Writing fantasy is a great way to not only heal from your past but exaggeratedly explore the issues of society to help initiate greater change. From childhood to adult life, it is a crucial genre in helping us understand the world we live in. It gives readers a new pair of eyes to see the world, whether learning from a place of shelter or exploring issues of society by taking a step back. In this article, I explore the genre of fantasy as a lens to view society and learn about the world’s issues from the point of view [...]

I am a white cis-gendered male and have a privilege that many people of color do not. I can safely run down a street and not get shot (Ahmaud Arbery). I can sleep in my apartment and not get shot (Breonna Taylor). I can wear a hoody and not get shot (Trayvon Martin). Yet, that is not the case for many Americans. It is an issue that needs to be brought to light. Racism runs rampant, and there has been little change since the civil rights movement in the 1960s. A group of people is screaming [...]

Save the Cat! is a plotting device that spans across all mediums of story-telling, from movies, novels, and videogames. Assassin's Creed II is a game that has inspired my writing over the past 11 years! I still remember the first time I plopped the disc into my PlayStation 3 and instantly became enthralled with the world and protagonist of Ezio Auditore Da Firenze. Today I want to look at the plot of Assassin's Creed II, and how Save the Cat! drives Ezio's transformation and manipulates me, the viewer, into caring. Disclaimer: There will be HEAVY SPOILERS for [...]