Introduction and Writing Style
Hello and Welcome!
I’m Andrew, author of the medieval fantasy novel In Times of War: A Tale of Ardalencor.
I’m starting this Substack to share thoughts on storytelling, worldbuilding, and post portions of my work in the Ardalencor series (book 1 is published, working on book 2 now).
If you’re a fan of medieval fantasy, multi-layered stories, and elevating culture and language, you’re in the right place.
My writing honors the tradition of the heroic epic. I weave magic and fantastical elements throughout my story while maintaining an internal logic and sense of place. No convenient bending of the world for the sake of a plot point here.
I’m an avid armchair historian. My knowledge of history adds more depth, nuance, and structure to my worldbuilding than coming to the topic solely from a movie or video game frame of reference.
Ardalencor is a grand story with many characters.
As a writer offering you a new world to explore, the world needs to feel real, feel alive. I often think of myself as a movie director walking around the scene to ensure things are just so.
“There are no small parts, only small actors.” I take this to heart when creating captivating characters, particularly in short passages. You never know when a character may take on a larger role in the unfolding story.
I prefer dialog and action to drive the tale versus extended backstory narration. There’s a time and place for everything, but best to let the characters speak for themselves. They have stories to tell.
About me…
I grew up in Minnesota and now live in Texas. When not writing or listening to podcasts/videos on world history, I enjoy playing TTRPGs and strategy board games as well as the occasional bar trivia event. Pro wrestling from the ‘80s and ‘90s was a huge part of my formative years, and later learning about the booking philosophies from the territory days informed some of my approach to storytelling.
My wife and I enjoy watching football and spending time in nature. Forest walks help keep me centered and fuel my creativity.
I invite you to subscribe for articles on worldbuilding and storytelling and to check out In Times of War: A Tale of Ardalencor. The Prologue and Chapter 1 will be posted here soon.
Hope you enjoy.
The tale begins…
Ardalencor is at war and again the victim of foreign invasion.
A great battle ends in disaster as the army of Ardalencor is split by treason. High Lord Eadolan is forced to flee the field, narrowly escaping back to the fortress of Thavodyn. Desperate to raise new armies to expel the invaders and crush a rebellion in the Southwest, the High Lord must quickly sort friend from foe. As battle lines are drawn and loyalties tested, a powerful and mysterious order of wizards could shift the balance of power.
With Ardalencor sliding towards chaos, Bambenek and Dronor, a scout and a half-orc mercenary who survived the battle, must find their own paths in an uncertain future. Will they and others rally to the High Lord’s standard in the fight for Ardalencor?