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July Author of the Month: David Ivey

Our July Author of the Month selection is David Ivey, author of the upcoming release Know the God of Scripture: A Read Through the Bible Study Guide (Volume 1). I want to introduce you to Mr. Ivey and share what the editorial team loved about his manuscript. Meet David Ivey, husband, father, grandfather, business owner, church planter, coach, public school teacher, and Bible teacher at First Baptist Merritt Island. He earned his bachelor’s in chemical engineering from Louisiana State University, which he put into practice as an engineer on the space shuttle program for ten years. He earned his master’s in divinity from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary that has proved beneficial in the Truth That Inspires ministry he and his wife, Jonsie, manage. The mission of the ministry is to encourage people to read the Bible. Taking the opportunity to branch outside of the ministry to further encourage the reading of God’s Word, Ivey has crafted a new study that does not focus on just one story of the Bible, but rather the entire Bible and all within a year’s time. Prepare to be spiritually educated over the course of fifty-two weeks in Know the God of Scripture: A Read Through the Bible Study Guide (Volume 1.0). What David Ivey Gets Right This is not just another study that gives a schedule of Bible verses to read every week that readers may at first believe; this is a thoroughly crafted, well-organized, in-depth study that goes above and beyond just reading the Bible. It is designed to be most effective when used in a group study, so readers can interact and share insights they have gleaned, yet readers can still partake in this study on their own. Either way, all are in for quite the experience. So, what exactly is it that makes this study stand out? In truth, Ivey is to be commended on various elements that can be found in his work. An incredibly detailed how-to section introduces readers to what they are in for as he breaks down how each week is set up. Not only will readers be knowledgeable of what is to come, but also inspired to get started as the author’s passion for the subject matter can clearly be seen in his writing. Rather than just giving chapters to read each week and asking questions, Ivey educates readers on useful information to know such as the authors of the books of the Bible, when the books were written, some brief historical background of the biblical figures and settings, among other topics. He then follows up with a fair number of open-ended questions that include a mix of ones focused on what was read and what the readers themselves learned. Ending each week is an application for the readers to partake in that range from various activities to do during prayer to reaching out to others to observing daily routines and more. By the end of the year, it is guaranteed readers will walk away knowing more about God’s Word then they could have ever imagined and feeling closer to God than ever before. Upcoming Release David Ivey’s Know the God of Scripture: A Read Through the Bible Study Guide will be available through Xulon Press, an imprint of Salem Author Services, later this year.   Discover more Author of the Month selections and author interviews.

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Quick Start Guide: Using Beta Reader Feedback

Receiving the first round of beta reader feedback on your manuscript can stir up a mix of emotions. On the one hand, you will feel a sense of pride and accomplishment for making it this far in the process and having real reader feedback in your hands. The flip side of that—you may find yourself in another battle with self-doubt as you page through the comments. So, how can you use that beta reader feedback to take your story to the next level? This article covers exactly how to use your beta reader feedback to improve your writing. Organize the Material When the last piece of beta reader feedback comes in, gather every single note or comment into one place. Then, sort comments by chapter. If your readers submitted their notes in an email, copy and paste them all into a Word document you can print out and strikethrough as you complete. If you received handwritten feedback, I recommend taking the extra time to compile all the notes in one place, so you also have the ability to strikethrough the list as you work. Evaluate the Feedback One reason compiling all beta reader notes into one place and organizing by chapter is helpful is because you can quickly see if all your readers noted the same areas for improvement. For instance, if you used three beta readers and all three or even two out of three noted that the first page of chapter one needs to grab readers’ attention faster, then you know that is one area you need to focus on. All future readers may feel the same way if that page goes unfixed. On the other hand, if only one reader makes a comment about a plotting issue, it may be something you evaluate later. Set Your Ego Aside Reading through beta reader feedback for the first time can be overwhelming and will often stir up an emotional response. If you find yourself agitated or upset, it’s understandable—you are outside of your comfort zone. Take a step away from the feedback for a few days. When you come back to it, often you’ll realize feedback that felt harsh at first may seem more logical when you view it through a fresh lens. Do the Easy Revisions First There’s nothing like a few quick wins to keep the revision process moving. One way to trick ourselves into feeling productive and boost our confidence is to knock out easier revisions. If you used the wrong character’s name somewhere or didn’t put some dialogue in quotation marks—these are your go-to revisions off the bat. Spend More Time on Harder Revisions Don’t rush your way through the revisions that require heavy lifting. If you need to reorganize an entire chapter or find yourself deleting a character because he or she serves no purpose, be methodical with these changes. Instead of deleting those portions, paste them into a separate document. Who knows, that deleted character may just become the protagonist in your next book. Work is not always truly lost. Don’t Get Discouraged Just like the writing process, there will be days of doubt and discouragement. Don’t stay in those feelings though. Shake them off with some fresh air and a walk, sit down with your favorite book, or call a friend to catch up. When our minds are in a good place, we do better work. Follow us on Instagram for more writing tips.

