Ainy Cormac

I have often been mentioned for not including maps in my fantasy novels. I get it; it's hilarious. But I would like to clarify that my stance has never been against maps themselves. In fact, I love maps. They can be an incredible way to explore and experience a fantasy world beyond the tale. However, I don't always find them necessary, and when reading fantasy have often found myself skipping them entirely. I also believe they should be used strategically and thoughtfully, rather than included simply because it is expected from the genre.  When I first discussed not using maps in a podcast interview, I was specifically referring to my process of writing and worldbuilding. For me, world, plot, and character are developed together, reciprocally. They are not created in isolation from one another. In that sense, maps are not always necessary as a beginning point to the process, and sometimes they even detract from immersion. I tend to focus primarily on the characters and their ...

 I can’t express enough how much I adore Dean Wesley Smith and Kristine Kathryn Rusch’s approach to writing. I've been considering doing a few posts about these two and how Their work has helped me. Their books Writing into the Dark and The Pursuit of Perfection have been absolutely liberating for me. Writing into the Dark transformed the way I approach my writing process. The idea of discovery writing—allowing the story to unfold as I go, without obsessing over an outline—has freed me from the pressure of having everything figured out before I even begin. It’s about trusting the process and embracing the unknown, which makes writing feel more organic and exciting. Then there’s The Pursuit of Perfection . It’s a reminder that the quest for perfection can actually hold us back. Instead of endlessly polishing and trying to make everything “perfect,” the book emphasizes the importance of finishing and sharing our work with the world. That resonates deeply with me because I’ve s...