When I first started writing, I thought I’d stick to one genre. I had poured years into developing Gardavia, the world of The Curse of Magic. But somewhere along the way, a couple of characters named Sticks and Stone walked into my imagination—and they wouldn’t leave.

Writing epic fantasy and Southern grit fiction may seem like juggling fire and ice. One story takes place in a magical world shaped by divine power and ancient prophecies. The other follows two unlikely partners running a food truck in small-town Texas—while navigating cons, crime, and redemption.

But what surprises me most is how similar they are at their core.

Both genres demand characters who feel real—flawed, hopeful, stubborn. Whether it’s a farm boy discovering Magic might kill him or an ex-con trying to go legit, each story is ultimately about the same thing: people trying to survive and find meaning in a broken world.

Fantasy lets me explore faith in the unknown. Southern fiction lets me explore trust in the familiar. Both give me room to ask hard questions about who we are and what we’re becoming.

The challenge isn’t switching between genres. The challenge is keeping each voice authentic.

In Gardavia, the stakes are cosmic. In Piney Woods, they’re personal. And yet, in both worlds, choices matter. Community matters. And the struggle to do what’s right—even when it’s messy—is always at the heart of the story.

That’s what ties them together.

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Want to experience both sides of my storytelling?

• The Curse of Magic releases April 8, 2025. Previews and free map at BernonBooks.com.
• Burnt Ends, a Sticks & Stone novel, launches in June 2025.

Stay tuned for more behind-the-scenes insights as we ramp up to launch!

Which genre do you prefer—Fantasy or Southern Grit? Or do you enjoy both? Let me know!