
Characters First: My Approach To Writing Speculative Fiction
As an author of speculative fiction, SK Alexander follows the principle of "characters first".
Content focused on storytelling as craft and practice, exploring narrative structure, theme, voice, pacing, and the techniques that shape compelling stories across genres and media.

As an author of speculative fiction, SK Alexander follows the principle of "characters first".

E.M. McConnell’s “The Sunset Sovereign” is an enjoyable fantasy/sci-fi hybrid set in a dystopian world.

These contemporary series' take the age-old trope of vigilante justice and infuse it with moral dilemmas and the relentless quest for revenge.

With its blend of action, humor, and heart, Netflix's live-action adaptation of the anime “One Piece” promises an extraordinary voyage filled with friendship, loyalty, and unexpected twists.

Vigilantes not only play a significant role in movies but are also a staple on the small screen. In the 1980s and 90s, vigilantes took center stage in various television shows.

“The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power” offers another journey into Middle-earth. Unfortunately, the series tries too hard and ends up being pompous and boring.

For decades, characters who pursue their own forms of justice or retribution have captivated audiences around the world. These films and franchises portray the journeys of modern-day avengers.

The appeal of morally ambiguous vigilantes has long entranced audiences. These classic narratives follow vigilantes who pursue their unique paths of vengeance and justice.

Arjay Lewis’s Fire in the Mind, the first book in the Doctor Wise series, is full of psychic mystery.

With a mixture of elation and relief, SK Alexander announces the completion of the paranormal suspense thriller Wicked Seduction, the last book in “The Empath Series”.

The Gryphon is the German adaption of Wolfgang Hohlbein’s young adult fantasy novel. The show’s stereotypical characters and poor storytelling overshadowed any excitement.

Since their inception, both DC Comics and Marvel Comics have introduced a vast array of superheroes. A significant number of them are vigilantes.

Whether they fight for truth, protect the innocent, or seek revenge against injustice, vigilantes are a mainstay in literature.

Jessica Goeken’s “Ashes, Ashes” is a young adult supernatural fiction that gives off Buffy the Vampire Slayer vibes.

Paramount Pictures' Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves brings the iconic tabletop game to life on the big screen.

The grandeur and scale of Game of Thrones revolutionized long-form storytelling. While comparisons to the original are inevitable, I evaluated House of the Dragon on its own merit.

W.A. Edwards’ “Hunter’s Fated Wait” is a shifter tale with a slow-building romance.

Empaths often become a powerful force that can change the trajectory of conflicts or transform the dynamics of relationships.

While paranormal abilities like telepathy, telekinesis, and clairvoyance often receive the most attention, empathy still is a mainstay in fiction.

With Eternum, the second book of “The World Settlers” duology, Callan J Mulligan crafted a fast-paced, page-turning political thriller in space, with a dash of romance.

With Astraeus, the first book of “The World Settlers” duology, Callan J Mulligan crafted a thrilling murder mystery in outer space.

Being born with special abilities sounds thrilling. Who wouldn’t like to read the minds of others or have visions of the future? Thus, I enjoy watching television shows that feature “gifted” protagonists.

During ProWritingAid’s “Science Fiction Writers’ Week”, Andy Weir, author of “The Martian”, reflected on his research process and the accuracy of his science.

SK Alexander explores how Nathaniel Colt’s empathy shapes the narrative within his paranormal suspense thriller, Wicked Hunt, Book One in “The Empath Series”.

People's fascination with the paranormal is clear in the continued success of movies and television shows that explore this subject.

Halo, the science-fiction military media franchise, has been a behemoth in the video game industry for decades. Unfortunately, season one fails to capitalize on its rich material.

People frequently use the terms “paranormal” and “supernatural” interchangeably. However, the terms are fluid, and their usage can vary based on context and personal interpretation.