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Beta Readers are More Important than You Think

You’ve successfully finished the first draft of your manuscript and are feeling pretty good about your story overall. Maybe you’re ready to take some time off before diving into revisions; or worse yet, you think it’s ready for editing. There is an integral piece of the revision process, however, many writers miss out on—beta readers. After proofreading your first draft, beta readers should be your next step. Who Are Beta Readers? Think of beta readers as test subjects, or guinea pigs, for your book. They are typically the first group of people to read your manuscript in its entirety. When you narrowed down your book’s target audience, beta readers should fall within that exact camp of people. If the thought of narrowing down your target audience is still hard, choosing a broader spectrum of beta readers (male and female, larger swings in age groups, etc.) will help you narrow down your target audience to the exact group of people who should read and enjoy your book. When deciding who might serve as beta readers for you, make sure they are comfortable providing you with honest and constructive feedback, enjoy reading in general, and also enjoy reading books within the genre you’ve written. What Do They Do? The key element of success when using beta readers is to ask them to take a high-level approach to your overall story, including plot, characters, pacing, and the manuscript’s readability as a whole. To ensure readers don’t stumble over spelling and grammar mistakes, do a full round of revisions on your work—especially focusing on mechanical errors—before you send your manuscript to anyone. A beta reader is not the editor for your book and doesn’t take the place of one. Instead, beta readers merely test-drive your story. 10 Questions to Ask Your Readers If you are looking for specific feedback from beta readers, send a checklist and a PDF version of your manuscript. A checklist will also keep your readers focused on the feedback you want. A few sample points to add to your checklist can include: Free Download: Beta Reader Questions to Ask for Nonfiction, Fiction, and Memoirs/Autobiographies Where to Find Beta Readers? When looking for beta readers, consider finding three to four people. I believe anything less than three readers doesn’t provide enough feedback for writers to work with—especially if one reader comes up short with feedback. Readers can be found in many places, including your church or book club, as well as Goodreads groups and there are now several websites geared specifically toward beta reading. You can also find readers on Instagram or Twitter. Use hashtags like #amwriting, #writinganovel, or #writingnonfiction to find other writers within your genre. Build a connection with them and then see if you can swap manuscripts to beta read for each other. I’m often hesitant to pull on family or friends to serve as beta readers. Feedback from readers is not simply to bolster a writer’s confidence but to find issues and while they can still be fixed and receive feedback from a testing group of your target audience. 5 Last Pieces of Advice for Success Up next we are going to be talking about what to do with the constructive criticism and comments you get from those beta readers.

