Reading on business strategies and creative blogging had me reflecting on my own brand. Over the years, Ethereal Seals has evolved tremendously. It hardly resembles the website I began with years ago. Back then, I was a dabbler. A writer who focused on basic writing tutorials. This article is more of an essay, or perhaps …
Book Review: The Way of Kings
After nearly two months of reading, I finished the behemoth that is The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson. It was an interesting read, and nothing short of awesome in its battles and lore building. Spoilers will be kept at a minimum. Premise & Worldbuilding The Way of Kings had deep, deep worldbuilding. The racial …
Lion’s Mane: A Nootropic for Writers
Most writers and artists turn to coffee for energy and a creative boost. But coffee's chronic use stresses the body leading to that classic caffeine crash. The added strain of an overstimulated and polluted civilization only worsens the outlook for creativity. A nootropic mushroom, lion's mane, may be the key. It has emerged as a …
Act IV of the Hero’s Journey
We arrive at Act IV of the Hero's Journey. The Hero has set the antagonist back and overcome the Darkest Cave. The Sword, now seized, guides the Hero to the last dregs of the quest. The Hero begins the Road Back and commits to finishing the Journey. This leads to the final battle, where Resurrection …
Act III of the Hero’s Journey
Continuing from the previous post on Act II of the Hero's Journey, the third act starts. The Hero has received ample training from the Mentor, support from allies, and growth from tests and enemies. The quest nears the Darkest Cave, or the big confrontation for the Hero. This ordeal results in hardship, near-death, and character …
Act II of the Hero’s Journey
Continuing from the previous post on Act I of the Hero's Journey, the second act begins. Here, the Hero has accepted the Call to adventure. They officially meet the Mentor, who guides and trains the Hero through the rest of the journey. Then comes the Threshold, or the point of no return. Tests, allies, and …
Act I of the Hero’s Journey
The Hero's Journey is the cornerstone of any great story, movie, video game, myth, or legend. It's woven into our DNA at an ancestral level. According to Joseph Campbell, author of the Hero with a Thousand Faces, the Hero’s Journey is a story mechanic of the protagonist’s journey. This campaign weaves through four acts for …
Thoughts on 2022 into 2023: Creative Writing, Regeneration, & God
Hey, y'all, hope you had an amazing holiday. I sure did, chilling with the folks over some pancakes, gifts, and green juice. 🙂 Moving into 2023, I had some insights from the past year in writing, faith, and health. Writing & Reading Blade of Dragons The new draft is finished! I completed it by my …
Continue reading Thoughts on 2022 into 2023: Creative Writing, Regeneration, & God
Music: It’s Role in Storytelling & Healing
Humans have appreciated music and spoken verse since our ancestors first walked this earth. The magical quality of music is ubiquitous—spread throughout every culture and community. It's more than words; it's the effect the ballad has on the human genome. It's no surprise that music is common in both storytelling and healing practices. The Divine …
Niche Study: Dragon Fantasy
Among the subgenres in fantasy, dragon-themed tales are common. With their massive size, brute strength, and ability to fly or breathe flame, it's little wonder dragons are seen as mythic creatures. Dragons have long played a role in myth and legend across various cultures, and Dragon Fantasy has become a staple in storytelling for generations. …
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