This Dragon Doodles

The Road Where Fruits Fell

“You recall how, when you gave me my robes, you told me you hoped I would find a student who taught me as much as I taught you?” Aphiros asked with a sidelong grin. “Well, I found one.” His grin felt at least halfway like a grimace. “I’m glad to hear it,” the old man walking next to him said. He sidestepped around a pair of small children running down the road in pursuit of a ball, then resumed…

When worldbuilding for a fantasy or sci-fi story, one of the biggest dangers is getting caught up in the details, creating more and more minutiae about your world, and never getting to the actual writing of the story. Or, if you do manage to write, there’s a risk of trying to cram in as many worldbuilding details as possible and swamping the reader with fascinating but irrelevant…

The Evolution of a Plantser

Over the years I’ve tried a number of different methods for planning and writing my books, but I always had trouble carrying through on my plans and actually finishing drafts. Finally, within the last couple years, I’ve managed to nail down the method that works best for me, which is a specific combination of discovery writing and outlining. Usually, ideas come to me in the form of character…

Oops, Another Short Story (or Three)

I never planned to write any short stories. But when I was preparing to self-publish my first novel, a lot of people advised me to start by releasing a free story to help market the novel and to give people a taste of my writing before they committed to buying a full-length book. So I picked my favorite side character from the novel, Pretty Pinchworth, and wrote a short story about her learning…

Books on My Reading List

I rarely select books to read in advance; I’m an inveterate browser of library shelves and used bookstores, selecting books based solely on what catches my eye in the moment. But I’ve decided to try planning my reading a bit this year, and I’ve started by selecting four books to add to my official reading list. No doubt I’ll read a great many more books than that, but I’m committing to reading…

Wren & Kelta Trivia

Kelta of Darias Clan Hair: blondeEyes: blueHeight: 5′ 6″Birthday: February 2 Theme Song: “Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis,” by Ralph Vaughan Williams Family: Uncle Haias Ganat Likes: music, martial arts, quiet mornings alone Dislikes: prying questions, noisy crowds, people touching her without permission Gentle Wren Elspur Hair: blackEyes: brownHeight: 5′ 10″Birthday: August 13 Theme…

“Sir!” called a voice from outside the tent. “Sir, it’s starting!” Hanaskit bolted to his feet and flung his golden general’s capelet over his shoulders without stopping to check that the fringe of red and green feathers lay smoothly. He paused only long enough to snatch his farseer from his desk and slip it into the holster on his belt before he pushed open the tent flap and hurried…

Jump to Recipes — Melon Curry — Fried Vegetables — Flatbread — Coconut Peach Jelly — Hot Chocolate You step through the archway into a courtyard garden. Flowering trees shade the flagstone paths, and small fountains trickle and bubble here and there, filling the whole space with the soft sound of running water. At the center of the garden stands a circle of comfortable chairs, each with its own…

Jump to Recipes — Figgy Salmon — Spiral Bread — Roasted Eggplant — Taro Sesame Cones — Rosemary Lemonade You sit down with your friends around the richly appointed dining table. The cloth is shimmery gold, lit by delicate porcelain candle-holders shaped like old-fashioned oil lamps. Your place has already been set with an embroidered placemat, engraved silverware, and two goblets made of colored…

“Magical Mechanics” Excerpt

Pa was passed out with his face on the table when Denny slipped out of bed. There were two bottles on the table, one half full and the other empty and tipped over on its side. Denny felt a stab of anger at the sight. Pa had gotten his hours cut this past week, but instead of going out looking for more work, he sat here every night complaining about the unfairness of life while he drank himself…

Jump to Recipes — Beef Roast — Popovers A servant greets you at the door and takes your coat before escorting you to the dining room. The snowy tablecloth is laid out with crystal goblets, lace napkins, and freshly polished silverware. This isn’t a formal meal, so there aren’t multiple sets of forks and spoons for different courses. Still, your host wants to honor you with the best he has, so…

Jump to Recipes — Cold Summer Soup — Sweet Potato Bread — Marinated Eggs — Fried Honey-Cakes As you cross the courtyard, your host steps forward to meet you. You bow deeply, and he bows in return. “Welcome, guest. What is mine is yours so long as you remain. All troubles are set aside, all feuds forgotten. Let us feast together.” He offers you a tiny square rug, no larger than the palm of your…

Jump to Recipes — Fish and Vegetables — Corn Flatbread — Eggplant Dip — Fruit Salad — Whiskey Tea The family talk quietly among themselves as they settle down to eat. You take the offered place near the middle of the group, settling cross-legged on one of the small wooden blocks that serve as stools around the low table. The matriarch and patriarch sit on either end, with the youngest and least…

Jump to Recipes: Pork Pot — Mango Rice — Drinks “Welcome! Come, sit with us.” The dark-skinned woman beams at you from under a bright yellow headscarf as she ushers you toward the table. A dozen friends and family members already crowd around the table, chattering and laughing. Every one of them wears brighter colors and patterns than the last. You squeeze into the last remaining chair as the…