CROM Update 052 with Ali the Fantasy Sword and Sorcery Writer
In this episode of the CROM Updates Podcast (#52), Kurt Brugel speaks with Ali, a newcomer to fantasy sword and sorcery writing. Ali shares how he first encountered Crom the Barbarian through Kurt's work and expresses his excitement about contributing to the CROM Anthology. Although Ali has primarily written prose, he's eager to explore comic book scripting, though he admits needing to refine his skills in pacing and paneling. Kurt praises Ali's sample story, particularly his clever use of twisting the reader's perspective at the very end, which adds depth and intrigue to the narrative. The conversation highlights their shared passion for storytelling and the challenges of balancing action and character development in the genre.
Kurt discusses his vision for collaboration within the CROM Anthology, emphasizing the project's goal of fostering a creative community. He proposes collecting 10 short stories from Ali that blend prose and illustrations, allowing for varied interpretations of Crom's character and mythology. Kurt also reflects on the evolution of the sword and sorcery genre, pointing out the divide between literary and comic book fans and the potential for bridging the gap between these two groups. Ali appreciates this collaborative approach, agreeing that such projects bring fresh perspectives and contribute to a dynamic creative ecosystem.
Additionally, Kurt talks about his role as the custodian of the Gardner Francis Fox Library, where he aims to preserve and promote Fox's contributions to comics and pulp fiction. He shares his admiration for Fox's ability to play with time and space, even in his romance stories. The discussion wraps up with Ali's excitement about seeing his work illustrated, and Kurt's commitment to providing a platform for creative contributions. Both share optimism about the future of the CROM Anthology and its potential to unite different elements of the sword and sorcery community.
Watch the CROM Update 052 video on YouTube:
Educational Highlights
Crafting Endings: The importance of a compelling ending in storytelling and strategies like writing the ending first.
Collaboration in Comics: Insights on blending prose and visual art in anthologies and fostering creative partnerships.
Preserving Legacy: Understanding Gardner Fox’s contributions to comics and how historical works inspire modern storytelling.
Use these links to find out more about Kurt inker Brugel.
