u/Capyhero

Enjoyers of Redwall! With the recent cancellation of Netflix's Redwall series, I was thinking about what makes it hard to bring a book to film, or in general, a story from one medium to another. I've been having some related challenges as I continue writing Capyhero.

I have a critical and invested reader, a pre-alpha reader I suppose you could call it, who is reading chapters as soon as I write them for Capyhero. She comes from a literature background and is highly educated in that field. But she has no video game experience and I think a lot of my challenges come from the fact that Capy (my main protagonist) was initially concepted as a silent protagonist for an action RPG. She has reminded me more than once to "stop making Capy your soulless avatar." lol

I recently finished drafting a chapter that was especially problematic for her (the one with the rough sketches in the images above). Capy walks with a knowledgeable elder character and is given a lot of information that he (and the reader) would not have known otherwise. My reader felt that this was too convenient and too passive for the main protagonist, but this type of moment is quite common in fantasies, especially games (escort mission, anyone?)

I suppose my issue is that Capy is set up as a fish-out-of-water character, learning a strange new world through the intriguing characters he meets, who have been in this world a long time. I realize, Capy's journey throughout the beginning of Book 1 is quite similar to Chihiro's in Spirited Away.

Which brings me to storytelling for different target audiences: folks that were excited about Netflix's Redwall, were you expecting the film medium to feel like the books? What major changes do you think needed to happen between the way the books tell the story vs the (now cancelled) animation?

I personally enjoy the cinematography and composition decision-making that goes into good visual storytelling and I find that I write as if I am "playing" as Capy, similar to how I might play Link in the Legend of Zelda series. This probably explains why I think Capyhero needs so many illustrations. But maybe this isn't "good writing?"

To be fair, a lot of my test readers really enjoyed the chapter, but I have to take my friend's criticism seriously, especially with her more bookish background.

Anyways, folks here were really supportive last time I shared something about Capyhero. Redwall mostly features noble creatures from the rodentia order, so please enjoy some character art from Capyhero that belong to that order. Thanks for you time!

Enjoyers of Redwall! With the recent cancellation of Netflix's Redwall series, I was thinking about what makes it hard to bring a book to film, or in general, a story from one medium to another. I've been having some related challenges as I continue writing Capyhero.

I have a critical and invested reader, a pre-alpha reader I suppose you could call it, who is reading chapters as soon as I write them for Capyhero. She comes from a literature background and is highly educated in that field. But she has no video game experience and I think a lot of my challenges come from the fact that Capy (my main protagonist) was initially concepted as a silent protagonist for an action RPG. She has reminded me more than once to "stop making Capy your soulless avatar." lol

I recently finished drafting a chapter that was especially problematic for her (the one with the rough sketches in the images above). Capy walks with a knowledgeable elder character and is given a lot of information that he (and the reader) would not have known otherwise. My reader felt that this was too convenient and too passive for the main protagonist, but this type of moment is quite common in fantasies, especially games (escort mission, anyone?)

I suppose my issue is that Capy is set up as a fish-out-of-water character, learning a strange new world through the intriguing characters he meets, who have been in this world a long time. I realize, Capy's journey throughout the beginning of Book 1 is quite similar to Chihiro's in Spirited Away.

Which brings me to storytelling for different target audiences: folks that were excited about Netflix's Redwall, were you expecting the film medium to feel like the books? What major changes do you think needed to happen between the way the books tell the story vs the (now cancelled) animation?

I personally enjoy the cinematography and composition decision-making that goes into good visual storytelling and I find that I write as if I am "playing" as Capy, similar to how I might play Link in the Legend of Zelda series. But maybe this isn't good for readers?

To be fair, a lot of my test readers really enjoyed the chapter, but I have to take my friend's criticism seriously, especially with her more bookish background.

Anyways, folks here are so supportive everytime I share something about Capyhero. Redwall mostly features noble creatures from the rodentia order, so please enjoy some character art from Capyhero that belong to that order. Thanks for you time!

Hi everyone! I shared this with the folks on the Redwall subs and the feedback was super positive so I am unabashedly trying to share it where I can now! Please let me know if this doesn’t belong here and I can take it down/modify it right away.

My name is Tyler and I'm the author of Capyhero. It is an illustrated fantasy about a brave, young capybara who finds himself in a strange world called Stratum settled entirely by animals. I'm currently writing Book 1: The Blue Blanket, which introduces our hero, Capy. He awakens with only a tattered blue blanket and the fading memory of a boy named Reed.

