Why Share Our Work
For many writers, the hardest part isn’t creating stories—it’s being seen. We wanted to change that. Instead of waiting to be discovered, we chose to build a space where our stories could live freely, where readers and writers could meet without barriers.
But our purpose goes beyond storytelling. We believe in lifting up other creators, too. That’s why we share not only our finished works, but the process behind them—the techniques, patterns, and insights that bring each story to life. Our goal is simple: to inspire, to teach, and to keep the flame of creativity burning.
Lighting The Forge
Every story begins with a spark—and ours began with a dream of bringing those sparks to life. What started as one writer’s journey to publish a book soon became something greater: a shared vision to craft, create, and pass on the art of storytelling itself.
When I discovered how narrow the traditional publishing gates could be, I chose another way. With a trusted friend and fellow storyteller by my side, we built this forge—a place where our tales could take shape and where we could share the fire that fuels them.
Here, we not only publish our own works, but also open the doors to our creative process: the methods, techniques, and worldbuilding patterns that shape every story we tell. Our hope is that by sharing both our stories and the craft behind them, we can inspire others to pick up the hammer and forge fables of their own.
Philosophy Of The Fire
At the heart of every story, there is fire. It begins as a spark—small, flickering, uncertain. A passing idea. A dream that refuses to fade. From that spark comes the heat that drives us to write: the longing to shape something meaningful from imagination, to take the raw ore of thought and hammer it into form. That is the essence of storytelling, and it is the heart of the Forge of Fables.
Stories are older than memory. Before there were books or screens, people gathered around real fires and spoke worlds into being. Through tales and myths, they made sense of chaos, preserved wisdom, and kindled courage in one another. Those fires once lit caves and temples; now they burn in the quiet glow of a writer’s screen. Yet their purpose is the same—to connect us, to remind us who we are, and to keep the darkness from swallowing our wonder.
We believe that storytelling is both a craft and a calling. It demands technique, discipline, and patience, but it also requires heart—the courage to reveal yourself through the characters and worlds you create. Every story is a forge in miniature: an idea placed in the flames, shaped with effort, and tempered by failure until it gleams with truth.
That is why we share not only our finished works but the process that shapes them. The drafts, the discarded pages, the patterns that hold our worlds together—all are part of the fire. The more openly we share them, the stronger the flame grows. When one storyteller learns from another, the heat multiplies, and the forge becomes a gathering place for all who create.
Our philosophy is sacred but straightforward: protect the spark, feed the flame, and pass it forward. Each story told keeps the light alive a little longer. Each new writer who dares to begin adds another ember to the blaze.
Here in the Forge, we honor that fire. We write to remember and to be remembered. We teach because every lesson strengthens the craft. And we share because a fire hoarded dies—but a fire shared can light a thousand more.
Where We’re Headed
The Forge is still young, but its flame is brightening with every story we share. What began as two writers chasing a dream has grown into a vision far larger than ourselves—a creative forge built on curiosity, craftsmanship, and the belief that stories still hold power in a noisy world. We’ve learned that storytelling doesn’t end when a tale is written; it lives on through the people who read it, discuss it, and are inspired to tell their own.
Our goal moving forward is to grow this forge into a true hub of creativity. We’ll continue to release our own works—novels, short stories, and worldbuilding projects—but also share the knowledge behind them. Expect to see deep dives into writing techniques, storytelling principles, and the psychology that shapes believable characters and meaningful narratives. We want this to be a place where art and analysis meet, where inspiration is tempered by craft, and where every visitor leaves with something that fuels their own fire.
In time, the Forge will expand beyond our voices. We envision workshops, collaborations, and opportunities for other writers to showcase their work and learn alongside us. This isn’t just our space—it’s a growing community of creators who believe in the art of storytelling as something living, evolving, and worth protecting.
But above all, this is a place for connection. Whether you’re a reader searching for a story that stirs your imagination or a writer seeking guidance and fellowship, you belong here. The forge’s doors are open to anyone who values creativity, growth, and the simple joy of shaping something from nothing.
Every story we tell, every technique we share, and every conversation we start is another strike of the hammer, another spark cast into the dark. The future of the Forge isn’t written yet—but that’s the beauty of it. It’s being forged, one word at a time, by everyone who steps into its light.
So stay, explore, and add your own spark to the flame. Together, we’ll keep building a place where stories can grow, ideas can thrive, and imagination never cools. The fire is just getting started.
Join Us On This Adventure
Every forge needs more than just fire—it needs hands to shape the metal, minds to imagine what it could become, and hearts willing to see the work through. Forge of Fables was never meant to be a closed workshop. It’s a living space where stories are shared, skills are sharpened, and creators of every level can find their footing.
If you’re a writer, we want to see your worlds take shape. If you’re a reader, we want you to find stories that speak to you and spark your imagination. And if you’re both, you’re exactly where you belong. Our goal is to build a community where feedback, encouragement, and curiosity are as natural as the stories we tell.
So don’t just read—join us. Comment, share, reach out, and grow with us. Learn the techniques behind a strong narrative, discover the rhythm of good prose, and help us forge a space where creativity feels alive again. Whether you’re here to study, to tell your story, or simply to enjoy the flame, your presence matters.
The fire is open to all who are willing to tend it. Together, we’ll keep it burning bright—one spark, one word, one story at a time.
Passionate And Experienced
Meet our Talented Team
Get To Know The People Behind The Forge
Derek Slayter
Co-Founder/Author
I’m Derek Slayter, a writer, builder, and lifelong student of storycraft. I’ve always been fascinated by the way stories shape us—how a well-forged world or a single line of dialogue can reveal something true about who we are. Forge of Fables began as a way to share my own creations, but it’s grown into something larger: a space to explore the craft itself. Here, I share not just my stories, but the processes, techniques, and philosophies behind them. My goal is to help others learn to build their own worlds with intention, heart, and a sense of wonder.
Joshua Malone
Co-Founder/Author
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