Writing about craft has forced me to think more about my own writing technique, and to break down my process in ways that have been enormously helpful to me.

I love magic and playing with magic systems. But to me, good fantasy like all fiction comes down to good character and plotting.

Before writing, I start with a series of questions, specific things I need to know before I can write the book... That list grows and changes as I do more and more research. But when I've answered the bulk of the questions, I begin to write.

Writing about craft has forced me to think more about my own writing technique, and to break down my process in ways that have been enormously helpful to me.

Wrote my first "novel" when I was six. Studied a bit in college, but then pursued history... But when I started writing professionally, it was mostly learn as you go.

The closer you can get to your setting and to primary sources, the more authentic your history is going to be.

I listen to instrumental jazz and bluegrass, but aside from my AM workout, I have no rituals.