A Divine Calling

For millennia, the dragon god Alerius has watched over the barbarian tribes of the Forsaken Isles, awaiting the emergence of a true believer. Dar Tania, a young woman from the Tribe of Horses, becomes the first to hear the call of Tiamat, the Mother of Dragons. Her answered prayer marks the beginning of her transformation into the inaugural priestess of Tiamat, setting the foundation for an empire of divine warriors.

Founding an Empire

Guided by Alerius, Dar Tania embraces her destiny, uniting the disparate tribes under the banner of the Dragon Empire of Morbattania. Her journey is one of faith, leadership, and the forging of a new civilization rooted in divine purpose. This narrative sets the stage for the expansive Forsaken Isles series, with Dar Tania serving as the cornerstone of a saga that spans generations.

About the Author

Eric K. Barnum, an avid fantasy enthusiast since childhood, released his debut novel, Dar Tania, in September 2016. The book was honored with the 2018 ELIT award for high fantasy. Barnum’s storytelling is influenced by renowned authors such as Raymond E. Feist, David Eddings, and Brent Weeks. He aims to explore the interplay of magic and divinity, emphasizing the enduring significance of gods in a world brimming with enchantment. Beyond writing, Barnum enjoys hiking with his three daughters and delving into the wonders of the natural world.

Dar Tania is available in both paperback and eBook formats, with the eBook included in Kindle Unlimited. To delve deeper into the lore and upcoming releases of the Forsaken Isles, visit Eric K. Barnum’s Amazon Author Page. Embark on a journey of faith, power, and destiny with Dar Tania, and witness the birth of an empire that will shape the future of the Forsaken Isles.

<p>The post Fantasy Spotlight: Dar Tania by Eric K. Barnum first appeared on Kevin M. Gallagher, Jr AKA ThatNerdyKev.</p>

Establishing High Stakes and Engaging Conflicts

At the heart of a suspenseful narrative lies the combination of significant stakes and compelling conflicts. When characters face substantial risks—be it their lives, relationships, or personal aspirations—readers become deeply invested in the outcome. Introducing both external conflicts, such as antagonistic forces or challenging circumstances, and internal conflicts, like moral dilemmas or emotional struggles, adds depth to the story. This interplay ensures that the tension resonates on multiple levels, keeping readers engaged.

Controlling Pacing and Strategic Information Disclosure

The rhythm of a story significantly influences its tension. Alternating between fast-paced action sequences and slower, introspective moments allows readers to catch their breath while maintaining anticipation. Short, concise sentences can convey urgency, whereas longer, descriptive passages can decelerate the pace, creating a deliberate ebb and flow. Coupled with this is the strategic withholding of information. By deliberately keeping certain details from characters, readers, or both—a technique known as the “Triangle of Knowledge”—writers can heighten suspense. For instance, allowing readers to know more than the protagonist can create dramatic irony, while keeping both readers and characters equally unaware fosters a shared sense of uncertainty.

Foreshadowing and Utilizing Cliffhangers

Foreshadowing and cliffhangers are powerful tools for maintaining suspense. Subtle hints about future events can create anticipation, making readers eager to see how situations unfold. Ending chapters or scenes with unresolved situations—be it a character’s fate hanging in the balance or an unanswered question—compels readers to continue, seeking resolution. This combination ensures a continuous thread of tension throughout the narrative.

Developing Multi-Dimensional Characters and Balancing Tension with Relief

Readers are more likely to feel tension when they care about the characters. Developing well-rounded, relatable characters with clear motivations and vulnerabilities makes their struggles more impactful. When readers empathize with characters, the tension in the narrative resonates on a deeper level. However, continuous tension can desensitize readers, diminishing its impact. Incorporating moments of relief—such as humor, calm, or introspection—provides a contrast that makes subsequent tension more effective. This ebb and flow mimics real-life experiences and keeps readers emotionally engaged.

By thoughtfully integrating these combined strategies, writers can craft narratives that maintain suspense and keep readers on the edge of their seats, eager to discover what happens next.

