Discovering Nobledark: A Revelation in the Shadows

There comes a moment in every author’s journey akin to stumbling upon a secret door in a familiar room.

For me, that moment was discovering the sub-genre of fantasy known as ‘nobledark.’

It was like turning on a light in a dimly lit library, revealing a corner I never knew existed.

My work, you see, has always teetered on a delicate tightrope, never quite plummeting into the abyss of grimdark, yet not soaring in the sunlit skies of noblebright.

It encompasses elements from both ends of the fantasy spectrum, but until now, I couldn’t quite put a label on it.

Nobledark: The Grey Area of Fantasy

Nobledark, as I learned, is the perfect blend of light and shadow.

It’s like a cup of tea that’s both sweet and bitter—a genre where flawed characters strive to maintain their moral compass amidst terrible circumstances.

It’s not about heroes shining bright against the darkness or about delving into the depths of despair.

Instead, it’s about the struggle, the journey of characters grappling with both external and internal conflicts.

A Thematic Link Across Genres

This revelation wasn’t just confined to my fantasy writings.

It shed light on a thematic link that runs through all my stories, regardless of genre.

From the desolate landscapes of my post-apocalyptic Wasteland series to the chaos of Punks Versus Zombies, the nobledark theme resonates.

My characters, whether it’s Abel, Liam, or Tommy, consistently face moral dilemmas and challenging circumstances.

And this theme is evident in my fantasy titles as well.

The Ravenglass Chronicles, Ravenglass Legends, and Dawn of Assassins are not just stories of magic and adventure; they are tales of characters making difficult choices in dire situations.

Their world is not one of unblemished heroism or unrelenting darkness; it’s a world painted in shades of grey, where decisions have weight and consequences are real.

Seven Years to a Eureka Moment

It’s taken me seven years to arrive at this understanding.

Seven years of weaving tales without fully grasping the tapestry I was creating.

Discovering nobledark has been like finding the missing piece of a puzzle I didn’t know I was assembling.

It’s a genre that not only defines my work but also resonates with my narrative voice—a voice that finds its strength in the balance between light and dark.

So, for me at least, nobledark has been more than just a literary revelation—it’s been a key to unlocking a deeper understanding of my own work.

It’s a genre where hope and despair coexist, where characters are as complex as the worlds they inhabit.

This discovery has not only given me a new perspective on my past work but also illuminated the path for my future writings.

I’m excited to explore this newly found territory, to tell stories that are as rich and nuanced as the genre itself.

After all, isn’t finding your place in the vast world of literature one of the greatest quests an author can embark on?

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