Post on June 10, 2026: Let's talk about the noble/grim bright/dark spectrum for a minute.  Most stories have a predominent tone, and they tend to loosely fall into one of these categories. The four categories are: Grimdark: Characters who live in a terrible world and have no power to change it. Most tragedies are grimdark.  So are most dystopias that get assigned in English class: 1984, Brave New World, etc.  In fact, the majority of books that get assigned in English class are grimdark, and that is a problem, because this kind of book does not teach people anything useful to do; it only wallows in what not to do. The attitude of these stories is: "Let's whine a lot." Nobledark: Characters who live in a terrible world and are empowered to change it. Most traditional epic fantasy lives here, such as The Lord of the Rings and Beowulf.  It's also popular for dystopian fiction, science fiction, historical fiction, and historical nonfiction.  Most stories with really horrible conflicts that the characters can solve belong here. The attitude of these stories is: "Let's fix it." Grimbright: Characters who live in a good world and have no power to change it. A lot of comedies live here.  It's also popular for children's books, romance, and cozy mystery.  The perennial conflicts aren't always easy; in fact, sometimes they can be very difficult, and the characters are unable to solve them.  But it's all right, because they choose to be happy despite that. The attitude of these stories is: "Let's cope." Noblebright: Characters who live in a good world and are empowered to change it. Most middle grade fantasy and science fiction lives here.  So does almost all utopian fiction (such as Star Trek) and most self-help nonfiction.  This is what happens when a character gets to stand on the shoulders of giants, and does wonderful things with that gift they've been given. The attitude of these stories is: "Let's make it better." My personal favorite is noblebright, because I love creative work that seeks to improve things.  I also value grimbright (because choosing happiness despite a problem you can't solve is good) and nobledark (because fixing problems is good).  I see no value in grimdark, which many people seem to think has value because it showcases cautionary tales.  The thing about cautionary tales is that they are still blueprints that some people can, and do, follow. Guys, I believe this is a universal principle: Whatever you pay attention to, you make stronger and more powerful for yourself and anyone you communicate with. Do you want more of something?  Talk about it a lot. Do you want less of something?  Ignore it, except when it needs to be talked about. Magnifying the good and minifying the bad is rarely easy.  It requires self-control.  It's a skill you can learn.  You'll get better with practice. We live in a world that's packed with bright and dark all over the place. Let's make it better.

About the Author Hi!  I'm Emily Martha Sorensen!  I have a wonderful husband, seven kids who are often a handful, a madcap eccentric swarm of characters in my head, and I'm a devout Christian who always prioritizes loving God and loving my neighbor. I write fantasy and science fiction that is full of whimsy. I write clever characters who charge straight through my plot and spend it spinning wildly off the rails.  (Those brats.) I write magic systems with strict rules and surprising limitations. I write plot twists that will make your jaw drop. I write romance after the happily-ever-after.  That's where the relationship starts! I write darkness that exists only to help characters grow towards greater light. I write — Wait, where did those uncooperative protagonists put the plot this time?  They just ran off with it, cackling maniacally! Well, I hope they'll leave you grinning.

Can I write to you? Sure!  If you want to talk to me about something (which does not involve buying your marketing services), fill out this form, and I'll probably reply.  :) Do not write to me if you want me to buy something.  The answer is absolutely, catagorically no.  If you write me any sort of thing of that ilk, I will delete it, and probably stick out my tongue at you.  Do you reaaaaaaally want to see my tongue?  ;P If you're a fan of anything I've done, I'll be thrilled to hear from you!  I love hearing from people.  ^_^