For more insights into crafting compelling narratives, explore our article on The Art of Dialogue: Crafting Unforgettable Conversations That Matter. Mastering dialogue is another crucial aspect of storytelling that enhances character development and plot progression.

Slánte!

<p>The post Building Tension: How to Keep Readers on the Edge of Their Seats first appeared on Kevin M. Gallagher, Jr AKA ThatNerdyKev.</p>

A Life Transformed

Adelia Kreegan’s ordinary existence is shattered when her family is viciously torn from her, leaving her haunted by the miracle of her escape. Seeking refuge in the shadows of Viscosa, a sprawling city teeming with secrets, Adelia’s latent magical abilities begin to surface. Her intrinsic power draws the attention of Gaston Camlann, a seasoned sage renowned for his mastery of the arcane arts. Intrigued by her potential, Gaston offers to mentor Adelia, guiding her through the complexities of magic and the responsibilities it entails.

A Journey of Self-Discovery

Under Gaston’s tutelage, Adelia embarks on a path of self-discovery, delving into the arcane arts and uncovering the true meaning—and dangers—of being a mage. As she navigates this treacherous journey, she learns that the pursuit of power comes with its own set of challenges and ethical dilemmas. DeAngelo masterfully weaves a tale that explores themes of personal growth, the search for identity, and the weight of responsibility that accompanies great power.

Mageborn: A Richly Imagined World

Set against the backdrop of Tellest—a land where dragons soar the skies, dark magic lurks in forgotten corners, and heroes are forged through trials of fire and shadow—Mageborn paints a vivid picture of a realm where every choice has consequences, and the line between good and evil is often blurred. The novella’s richly detailed world-building and well-crafted characters immerse readers in a story that is both enchanting and thought-provoking.

For those captivated by Adelia’s story, the Tellest Universe offers a plethora of tales that delve into the histories, cultures, and adventures of its inhabitants. From epic sagas to intimate character studies, Michael DeAngelo’s works provide a comprehensive exploration of a world where magic and reality coexist in delicate balance.

Mageborn is available in both paperback and eBook formats. For more information about the Tellest Universe and upcoming releases, visit Tellest.com.

Embark on a journey of magic, mentorship, and self-discovery with Mageborn, and witness the birth of a mage destined to leave her mark on the world of Tellest.

<p>The post Fantasy Spotlight: Mageborn by Michael DeAngelo first appeared on Kevin M. Gallagher, Jr AKA ThatNerdyKev.</p>

Reflecting on Character Backgrounds and Aligning with the Setting

Each character’s unique background—encompassing factors like upbringing, education, and social status—should be evident in their speech. For instance, a character with a formal education might use complex vocabulary and structured sentences, while someone from a particular region may incorporate local dialects or colloquialisms. This attention to detail adds depth and authenticity, allowing readers to infer aspects of a character’s history and personality through their dialogue. Additionally, dialogue must be consistent with the story’s setting and time period. In historical fiction, for example, characters should speak in a manner reflective of the era, avoiding modern slang or anachronistic phrases. This alignment enhances the story’s credibility and helps transport readers to the intended time and place. 

Advancing the Plot While Avoiding Exposition Overload

Effective dialogue serves as a vehicle to propel the narrative forward. Conversations between characters can introduce new information, foreshadow events, or escalate conflicts. Each line should have a purpose, ensuring that the dialogue contributes to the story’s progression and maintains the reader’s engagement. While dialogue is a useful tool for conveying information, it’s important to avoid overwhelming readers with excessive exposition. Instead of having characters deliver long-winded explanations, information should be woven naturally into the conversation. This approach keeps the dialogue realistic and prevents it from becoming a mere vehicle for dumping information. 

