How to write overpowered protagonists

If your main character is "overpowered," that's not necessarily a bad thing. The key is to make sure you find weaknesses that complement both the character and the story they're driving. So today on Fantasy Writing for Barbarians, I take a look at a prompt asking for feedback on a particularly over…

How to write female protagonists

Let's be real. A lot of authors (especially men like me) tend to fall short when writing female characters, let alone protagonists. There are all kinds of stereotypes, cliches, and blindspots that we're told to avoid. But at a certain point, it can all start to feel like we're fulfilling a checklis…

One Piece 1131 Manga Recap: 'Loki in the Underworld'

This week, Jon Negroni and Travis Hymas discuss the latest chapter of the One Piece manga, titled “Loki in the Underworld.” One Piece 1131 is currently available to read for free on Viz. We want your feedback! If you have any questions, corrections, or your own theories and speculation, you can ei…

Why you shouldn't write your novel like it's a movie

Your novel is a novel, not a movie or TV show. And that's not a bad thing! We can do a ton with novels that won't work nearly as well in a screenplay and vice versa. So if you find yourself struggling to make your writing more "cinematic," or for it to follow a visual scene in your head, this might…

Writing Advice from Literary Agent/Editor Brenna English-Loeb

Our special guest today is Brenna English-Loeb, a literary agent for Transatlantic Literary Agency and the founder of BEL Tower Editorial, a developmental editing business where she helps authors craft rich, compelling stories across multiple genres, including of course fantasy. Brenna English-Loe…

When prologues work and when they don't

Just say no to prologues. Right? Well, usually, yes. But there's a reason a lot of the most famous fantasy novels of all time just so happen to have (you guessed it) prologues. Even though a prologue or prelude or "chapter 0" is most likely unnecessary and maybe even detrimental to your own novel, …

How to master your magic system

Today on Fantasy Writing for Barbarians, I critique a magic system from an author who worries their idea might put them in a corner down the road. I get into the differences between hard and soft magic systems, some positive indicators that you're developing a good one, and ultimately how to make s…

One Piece 1130 Manga Recap: 'The Accursed Prince'

This week on the show, Jon Negroni and Travis Hymas discuss the latest chapter of the One Piece manga, titled “The Accursed Prince." One Piece 1130 is currently available to read for free on Viz. We want your feedback! If you have any questions, corrections, or your own theories and speculation, y…

How to unlock your fantasy writing potential

One of the hardest things about writing a fantasy novel (or any novel) is starting. Where do you even begin? And how do you know if you're even ready? Today on Fantasy Writing for Barbarians, I talk all about overcoming those creative blocks that can mess up our writing process. Especially if you'…

How to write love interests who aren't one-dimensional

If you're writing a fantasy romance — or maybe just a fantasy with some romance — then at some point you're probably going to wonder if your love interest is compelling enough. Readers typically bemoan one-dimensional love interests who don't really have their own character arcs. When they're just …