is life-or-death, and the only constants are killer tunes and hungry zombies!

Tune in now and join the fight!

Like, comment & subscribe for more epic audio adventures!

Keep checking back for new episodes of Punks Versus Zombies and other immersive stories.

The post Listen to Punks Versus Zombies (1-24) – FREE zombie survival audiobook first appeared on Jon Cronshaw.

Discover “Siren’s Song” – Free Prequel to the Ravenglass Legends Series!

I am thrilled to announce that my latest story, “Siren’s Song”, a prequel to Ravenglass Legends series, is now available to read for FREE on Ream!

In this gripping tale, a haunting melody lures ships to their doom on the treacherous Braun Sea.

When Ragnar, the young heir to the chieftain, learns of the mysterious disappearances, he defies his father and sets sail with his loyal friend Kest to uncover the truth behind the siren’s song.

As a valued reader, I am offering this prequel story to you absolutely FREE on Ream, as a token of my appreciation for your support and love of the Ravenglass Legends series.

To start reading “Siren’s Song” now, simply visit joncronshawauthor.com and dive into the pages of this new adventure.

I hope you enjoy “Siren’s Song” as much as I enjoyed writing it.

Your feedback and comments are always appreciated, and I look forward to hearing your thoughts on this new addition to the Ravenglass Universe.

Thank you for your continued support, and happy reading!

Take care,

Jon

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The post Discover “Siren’s Song” – Free Prequel to the Ravenglass Legends Series! first appeared on Jon Cronshaw.