Distinguishing Character Voices and Embracing Conciseness

Each character should have a distinct voice, shaped by their personality, background, and circumstances. This distinction can be achieved through variations in vocabulary, speech patterns, and rhythms. By crafting unique voices, writers ensure that characters are easily identifiable and their dialogues resonate with authenticity. In real conversations, people rarely speak in lengthy, uninterrupted monologues. Similarly, written dialogue should be concise, capturing the essence of the exchange without unnecessary filler. This brevity maintains a natural flow and keeps the reader’s attention focused on the pivotal elements of the conversation. 

Showing Through Dialogue and Incorporating Subtext

Dialogue offers an opportunity to “show” rather than “tell.” Instead of explicitly stating a character’s emotions or intentions, writers can reveal them through what the character says and how they say it. For example, a character’s reluctance to answer a question can indicate discomfort or evasion, allowing readers to infer meaning beyond the words spoken. Subtext involves the underlying meanings or emotions that are not directly expressed by the characters. Incorporating subtext adds layers to the dialogue, reflecting the complexities of real-life conversations where much is often implied rather than stated outright. This technique enriches interactions and engages readers by encouraging them to read between the lines. 

Reading Aloud for Authenticity and Using Dialogue Tags Judiciously

Reading dialogue aloud is a practical method to ensure it sounds natural. This practice can help identify awkward phrasing, unnatural rhythms, or inconsistencies in character voices. Hearing the dialogue can also highlight areas that may need revision to better capture the intended tone and flow. While dialogue tags like “said” or “asked” are essential for clarity, overusing them or opting for elaborate synonyms can distract readers. Often, the dialogue itself and the context can convey the speaker’s tone or intent, reducing the need for explicit tags. When necessary, simple tags are generally less intrusive and keep the focus on the conversation. 

By thoughtfully applying these strategies, writers can craft dialogue that is not only realistic and engaging but also integral to character development and narrative progression. Mastering the art of dialogue enhances storytelling, making characters more relatable and stories more compelling.

Slánte!

<p>The post The Art of Dialogue: Crafting Unforgettable Conversations That Matter first appeared on Kevin M. Gallagher, Jr AKA ThatNerdyKev.</p>

Understanding Creative Blocks

Creative blocks can arise from various factors, including:

• Perfectionism: The pressure to produce flawless work can hinder the creative process.
• Fear of Failure: Anxiety about making mistakes may prevent experimentation and risk-taking.
• Overwhelmed: Managing multiple projects or ideas can lead to paralysis, making it difficult to focus.
• Lack of Inspiration: Monotony or a stagnant environment can stifle creativity.

Strategies to Overcome Creative Blocks

1. Take a Break
   Stepping away from your work can provide mental clarity. Engaging in activities like walking, exercising, or pursuing a hobby allows your subconscious to process ideas, often leading to breakthroughs upon return. This mental downtime enables your brain to form new connections without the pressure of active creation. 
2. Establish a Routine
   Consistency can train your mind to be creative at specific times. Dedicate regular periods to your creative endeavors, even if inspiration isn’t immediate. Over time, this routine can foster a conducive environment for creativity, signaling to your brain when it’s time to focus and produce. 
3. Set Constraints
   Imposing limitations can enhance creativity by providing clear parameters within which to work. This focus can reduce feeling overwhelmed and encourage innovative problem-solving. For instance, limiting your color palette or word count can push you to think more deeply about your choices and explore unconventional solutions. 
4. Brainstorm Freely
   Allow yourself to generate ideas without judgment. Techniques like mind mapping or free writing can help externalize thoughts and uncover new connections. By suspending criticism during the brainstorming phase, you open the door to unexpected ideas and associations that might be dismissed prematurely. 
5. Change Your Environment
   Altering your surroundings can stimulate fresh perspectives. Working in a different location or redecorating your space can rejuvenate your mindset and inspire new ideas. A new environment can break the monotony and provide novel stimuli that spark creativity.
6. Engage with a Creative Community
   Interacting with fellow creatives can provide support and inspiration. Sharing experiences and challenges fosters a sense of community and can lead to collaborative solutions. Engaging in discussions, workshops, or group projects can expose you to diverse perspectives and techniques, enriching your own creative process.
7. Embrace Imperfection
   Recognize that not every creation needs to be perfect. Allowing yourself to make mistakes can lead to unexpected discoveries and reduce the fear that often hampers creativity. Embracing imperfection encourages experimentation and learning, which are vital components of the creative process. 
8. Explore New Experiences
   Trying activities outside your comfort zone can spark inspiration. New experiences provide fresh material for your creative work and can break the monotony that leads to blocks. Whether it’s learning a new skill, traveling, or simply altering your daily routine, these experiences can offer new perspectives and ideas. 
9. Practice Mindfulness and Relaxation
   Techniques such as meditation can improve focus and reduce anxiety, creating a mental state conducive to creativity. Regular mindfulness practices can help manage stress and prevent burnout, allowing your mind the freedom to explore and generate ideas without pressure. 
10. Seek Professional Guidance
    If creative blocks persist, consulting with a professional, such as a therapist or coach, can provide personalized strategies to address underlying issues and restore creative flow. Professional guidance can help identify specific barriers and develop tailored approaches to overcome them, facilitating a return to productive creativity. 

