What purpose does political intrigue serve in fantasy novels?

 Magic and mythical creatures are cool, but political intrigue can make our stories come alive in ways that stick with us. Tangles of power, loyalty, and difficult choices keep us guessing about what the characters will do at every turn.

In my Dark Blade Trilogy, I've explored how politics shapes not just kingdoms, but the very souls of those caught in its web. Take Dan, a junior Lord of Septily, who discovers his family's involvement in the slave trade while training with the Watch Guard. Talk about a gut punch. But here's where it gets interesting – political systems don't just create problems, they create crucibles for character growth.

Think about it. When Dan trains alongside Prince Alex and Farrald, a merchant's son, they're not just learning combat moves. They're navigating a complex dance of class differences, competing loyalties, and personal dreams that clash with duty. The Watch Guard isn't just another fantasy military organization – it's an interkingdom agency that forces characters to think beyond their local power structures.

Here's something I've learned while crafting these stories: political intrigue works best when it's personal. Sure, we could talk about trade agreements and border disputes (yawn), but what really grabs readers is watching characters wrestle with choices that pit their hearts against their duties. Prince Alex wants to return to his kingdom, Farrald dreams of life as a Shepherd, and Dan seeks to distance himself from his family's dark legacy. Each character's personal journey intertwines with larger political forces, creating tension that drives the story forward.

But let's zoom out for a moment. Fantasy as a genre has always been fertile ground for exploring political themes. Look at how George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire uses political machinations to examine human nature, or how N.K. Jemisin's Broken Earth trilogy weaves systemic oppression into the very fabric of its world. These stories work because they understand that politics isn't just about who sits on the throne – it's about how power shapes people and societies.

In The Dark Blade Trilogy, the Watch Guard serves as an organization that transcends kingdom boundaries, forcing characters to grapple with loyalties that extend beyond their homeland. Through their training, Dan, Alex, and Farrald don't just learn fighting techniques – they learn to see their world from new perspectives, forming alliances that challenge their preconceptions.

What makes political intrigue truly compelling in fantasy isn't the complexity of the schemes (though those are fun), but how they force characters to grow. When Dan uncovers his family's involvement in slavery, he faces a choice that will define not just his future, but potentially the future of Septily itself. These are the moments that transform political intrigue from mere plot devices into powerful tools for character development.

For writers crafting their own fantasy worlds, remember that effective political intrigue grows organically from your world's unique characteristics and the conflicts your characters face. The Watch Guard works as a political entity because it makes sense within the world's structure, creating natural tensions between local and interkingdom interests. These tensions provide endless opportunities for character growth and conflict.

Political intrigue in fantasy allows us to explore very real human dynamics in settings unbound by historical constraints. Through Dan's journey from privileged lord to questioning trainee, through Alex's struggle between personal desire and royal duty, through Farrald's dream of a simpler life, we see how political systems shape destinies and force characters to define themselves in relation to power.

What's your take on political intrigue in fantasy? Have you ever found yourself surprisingly invested in fictional politics? Drop a comment below – I'd love to hear your thoughts on how political elements enhance or complicate your favorite fantasy stories.

Read Dark Blade Forged or check out the No Spice Fantasy Book Funnel for February 2025!

Podcasting for Authors - AT the IWSG Site

 Thinking About Starting a Podcast as an Author?

Spoiler: You don’t need fancy gear, a radio voice, or a flawless plan.

In this week’s guest post at the Insecure Writer’s Support Group, I’m diving into the real story behind how I started podcasting (hint: it involved zero perfection and a whole lot of learning on the go). I’m sharing practical tips for getting started, embracing imperfection, and using podcasting to connect with readers in a whole new way.

✨ Bonus: A curated list of author-friendly podcasts to inspire your ears!

And you can listen my podcast this week here: The Truth About Storytelling.

IWSG: If I Could Be Anyone (or Anything) for a Day: A Writer’s Adventure & 5 Ways to Refill the Creative Well

 

IWSG Sign Up

To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!

Started by Alex J. Cavanaugh! The volunteer hosts this month are: Ronel Janse Van Vuuren, Pat Garcia, and Liza @ Middle Passages!

The optional question for the Insecure Writer's Support Group Blog Hop this month is: If for one day you could be anyone or thing in the world, what would it be? Describe, tell why, and any themes, goals, or values they/it inspire in you.