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Summer Activities for Writers to Embrace the Season

As the warm breeze and bright sunshine of summer swirl around us, we just may be able to find inspiration and rejuvenation in a variety of activities that evoke the spirit of the season. From outdoor writing to nature walks and summer reading, there are ample opportunities to nurture creativity and foster personal growth this time of year. Here’s my comprehensive guide to summer activities for writers. 1. Take Your Writing Outdoors The fresh air and change of scenery can invigorate your mind, leading to enhanced creativity and productivity, so taking your writing outdoors offers a myriad of benefits. To set up an outdoor writing space, consider finding a quiet spot in a garden, park, or even your backyard. Have a comfortable seating arrangement and some protection from the elements, such as a sun umbrella or a light blanket for cooler evenings. Depending on the time of day your head outdoors, don’t forget your sunscreen or bug spray. 2. Go for Nature Walks or Hikes Taking nature walks or hiking can be a catalyst for your imagination. The sights, sounds, and smells of the natural world can bring out powerful emotions and imagery, providing rich material for your writing. Consider documenting your experiences during these outings and use them later as inspiration for your work. When incorporating nature into your writing, focus on sensory descriptions. Capture the nuances of the landscape, the play of light through the flowers, the textures of waves on the water and plants, and the calls of wildlife. By sharing personal experiences of nature-inspired writing, you can encourage others to seek inspiration in the great outdoors. 3. Create a Summer Reading List Reading is an essential component of a writer’s craft. Diving into a diverse range of literature broadens your perspective, enriches your vocabulary, and exposes you to different writing styles. For your summer reading list, consider including a variety of genres and authors. 4. Attend a Writing Workshop or Retreat Connecting with other writers at workshops and retreats often provides valuable opportunities for growth and networking. When attending these events, be open to sharing your work, receiving feedback, and learning from the experiences of others. If you are looking to try your hand at a free, solo writing retreat, I’ve put together a sample itinerary for you: 9–10 a.m.: Think about and set writing goals for the day while sipping on your favorite brew. 11 a.m.–noon: Engage in a writing exercise or prompt to kick-start your creativity. 12–12:30 p.m.: Take a break for lunch. 12:30–4 p.m.: Allocate time for focused writing without interruptions. 7–8 p.m.: Reflect on your progress and set goals for the following day. As for identifying summer writing workshops and retreats, consider exploring offerings at local libraries, community centers, and online platforms that specialize in writing and literary events. 5. Use Our Seasonal Writing Prompts Incorporating seasonal scenery into your work can infuse your writing with depth and resonance. Now it’s time to pull out your favorite notebook or open a fresh Word document on your computer. We’ve developed a few writing prompts to encourage exploration of the season’s unique characteristics and emotions. Here are five prompts to get you started: Final Thoughts Seasonal summer living offers you a chance to re-inspire your creativity, embrace new experiences, and adapt your writing practice to the time of year. By engaging in outdoor writing, nature walks, summer reading, and seasonal writing prompts, you can invigorate your craft and usher in a season of growth and inspiration. Embrace the opportunities of summer and nurture your creativity in the warmth and beauty of the season. Pin It! Save our summer activities to your Pinterest account.

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Unlock Your Best Reading this Summer

