Creating Grey & White has been a fun journey, fueled by years of reading and immersing myself in some of fantasy’s most iconic worlds. I know some folks may roll their eyes because these seem to be the “obvious” choices, but they’re ones I still love deeply—and they’ve left a lasting mark on me as both a reader and writer. I look forward to discovering even more fantasy favorites in the years to come, but here’s how these five have helped shape Grey & White into the story it is today.
1. The Lord of the Rings: Building a World That Feels Like Home
For so many fantasy fans, The Lord of the Rings is the gateway to the genre, and I’m no exception. Tolkien’s detailed world of Middle-earth, with its languages, histories, and diverse cultures, set the bar for immersive storytelling. Though Grey & White isn’t as high-fantasy as Middle-earth (yet), Tolkien’s influence shines through in my commitment to creating a world that feels deep, interconnected, and lived-in.
Just as Tolkien’s settings are vivid and diverse—from the Shire’s green hills to the shadowed depths of Moria—Grey & White has its own landscapes and cities, like the somber Grauberg, and the ruined city of Felixandria, or the vibrant vistas of Dy— oh, that's Book Three (hold on that).
On a thematic level, Tolkien’s vision of heroism—one defined by inner strength rather than grandiose power—is something I strive to explore through Tristan and his allies. Like Frodo and the other members of the Fellowship, Tristan’s journey is marked by struggle, self-discovery, and a sense of duty that challenges him to keep going even when he questions himself.
2. The Chronicles of Narnia: The Power of Simplicity and Heart in Fantasy
Though The Chronicles of Narnia was written as a children’s series, its timeless themes and clarity have always resonated with me. Lewis’s approach to fantasy, with its focused cast and straightforward structure, serves as a reminder that complexity can coexist with simplicity, creating stories that are both profound and accessible. Grey & White may venture into darker, more mature themes, but Narnia reminds me of the power of clear stakes and a tight, emotionally compelling cast of characters.
Just as the Pevensies each represent different facets of courage, loyalty, and vulnerability, I’ve worked to make the core cast of Grey & White—characters like Tristan, Ella, and Garit—distinct and essential to the story’s heart. The blend of personal and epic stakes helps root the narrative, ensuring (I hope) that readers feel invested in the characters’ fates amid the shifting tides of their world.
3. The Realm of the Elderlings: Crafting Flawed, Unforgettable Characters
Robin Hobb’s Realm of the Elderlings, especially the three trilogies centered on Fitzchivalry Farseer, is a masterclass in complex character development. Hobb’s ability to craft characters who are flawed, human, and deeply relatable has left an indelible mark on how I approach my own storytelling. Like Fitz, Tristan struggles with internal conflicts and choices that carry heavy consequences. He faces not just external enemies, but battles within himself—particularly as he contends with the discovery of his abilities and the knowledge that what he's always believed to be good and evil are not so cut and dry.
Inspired by Hobb’s intricate character evolution, I wanted Grey & White to feature a slow-burn narrative that allows readers to witness each character’s growth and setbacks. Ella, for instance, begins as a healer, but her journey forces her face a tougher road that reshapes her role. This kind of depth—where characters grow through loss, loyalty, and survival—is something I strive to incorporate, allowing each individual’s arc to contribute to the larger tapestry of the story.
4. A Song of Ice and Fire: Embracing Moral Complexity in a Gritty Fantasy World
Game of Thrones shattered many of my preconceptions about fantasy by introducing a world that felt gritty, morally complex, and grounded in realism. Martin’s multi-POV structure, nuanced characters, and the sense that no one is safe all influenced my approach to Grey & White. Martin’s emphasis on “grey” characters—those whose choices can be understood from multiple perspectives—opened my eyes to the potential of a fantasy world that is morally ambiguous and rich with differing viewpoints.
In Grey & White, I explore similar themes, such as the fluidity of good and evil, and the idea that right and wrong often depend on one’s perspective. Tristan’s struggle with the Grey and the White, Ella’s resolve to heal yet adapt in a world that forces her to act, and Oliver’s transformation from—oh...getting ahead of myself again—all these journeys reflect the complex moral landscape inspired by Martin’s world.
Martin’s focus on high stakes and real consequences also shaped my writing. In Grey & White, no one’s path is guaranteed, and every choice leaves a mark. As Tristan grapples with the violence he both uses and detests, his arc echoes Martin’s philosophy that characters are defined by their actions as much as their intentions.
5. The Once and Future King: Balancing Light, Darkness, and Tragic Heroism
There’s something magical about T.H. White’s The Once and Future King, a story that blends whimsy with deep introspection and tragedy. White’s tale, with its Arthurian chivalry, sense of romance, and elements of playful humor, has always inspired me. The ability to shift from lightheartedness to gravity—often within the same chapter—is something I admire and wanted to capture in Grey & White. Life, after all, is a mix of joy and sorrow, of silly moments shared with friends and devastating choices that leave a lasting impact.
Grey & White also draws from White’s influence in its exploration of tragic characters and ideals. Tristan’s journey, from farm boy to attempted assassin and beyond, is tinged with the romanticism and the fallibility of a tragic hero. Like King Arthur, who holds noble ideals yet succumbs to human flaws, Tristan grapples with the powers he holds and the toll they exact on him and those around him.
Another Arthurian influence comes through in the themes of loyalty, friendship, and sacrifice. Much like Arthur’s Round Table, Tristan’s close circle of friends, allies, and even foes are bound by complex loyalties. And, just as White explores the ideal of chivalry as both beautiful and ultimately doomed, Grey & White considers the costs of holding fast to one’s values in a world where survival often demands compromise.
Conclusion
These five series—and others—have deeply shaped me as a writer. They taught me that fantasy can be as expansive as it is intimate, where magic and heroism intermingle with raw, human complexity. Tolkien inspired me to build a world full of history and wonder; Lewis reminds me to stay true to a clear narrative; Hobb’s characters taught me the value of inner conflict; Martin showed me the power of moral ambiguity; and White’s tales taught me to balance light and shadow, humor and tragedy.
In crafting Grey & White, I hope to bring these influences together into a heartfelt story, with characters you’ll root for, question, and come to care about deeply. I’d love to hear which stories have inspired you on your own journeys, so feel free to share your favorites below! No really, you should totally register and comment. And sign up for the newsletter. And find me on BlueSky Social!!
I'll have another journal entry up later this week. And next week's blog will be “Behind the Magic: The Grey, the White, and the Power They Hold”! Have a great one!
Edward
love the insight into your process!