If for one day I could be anyone or thing in the world, I would be an author adventurer.

Picture this: traveling the world, piloting personal aircraft, speaking openly about my stories and my faith with a strong voice, but also finding the time to enjoy my family and invest time in my community. This “author adventurer” would live with purpose, explore new places, and share what I learn with others, all while staying grounded by the love and support of those closest to me. It’s a blend of adventure, creative expression, and meaningful connection that inspires me every day. I'm so close to this, but yet not quite there yet, and some of it, I am unlikely to do at this point in my life - I don't think I'll be getting a personal pilot's license anytime soon, but the rest is within reach.

As I think about the type of creative life I’d like to live, it reminds me of the importance of refilling our creative wells. Even the most adventurous and passionate writers need to pause, refresh, and regain their energy to keep moving forward. When we're creatively drained, it's easy to feel like we're stuck or burning out. That’s why it’s crucial to take time for restoration and refilling.

Here are 5 ways to refill your creative well when you feel low on inspiration:

1. Step Away and Take a Break
   Sometimes, the best way to refresh your mind is to step away from your work. Go for a walk, take a nap, or simply breathe. The act of letting go for a moment allows fresh energy to return.
2. Spend Time in Nature
   Nature is an incredible source of rejuvenation. Whether it's a stroll through the woods or sitting by a lake, taking in the sights and sounds of the outdoors can help you reset and gain new perspectives.
3. Engage in a Different Creative Activity
   If your writing feels stagnant, try something different: sketch, paint, dance, or experiment with cooking. Engaging in a creative activity that’s not directly related to your primary work often helps stir up new ideas.
4. Connect with Other Creatives
   Talking to other writers or artists can reignite your spark. Exchange ideas, discuss struggles, or simply share your work. Sometimes, all it takes is a good conversation to re-energize your own creative flow.
5. Take Yourself on an Artist’s Date
   A concept from Julia Cameron's The Artist's Way, an Artist's Date is about taking yourself on an adventure for the sole purpose of inspiring creativity. Whether it's visiting a museum, going to a play, or even taking a walk in a new place, do something just for you and your creative spirit.

I'll be diving deeper into more ways to refill your creative well on my podcast this week. I hope you’ll join me for the conversation as we explore how to nurture and protect our creativity.

Book Deals This Month:

Science Fiction and Fantasy in March

FREE Adventures in Scfi & Fantasy

AND I’ll be participating in an in-person event at the end of April at the Paddler's Cup in Gig Harbor, Washington - celebrating kayaking, canoeing, and dragonboats.

So, what would your answer be if you could be anyone or anything for a day? I’d love to hear from you in the comments!

How to Train Like a Pro, and Level Up Your Writing

 For the rest of February and for the first two weeks of March, I'll be discussing writing habits that have helped me as a writer.

Many years ago, as a teen, I competed in sprints and shot put competitions. In college, I fenced foil and saber. Freedom of movement was woven into the fabric of my identity – until a series of injuries and health challenges began to rewrite my story. I've had nineteen surgeries to date. I thought that was the worst, but then... Two years ago, a bad fall left me with whiplash and bone-deep bruises on my knees and one of my hands. The doctors' orders were clear: stay off my feet for two months, then three more. My world narrowed to the walk down our house hallway.

During physical therapy, I found myself starting over from the very beginning. Finally, I could walk up and down our driveway, practicing movements that had once been as natural as breathing. Those steps were both humbling and profound – each one a reminder that sometimes our greatest growth begins in the smallest spaces.

Over two years, those driveway walks expanded, step by step, into two-mile journeys. Now, I complement these walks with spontaneous dance sessions around my house – finding joy in movement that once felt impossible. This journey taught me something crucial about creative growth: the path to mastery isn't always linear, and sometimes our most significant breakthroughs come when we honor where we are rather than where we think we should be.

As writers, we often pressure ourselves to sprint before we can walk. We look at accomplished authors and try to match their word counts, their publishing schedules, their seemingly effortless productivity. But what if we approached our writing practice with the same patience and progressive training mindset that helped me reclaim my mobility?

My years of writing and teaching writing have shown me that writing excellence is built through progressive training, just like any other skill.