By implementing these strategies, you can navigate through creative blocks and continue to produce meaningful and innovative work. Let me know what works for you, whether it shows up on this list or not!

Slánte!

<p>The post Overcoming Creative Blocks: Strategies That Work first appeared on Kevin M. Gallagher, Jr AKA ThatNerdyKev.</p>

In Raven’s Flight, Avery Swift’s peaceful vacation takes a dangerous turn when she becomes the target of dark, otherworldly forces. With relentless wolves from Hel on her trail, Avery must rely on the help of the enigmatic Thoren sisters and the steadfast Shadow Guardian, Jake Folkvar. Together, they set out to uncover a rare and powerful Asgardian ore, a quest fraught with peril at every step. However, as the stakes rise, Avery discovers that her survival depends not only on her courage but also on the strength of the unlikely allies at her side.

CB Samet masterfully intertwines mythology and suspense, crafting a story that will keep readers turning pages late into the night. With vivid descriptions, high-stakes action, and characters you can’t help but root for, Raven’s Flight delivers a thrilling start to an unforgettable series. Fans of fast-paced urban fantasy and romantic suspense will find much to love here.

Whether you’re new to CB Samet’s work or a returning reader, Raven’s Flight is an excellent entry point into The Shadow Guardians series. Available for free on Kindle, this novella invites you to dive into a world where magic and danger intertwine.

Ready to soar into adventure? Download Raven’s Flight today and discover what makes CB Samet a four-time award-winning author in thriller, fantasy, and romantic suspense. Discover more of The Shadow Guardians on CB Samet’s website and keep up with CB Samet on Facebook and Instagram.

<p>The post Fantasy Spotlight: Raven’s Flight by CB Samet first appeared on Kevin M. Gallagher, Jr AKA ThatNerdyKev.</p>

Kevin M. Gallagher, Jr: B.C. Brady, thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to talk about your first novel, Echoes of Harmony, with me. I’m excited to hear some of your thoughts when it comes to the choices you made for your first novel and, one of my favorite aspects of storytelling, your world-building process.

B.C. Brady:  Thank you for taking the time to do this and promote my novel. I’m excited to answer any questions you have, and maybe your readers will as well. For the first, the world-building process is probably one of my favorite aspects as well. As both a reader and writer, it’s important to be able to be immersed in a story you’re reading. I had a lot of fun being able to put the visuals I had in my head on paper and paint a picture for the readers.

KMG: You’ve made a choice in your writing that has changed the direction I normally start these interviews with and that’s the point of view you’ve written Echoes of Harmony in–the first person. Perhaps it just happens to be the books and authors I read, but this is a rare POV in the fantasy and science-fiction world. What drew you to writing in the first person as opposed to the more traditional third person?

