Real loss. Real tragedy. Real hardship. Interwoven with magic the best fantasy is that which is reflective of the challenges of the human condition.

Gifts: moments that passed and are now reflected on with fondness. Gifts: stories of encouragement from others. Gifts: outpouring of hospitality.

Using good as a guise for bad is worse than doing bad openly. It breaks trust, internally and externally. And it establishes a level of cognitive dissonance that degrades oneself.

Bringing people together. For the common pursuit of an idea, dream, or direction of improvement. Under our noses, there’s so much potential to be had.

One of the signs of great fiction is the interplay between believability and the absolutely unbelievable. Characters that make tough decisions and mistakes, while simultaneously wielding unbelievable power fight evil of terrifying heights. The two contrasting threads weave a wonderful experience for the reader.