Now that it’s officially summer, many of us are spending more time outdoors, enjoying the warm weather, and taking part in various activities. However, it is also an excellent opportunity to catch up on some reading. Whether you’re lounging by the pool, relaxing at the beach, or enjoying a quiet afternoon in your backyard, summer provides ample time to dive into some captivating books. To make the most of this reading season, consider these five tips to read more this summer. Set Realistic Reading Goals To kickstart your summer reading, set a realistic goal for yourself. Instead of aiming to read a crazy high number of books, consider setting a target number of pages or chapters to you want to read each day. This approach allows for flexibility and can help you stay on track without getting overwhelmed on your busier days. Carve Out Dedicated Reading Time With longer days and more relaxed schedules, you may find that you have more time to read. Don’t squander your time and instead set a dedicated time for reading each day. If you’re a morning person, read a few pages as you sip your morning coffee. You could also read during your lunch break. If you want to fully romanticize your summer reading, I’m privy to reading in the evening as the sun sets. No matter when you decide to read, establishing a regular reading routine can help you prioritize your reading goals. Explore Various Book Formats With the resurgence of audiobooks, you don’t have to stick to hardcover or paperback versions of your books. Audiobooks can significantly increase your reading stats (and yes, I absolutely consider audiobooks as a type of reading). Listening to a book can be a perfect companion for outdoor activities like hiking or gardening or even chores around the house like folding laundry or cleaning out the fridge. While physical books are great for beach days and lazy afternoons, eBooks offer convenience for on-the-go reading. For summer travel, an e-reader allows you to take multiple books with you without weighing down your carry-on (if you’re flying) or your tote (if you’re traveling by car). Create a Cozy Reading Environment Enhance your reading experience by creating an inviting and cozy environment you’ll want to sit and read in. Add a few pillows to your outdoor lounge chair, set up a hammock in the shade, or simply arrange a comfortable reading nook in your living room. A cozy environment will make your reading sessions more enjoyable and relaxing. Consider adding some ambient lighting (I love this neck light for reading at night), a soft blanket, and a refreshing drink to create the perfect reading atmosphere. Join a Summer Reading Challenge Participating in a summer reading challenge or book club can add an element of accountability and motivation to your reading journey. Many libraries, bookstores, and online communities host summer reading programs with diverse reading lists and rewards for reaching your reading goals. Our Team’s Reading Stats As a publishing company, our team is full of readers. So, I thought it would be fun to share our team’s reading stats for the year so far. Take a peek and you’ll see what time of day we tend to read most, how many hours a week we typically read, and just how many books we have saved on our To Be Read lists. Final Thoughts Summer offers the perfect opportunity to indulge a bit more in reading and explore diverse genres, authors, and stories. By setting realistic goals, establishing dedicated reading time, exploring various book formats, creating a cozy reading environment, and participating in summer reading challenges, you can elevate your summer reading experience and make the most of this literary season. So, grab your favorite book, find a comfortable spot, and immerse yourself in the joy of reading throughout the summer months. Pin It! Dust off your old Pinterest account, and start pinning!

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6 Summer Activities for Writers

Summer is officially here, bringing with it the perfect opportunity for writers to infuse their creative process with the vibrant energy of the season. Whether you’re working on a novel, poetry collection, memoir, or any other writing project, the long, sunny days and warm evenings offer a wealth of inspiration and motivation. To make the most of this season, here are six fantastic summer activities tailored to writers, designed to ignite your imagination and enhance your writing experience. Whether you prefer solitary adventures or group activities, there’s something on this list to suit every writer’s creative needs. Start a New Project Write something new this summer. It can be anything from a random essay using one of our summer writing prompts or even an outline for a new novel. Give your mind a rest from your current project and find inspiration for a new one. Revise Your Current Project If you have finished your writing project, the summer season provides an ideal opportunity for self-editing. Take the time to carefully review your manuscript, focusing on tightening plot lines, building up your characters, and refining the overall structure of your work. This can be a productive way to ensure that your writing project is polished and ready for the next steps, whether it’s seeking publication or sharing it with others. Enjoy the process and take advantage of the longer days and relaxed atmosphere to engage in this important stage of the writing process. Submit Your Writing Project If you’re feeling like you’ve done all you can to edit your writing, and you believe it’s ready to be shared with the world, then it might be the perfect time to start submitting it for publication! The summer season can offer an ideal opportunity to kickstart the process of getting your new book out into the world. Set a Summer Reading Goal The summer season is a perfect time to catch up on reading. With longer days and warmer weather, it’s the ideal opportunity to relax with a good book. If you haven’t put together a summer reading list yet, it’s time to make one! Whether you prefer fiction, non-fiction, mystery, or romance, creating a list of books you want to read can help you stay organized and motivated. So, grab a cool drink, find a comfy spot, and start making your summer reading list today! Build Your Writing Platform The summer presents a wonderful opportunity to dedicate time to building connections with your readers. This can involve actively enhancing your social media presence and formulating a comprehensive marketing strategy to engage with your audience. By leveraging the season’s vibrant energy, you can cultivate a strong rapport with your readers and expand your reach. Take a Trip Get out and explore the world. Whether it’s a spontaneous weekend road trip to a nearby town or a meticulously planned week-long getaway to a far-off destination, breaking the routine and experiencing something different can be incredibly refreshing. Taking the time to immerse yourself in new surroundings, cultures, and experiences can spark inspiration and creativity. Who knows, you might stumble upon a captivating story idea or gain a fresh perspective that fuels your next great literary endeavor! Originally published July 22, 2021. Learn more about how to make the most of the summer.