Let's start with an honest assessment of where you are right now. Are you struggling to write 500 words a day? Or are you consistently hitting 2,000 words but finding your dialogue feels flat? Understanding your starting point isn't about judgment – it's about creating a realistic training plan. When I first started tracking my writing, I was shocked to discover how little I was writing most days, and how much I could write when I sat down to do a "little" every day.

The key to progressive training is making small, manageable increases in challenge. Think of it as adding one more step to your daily walk. If you're writing 500 words daily, aim for 550 next week. If you've mastered single-perspective stories, try writing a scene from two different characters' viewpoints. The goal is to push yourself just beyond your comfort zone without becoming overwhelmed.

Here's where many writers go wrong: they try to jump from writing occasional short stories to cranking out 5,000 words daily while learning complex plot structures. That's like trying to run a marathon when you've barely mastered walking your driveway. Instead, focus on one aspect of your craft at a time. Maybe this month you'll work on increasing your word count, and next month you'll focus on deepening your character development.

The magic happens in the showing up.

This brings us to one of the most crucial aspects of progressive training: avoiding burnout. Just as I had to learn to listen to my body during recovery, writers need to pay attention to their creative energy. If your writing starts feeling mechanical or you're dreading your daily session, it might be time to ease back on the intensity. I've learned to schedule regular "creative refueling/writer's date" days where I read, watch movies, or simply observe the world around me.

Some of the most successful writers I know have used this progressive training approach. Brandon Sanderson famously wrote thirteen novels before getting published, gradually increasing his skill with each book. Andy Weir spent years honing his craft through short stories before writing "The Martian." Their success wasn't about innate talent – it was about consistent, structured practice.

The beauty of progressive training is that it turns writing improvement into a series of achievable challenges rather than an overwhelming mountain to climb. Each small victory builds confidence, and before you know it, you're writing at a level you once thought impossible – just as those small steps down my driveway eventually led to miles of walking and dancing.

Here’s a sample progressive training plan for your writing (list format below): 

Let me share with you the same kind of progressive training plan that helped me move from driveway walks to neighborhood adventures, adapted for your writing journey. Think of this as your own rehabilitation program for creativity, designed to build strength gradually and sustainably.

During your first two weeks, focus on establishing your baseline, just as I had to understand my body's new limitations. Begin with fifteen-minute freewriting sessions. These are your driveway walks – short, manageable, and foundational. Pay attention to the sensory details around you as you write, much like I had to relearn awareness of each step. Notice when fatigue or resistance appears; these are valuable signals, not limitations. Track your natural writing rhythm without judgment, understanding that this is your current starting point, not your final destination.

As you move into weeks three and four, allow for gentle expansion, similar to how I gradually extended my walking distance. Stretch your writing sessions to twenty or twenty-five minutes. Begin crafting character sketches, like taking those first tentative steps beyond the driveway. Experiment with dialogue, letting your characters find their voices just as I rediscovered my own strength. Keep a creativity journal to track your progress – these are your physical therapy notes for the mind.

In your second month, you're ready to build complexity, much like I progressed from basic walking to dancing. Start experimenting with different story structures – these are your new movement patterns. Layer in deeper themes, like adding subtle stretches to your exercise routine. Practice scene transitions, moving your stories forward with the same deliberate intention I used to expand my walking route. Work on character depth, allowing your creations to become as real and three-dimensional as the world I rediscovered step by step.

Remember, just as my recovery wasn't linear, your writing development won't be either. There will be days when the words flow effortlessly, like those mornings when my body felt strong and capable. Other days, you might need to scale back, to return to those fifteen-minute sessions or simple character sketches. This isn't regression – it's respect for your creative process.

Your journey might take longer than two months. It's okay.

My challenge for you is this: What's your driveway? What small, consistent step can you take today in your writing journey? Choose one area from the progressive plan above, and commit to showing up consistently.

Progressive Example Plan as a List (and More):

Week 1-2 (or more): Establishing Baseline

• - Start with 15-minute freewriting sessions
• - Focus on observation and sensory details
• - Track your natural writing rhythm
• - Notice when resistance or fatigue appears

Week 3-4 (or more) Gentle Expansion:

• - Extend sessions to 20-25 minutes
• - Introduce simple character sketches
• - Begin exploring dialogue
• - Keep a creativity journal

Month 2 (or when ready): 

• - Experiment with story structure - Layer in deeper themes - Practice scene transitions - Work on character depth

Remember to rest as needed:

Schedule regular reading days

Engage in different art forms

Connect with other writers

Have Renewal/Refuel/Writer's Date Days

Every masterpiece begins with a single word, just as every journey begins with a single step.