BCB:  I went with the first person POV because I wanted to hopefully fully immerse the reader. It’s one thing to immerse them into the world but to be able to put the reader into the shoes of whom they’re reading about rather than them imagining is a line I tried to cross. I’ve read plenty of books in the third person, like one of my favorites The Hobbit, and while great books, it always felt like you were riding along with them. I wanted it to feel like the reader was the one facing those fears, becoming the hero, not just reading what it’s like to be the hero.

KMG: That’s an interesting perspective when it comes to having your readers immersed in your story! Since the third person seems to be the most common perspective in the fantasy genre, was it difficult to keep everything uniform while writing in the first person?

BCB: Oh indeed it was. It took a lot of proofreading to find so many mistakes in switching between the third person and the first person. I’ve proofread it maybe 20 times and had multiple family and friends who did the same just to be sure I didn’t miss anything. I was determined to get it done, but at a certain point, I was just done for a while.

KMG: Another part of the creative process is deciding when you’re done. As the creator, it feels like you could always find something to nitpick, from proofreading to story structure. Beyond the point of view, did you find yourself looking at your story over and over and over again, or did you do a final pass and let your beta readers and editors have at it?

BCB: So many times, so many. It came to a point where it felt like I was taking a test in high school. But then, I remembered what my teachers talked about; if you find yourself second-guessing, you were probably right the first time. My uncle comes from a line of authors and is very bright. So once he proofread it and pointed out my mistakes, I went in one last time after I fixed it and thought it was perfect. I found myself starting to make unnecessary changes.

KMG: Picking a subject and genre for your first novel is no easy task; what led you to this steampunk-like fantasy?

BCB: I have always loved the fantasy style, like the Lord of the Rings series, and the series written by Robert Jordan. Outside of being an author, I am actually a mechanic as well, and steampunk hits home with me because of all the mechanisms and innovation that come with it. I have always been a tinkerer since I was young, so steampunk just kind of fit.

KMG: There it is, the hook! What a great way to take the adage of “write what you know” and put it into practice! When writing in settings that are filled with magic and spectacle, it can feel like an impossible task, perhaps even a dull task, to incorporate aspects of our own not-so-magical lives into the story. Setting your story in a steampunk world makes it very easy to incorporate that part of your life into your writing, but did pull any other real-life elements into your story for inspiration? If so, was it as natural as bringing your knowledge of mechanics into this steampunk world or did you have trouble finding the right way to incorporate those ideas?

BCB: All I can say without giving away any parts is yes, the main plot line deals directly with what I do for work. I went to school for it and understand it really well. The most difficult part was finding a way to fantasize about the mechanics of what I know. I didn’t want to give either side a major advantage over the other. So, I ended up doing a little history check and found a way to combine science with magic and make it work wonderfully.

KMG: “Magic’s just science we don’t understand yet”! Great use of that trope. Now, no matter what any of us do–even if it’s not a creative endeavor–we are inspired by those who came before us. Who and/or what inspired you to write a novel?

BCB: To be honest, it originally started as just a fun project, or ADHD project as my wife calls them, but then I really got into it. Almost all the main and supporting characters are after friends and family. Brynn and Clara for example, kind of right on the nose, but are after my wife and daughter, Brittany and Charlie. One of the supporting characters you will read about, Aerlon, is after my best friend Aarron, and I just stuck with that dynamic. I felt if I used my inspirations in my book, then I could create more dynamics for readers to connect with in their own personal lives, like a strong marriage, strong friendship, and fatherhood. In the end, my wife really inspired me to keep going, she never let me give up.

KMG: It’s wonderful when friends and family encourage you with a creative project as it starts as a labor of love. It’s no easy feat to combine ideas into one cohesive story–is there any particular moment in writing Echoes of Harmony Where you hit some roadblock? How did you get past that?

BCB: The biggest roadblock was figuring out how to humanize the villain. I’ve read so many hero/villain books where the villain’s reasoning as to why they are doing whatever it is they’re doing, is unrelatable sometimes. Part of the immersion experience I was going for was coming up with a way for readers to connect with every character, even the villain. To get over it, I started looking at different reasons the main character, or essentially myself, would end up doing what he does. There’s a lot of mirroring in the story that I hope readers can pick up on, but I can’t say much more without giving away major plots.