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The Truth About Writing a Children’s Devotional: Here’s Exactly What You Need to Know

Devotionals have a significant role in nurturing the spiritual growth of young minds. By providing thoughtful, age-appropriate content, children’s devotional stories can help instill strong moral values, a sense of faith, and a deeper understanding of biblical teachings. In this article, we will explore the importance of children’s devotionals, discuss the purpose of creating a children’s devotional, and provide a step-by-step guide on how to write one. 1. Select Your Target Age Group Your first step in writing a children’s devotional is to choose the target age group you want to write for. Devotionals that are tailored to specific age ranges allow for content that is both engaging and relevant for those ages. Take some time to understand children’s developmental stages, cognitive abilities, and interests of different age groups you’ll be better able to create a meaningful and impactful devotional. Understanding Different Age Groups Children of different ages have varying levels of comprehension and attention spans. For example, preschoolers may respond better to short stories with colorful illustrations, and older children may like interactive activities. Understanding these differences can help you tailor your content to your intended audience. Adapting Content for Different Ages No matter what children’s age group you decide to write for, you’ll need to remember to simplify your language to their reading level or comprehension. You should also adjust the complexity of moral lessons to their understanding level, and choose stories and activities that are developmentally appropriate. For younger children, focus on simple and relatable themes. For older children, you can delve into more complex concepts while maintaining accessibility. 2. Decide on Format When creating a children’s devotional, you need to decide on the format that best suits your target audience. This includes: Daily, Weekly, or Monthly Formats Just like adult devotionals, ones written for children can be structured as daily, weekly, or monthly readings. Each format has its own benefits, so consider the attention span and availability of your young readers when making this decision. Interactive or Reflective Format Additionally, think about whether you want to adopt an interactive or reflective format for your children’s devotional. Interactive formats can include activities, questions for reflection, or group discussions, while reflective formats may encourage personal introspection and journaling. 3. Select Stories Understanding the process of selecting stories is crucial for engaging your audience and effectively communicating your message—no matter the age of your target audience. Choosing Relatable Stories Selecting relatable and engaging stories is pivotal in capturing the attention of young readers. Children’s devotionals should feature narratives that children can relate to by including people and situations that connect with their own experiences. Incorporating Moral Lessons The selected stories should also impart meaningful moral lessons and values. Whether it’s a story about friendship, compassion, or perseverance, the narrative should serve as a vehicle for conveying important life lessons that align with Biblical teachings. 4. Pair Scriptures with Stories Once you decide on the stories you want to share, it’s time to connect them to scriptures that tie into your story’s message. This helps deepen children’s understanding and provide context for the teachings within the scriptures. Choosing Appropriate Bible Verses Bible verses can serve as foundational principles that reinforce the moral lessons conveyed in the stories you share. Carefully select verses that are understandable and applicable to your specific age group. Aligning Biblical Lessons with Stories One of the most important responsibilities you have as a children’s devotional author is to ensure that the moral lessons derived from your stories align with the fundamental teachings of the Bible. The values and principles portrayed in your stories should connect with the core biblical beliefs and teachings. 5. Make it Engaging and Fun One of the most effective strategies for capturing a child’s attention, regardless of their age, is to create activities that are not only educational but also enjoyable and engaging. Incorporating elements of play, creativity, and interactivity can make the reading process more fun and memorable for children. Here are a few ideas: Incorporating Interactive Activities To keep children engaged with your devotional, consider including interactive activities like puzzles, crafts, or games. These hands-on activities not only reinforce the messages in your devotional but also create memorable experiences for young readers. Puzzles can encourage critical thinking and problem-solving skills, while crafts can provide a creative outlet for children to express the themes of the devotional. Additionally, games can add an element of fun and excitement to the learning process. Using Colorful Illustrations and Visuals Colorful pictures and other visuals play a vital role in capturing a child’s imagination and enhancing the overall appeal of your devotional material. Vibrant and engaging images have the power to bring your stories to life by creating a visually stimulating and immersive experience for young readers. Final Thoughts Writing a children’s devotional requires a thoughtful and intentional approach. By understanding the importance of age-appropriate content, selecting engaging stories, incorporating meaningful lessons, and making the experience fun and interactive, writers can create impactful devotionals that nurture a child’s spiritual growth. Ultimately, the goal is to inspire young hearts and minds to embrace their faith with joy, understanding, and a strong moral compass. Pin It Join us on Pinterest by pinning the image below to one of your boards.