There are villages and communities of animals, each with distinct cultures, architecture, history, beliefs, etc. The worldbuilding is certainly inspired by Redwall, but the vibe is quite a bit different, focusing a bit more on mystery, archeology and intrigue. Growing up, I really loved Princess Mononoke and Spirited Away and when I was even younger, The Neverending Story. More recently, works like Undertale and Outer Wilds have really stuck with me. Capyhero explores some heavier underlying themes through one hero's heartfelt journey.

The story of Capyhero has been on my mind for about 10 years. I actually tried to turn it into a video game back then, a top down action RPG like Zelda from classic SNES, but the technical ambition was too great while I was working full time at a "real" job. So I shelved it for like 7 years. Then I had my own kids recently and I revisited Capyhero. The story held up, and actually felt more emotionally resonant to me after becoming a father. So I decided to turn it into a middle grade fantasy series. My hope is by the time my kids are about 10 years old, I'll have 2 or 3 books in this series published! One can dream, right?

I'm about 70% through the manuscript and Jennifer Rees will be editing Capyhero in July (not supposed to mention her biggest project, but you can look her up). Then I hope to release it via Kickstarter in 2027.

I want to share some of the page spreads we're making. I've been working with u/NickThaGreek on the illustrations. I had a brief stint in commercial art production, but Nick is the super talented traditional artist behind all of these pieces. The process has been amazing in a very simple way. I provide a sketch and the written scene of what I want illustrated, Nick draws with a fountain ink pen on real paper, scans it, and I place it into the book, wrapping the text in a way that I hope will create a joyful reading/viewing experience. The finished book will have about 100 illustrations spread across 250 pages or so. I think, when this is all done, it will be a beautiful thing to have on the bookshelf.

We want to keep all of the art traditionally done (even stuff like the ink wash at the top of the page), which definitely complicates the brainstorming and revision process, but in an age of ai-slop, this is something I think is non-negotiable. We want to make sure we can proudly say Capyhero is made by humans.

Super thrilled to be finally sharing this publicly! There's a lot more info at the link in my bio, but thanks for letting taking the time and feel free to ask me anything!

I have a very critical and invested reader, a pre-alpha reader I suppose you could call it, who is reading chapters as soon as I write them for Capyhero. She comes from a literature background and is highly educated in that field.

I have tried to take my reader's criticism in stride, and it has been incredibly helpful in bringing the story to a written medium, even though it is temporarily discouraging at times. Capy needs to have his own personality and drive the story in his own way. This didn't come naturally for me, but I believe I've successfully navigated some of the issue with her feedback.

I recently finished drafting a chapter that was especially problematic for her. Capy walks with a knowledgeable elder character and is given a lot of information that he (and the reader) would not have known otherwise. My reader felt that this was too convenient and too passive for the main protagonist.

I suppose my issue is that Capy is set up as a fish-out-of-water character, learning a strange new world through the intriguing characters he meets, who have been in this world a long time. I realize, Capy's journey throughout the beginning of Book 1 is quite similar to Chihiro's in Spirited Away.

Which brings me to writing for different target audiences: I'm wondering if any of you are writing stories with a mind's eye more rooted in film or video games or have similar challenges? I'm a very visual person and grew up playing a lot of games. I find that I write as if I am "playing" as Capy, similar to how I might play Link in the Legend of Zelda series. I think these conceptual origins as a silent protagonist/avatar are the root of the challenge with writing him.

To be fair, a lot of my test readers really enjoyed the chapter, but I have to take my friend's criticism seriously, especially with her more literary background.

Thanks for your time, everyone!

I wanted to share the beautiful page spread artwork by u/nickthagreek, the illustrator for Capyhero! He does the artwork traditionally, using fountain ink on paper.

Hi everyone! I shared this with the folks on the other Redwall sub and the feedback was super positive so I was thinking you all might enjoy it too! Please let me know if this doesn’t belong here and I can take it down/modify it right away.

My name is Tyler and I'm the author of Capyhero. What is it and why am I sharing it with this group? Capyhero is an illustrated fantasy about a young capybara who finds himself in a strange world called Stratum settled entirely by animals. I'm currently writing Book 1: The Blue Blanket, which introduces our hero, Capy. He awakens with only a tattered blue blanket and the fading memory of a boy named Reed.