KMG: The greatest villains are the ones who are well-motivated but we disagree with their methods–we understand how they got to be the way they are, even though we don’t disagree. Magento instantly comes to mind when I think about perfect villains. Were there any villains you looked at from other stories that you used as inspiration?

BCB: I took some inspiration from Dr. Doom, actually. I tried to make him one of a kind, but liked the idea of him being questioned as a hero or villain. I am a strong believer in the butterfly effect and cause and effect, one small choice can affect a major outcome and all that. Like Dr. Doom, had he made a different decision, such a simple decision, then he probably wouldn’t be a villain at all. But, because he let his anger And selfishness win, it ruined him and led him down the road of villainy.

KMG: One of my favorite parts of the writing process is world-building–if I’m being honest, it’s probably the part I have the most fun with; blame tabletop roleplaying games–What was your process to create Silver Hollow, Solara, and the rest of your world?

BCB: I really started to envision all of my favorite fantasy worlds from movies, video games, and other books that inspired me. I started to pick particular things from each of those worlds and then twisted them to fit the steampunk and ancient settings. Once it started to form pictures in my head of what I could see and what really fit into the setting I was aiming for, I formed it into words the best I could.

KMG: When developing Aetheria, what steps–outside of the steampunk setting–did you take to put your own twist on classic fantasy elements; like races outside of humans?

BCB: So, currently the only other race is elves. For my first novel, I wanted something to be a little familiar. However, many of the creatures that the characters run into, the names of them are unique in their own way, but kind of cheating. I have Irish/Gaelic heritage in my bloodline, even my first name is Gaelic. I wanted to incorporate that into my novel to personalize it even further, and pour even more of myself into it. If any creatures you don’t recognize, and if you are interested in learning something new, plug that word into a translate app and see what it comes up with. I’ll give you a freebie, towards the middle, you will come across an iora. Iora means squirrel in Scottish-Gaelic. The city and village names are the same. But that’s all you’re getting out of me for now.

KMG: I recently took a story I had for another series my friend created and brought it into my own universe as we had some creative differences and one of the greatest things I decided to do was incorporate my Irish heritage into the story. That was strengthened by a trip I took to Ireland, but I will say, those Gaelic words can be a mouthful! Are there any words/names you thought about using but were so Gaelic and hard to pronounce you had to modify it or abandon it completely?

BCB: Itealan. I’ll leave its translated version out for now as it is a major part of the story, so only those that are truly interested will have to look it up. But that version looks simple, but trying to describe what it was by the process of world-building, it would’ve turned into filler instead. It was much easier to just call it what it is and then stay focused on the rest of the story. The rest are fairly simple to understand once put into context.

KMG: Without spoiling anything for Echoes of Harmony, do you have plans for further adventures for Elias, Brynn, and Clara? Or are you planning something completely different for your next book?

BCB: You know, I’ve been asked that same thing by friends and family, and it honestly could go either way. I had a lot of fun writing Echoes of Harmony, and I don’t foresee myself stopping any time soon. I am starting to think about what to do next, and it hinges on continuing with Elias and Aerlon having to get the band back together, or telling a different story from another character’s POV. If I went with the latter, I think it would expand the world of Solara even more, expand on different lifestyles and a different view of Solara, and Aetheria as a whole. On the other hand, when I first started writing, my novel actually began with a prologue. However, after some feedback, I removed it because it kind of told a story of its own. So, using that removed prologue, I have thought about going with a prequel, something that will give the world problems you read about in Echoes of Harmony their beginnings. I really have to think about it, because I know prequels can sometimes make or break a series. I have quite a few ideas stirring around, it’s just going to take some toying with them to see what sticks. Who knows, maybe it’ll turn into a big series. Only time will tell.

