Author: Verena

Self-Love or the Warrior’s Path: Back to Life What does self-love really mean? Self-love—a term often misunderstood. You hear: “Accept yourself as you are.” “You are good enough.” People advise you to stand in front of the mirror, compliment yourself, smile kindly, and convince yourself that everything is fine. But what if you look deeper and realize: I am not good enough—not for myself. Perhaps for others, but not for the standards I set for myself. In the morning, as I prepare in the bathroom for the challenges of the day, I stand in front of the mirror—critical and self-reflective. Before that, I complete my meditation routine, which puts me in the right mental state—clear, focused, ready. This is followed by my intensive workout routine, for which I wake up an hour earlier. Routine, focus, discipline—these are the values that drive me. As my body still feels the final steps of the workout, I check to make sure my business attire is immaculate, every...

Inner Strength and Perseverance: The Hidden Power That Makes True Heroes A Hero's Journey in "The Flaming Suffering" – From Exile Back to Life In my fantasy novel The Flaming Suffering, the hero Eranthir embarks on an extraordinary journey that tests every ounce of his inner strength. After enduring harrowing experiences and a profound personal loss during the First Battle of Connacht, he retreats into the silence of exile. Marked by these events, he seeks to leave everything behind, abandon the world, and fight no more battles. In his solitude, he often meditates—a skill his grandfather Helmar taught him early on to collect his thoughts and find peace. Meditation helps him process the horrors and losses, but the wounds in his soul run deep, and the dark memories never fully leave him. One night, amidst a powerful storm, the winds rage around his hut like wild, untamed beasts. Rain pounds deafeningly against the walls, and lightning tears through the darkness as if the...

The Deep Connection between Humans and Animals through Words Since the dawn of civilisation, humans have been fascinated by the idea that animals can respond to human words and stories. Whether as loyal companions, spiritual guides, or protectors of nature, animals have always been a deep connection to humans. Our ancestors, from the Romans to the Celts, developed special bonds with animals and included them in rituals and stories. Today, modern science has shown that animals can indeed perceive the tone and emotions of human language, and some can even recognise the meaning of certain words. Yet, the ability to reach animals through words goes beyond modern insights and delves deeply into our shared history. This article explores the long-standing tradition of human-animal communication and the special resonance that animals develop in response to stories and rituals. It becomes clear that animals throughout the ages were far more than mere companions – they were beings who formed an emotional and spiritual connection...

The Power of Stories - From Rugged Coasts and Mist-Shrouded Isles Mysterious Places That Live on in Our Souls The power of stories. There are places we may never have visited, yet they’re rooted deeply in our souls. These are hidden worlds that stay with us in thought for a lifetime. To me, they are the lands of myth and legend. In these places, ancient stone circles stand as silent witnesses to past ages. Green hills seem to whisper tales older than memory itself. Filled with secrets, magic, and timeless wisdom, they call to me over and over. It’s as if they wait, longing to be rediscovered. Where My Love for Legends Began My fascination with these enchanted landscapes began in my childhood, during quiet teatimes with my grandmother. On cold afternoons, when the wind outside gusted through bare branches and the world was cloaked in pale winter grey, we would sit in our small kitchen. Grandmother would light a candle, and its flickering glow...

The Multifaceted World of Fantasy Fan Interests The world of fantasy fans is diverse and rich in creative expressions. This community thrives on its passion for literature, visual media, role-playing, and the art of cosplay. These interests go beyond simple entertainment—they are an essential part of identity and daily life for many fans. Literature and Visual Stories as Central Elements At the core of many fantasy enthusiasts’ interests lies the realm of storytelling. Whether through books, short stories, or visually captivating films, discussing complex plots, unexpected twists, and deep characters is an integral part of their conversations. Engaging with fictional worlds not only sparks imagination but also encourages creative dialogue and inspires reflection on one’s own reality. Role-Playing Games: A Creative Journey into Other Worlds Role-playing games hold a significant place in the fantasy culture. They allow fans to step into characters’ roles and create stories where they control their characters’ destinies. This form of interactive creativity enables participants to dive deep into their imagination...

