I promise to write clean, epic, meaningful fantasy.
What do I mean by that?
Clean Fantasy
When I say “clean,” I mean that my books will avoid everything that I personally don’t care to read in fiction.
This means you will NEVER see:
- Mentions or descriptions of sexual activity of any kind, including passionate kissing, on-screen sex, references to off-screen sex, or sexual jokes or innuendoes.
- References to infidelity, prostitution, premarital sex, underage sex, extramarital pregnancy, or sexual abuse, or their use as plot points.
- References to illegitimate children, or illegitimacy used as a plot point.
- Gory, graphic descriptions of death or injury
- Profanity*
- Nudity or references to nudity
- Potty humor or references to bodily functions
*I may invent in-world exclamations, such as “shadows!” But such phrases will never be used by characters to insult other characters, just as expressions of dismay, shock, or surprise – similar to how a refined gentleman would use “bother!”
And you will RARELY (but occasionally, as the story requires) see:
- On-screen deaths
- Descriptions of blood or wounds
- Acts of torture, physical or emotional abuse, or characters inflicting physical pain on-screen
It is important to note that this is my standard for my books. I do not consider this list the standard for any book to meet to be considered “clean.” There are many books that I enjoy and would label “clean” that contain one or two of these elements.
I write what I want to read. There are enough books out there that contain these elements. I believe I can write powerful, compelling, incredible books that don’t contain these.
Epic Fantasy
What do I mean by epic fantasy? It’s an incredibly loose term in the industry.
First, I do not mean my books will be 200k-500k words long. No, I target my books to be 90k-150k words.
Rather, I mean that my books will typically contain:
- Stand-alone fantasy worlds (not Earth as a setting)
- Hard or semi-hard magic systems
- Multiple intelligent species
- Stakes that matter to a large chunk of people. Typically the fate of kingdoms will be on the line, if not worlds. The main characters’ actions (or failure to act) will directly or indirectly impact a lot of people.
- Clear morally good goals and clear morally evil threats (even if individual characters are a hodgepodge of good, bad, and in-the-middle motives and actions)
Meaningful Fantasy
This is easily the most nebulous term of the three. What do I mean by “meaningful” fantasy?
- My stories will mean something. They will make you think and ponder. They are not meant solely or even principally to entertain (though I hope to do that). They are meant to inspire, and to prompt reflection.
- My stories will teach truth by reflecting true principles in the lives and actions unfolding on the page. Actions will have consequences. Themes will be explored such as good and evil, redemption, forgiveness, courage, honor, truth, light, darkness.
That’s my promise. I hope you enjoy!