KMG: The benefit and curse of creating a rich fantasy world is that you often have several different directions to go! At the end of the day, it does sound like we could see more from the world of Aetheria, regardless of who takes center stage. I have to imagine with so many ideas stirring in your head, it’s hard to think about, but do you ever see yourself writing a story outside of this world?

BCB: I love storylines that bring aspects from all over, so it’s definitely a possibility. Something along the lines of introducing a land across the ocean and possibly a new race as well. If I decide to turn it into a series, I could very well have all the lands come together for a major battle. Everything is in the air, but the possibilities are endless, so we’ll just have to see.

KMG: I want to thank you for taking time out of your schedule to chat with me about Echoes of Harmony and the process behind it. Before we let you go, could you let folks know where they can find you and your book online?

BCB: Thank you for the opportunity, it has been fun thinking about the process rather than just going through it. Echoes of Harmony can be found online on Amazon, both paperback and ebook and Barnes and Noble. Everything is currently online at the moment, but I am hoping to get it in stores, at least Barnes and Noble and maybe Target. You can also find me on TikTok and Instagram under B.C. Brady, where I will be posting some behind-the-scenes soon and will maybe even reveal some secrets, it all depends on what readers like to see.

Thank you once again to B.C. Brady for taking time out of his day to chat with us. Follow B.C. Brady on TikTok for updates and behind-the-scenes content and get your copy of Echoes of Harmony today on Amazon!!

<p>The post Author Spotlight: B.C. Brady on Echoes of Harmony, World-Building, and Steampunk Inspiration first appeared on Kevin M. Gallagher, Jr AKA ThatNerdyKev.</p>

From Podcasting to Battlemaps

To say I’m moving away from podcasting isn’t entirely true–I’m gearing up to release two episodes of Avatar State Radio, the Avatar: The Last Airbender rewatch podcast I do with Mike DeAngelo (rewatch for Mike, first time watch for me) this Friday and continuing Season 2 of Everything is Awesome next week. I’m also pushing more into the pre-production of Single Player, my Solo TTRPG actual play podcast, with hopes of releasing it before the end of the year. But I’ve been admiring what Mike and his brother have been doing with maps for some time and started tinkering away on my own. I’ve received enough compliments on them that I decided it’s something I should move forward with–both as a side hustle and to hone my craft further.

That’s not to say it’s been easy to spin this additional plate. Time is a factor, but it’s also not just an easy project to jump into. I tend to shy away from things that require an artistic, and I’m talking legitimate art–sketching, drawing, painting, etc. because I simply don’t have that eye. With a podcast, all I need is the ability to record my own voice. Sure, there is more to podcasting than that, but it doesn’t have to be either. Designing a visual piece on the other hand, oh, that’s nerve-racking. There’s a reason I’ve stayed away from it for so long. And even with the platform I use, where I’m using pre-made stamps and textures, it’s still a challenge to make it look authentic.

Authenticity

You may think that designing maps for TTRPGs doesn’t require authenticity, but you’d be wrong! Game masters and players want to be immersed while they play and battlemaps are a piece of that process. Typically, a 1-inch square on a map is 5 feet–is that table you’re placing in the dining hall of the castle map you’re working on sized correctly? How about those chairs? Well, now these trees look off. Oh, and don’t forget that trees aren’t all the same in nature! Now we have to make sure we’re adding a mix of trees that look natural on the map. They need to be sized correctly, they need to not overlap too much, but not NOT overlap at all. There are so many things going through your head when deciding which tree, couch, animal, or whatever stamp for your design you’re placing on the map. I’m incredibly thankful that I’ve had Mike to go to for advice because he’s made all these mistakes already!

It’s Not All Bad

The pros of getting into designing battlemaps far outweigh the cons–otherwise, I wouldn’t be diving into it as hard as I am. While I’m just beginning, I’m already getting paid opportunities to create maps which has led to revamping my Patreon to be focused on battlemaps. It’s nothing substantial, but I’m hopeful that as I hone my craft, more opportunities will arise. The most important thing to come from designing battlemaps is how much more storytelling I can do. Yes, the map itself is used to inspire others to tell a story, but there is a story I’m telling in each map I design.

