Codey Amprim

Codey is an aspiring fantasy writer and enthusiast who gets lost developing plot points inside of his head instead of paying attention to his factory job. Codey is slowly chipping away on a lifelong project of his, a saga of men and demons, the light and the dark, on a cataclysmic collision course that threatens the existence of both spectrums. In his free time, he enjoys long, romantic walks on Summoner’s Rift and gunning down aliens on Halo rings. Words of encouragement are always welcomed, as he may be contacted via Mythic Scribes or on his Facebook page.

6 Tips for Writing a Knockout Fight Scene

by Codey Amprim

Hey, you. Yes, you!

Do you have doubts as to whether or not your puny fingers can punch out what happens during a fight?

Most writer-types aren’t the kind who frequent underground fighting rings, so conveying what a fight is like through writing isn’t the easiest thing to do. And I’m not going to recommend that you go out and assault someone to gain experience, because, you know, jail and stuff.

Have no fear, comrade! By the end of this article you’ll have grown a beard worthy of Valhalla, and you’ll be able to write with such brutality and carnage that you’ll make Sylvester Stallone shed a tear. I’ll turn you into a keyboard crusader, yet!

Fantasy Gaming: A Plea for the Next-Gen

by Codey Amprim

With the release of the next generation of gaming consoles, namely the Xbox One and the Playstation 4, gamers of all types are amped to get their hands on a controller.

With the new capabilities of these fresh consoles, gamers can set their expectations high and have them answered. But what I’m really excited for are the next gen fantasy titles.

With all the new capabilities of these consoles, I’m looking forward to bigger worlds to explore, new adventures that I can even embark upon with my friends, and something that can really captivate me like games used to when I was a kid.

But, I have my worries.

Is Black and White Fantasy Dead?

by Codey Amprim

Jaime Lannister from Game of Thrones — Jaime from Game of Thrones

Is black and white dead?

No, I’m not talking about film.

With the recent surge in popularity of George R. R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire series (a.k.a. Game of Thrones), fantasy as a genre has gained a new audience. Even those who have not ventured into fantasy before can easily find themselves engrossed in the world of Westeros.

Why is this so?

Typically, fantasy has been known for depicting the struggle between good and evil – a trope that, while tried and true, may be too conventional for today’s audiences. There, I said it.

4 Elements of Epic Storytelling

by Codey Amprim

When I’m immersed in fantasy, a trance envelopes me. There’s something about great fantasy storytelling that trumps all other genres in drawing me into the world and story.

Call me crazy, but I think I’m onto something here. And that something is the recipe for the domination of the imagination. Much like The Hero with a Thousand Faces, I think epic storytelling has a certain formula that can produce a killer product.

What is it that makes your heart plummet when the screen goes black after Master Chief detonates the nuke at the end of Halo 4?

What is it that makes you want to lend your back to carry Frodo up the slopes of Mount Doom?

What is it that makes your muscles tighten every time your hero takes a blow, as if you were the one receiving it?

5 Tips for Writing Kick-Ass Characters

by Codey Amprim

Characters make the story.

They are the most difficult aspect of any work in progress, and the most crucial to its success.

There are so many elements to be considered when dealing with characters, especially when your cast is many. And let’s face it; your characters are in need of some tender loving care.

Have no fear! This scribe has some tips and ideas to help you write kick-ass characters that your readers will never forget.

Killing Off Characters – Knowing When to Drop the Guillotine

by Codey Amprim

Killing off your characters, while heartbreaking for some, and a joyous field day for others, is something that should not be taken lightly. Kill off too many characters, and your audience becomes irritated. Kill of a beloved character prematurely, and you may face a backlash.

Yet there comes a time when a character has had his moment of glory, and is ready to be retired. If you handle this correctly, you can create a monumental force of emotion in the story. But before you drop the guillotine, understand when it is, and is not, appropriate to do so.

Here are some points to consider:

Writing Believable Fantasy – A Guide to Keeping It Real

by Codey Amprim

Maintaining your audience’s suspension of disbelief is a challenge that every fantasy writer must face. Obtaining, and holding, that suspension relies on your ability to convey a believable story, setting, and cast.

If the suspension of disbelief is dissolved, so is the reader’s will to continue on with the story.

So, how do we make fantasy believable?

Skyrim: A Fantasy Writer’s Perspective

by Codey Amprim

Many of us stood in line on a brisk November night, waiting to get our hands on the game that would enslave us to our PC’s and consoles for days to come. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim went on to be named the 2011 Game of the Year, and countless players lost themselves within this fantasy world.

While most players were swept away by the gameplay, the fantasy writer in me was constantly analyzing every aspect of Skyrim, from the storyline to the world and the creatures within it. Such is the nature of the fantasy enthusiast.

I also had very high expectations for this game, after being wowed by Oblivion for years. This is my view on what I saw, and what I would have liked to have seen, in the world of Skyrim.