The Legacy of Magical Swords: From Excalibur to Dark Blades

Magical swords have captured the imagination of storytellers and readers for centuries. They aren't just weapons—they're symbols of power, destiny, and the eternal struggle between good and evil. From the legendary Excalibur to the cursed blades of shadow, these weapons shape not only their wielders but also the worlds they inhabit. But what makes a magical sword truly legendary? And why do dark blades so often serve as the battleground for a hero’s inner turmoil? Let’s explore the enduring legacy of these enchanted weapons and the stories they tell.

Excalibur: The Sword of Kings

Excalibur is arguably the most famous magical sword in Western mythology. Often tied to the legend of King Arthur, it represents divine right, justice, and noble leadership. In some versions of the legend, Arthur pulls the sword from the stone, proving his worthiness to rule. In others, the Lady of the Lake presents it to him as a gift, reinforcing the idea that his rule is sanctioned by higher powers.

What makes Excalibur stand out isn't just its power but what it represents—the ideal of a just and honorable king. Unlike many dark blades that test their wielder, Excalibur is a beacon of righteousness. However, when Arthur loses Excalibur or misuses his power, it signals the beginning of his downfall.

Elven Blades of Middle-earth: Magic in Craftsmanship

J.R.R. Tolkien introduced several legendary swords in The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings. Weapons like Glamdring (wielded by Gandalf) and Sting (first used by Bilbo, then Frodo) carry historical weight. Their magic isn’t flashy but practical—glowing in the presence of orcs and forged with superior craftsmanship.

Tolkien’s approach to magical swords reinforces the idea that power itself isn’t inherently corrupting—it depends on the hands that wield it. Unlike the One Ring, which tempts and manipulates, the Elven swords serve as tools for justice, amplifying the strengths of their wielders rather than corrupting them.

The Dark Blades: Weapons of Temptation and Trial

While swords like Excalibur and Glamdring uplift their wielders, dark blades often come with a price. Some are cursed, forged in blood magic, or inhabited by vengeful spirits. They tempt their wielders toward destruction, forcing them to confront their deepest fears and desires.

One famous example is Stormbringer from Michael Moorcock’s Elric of Melniboné series. This sentient sword grants Elric immense power but at a terrible cost—it consumes the souls of those it slays, including those he loves. The question of who truly controls whom—Elric or his blade—adds layers of complexity to his story, making it one of the most memorable examples of a dark weapon in fantasy.

Revenge vs. Justice: The Moral Struggle of Dark Blades

One of the most compelling themes in fantasy is the battle between vengeance and justice. A hero wielding a dark blade may struggle to maintain their integrity, questioning whether they fight for righteousness or personal retribution.

In The Witcher series by Andrzej Sapkowski, Geralt of Rivia wields swords enhanced by alchemy and magic. While his weapons aren’t inherently dark, his role as a monster hunter forces him to make difficult moral choices. If he were to wield a cursed blade that thirsts for blood, how long could he hold onto his sense of right and wrong before it consumed him?

In my own work, I explore similar themes through the dark blade Dan wields in The Dark Blade Trilogy, starting with Dark Blade Forged. In this series, the blade will test its wielder’s convictions. Is revenge ever justified? Can a sword used for destruction in the past be used for noble purposes? These questions drive my character’s journey and force him to define his own sense of justice.

The Enduring Appeal of Magical Swords

Magical swords remain a cornerstone of fantasy because they externalize the hero’s internal battles. Whether they are righteous symbols like Excalibur, tools of resistance like Glamdring, or cursed temptations like Stormbringer, they reflect their wielder’s deepest struggles and aspirations.

Readers and writers alike are drawn to these weapons because they add depth to the hero’s journey. A sword is never just a sword—it’s a mirror, a trial, and sometimes, a path to redemption or ruin. As fantasy continues to evolve, so too will the legends of magical swords, ensuring that their legacy endures.

What are your favorite magical swords in fantasy? Do you prefer weapons of light or blades of darkness? 

Get Dark Blade Forged HERE or check out the No Spice Fantasy Book Funnel for February!