What purpose does political intrigue serve in fantasy novels?

 Magic and mythical creatures are cool, but political intrigue can make our stories come alive in ways that stick with us. Tangles of power, loyalty, and difficult choices keep us guessing about what the characters will do at every turn.

In my Dark Blade Trilogy, I've explored how politics shapes not just kingdoms, but the very souls of those caught in its web. Take Dan, a junior Lord of Septily, who discovers his family's involvement in the slave trade while training with the Watch Guard. Talk about a gut punch. But here's where it gets interesting – political systems don't just create problems, they create crucibles for character growth.

Think about it. When Dan trains alongside Prince Alex and Farrald, a merchant's son, they're not just learning combat moves. They're navigating a complex dance of class differences, competing loyalties, and personal dreams that clash with duty. The Watch Guard isn't just another fantasy military organization – it's an interkingdom agency that forces characters to think beyond their local power structures.

Here's something I've learned while crafting these stories: political intrigue works best when it's personal. Sure, we could talk about trade agreements and border disputes (yawn), but what really grabs readers is watching characters wrestle with choices that pit their hearts against their duties. Prince Alex wants to return to his kingdom, Farrald dreams of life as a Shepherd, and Dan seeks to distance himself from his family's dark legacy. Each character's personal journey intertwines with larger political forces, creating tension that drives the story forward.

But let's zoom out for a moment. Fantasy as a genre has always been fertile ground for exploring political themes. Look at how George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire uses political machinations to examine human nature, or how N.K. Jemisin's Broken Earth trilogy weaves systemic oppression into the very fabric of its world. These stories work because they understand that politics isn't just about who sits on the throne – it's about how power shapes people and societies.

In The Dark Blade Trilogy, the Watch Guard serves as an organization that transcends kingdom boundaries, forcing characters to grapple with loyalties that extend beyond their homeland. Through their training, Dan, Alex, and Farrald don't just learn fighting techniques – they learn to see their world from new perspectives, forming alliances that challenge their preconceptions.

What makes political intrigue truly compelling in fantasy isn't the complexity of the schemes (though those are fun), but how they force characters to grow. When Dan uncovers his family's involvement in slavery, he faces a choice that will define not just his future, but potentially the future of Septily itself. These are the moments that transform political intrigue from mere plot devices into powerful tools for character development.

For writers crafting their own fantasy worlds, remember that effective political intrigue grows organically from your world's unique characteristics and the conflicts your characters face. The Watch Guard works as a political entity because it makes sense within the world's structure, creating natural tensions between local and interkingdom interests. These tensions provide endless opportunities for character growth and conflict.

Political intrigue in fantasy allows us to explore very real human dynamics in settings unbound by historical constraints. Through Dan's journey from privileged lord to questioning trainee, through Alex's struggle between personal desire and royal duty, through Farrald's dream of a simpler life, we see how political systems shape destinies and force characters to define themselves in relation to power.

What's your take on political intrigue in fantasy? Have you ever found yourself surprisingly invested in fictional politics? Drop a comment below – I'd love to hear your thoughts on how political elements enhance or complicate your favorite fantasy stories.

Read Dark Blade Forged or check out the No Spice Fantasy Book Funnel for February 2025!

Podcasting for Authors - AT the IWSG Site

 Thinking About Starting a Podcast as an Author?

Spoiler: You don’t need fancy gear, a radio voice, or a flawless plan.

In this week’s guest post at the Insecure Writer’s Support Group, I’m diving into the real story behind how I started podcasting (hint: it involved zero perfection and a whole lot of learning on the go). I’m sharing practical tips for getting started, embracing imperfection, and using podcasting to connect with readers in a whole new way.

✨ Bonus: A curated list of author-friendly podcasts to inspire your ears!

And you can listen my podcast this week here: The Truth About Storytelling.

IWSG: If I Could Be Anyone (or Anything) for a Day: A Writer’s Adventure & 5 Ways to Refill the Creative Well

 

IWSG Sign Up

To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!

Started by Alex J. Cavanaugh! The volunteer hosts this month are: Ronel Janse Van Vuuren, Pat Garcia, and Liza @ Middle Passages!

The optional question for the Insecure Writer's Support Group Blog Hop this month is: If for one day you could be anyone or thing in the world, what would it be? Describe, tell why, and any themes, goals, or values they/it inspire in you.

If for one day I could be anyone or thing in the world, I would be an author adventurer.

Picture this: traveling the world, piloting personal aircraft, speaking openly about my stories and my faith with a strong voice, but also finding the time to enjoy my family and invest time in my community. This “author adventurer” would live with purpose, explore new places, and share what I learn with others, all while staying grounded by the love and support of those closest to me. It’s a blend of adventure, creative expression, and meaningful connection that inspires me every day. I'm so close to this, but yet not quite there yet, and some of it, I am unlikely to do at this point in my life - I don't think I'll be getting a personal pilot's license anytime soon, but the rest is within reach.

As I think about the type of creative life I’d like to live, it reminds me of the importance of refilling our creative wells. Even the most adventurous and passionate writers need to pause, refresh, and regain their energy to keep moving forward. When we're creatively drained, it's easy to feel like we're stuck or burning out. That’s why it’s crucial to take time for restoration and refilling.

Here are 5 ways to refill your creative well when you feel low on inspiration:

1. Step Away and Take a Break
   Sometimes, the best way to refresh your mind is to step away from your work. Go for a walk, take a nap, or simply breathe. The act of letting go for a moment allows fresh energy to return.
2. Spend Time in Nature
   Nature is an incredible source of rejuvenation. Whether it's a stroll through the woods or sitting by a lake, taking in the sights and sounds of the outdoors can help you reset and gain new perspectives.
3. Engage in a Different Creative Activity
   If your writing feels stagnant, try something different: sketch, paint, dance, or experiment with cooking. Engaging in a creative activity that’s not directly related to your primary work often helps stir up new ideas.
4. Connect with Other Creatives
   Talking to other writers or artists can reignite your spark. Exchange ideas, discuss struggles, or simply share your work. Sometimes, all it takes is a good conversation to re-energize your own creative flow.
5. Take Yourself on an Artist’s Date
   A concept from Julia Cameron's The Artist's Way, an Artist's Date is about taking yourself on an adventure for the sole purpose of inspiring creativity. Whether it's visiting a museum, going to a play, or even taking a walk in a new place, do something just for you and your creative spirit.

I'll be diving deeper into more ways to refill your creative well on my podcast this week. I hope you’ll join me for the conversation as we explore how to nurture and protect our creativity.

Book Deals This Month:

Science Fiction and Fantasy in March

FREE Adventures in Scfi & Fantasy

AND I’ll be participating in an in-person event at the end of April at the Paddler's Cup in Gig Harbor, Washington - celebrating kayaking, canoeing, and dragonboats.

So, what would your answer be if you could be anyone or anything for a day? I’d love to hear from you in the comments!