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Inspire Your Writing with the Colors of Summer

With the arrival of summer, we are greeted by a burst of lively colors that breathe life into our daily lives It’s the season where we trade in our cozy sweaters for breezy attire and immerse ourselves in a vast array of bright, fun colors. These colors have the power to ignite our imaginations and stir up a myriad of emotions, paving the way for unique and captivating stories. In this month’s writing prompt, we want to inspire your writing by presenting five quintessential summer colors that have the potential to spark a flurry of creative thoughts and narratives. Pull out your favorite notebook or your laptop and allow yourself to get swept up in the colors of summer. 5 Colors of the Summer You Should Include In Your Writing 1. Periwinkle Periwinkle takes its name from the flower and sits between the color blue and purple in the color wheel. This color emits serenity and calmness and can symbolize blossoming friendships, sentimental memories, and everlasting love. What comes to mind when you look at this color? Whether you are inspired to write a sentence, paragraph, or even an essay, take a moment to write about it. 2. Lemon Yellow In color psychology, lemon yellow evokes feelings of happiness, positivity, optimism, and summer.  What does this color remind you of? If it’s the sun, write about a sunny day. If it’s lemonade, write about the last time you had it. Just make sure the topic you choose is authentic to your thoughts evoked by the color. 3. Soft Fuschia The color soft fuchsia inspires confidence, assurance, and maturity. Does this color inspire your writing? Think about a time you felt confident (or wish you had been more confident) and take a moment to write about it. 4. Emerald Turquoise Emerald Turquoise is a color that lies on the scale between blue and green. It has characteristics associated with both of these, such as the calmness of blue and the growth in green. Similar to yellow, it can be an uplifting color.  How does this color make you feel? 5. Coral Coral is a stronger yet paler variation of the color orange. It’s a brighter color that gains attention, which makes coral a more outgoing and social color. What comes to mind with this color? How Writing Prompts Inspire Your Writing You’ll experience days when the words feel harder to get on the page. When that happens, writing prompts can step in and provide you with the necessary inspiration you need to show up for your writing routine. Don’t let writer’s block force you to step away from your scheduled writing time. Sometimes, the best way to beat writer’s block is to write your way through it. Pin It!

