Author: D.A. Gatlin

D.A. Gatlin is a YA Fantasy writer who grew up in Morongo Valley, California. He won an award in the first grade for writing a story about a missing earring and a very helpful rat. Since then, fantasy writing has become his passion and he also loves reading novels by authors like Stephen King, George R.R. Martin, and Andrzej Sapkowski. D.A. graduated with his Bachelor’s in English education at California State University, Dominguez Hills. He then went on to earn his Master’s in Fine Arts for Creative Writing through Southern New Hampshire University. His short story “High Moon Justice” can be found in the anthology Darkness and Moonlight: A Worldsmyths Anthology. When he’s not writing The Terkian Triplets series, D.A. enjoys bike riding, going to the beach with his family, and playing retro video games. He is currently going into his tenth year as an English teacher, and lives in Bakersfield with his wife Stephanie, mother-in-law Terrie, and his two warrior princess daughters—Eleanor and Matilda.

Two For One

by D.A. Gatlin

(Author's Note: Here's a 250 word story I recently entered into a contest. The theme was historical fiction, and I had to use the word flame and have someone sign a document. Enjoy!) P.S. This was inspired by this famous photo... Two for One My big brother, Jimbo, fetched me before the sun rose. I … Continue reading Two For One

I Love Genre Blending! Why Romantic Tropes Belong in the Fantasy Genre

by D.A. Gatlin

Quick! Close your eyes and think of your favorite movie. It's alright, I'll wait. You have ten seconds. Go! "But I only needed threeeeee!" -Forrest Gump, if he existed in my head. Got your movie? Great! Don't tell me. Let me see if I can guess some things about this story you chose. Because that's … Continue reading I Love Genre Blending! Why Romantic Tropes Belong in the Fantasy Genre

Stop Putting Your Damsels in Distress: Tropes that Could (And Should) Be Reimagined in Fictional Worlds

by D.A. Gatlin

Consider for a moment this famous photo taken for LIFE magazine in 1963. No, they aren't celebrating "Free Ice Cream Day." They are watching a puppet show which is retelling the classic tale of "Saint George and the Dragon." Have you heard this story before? The brave saint finds a way to tame the mighty … Continue reading Stop Putting Your Damsels in Distress: Tropes that Could (And Should) Be Reimagined in Fictional Worlds

Disney: King of Building Fantasies or King of Brands?

by D.A. Gatlin

Here's a fun social experiment you can try with budding toddlers: Draw three circles on a piece of paper. You know where I'm going with this. No matter how you try to draw them, for many of us the three circles will end up looking like this. Amazing! All with a sharpie. Now comes the … Continue reading Disney: King of Building Fantasies or King of Brands?