C. C. Harper - Author

The other day I was thinking to myself “When did I start writing? Was it before or after I developed my extreme fondness for reading?” I’m not really sure, but my perception tells me they manifested at about the same time. Of course as a child I read quite frequently and even with my friends we were always playing and telling stories to each other. Yet, that was not writing.  The first time I remember writing a story was when I was “talking”, with a friend of mine, through notes we used to put in each other’s mailbox. They were not exactly letters, they were more like the 80’s version of WhatsApp messages, but in handwriting, some were a lot more extensive and there was no shortening or contraction of words, which - by the way - I find it to be one of the most vile and hideous manner of stabbing a language in its written form.  Anyway, our storytelling game started with a dream, or a nightmare depending on the perspective. Though I think it wasn’t really a nightmare, it was on...

  In today’s midweek prompt - which you may freely consider slightly lengthy for a writing prompt - we’re going back to an urban fantasy setting, to the witches, the magic and the supernatural.   So here it goes: In the heart of a neon-lit metropolis, where the dazzling glow of modernity gleams against the backdrop of age-old secrets, a forgotten coven stirs from its century-long slumber. The city, a fusion of towering skyscrapers and dark alleyways, hums with an energy that pulses just beneath its surface. Ancient magic, once cloaked in shadow and silence, begins to seep into the streets, awakening forces long thought to be extinct.  Here, amidst the chaos of honking cars and flickering streetlights, you find yourself entangled in a web woven from the threads of your ancestry. You are a witch, a proud descendant of the Forsaken Coven—a group banished from the magical realm for daring to summon powers deemed too dangerous for mortal hands. Until recently, your life h...

  There’s something delightfully magical about a garden gnome. Isn’t there? Standing quietly in a flowerbed or nestled between shrubs, they seem to simply watch over their surroundings—innocent, stationary, perhaps even ordinary. Or are they? I’ve always been deeply fascinated by these little figures, especially after watching The Fabulous Destiny of Amélie Poulain . There was something so whimsical about the idea of a garden gnome secretly traveling the world, sending postcards to its unsuspecting owner. It made me wonder—what if these gnomes have lives of their own when we’re not looking? During one of my trips to Finland, I noticed that many cabins had their own resident gnomes. They stood in gardens, watching over homes as if they had always been part of the landscape. And for the first time, I began to imagine what sort of stories these gnomes could tell if they came to life. What world do they belong to when the stars come out and the humans go to sleep? In European folklore,...

  A couple of years ago, I attended a training about storytelling and writing. So as a part of our exercises, we were asked to come up with a draft for a story we would like to tell. Something simple, not very fancy nor detailed. Just something that could set the wheels in motion.  As per usual, with me, nothing is ever simple. My neurons start firing at each other and arguing “do this!”, and the other goes “No! Do that!” and then a third one comes into play and says “Oh bullocks! You’re ruining everything, do this instead!”, then finally the referee shows up – whenever that may be, but preferably before they all start grabbing on each other’s throats – blows the whistle and puts some order in the place.  Therefore, when asked to keep things short and simple, normally I panic and start wondering what sort of sorcery I should resort to in order to accomplish such task… just like what I’m doing right now.  Anyway, long story short, after this long internal battle I cam...

  Today, I am going to share a deeply personal part of my creative journey - the process behind “The Lost Tales of Erandelle”. Why share this? Because sometimes, in order to move forward, it's important to revisit the past without getting stuck in it.  On August 5, 2012, I published the first chapter of what was then known as "The Emerald Bay Chronicles" on this blog, which had a different name at that time. Subsequently, I posted chapters two through five in the following days before halting. As you may recall, vampires were immensely popular at that time, saturating the literary landscape with books and series focused on them. My challenge stemmed from having already explored a gothic/vampire phase in my teenage years. So by 2012, I found myself disenchanted with the vampire theme, craving something fresh and different. I had multiple ideas swirling in my mind about elves, influenced by numerous fantasy universes such as Warhammer Fantasy, Dungeons and Dragons, Forgotte...

  Flash fiction, also known as micro fiction, is a literary form that packs a punch in a compact space. In a world inundated with information, flash fiction stands out as a literary gem that captivates readers with its brevity and brilliance. So please join me on a journey into the art of flash fiction, where every word is a brushstroke painting vivid stories in miniature. Flash fiction is more than just a condensed story; it's an art form that demands precision and creativity. With word counts ranging from a few dozen to a thousand words, writers face the challenge of conveying a complete narrative with a beginning, middle, and end. The essence lies in distilling a story to its core, leaving readers with a powerful and resonant experience. One of the remarkable aspects of flash fiction is its ability to create entire worlds in a few paragraphs. Writers wield words with precision, carefully choosing details that evoke vivid imagery and immerse readers in a narrative universe. Each ...

  Storytelling—the ancient art woven into the fabric of human existence, a timeless tradition passed down through generations. It holds within its grasp the power to transport us to far-off lands, ignite our imaginations, and stir emotions buried deep within our souls. The Power of Narratives: In every corner of the world, narratives hold sway. From fireside tales shared by elders to bestselling novels and blockbuster films, storytelling shapes cultures, influences beliefs, and bridges the gaps between diverse perspectives. It serves as a mirror reflecting our humanity back to us. Within the realms of stories, the ordinary becomes extraordinary. Imagination dances with reality, conjuring heroes, villains, and worlds yet unseen. It's an invitation to explore uncharted territories, unlocking doors to empathy and understanding. At its core, storytelling is a conduit for connection. It transcends boundaries of time, culture, and language, creating bridges between individuals. Through s...

  In the vast tapestry of Arthurian legend, amidst the tales of knights, quests, and Camelot's glory, lies the mystical and often overlooked land of Lyonesse. Shrouded in mystery and steeped in folklore, Lyonesse is a fabled land that captivates the imagination with its enigmatic history and tragic fate. The Legend of Lyonesse: Lyonesse is said to have existed off the coast of Cornwall, a kingdom of great beauty and prosperity. With its lush landscapes, magnificent castles, and vibrant culture, it was a realm steeped in riches and enchantment. Some accounts suggest it was ruled by Queen Melusine or King Tristan. Yet, Lyonesse's story takes a tragic turn. Legend has it that the land was swallowed by the sea in a cataclysmic event, possibly due to a great flood or a series of storms. Overnight, the kingdom vanished beneath the waves, leaving behind only whispers and echoes in folklore. The tale of Lyonesse has inspired numerous writers, from Alfred, Lord Tennyson to Thomas Hardy,...