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5 Things To Focus on Before Writing A Novel

Before you even begin the journey of crafting your novel, it’s imperative to lay a solid foundation through some prep work. Setting the stage for your writing endeavor involves delving into essential prewriting tasks that will not only enhance your creative process but also foster a sense of purpose and direction along the way. Today, I’m sharing a list of five tasks to help you prepare for your novel writing project. 1. Deadlines Are Very Important A deadline will push you to your limits and keep you writing even when you’re not motivated to write. Establish an estimated total word count (most novels are between 50,000 to 100,000). Create monthly, weekly, and daily goals that will help you stay accountable and meet your deadline. Remember to set attainable goals; if you can only write 500 words per hour, don’t make a 2,000-word count goal for your 2-hour writing sessions. 2. Preparation Is Everything If you start writing with no plan it’s going to get difficult and you could come across a little thing we like to call writer’s block. Prepare a basic synopsis (about 2-3 pages long) that hit the main points of your story. Then, create an outline with more details about your structure, plot, scenes, chapters, etc. Having all your research and ideas in one place will help keep your ideas and writing cohesive and organized. Plus if a roadblock arises in your writing you’ll have something you can reference. 3. Your Characters Are Your Friends The better you know your characters, the smoother your writing will flow. Give them backstories, hobbies, interests; Get to know your characters as well as you would a friend. Of course, you don’t have to write every little detail about your character in the actual novel. Just think of this additional writing as vital research for your novel. The more you know about your character outside of the main storyline, the better you’ll know how they’d react in certain scenes and give depth to your story. 4. Make A Schedule Schedule your writing sessions during times of the day you know you can write with minimal distraction. Disconnect from the internet (if you can) and the world around you and just focus on your writing. 5. Avoid Editing As You Write One of the biggest mistakes new writers make is to edit while writing. Make sure the time you are setting aside to write is fully dedicated to just that, not editing. Avoid reading what you just wrote and just keep moving forward. You’ll have dedicated time after finish your first draft for revisions and editing. Final Thoughts If you’re ready to set a publishing timeline for your upcoming novel give us a call at 1-866-381-2665. We’d love to publish you!

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Exploring Imaginative Fantasy Subgenres

