Writing Fantasy to Explore Worldview

Writing Fantasy to Explore Worldview

Posted on by R.M. Archer

Something I’ve been exploring a lot lately in my Deseran worldbuilding is worldview. What cultures believe what? How do those beliefs differ from group to group and person to person? How do those beliefs clash with the beliefs of other cultures? I’ve found that I really enjoy exploring these different perspectives, and exploring how they do or don’t capture the real-world truth. So I wanted to write about some ways we can explore worldview effectively when writing fantasy, in hopes that some of you will also find it interesting or informative. This is something I’m still learning, so I don’t have it all figured out yet, but here are some of the things I’ve been able to identify from my own thought processes. Continue reading “Writing Fantasy to Explore Worldview” →

Enneagram Authors: Type 8 – The Challenger

Enneagram Authors: Type 8 – The Challenger

Posted on by R.M. Archer

About the 8

Description from The Enneagram Institute

Eights are self-confident, strong, and assertive. Protective, resourceful, straight-talking, and decisive, but can also be ego-centric and domineering. Eights feel they must control their environment, especially people, sometimes becoming confrontational and intimidating. Eights typically have problems with their tempers and with allowing themselves to be vulnerable. At their Best: self- mastering, they use their strength to improve others’ lives, becoming heroic, magnanimous, and inspiring.

  • Basic Fear: Of being harmed or controlled by others
  • Basic Desire: To protect themselves (to be in control of their own life
    and destiny)

For the 8, I had the privilege of interviewing author Kellyn Roth!

Continue reading “Enneagram Authors: Type 8 – The Challenger” →

Enneagram Authors: Type 7 – The Enthusiast

Enneagram Authors: Type 7 – The Enthusiast

Posted on by R.M. Archer

About the 7

Description from The Enneagram Institute

Sevens are extroverted, optimistic, versatile, and spontaneous. Playful, high-spirited, and practical, they can also misapply their many talents, becoming over-extended, scattered, and undisciplined. They constantly seek new and exciting experiences, but can become distracted and exhausted by staying on the go. They typically have problems with impatience and impulsiveness. At their Best: they focus their talents on worthwhile goals, becoming appreciative, joyous, and satisfied.

  • Basic Fear: Of being deprived and in pain
  • Basic Desire: To be satisfied and content—to have their needs fulfilled

My sister is a 7, so she’s this week’s interviewee! Continue reading “Enneagram Authors: Type 7 – The Enthusiast” →

Enneagram Authors: Type 6 – The Loyalist

Enneagram Authors: Type 6 – The Loyalist

Posted on by R.M. Archer

About the 6

Description from The Enneagram Institute

The committed, security-oriented type. Sixes are reliable, hard-working, responsible, and trustworthy. Excellent “troubleshooters,” they foresee problems and foster cooperation, but can also become defensive, evasive, and anxious—running on stress while complaining about it. They can be cautious and indecisive, but also reactive, defiant and rebellious. They typically have problems with self-doubt and suspicion. At their Best: internally stable and self-reliant, courageously championing themselves and others.

  • Basic Fear: Of being without support and guidance

  • Basic Desire: To have security and support

Today I’m interviewing author Anne Rhys! Continue reading “Enneagram Authors: Type 6 – The Loyalist” →

Enneagram Authors: Type 5 – The Investigator

Enneagram Authors: Type 5 – The Investigator

Posted on by R.M. Archer

About the 5

Description from The Enneagram Institute

Fives are alert, insightful, and curious. They are able to concentrate and focus on developing complex ideas and skills. Independent, innovative, and inventive, they can also become preoccupied with their thoughts and imaginary constructs. They become detached, yet high-strung and intense. They typically have problems with eccentricity, nihilism, and isolation. At their Best: visionary pioneers, often ahead of their time, and able to see the world in an entirely new way.

  • Basic Fear: Being useless, helpless, or incapable

  • Basic Desire: To be capable and competent

I got to interview my friend Farren for this week! Continue reading “Enneagram Authors: Type 5 – The Investigator” →