It definitely takes inspiration from Redwall, especially for its deep worldbuilding in an anthropomorphic fantasy. There are villages and communities of animals, each with distinct cultures, architecture, history, beliefs, etc. The vibe is a bit different though. Growing up, I really loved Princess Mononoke and Spirited Away and when I was even younger, The Neverending Story. More recently, works like Undertale and Outer Wilds have really stuck with me. Capyhero explores some heavier underlying themes through one hero's heartfelt journey.

The story of Capyhero has been on my mind for about 10 years. I actually tried to turn it into a video game back then, a top down action RPG like Zelda from classic SNES, but the technical ambition was too great while I was working full time at a "real" job. So I shelved it for like 7 years. Then I had my own kids recently and I revisited Capyhero. The story held up, and actually felt more emotionally resonant to me, after becoming a father. So I decided to turn it into a middle grade fantasy series. My hope is by the time my kids are about 10 years old, I'll have 2 or 3 books in this series published! One can dream, right?

I'm about 70% through the manuscript and Jennifer Rees will be editing Capyhero in July (can’t mention her biggest project, but look her up!). Then I hope to release it via Kickstarter in 2027.

Anyways, I wanted to share some of the page spreads from the book. I've been working with u/NickThaGreek on the illustrations. I had a brief stint in commercial art production, but Nick is the super talented traditional artist behind all of these pieces. The process has been amazing in a very simple way. I provide a sketch and the written scene of what I want illustrated, Nick draws with a fountain ink pen on real paper, scans it, and I place it into the book, wrapping the text in a way that I hope will create a joyful reading/viewing experience. The finished book will have about 100 illustrations spread across 250 pages or so. I think, when this is all done, it will be a beautiful thing to have on the bookshelf.

We want to keep all of the art traditionally done (even stuff like the ink wash at the top of the page), which definitely complicates the brainstorming and revision process, but in an age of ai-slop, this is something I think is non-negotiable. We want to make sure we can proudly say Capyhero is made by humans.

Super thrilled to be finally sharing this publicly! But thanks for letting me and please feel free to ask me anything.

I wanted to share the moment introducing Lupine, the Hooded Guardian! I love how the fountain ink illustration is looking on page. The last image is my rough sketch that I handed u/nickthagreek , then he took it to the nice finish you see here.

Lupine is a borzoi who knows an ancient mystical art, Wild Magic. She has long carried a secret burden…

Hope folks here enjoy this!

I wanted to share the moment introducing Lupine, the Hooded Guardian! I love how the fountain ink illustration is looking on page. The last image is my rough sketch that I handed u/nickthagreek , then he took it to the nice finish you see here.

Lupine is a borzoi who knows an ancient mystical art, Wild Magic.

Hope folks here enjoy this!

Hi! I thought folks might like what we’re creating with Capyhero! My name is Tyler and I’m the author. It’s an illustrated fantasy featuring over 100 traditionally drawn fountain ink illustrations by u/nickthagreek.

It’s about a brave capybara who awakens in a strange land with only a blue blanket and the fading memory of a boy named Reed.

It’s written for fantasy readers, middle grade and up. I’d say my biggest inspirations are Princess Mononoke and other Studio Ghibli stories, Redwall, and other classics from the 90s.

I’m still writing it, but just wanted to share some of the beautiful page spreads that have me really excited!!

I thought folks might appreciate one of the cutest characters, Penda. She’s inspired by my friend’s lop-eared bunny.

The art is by u/Nickthagreek. All of the finished illustrations are done using fountain pen!

I thought folks might appreciate a bunny who’s job is to be a cute fictional hero. Her name is Penda and she’s inspired by my friend’s lop-eared bunny.

A few weeks ago, I've been engaging with folks on Reddit about a few concerns I'm having with my WIP, Capyhero (https://www.reddit.com/r/fantasywriters/s/8f66p44scS). It's an illustrated anthropomorphic fantasy written for middle grade and up.

This is a spoiler so I suppose if anyone doesn’t want to know, please don’t view this, but I don’t think Capyhero has “fans” yet 😅.

I recently finished a chapter involving a character death. Some of my close friends and family are reading along as I finish chapters, and this one was quite divisive. Some of them are adults reading for themselves, some of them are reading to their kids, and some of them are letting their kids read it on their own. A lot of folks really enjoyed the chapter, but some felt that the character death was mishandled or that character death doesn't belong at all.

