by Melissa Berg
These words, first written by Shakespeare, now used by the Hosts of the new HBO series Westworld, point out one basic truth: Humans crave violence. For centuries we have tried to suppress it, but like trying to hold a beach ball underwater, it just pops up again somewhere else, making it almost impossible. The show …
Continue reading "A Violent Fascination – by Melissa Berg"
"O for a Muse of fire, that would ascend the brightest heaven of invention, a kingdom for a stage, princes to act and monarchs to behold the swelling scene! Then should the warlike Harry, like himself, assume the port of Mars; and at his heels, leash'd in like hounds, should famine, sword and fire crouch for employment. But pardon, and …
Mixing genres is nothing new. It’s not a newfangled tactic or gimmick to garner or fool readers, or even the writer’s attempt to ford a new path through untried waters. Merging genres has been around since at least the later 20th century, maybe even longer. It has definitely become common in our modern and more …
Continue reading "Mixing Genres: An Important Writer’s Tool — Melissa Berg"
We love to talk about heroes. And why not? Bravery in the face of evil, the one who stands up for the side of right while others grovel in fear… We admire such a person, because we are amazed and wonder if we could do the same. We use heroes to teach our children about …
Continue reading "The Conflicted Heart of a True Anti-hero – by Melissa Berg"
Magic and fantasy; it is a common opinion that you can't have one without the other. But what if this is wrong? Is magic really just a fantasy? The first question we should ask is: What is magic? Magic is a part of our lives, our cultures, our histories. We cling to magic for hope and call …
Continue reading "The Science of Magic – by Melissa Berg"
Who doesn’t love an action movie? The rush of excitement as soon as the wide angle shot of a tension-laden stand off begins. The music fades before it crescendos, the percussion intensifies, and the fists start flying or the guns start blazing; people run for cover and chaos ensues. Lots of destruction and explosions, amazing …
Continue reading "6 Tips For Writing Engaging and Tension-filled Fight Scenes – by Melissa Berg"
“Look candles!” He called, pointing at the colorful array in the open-air shop that was his keep. The dust, drifting as a cloud, was a ghostly spectator hanging over the crowded thoroughfare. Patrons and peasants alike moved from one shop to another. The hot midday sun was temporarily veiled by the aged oak tree standing …
Continue reading "Atmosphere of Culture – by Melissa Berg"
(“Because there are some good clichés in this world, Mr. Frodo, and they’re worth fighting for!”) All right, first I want to say: Your article was great, Yicheng! Good job! Obviously it made me start thinking. Thank you so much for writing it. Haven’t read it yet? Read it here! Now, on behalf of all those …
The Shifting Balance 