Welcome to the Forge. Here’s one handy list of everything I’ve written here. Fiction short stories are at the top. All non-fiction is down below.
Short Stories
All short stories are set in the same high fantasy world. Every story is stand-alone and can be read in any order. This includes my ongoing anthology, The Samyuzot, which has recurring themes and characters and will reward returnign readers.
The Samyuzot
The Samyuzot follows the life of a cursed warrior, cast off by his people and sent to wander in exile. Join the samyuzot as he comes to terms with his curse and tries to find redemption in hostile, foreign lands.
The First Death of Segitars Arpadi: a prince of the Plains challenges a rival suitor, but soon finds a greater challenge than he expected.
A Exile’s Curse: an exile wanders at the edge of homeland and seeks a way to avoid the wrath of the gods.
(Anecdote #3 Coming December 3, 2024)
(Anecdote #4 Coming January, 2025).
Stand-Alone Stories
A young adventurer has won his trophy, but can he escape with it?
Trapped by deadly wraiths, an old hermit must rediscover an ancient magic and confront his past.
A fisherman must make hard choices in order to live through merciless times.
What does a man gain by going to war, and what does he lose by staying home?
An anecdote of war.
A poor family, confronted by a heavily-armed intruder.
“The Delver”: Tales of Maldurian the Archmage
Ash and Death on a Dangerous Road
A man has an ominous encounter in the wilderness
A letter between feuding colleagues, with the essence of magic at stake
✹ ✹ ✹
Other Collections, Non-Fiction
On History & Fantasy
Why Warriors Wield the Weapons They Wield (Part 1)
Weird Weapons, Cringe Combat (Part 2)
Commentaries & Reviews…
…on the genre of fantasy
Tolkien’s “On Fairy Stories,” with Clifford Stumme of Past the Dragon
…on specific works
Commentary on some of my own stories, and lessons from the 2024 Gibberish Writing Competition.
On Writing
The Most Important Narrative Tool No One Told You About
On narrative distance, and saying “No” to the RPG Video Game Camera
Two Simple Questions That Will Give Depth To Your Characters
Using temperament to get beyond “what do they want and why?”
✹ ✹ ✹