One of Capyhero’s main themes is about perseverance through loss and the subject matter focuses on nature, which can be brutal. I didn’t want to shy away from death, but since receiving the feedback, I have tried to soften it (I used to have an illustration from the moment right before the character dies) and revised the wording, but ultimately, I kept the death.

I’m curious if any of the the folks here, perhaps parents or teachers, have thoughts on the handling of death in middle grade fantasy.

I’m including the pages (with placeholder art) with the moments leading up to and including the death in question. Earlier in the book, the character is mentioned, and then after this moment, there will be a moment of grief (but I haven't written that part yet - i'm hoping the feedback i receive will help inform how I should handle that part).

The last image is just another page spread with finished art, so folks can get a sense of what that would look like.

Thanks for your time!!

Hello! I shared a page spread a few weeks ago, and also got some great feedback from you all regarding death in middle grade fantasy. It's always so great to hear what this group thinks!

I wanted to share another couple page spreads and also ask what folks think about MAGIC, especially fans of Redwall, which uses magic sparingly.

These pages feature Lupine, the Hooded Guardian. She is the secondary protagonist in Capyhero and we visit her POV every few chapters. It's a bit of a spoiler I suppose, but she >!wields magic and uses her chew stick/staff to channel it. !<

Redwall features very little magic, mostly keeping it to mysticism, superstition, and maybe legendary "items" of power. Capyhero has established magic, but it is not widely available to commoners. There's some lore and mechanics that support it that I won't go into.

I was wondering what fans of Redwall think of magic in fantasy stories in general. I think the sparing use of it in Redwall lends to the realism and credibility of the world. Does the existence of it turn you off from a story or do you like it? If it is a feature of the story, wow in your opinion should it be handled?

Thanks for viewing/reading!

Hello again. A few weeks ago I was excited to share and get feedback on a page spread design on my WIP, Capyhero. More recently, I asked about handling death in middle grade fantasy, and again, this sub's feedback was super valuable. I have thought about another concern that has stayed on my mind throughout the development of Capyhero.

The series' main protagonist is Capy, a young capybara that finds himself in a strange world. It is a familiar fish-out-of-water setup. I think my main challenge is that Capy was originally concepted as a silent protagonist for an action adventure RPG, much like Link in the Legend of Zelda series. That concept worked well in my mind. Capybaras look pretty quiet to begin with, so it fit.

But the project became an illustrated middle grade fantasy, and of course, a silent protagonist doesn't really work in this medium. As I've continued to write, I've have tried to inject more personality, character moments, expressiveness and dialogue - really getting into Capy's head. He's supposed to have the maturity level of an 11 year old kid, or so. But I must admit, I would consider myself as someone who isn't very outwardly expressive. I tend to internalize and think through things, which also worked well for the silent protagonist. So this part of the writing doesn't flow quite as well for me.

Contrast this with Capyhero's 2nd protagonist, Lupine. The story visits her POV every few chapters, and I had concepted her as a powerful, knowledgeable, cool-older-sister type of character. She cracks jokes, and she has a habit of talking to herself under her breath, which is useful in many scenes.

https://preview.redd.it/10ltbz4g9eyg1.jpg?width=1152&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=d6e69278204ebdbed0eb1c730e0326c044eea9b1

Not to mention, she is very much NOT a fish out of water. She is a lone shark in a dangerous sea. She's a freakin' sorceress dog. You can imagine... she is kind of a lot more interesting than my main character, Capy.

https://preview.redd.it/u3rvhj1laeyg1.jpg?width=1153&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=b5845857c59a4aea516215d55381e5edec7aa182

Some of my test readers, especially the dudes, are way more invested in Lupine's chapters (which come less frequently than Capy's chapters). Interestingly, most of the female and young test readers are still more invested in Capy's chapters, but that might be because Lupine's chapters feature more descriptive world-building detail, which dudes seem to dig.

I'm curious if anyone here has dealt with / is dealing with bringing a silent protagonist to life in their stories? Or of course if anyone has thoughts on this issue in general.

Thanks, and thanks again for letting me share images from Capyhero!

Yesterday, u/nickthagreek posted some sketches he did of Lupine, an elegant and mysterious borzoi from a project we're working on together. I thought I'd share a few more incredible artworks he did for her!

Is it acceptable to post nice artworks of a longgirle here? Her name is Lupine, the Hooded Guardian. She's one of the main characters from a book I am writing called Capyhero. The artist who created these illustrations is u/nickthagreek. All of the work is done completely traditionally, fountain ink on paper.