Apparently authors need websites, huh? Pretty crazy stuff. So, let’s put together an inaugural blog post.

My name is Benjamin Miller. I’m a nerd. Like, 200% a nerd. Into gaming, reading, anime, things like that. Recently, I’ve been on a bit of a LitRPG kick, hence the fact that my first book uses LitRPG writing conventions.

I wanted to explore some slightly more unusual themes with Journey of a Villainous Hero. Specifically, on the separation between perception and reality. People see Melinda making monsters and casting dark magic, they see her Sigil, they’d usually assume that she’s someone evil. But, at heart, she isn’t. She’s just a girl who wants to be a hero. And I feel like that makes for an interesting basis to a story.

Of course, I didn’t want to go full grimdark with my writing. That’s honestly something I hate about the current novel environment. The idea that a story can’t be good unless it’s grim and gritty and depressing. I like stories with a bit of wonder to them. While it’s not the strongest theme in Villainous Hero, I still wanted to include a bit of that. Melinda’s excitement at stepping out into a new world and having these strange new powers to play with, even if the circumstances aren’t exactly ideal for her.

Now, let’s talk a bit about my next story. My next story, A Long Shortcut, will be the kick-off for my second series, known as The Crystal Carvers. The Crystal Carvers will have a more classical sci-fi/fantasy setting, with a mix of traditional wizardry, magitech, and some ‘unique abilities’ working outside the normal magic systems thrown in. I don’t want to spoil too much, but I will say that it involves dimension-hopping, an evil knowledge-hoarding cult, and a magic school.

Sound interesting? Keep an eye out around here! I’ll put up a page for it on this site once it’s out, and I’ll make a blog post about it as well!

Anyway, I don’t want to ramble on too much in this first post. Happy trails, and may your dreams shine brightly.