What’s even more reinvigorating for my own creativity is crafting an even bigger story. How does this map work into the universe I created for the novel I’m working on? What species may live in this type of environment? How do the points of interest and story hooks I developed for each map work together? How do they work within the grander universe? Listen, I should be writing my novel, but I’ve created so much deep lore for it that I have a pile of ideas to explore for short stories, novellas, and additional novels.

Ok, I’ve been spinning the blogging plate long enough, I need to give some attention to other projects! Until next time…

Slánte!

<p>The post The Journey from Podcasting to TTRPG Battlemaps first appeared on Kevin M. Gallagher, Jr AKA ThatNerdyKev.</p>

The Bloodsworn, a dangerous faction lurking in the background, have sinister plans for Elias’ creation. As the stakes rise, Elias uncovers secrets about his own heritage and confronts the reality that his invention could either unite or destroy. Meanwhile, Brynn must confront her own past, with ties to ancient elven traditions that challenge the path forward. Can they protect their invention from falling into the wrong hands, or will their discovery unravel the harmony of their world?

Echoes of Harmony is a richly woven tale of love, loyalty, and the balance between innovation and tradition. Brady’s world-building shines, immersing readers in a landscape where both magic and technology shape the lives of its characters. Fans of intricate fantasy settings and deeply human conflicts will find much to love here.

Don’t miss out on this debut that explores the echoes of the past and the promise of a bold, uncertain future.

Follow B.C. Brady on TikTok for updates and behind-the-scenes content and stay tuned–I’ll be interviewing B.C. Brady soon to learn even more about his fantasy world and creative process. Get your copy today on Amazon today!!

<p>The post Fantasy Spotlight: Echoes of Harmony by B.C. Brady first appeared on Kevin M. Gallagher, Jr AKA ThatNerdyKev.</p>

Wrestlemania 40

Something about this year’s Wrestlemania–Wrestlemania 40–caught my attention. Not any singular thing, though I think the biggest factor was The Rock’s surprise heel turn (which, in 2024 and as a WWE Legend, is NUTS that he did it and that it worked). Admittedly, I wasn’t watching any of the shows leading up to “the big one”, but I was eating up the clips of The Rock taking me back almost 25 years (or more) to classic heel rock. It felt like the attitude area. The WWE suddenly seemed cool again. However, that alone wasn’t enough for me to tune in. It’s that Wrestlemania 40 was taking place in the greatest city in the world, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. And not that it was just taking place in Philly or at The Linc, but that we’re in a very specific place on the timeline where Jason Kelce exists and there was a very real possibility he’d show up.

Spoilers, he did.

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – APRIL 06: Former NFL player Jason Kelce reacts following a match during Night One of WrestleMania 40 at Lincoln Financial Field on April 06, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
WrestleMania 40

Yes, I’m saying retired Philadelphia Eagles center, Jason Kelce, is a HUGE reason I tuned into the 40th anniversary of Wrestlemania. But something else happened while watching and waiting for the embodiment of Philadelphia to show up… I enjoyed watching wrestling again. I’ve been gone a long time and the playing field is very different, but I had a good time watching something that I fell out of love with, from a spectator perspective, so long ago. Such a good time, that I returned for night two of Wrestlemania 40 (which is nuts that this event is an entire weekend now, but that’s a blog for another day). Such a good time, that I’m actually watching this week’s edition of Monday Night Raw that I DVR’d.

And, dare I say, I’m going to start tuning in more–and not just to Raw or Smackdown, but to NXT and even AEW. Perhaps the new Triple H era is what we needed to make wrestling interesting again.

Also, am I the only one who’s just finding out Hunter’s real name isn’t pronounced Lévesque?? That it’s leh-vehk??

<p>The post Wrestlemania 40 first appeared on Kevin M. Gallagher, Jr AKA ThatNerdyKev.</p>