The Deep Hopes of Fantasy Fans and Creators Fantasy worlds have a unique ability to captivate people. They offer us an escape from daily life, transporting us into magical universes filled with adventure, mystery, and epic stories. For many fans, the thought of their favorite books or films coming to an end feels unbearable. They hope these stories will never stop, that sequels and new chapters will keep opening doors to these beloved worlds. Every continuation offers them the chance to dive back into these universes, reliving the adventures with the characters they adore. This hope that their favorite fantasy worlds will never end runs deep. It is rooted in the desire to return to a familiar place, where more adventures and secrets await. The continuation of these stories provides fans with the sense that their escape from reality will never be interrupted. Series, books, and films that extend these journeys fulfill a need for continuity and endless exploration. The Desire for Recognition...

The Fears of Fantasy Fans and Creators in Changing Times Fantasy has always held a special place in the world of literature and art. It opens doors to new worlds filled with magic, adventure, and boundless creativity. Yet, despite the deep fascination this genre offers, many fans and creators grapple with certain fears. These fears reflect both the growing influence of the mainstream and the changing perception of the genre. In this post, we explore the biggest concerns within the fantasy community. The Fear of Commercialization: Is Fantasy Losing Its Magic? One of the most commonly expressed fears among the fantasy community is that the genre is becoming too mainstream. Fans see how fantasy is gaining popularity through Hollywood blockbusters and mass-produced series. While this increased attention can expand the market for fantasy works, many fear that the core essence of the genre could be lost in the process. Fantasy thrives on its depth—the intricate worlds that authors build over years and the stories...

The Challenges of Fantasy Fans: Patience and Finding Like-Minded People Fantasy fans love diving into magical worlds and experiencing profound stories. However, despite their passion, they often face certain challenges that can dampen their enjoyment. Two of the most common issues are the long waiting times for new releases and the difficulty in finding like-minded individuals for deeper discussions. These hurdles can strain the connection to the fantasy world and create frustration. Long Waiting Times for Sequels: Testing Fans’ Patience One of the biggest frustrations many fantasy fans experience is the long waiting period between book or series releases. Particularly with popular book series or shows, it can take years before a sequel arrives. Fans who are emotionally invested in the story and its characters often find it hard to be patient. The lengthy pauses can weaken the excitement and make it harder to stay connected to the plot. Many fans feel like they lose track of the storyline during the waiting time. When...

The Magic of Fantasy: Creating a World from Dreams Each of us carries dreams within us, dreams that inspire us, give us hope, and motivate us to strive for something greater. Especially during times of uncertainty, many people long to escape into a world of their own creation. This desire to craft a unique and complex fantasy world is deeply rooted in our imagination. It comes from the wish to leave behind the everyday and immerse ourselves in a realm where we control the rules, define the boundaries, and shape the course of events. Creating a fantasy world is much more than just storytelling. It is a powerful act of creativity that allows us to bring our deepest thoughts and emotions to life. These worlds offer us the chance to build scenarios where anything is possible, from epic battles to emotional moments that may otherwise remain hidden in the routine of daily life. For many, these personal worlds provide a sanctuary, a place...

In today’s often hectic and unpredictable world, many people long for an escape - a moment to dive into magic, adventure or another reality. For fantasy fans, this genre offers exactly that: a magical place where adventures await, and the burdens of everyday life can be left behind. The Need for Adventure and Magical Worlds Fantasy worlds are more than just an escape from reality. They are realms of imagination, where heroes battle dark forces, magic defies the laws of nature, and strange lands are waiting to be explored. These stories create adventures that quicken the pulse and forge emotional connections. They invite us to see the world from a new perspective—one where anything is possible. For many fantasy fans, these worlds are a sanctuary, where they can live out their own creativity and experience adventures often absent in the real world. They immerse themselves in these narratives, joining heroes on epic quests and traveling through kingdoms filled with mysteries. But this isn’t...