Inspirations for my Tales from the Omniverse
There’s a piece of writing advice that has always stuck with me: “Just be original and familiar at the same time”. It’s simultaneously simple and complex. But what does it mean for the “Tales from the Omniverse”?
To produce something that is both original and familiar is one of the biggest challenges any author faces. How do you create something that feels fresh while still resonating with the familiarity that audiences crave?
When you look at some of the most beloved stories in popular culture, you’ll see that they often feel familiar. Many of the classic Disney movies are based on old fairy tales or historical legends. These are stories we already know. Yet they’re brought to life in ways that feel new, mainly because of the characters and the emotional journeys they undertake.
Audiences want something they can connect with, something that feels like a continuation of the stories they love. Therefore, established franchises like John Wick or Fast and the Furious have such staying power. Even when their newest installments may not be as innovative as other, more original works, they draw from an existing audience. It’s the reason for the high number of sequels and spin-offs in movies and TV shows.
Or consider the appeal of the Marvel Universe or Star Wars Universe. The concept of good versus evil, of heroes fighting to save the world, is as old as time. Yet it draws us in. These stories resonate because they give us a familiar framework while adding new twists and character arcs that keep us engaged.
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The Omniverse: A journey into infinite realms
SK Alexander's tagline “Tales From The Omniverse”, isn't just a catchy phrase—it's the very essence of his literary world and the foundation upon which he constructs his career as an authorpreneur.
The inspiration for my novels
I’m constantly drawing from the books I read, but also from movies and television shows. My “Tales from the Omniverse” grew out of the desire to merge originality with familiarity. Imagine a realm so vast that it contains an infinite number of multiverses, each with its own unique set of circumstances. It allows me to play with familiar tropes and twist them into something new, while keeping the essence of what makes them compelling.
Some of my favorite paranormal fiction and TV dramas like Profiler and The Listener heavily inspired “The Empath Series”. Moreover, the concept for “The Prince of Hellscape Series” took shape during my teenage years after watching Meet Joe Black. The idea of Death taking human form to experience life on Earth intrigued me, but I wanted to explore it in a grittier context.
The dark urban fantasy series taps into tropes of supernatural fiction. For generations, angels, demons, and vampires have entertained people in books, movies, and TV shows. Yet they still provide fertile ground for new narratives and character arcs. I can use the familiar elements and still experiment with the genre.
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Balancing structure and creativity: my writing process
Since I started the “Tales From The Omniverse”, my writing process has evolved from creating a loose framework into a structured yet flexible routine.
Going forward
Sometimes, our creativity leads us to similar places, but it’s how we execute those ideas that truly matter. Reimagining familiar stories has always fascinated me. In my “Tales From The Omniverse”, I’ve found a way to do just that. From fantasy retelling (“Hansel and Gretel”) to role reversals (Merlin as villain or Captain Hook as hero). By drawing on familiar elements while adapting them to something new, the potential for unique tales is endless.
The Omniverse is a limitless realm. It’s a playground for ideas both old and new, where every story can find its place and every character has a chance to shine. I won’t solely reimagine familiar concepts, as I have done with “The Empath Series” or “The Prince of Hellscape Series”. My goal is to mix (re)telling familiar tales with ‘original’ ones. Ultimately, I’m dedicated to entertaining readers and providing them with an escape from the mundane.
Buy "The Empath Series"
“The Empath Series” follows empath Nathaniel Colt as he rejoins the world and the people he left behind. It is a riveting tale of suspense, emotion, and the resilience of the human spirit. As the empath grapples with his inner demons, the pulse-pounding action and the unpredictable twists will keep you on the edge of your seat.
If you enjoy stories with a psychic investigator, serial killers, and an insolent dog, then you will love “The Empath Series”.