Welcome, fellow traveler! You have officially been introduced to the realm of the fantasy genre and are ready to begin your quest in writing your story. The time has come to look even closer at the elements that have already been introduced as well as other elements that may arise later in the writing process for this particular genre so that you are well-equipped for the journey ahead. Let us begin by asking this question: what kind of fantasy would you like to write about? While it would be an impressively amazing accomplishment, no story can house every element within this genre for it is far too broad. So, the best and easiest first step to take would be to pick a focus and find a subgenre to write about. There are quite a few fantasy subgenres and some can even be combined, but let us focus on the more common and well-known ones that are used in fantasy. 7 Well-Known Fantasy Subgenres 1. Sword and Sorcery We’ll start with perhaps the most famous of fantasy subgenres. Sword and sorcery is just how it sounds: heroes who wield swords and/or magic, go on epic quests, and complete a purpose that can either save an individual’s life or an entire world. If you are into writing action and incorporating more fantasy elements such as creating unique worlds, using magic, including various races, and other fun fantasy elements, this is the genre for you. Two famous series can be categorized under this famous subgenre as J.R.R. Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings series and George R.R. Martin’s Game of Thrones series are both considered sword and sorcery in which case the characters are fighting to save the world. Another series that has gained popularity that falls in this subgenre is Andrzej Sapkowski’s Witcher series and is an excellent example of one hero fighting to save one who he considers a daughter. 2. Medieval/Arthurian Two other popular subgenres that can go hand in hand would be focused on medieval times and Arthurian legends. While the actual time period was most certainly harsh in real life, present-day media has romanticized it in a way where readers imagine knights in shining armor saving damsels in distress from fire-breathing dragons. The Princess Bride by William Goldman took the medieval subgenre and crafted a humorous and fairytale-like fantasy adventure. T. H. White wrote an Arthurian retelling in The Once and Future King, giving readers a story following King Arthur from when he was just an unappreciated boy named Wart to his dying days as a respected king. 3. Christian Arthurian legends could easily fall into Christian fantasy, as well, since the crusades King Arthur and his knights embarked on have a focus of finding the Holy Grail, but there are other ways to incorporate Christianity into fantasy. This particular subgenre can seem rather strange and some readers may even see it as, for lack of a better word, blasphemous; however, it can be an incredible opportunity to spread the Word of God to an audience who may have already accepted Jesus into their lives or may make a nonbeliever curious to know more about what the Bible says. The most famous Christian fantasy series would be C.S. Lewis’s Chronicles of Narnia as Lewis disguises religious aspects through animals and magic. Another series is a rather surprising one as dragons are incorporated into the spiritual war between God and Satan in the DragonKeeper Chronicles by Donita K. Paul.  4. Fable/Fairytale Stories of magic beans, little mermaids, golden gooses, and more are imaginative creations we all grew up with and still enjoy reading even as adults. Fairytales and fables are shorter fantasy pieces that can be a bit easier to tackle when it comes to writing, but keep in mind that fairy tales usually originate in folklore while fables always teach a lesson or moral on how to behave in the world. There are so many fairytales and fables out there to read and enjoy, ranging from Grimms’ Fairy Tales to stories by Hans Christian Andersen to Aesop’s Fables and more. 5. Magical Realism/Historical/Military While each can stand on its own as a story, these three subgenres can usually be found combined together into one story. Magical realism uses magical elements in a way that seems a bit more realistic, blurring the lines between fantasy and reality. These are the stories that, when read, can make it seem like the realm of fantasy truly exists. Series like the Temeraire series by Namoi Novik takes place during the Napoleonic War, yet the opposing sides use an air force consisting of dragons to try and gain the upper hand. The Poppy War series by R.F. Kuang takes place during the Second Sino-Japanese War and focuses on a young woman who turns the tides with her power of shamanism. Both of these stories focus on historical events that actually happened, but insert fantastical elements to change events around. 6. Legendary/Mythological Retellings For those out there who love the stories and tales of mythology, regardless of what culture the stories come from, this subgenre is for you. This subgenre takes well-known mythological and legendary stories and either retells or creates alternate storylines. Greek mythology is most certainly the more popular choice as stories such as Circe by Madeline Miller, Ithaca by Clarie North, and A Thousand Ships by Natalie Haynes are but a few of many; however, other authors have tackled other mythologies such as Norse mythology in The Witch’s Heart by Genevieve Gornichec, Asian mythology in Daughter of the Moon by Sue Lynn Tan, African mythology in Skin of the Sea by Natasha Bowen, and more. If you feel daring, you can even incorporate multiple mythologies together as Neil Gaiman did in American Gods and Richard Paolinelli did in When The Gods Fell. 7. Supernatural/Dark The fascination of the supernatural and macabre is one that continues to this day. While there can be other more realistic stories that tell of true encounters with spirits and demons, the world of fantasy can really bring more unusual creatures such as vampires, werewolves, and other creatures that go bump in the night. Jim Butcher’s The Dresden Files series takes place in the real world setting of Chicago; however, the main character acts as a detective in the supernatural, taking on cases that involve vampires, demons, spirits, faeries, and other monsters. You can also get the creative juices flowing and craft a new kind of monster as Neil Gaiman created the Beldam in Coraline. Dark fantasy does not necessarily have to focus on creatures, but also villains with dark intentions such as the Dark One in Robert Jordan’s The Wheel of Time series and Flagg in Stephen King’s The Dark Tower series. Final Thoughts We have covered but a few of the more popular fantasy subgenres, but you can also dabble with elements of romance, dystopian, superhero, coming-of-age, and more, all set within fantasy settings. As some of these examples suggest, feel free to mix and match subgenres together to make your story stand out to your reading audience. The examples of books provided can really help you get a feel for specific subgenres you may be interested in, so be sure to use them as references, if needed. Once you have narrowed down the subgenre(s) for your unique story, you will be ready to officially begin your quest by sitting down to write! Publish Your Fantasy Novel With Us

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