8 Great Resources for Writing Medieval Fantasy

Much of my understanding of the Middle Ages can be attributed to two distinct but related sources: my wife, who studied the Middle Ages in college, and her substantial library of books on the subject, to which we have both added over the years.

As I’ve often seen writers and aspiring writers seeking guidance online for good research materials on this subject, I thought I’d share some of my own go-to resources. Here they are, in no particular order.

The #SPFBO Has Returned!

Mark Lawrence’s Self-Published Fantasy Blog-Off, in which my book Exile: The Book of Ever was a semi-finalist, was a great success. It yielded exposure for a number of excellent self-published novels and created an engaging forum for writers, readers, and reviewers to discuss the changing industry of publishing.

As such, Mr. Lawrence has just announced that the SPFBO will continue, and submissions are now open for SPFBO2.

Ros Barber Waxes Blithe on Self-Publishing in The Guardian

Novelist Ros Barber wrote a piece for The Guardian’s Books blog last week that tacitly pans self-publishing in favor of traditional publication.* Entitled “For me, traditional publishing means poverty. But self-publish? No way,” the article is a list of points explaining why Ms. Barber won’t self-publish, and why you shouldn’t either. Here’s my point by point rebuttal.

Should An Ebook Ever Cost More Than A Print Book?

Yes, you read that right: the ebook is over two dollars more expensive than the paperback version.

The debate about the cost analysis of ebook pricing is ongoing. Readers and skeptics argue that the production of an ebook involves far less overhead than printing a physical book, and thus publishers are unjustified in charging as much (or more) for them. Publishers respond by claiming that ebook costs are non-trivial, and (essentially), that they’re trying to turn a profit and get off their backs already: Daddy’s gotta make that paper (pun intended).

Snowy Treefingers

I put on the Barbour and the Bean Boots this morning* and took the family on a ride through Hamilton and Wenham, two quaint, rural towns nearby our house, stopping to get out from time to time to snap photos.

The Official Website of Author James Cormier

Who is James Cormier?

He’s the author of the bestselling young adult novel Exile, the first volume in The Book of Ever, a dystopian science fiction trilogy set in a post-apocalyptic United States.

Jim is an attorney by training and, before leaving practice to write full time, worked primarily in criminal litigation. He served as an Assistant District Attorney in Massachusetts for several years before going into private practice.

In 2012 he left his legal career to pursue a lifelong dream of writing fiction, particularly fantasy and science fiction. He’s currently working on both the sequel to Exile, an entirely new epic fantasy novel for adults, and a steampunk serial novel that you can read for free on Wattpad.

About

From the Blog

Latest Posts

September 7, 2016September 7, 2016 by J. Cormier

10 Quick Questions with Me, by G.R. Matthews

Fellow author, #SPFBO contestant, and Fantasy Faction staff writer extraordinaire G.R. Matthews graciously interviewed me for his blog feature 10 Quick Questions with Indie Authors. Go check it out. You won’t be disappointed. It’s full of jewels like GMA:To steal (paraphrase) from Rod Stewart, what do you wish that you know now, you knew when you started… Read More

April 9, 2016April 9, 2016 by J. Cormier

A Life in Books

It occurred to me recently that one’s personal library truly does tell a story all its own. While cleaning out two storage units I rent and consolidating them into one, I ended up throwing out a lot of junk. What I didn’t get rid of was books–hundreds of them, stored in cardboard boxes and stacked… Read More

February 23, 2016 by J. Cormier

Apple v. FBI

I wrote a Tweety thing about Apple and the FBI. Here’s the thing about Apple vs. the FBI: this isn’t nearly as unique or important an issue as some would have you believe. — Jim Cormier (@jcormier) February 22, 2016 Most major corporate interests, Apple included, regularly cooperate with law enforcement to provide info on… Read More

February 2, 2016February 2, 2016 by J. Cormier

A Few Words on Defeatism

There’s a lot of defeatist thought making the rounds in the Democratic Party right now. Articles like this one, talking about why Bernie Sanders couldn’t be an effective president, are par for the course among Hillary Clinton supporters. Just google “Sanders Clinton pragmatist idealist” or some variation thereof and start reading. The dichotomy is hardly… Read More

January 13, 2016January 14, 2016 by J. Cormier

On the Tongue Tonight

I want to eat when the fire’s done I want to dance when the bulls have run Other side of the hard day’s sun The water’s coming to a boil I want to ask when the bills are paid Do the work of my father’s day See the road from a dead highway… Read More

December 29, 2015 by J. Cormier

Comments Now Open On ‘The Doktor’s Spyglass’

I’m not sure how many people are reading The Doktor’s Spyglass here on my website, as opposed to on Wattpad, but I noticed recently that for some reason I hadn’t enabled comments on the individual chapter pages here. That has now been fixed. If you’re reading the book here on jamesdcormier.com, comments are now open on… Read More

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Reviews of Exile: The Book of Ever Part 1

What Readers Are Saying About 'Exile'

The world that Cormier builds is hostile and unforgiving, and he paints it with descriptive, affecting writing.

J. Linson, Amazon Reviewer

I just finished the Divergent series and decided to take a chance on this one. What a great read!

Chris Johnson, Goodreads Reviewer

Everything I could want in a YA novel. If [The Hunger Games and The Maze Runner] are your cup of tea, drink this one.

Hollande Lawrence, Audible Listener

The amount of detail that Cormier put into this book was amazing. The main character Ever was wonderful…the kind of girl you want on your side. The characters themselves were extremely well written–more than just a story, a journey and an experience. — ★★★★, Read the full review

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