As I promised, Nicole La Brocca has returned as our guest host this week. Her musings on developing fantasy are intriguing and offer readers insights into how an author can create new worlds with lush, rich environments. She’s particularly explicit in how she weighs the possible changes and repercussions of the slightest additions of even the smallest concepts. I love that she’s willing to share her creative process to that extent. See more details below about who she is, her books and how you can connect with her.
I’ll be back next time with more details about my trip to Europe and information on what’s next for Shelley Sommers, Louisa, and her family and friends…
Warmest regards – – and hugs!
Shelley Sommers
Author of Louisa’s Vineyard Series
Shelley@ShelleySommers.com
www.ShelleySommers.com
Books are available on most booksellers.
Look for Love at First Sight, the prequel and most recent addition to the Louisa’s Vineyard Series.
The Alchemy of Fantasy: Where Reality Meets Imagination
Hello, dear readers!
Imagine standing at the edge of two worlds—one foot firmly planted in our familiar reality, the other dipping its toes into a realm of boundless imagination. This is where I find myself every day as a fantasy writer, performing a delicate dance between the tangible and the ethereal.
Creating a fantasy world isn’t about conjuring pure fiction from thin air—it’s more akin to being an alchemist, transmuting the base metals of our reality into the gold of fantasy. The true challenge lies in striking a perfect balance: too much reality, and the magic fizzles out; too little, and readers lose their footing in your world.
Picture this: you’re designing a dragon. Sure, it breathes fire and soars on leather wings, but what about its ecosystem? What does it eat? How does its presence affect local agriculture and the fauna? Does the dragon possess unique abilities that are essential to the plot? By anchoring these fantastic beasts in a semblance of reality, we create a world that feels alive, breathing, and utterly believable.
My process for developing these imaginary realms is both structured and spontaneous. Inspiration can strike at any moment, and I’ve learned to capture these fleeting ideas before they vanish. To do this, I keep a notepad by my bed. Often, I’ll wake up in the middle of the night with a vivid dream or an idea that just won’t let go… or let me sleep. Whether it’s a new plot twist, a character’s backstory, or an intriguing magical rule, I jot it down before it fades from memory.
Sometimes, inspiration strikes in the most unexpected—and painful—ways. Recently, my daughter had a run-in with a hornet’s nest. As I carefully removed the stinger (she’s fine, thankfully!), my writer’s brain kicked into overdrive. What if there was a character who embodied the essence of these tiny creatures? What if the feared stinger held a unique power?
This incident blossomed into an element in my upcoming expanded prequel: the creation of a fascinating new deity who takes the form of a colossal bee. Who would have thought that a painful encounter with a hornet’s nest would lead to the birth of a goddess? It just goes to show that for a fantasy writer, even life’s little stings can pollinate the mind with the seeds of grand ideas.
As we wrap up this little peek behind the curtain, I want to thank you for being part of this alchemical journey. Your support and enthusiasm fuel my creative cauldron.
Until next time, keep one eye on reality and the other on the fantastical. You never know when inspiration might strike!
Happy Dreaming!
Kind regards,
Nicole LaBrocca
nicolelabrocca.com
author@nicolelabrocca.com
P.S. Have you ever had a real-life experience that sparked a fantasy idea? I’d love to hear about it! Drop me a line and share your story!
Originally a Jersey girl, I recently traded the Garden State for the sunshine of Florida, embracing a new chapter in both my personal and professional life. My journey has been as diverse as my interests. I was deeply passionate about playing soccer, and my skills as a player helped to bring the Delsea Regional High School Crusaders to a State Championship victory in my final year!
I’ve discovered the fun of pickleball recently, but I still miss the competitive adrenaline of being on the field. My love for physical challenges extends beyond soccer. Over the years, I’ve explored the discipline of different martial arts, earning a Bronze and Silver medal at my first Jiu-Jitsu tournament. Now, I’m eager to get back on the mats and continue honing my skills. These experiences have not only shaped my determination but also inspire the strong, resilient heroines in my stories.
When I’m not crafting fantastical worlds, you might find me hiking or camping under the stars, nurturing my garden, engrossed in a book, or indulging in a movie. I’m also an enthusiastic crafter, finding joy in creating unique, handmade pieces. And you can bet I’m always up for trying something new, whether it’s mastering the intricacies of sourdough baking or whitewater rafting! These varied pursuits fuel my creativity and provide a rich wellspring of inspiration for my narratives.
My writing journey began with whimsical children’s picture books. Through writing groups and collaboration with other authors, I learned the magic of weaving tales that spark young imaginations. This foundation proved invaluable as I transitioned to the world of romantasy, where I now craft stories that empower strong, independent women to defy expectations and conquer adversity. My debut novel, “Shadows of the Moon,” takes readers on a thrilling adventure through a world brimming with magic and romance. It has been praised for a “great plot” and “wonderful imaginative world with great characters.”
Motivated by a love for storytelling and a desire to connect with readers, I aim to create narratives that not only entertain but also inspire.
Join me on this exciting adventure! Visit my website, nicolelabrocca.com, to learn more about my work and connect with me.
Sign up for my newsletter here: https://BookHip.com/MTMFHCV to get my free prequel, Shadows of Betrayal.
She is the last female of her kind and her choices will determine the fate of the kingdom.
Ana’s peaceful life shatters when she’s thrust through a portal into a realm of magic and stone. In this world teetering on the brink of war, she discovers extraordinary strength and an unexpected destiny. As the sole female among beguiling creatures, Ana becomes the key to the kingdom’s survival.
Caught between two worlds, she’s drawn to Quinn, a mysterious gargoyle who claims her as his destined mate. As Ana navigates complex politics and battles fearsome foes, her connection with Quinn deepens, challenging everything she thought she knew about herself.
With a usurper king threatening the realm, Ana must choose: return to her past or embrace a future she never imagined. In this tale of love, duty, and self-discovery, will Ana find the strength to shape her own destiny and save a world on the edge of chaos?
Shadows of the Moon is available on both Amazon and Barnes & Noble