252: The Emotional Weight of Storytelling - Interview with Sam Sykes

Hey there word nerds! Today I have the pleasure of hosting Sam Sykes on the show! Sam is the author of multiple books of fantasy, including the Bring Down Heaven trilogy, the Affinity for Steel trilogy and comics such as Brave Chef Brianna. He currently lives in the United States with his two hounds and, at any given time, is probably yelling at something inanimate. Sam looks forward to being one of the sole providers of fantasy entertainment. Assuming no other authors are actually discovered in the next forty years. His latest book, Seven Blades in Black, is the start of his new fantasy series The Grave of Empires and is now available. No one can verify where he was on the night of October 17th, 2003. So on that ominous note, listen in as Sam and I chat about his awesome new book and the secrets to getting your audience emotionally invested in your story. In this episode Sam and I discuss: How to build a world that fits and impacts your characters. Leaving certain things in your world unexplained, or "The Kessel Run Principle" by Sam Sykes. The importance of creating a diversity of attitudes among your characters. Why escalation in your story is more important than balance. Trusting your readers to draw their own conclusions from your writing. Plus, Sam's #1 tip for writers. For more info and show notes: DIYMFA.com/252