Welcome to the Keys to the Universe — a growing collection of writing wisdom and faery-laced reflections from YA fantasy author TF Burke.
Here, you’ll find storycraft tips, worldbuilding insights, and behind-the-scenes glimpses into the Heart of the Worlds series
and the creative path that fuels it.
Inside the Imagination of Megan Mary – Strong Women Strange Worlds
I’m excited to introduce another of my fellow readers for the upcoming Strong Women Strange Worlds QuickReads event on June 18: author Megan Mary. Megan writes visionary fantasy that blends mystery, magic, dreams, and metaphysical exploration. Her award-winning Witches of Maple Hollow trilogy invites readers into a world of eternal autumn, prophetic dreams, ancestral mysteries, and hidden dimensions beyond time and space. Through stories rich with symbolism, astrology, Celtic traditions, and self-discovery, she creates imaginative journeys that encourage readers to look beyond the ordinary and explore the mysteries within themselves. In this interview, Megan shares the inspiration behind her trilogy, the dream that sparked it all, her love of immersive sensory storytelling, and the surprising real-life event that echoed one of the most dramatic scenes
Inside the Imagination of Alma Alexander – Strong Women Strange Worlds
Internationally acclaimed fantasy author Alma Alexander has captivated readers around the world with stories that blend wonder, imagination, and deeply memorable characters. In this interview, she discusses her writing journey, creative process, and the inspirations behind her work as we count down to the June 18 Strong Women Strange Worlds QuickReads event.
Inside the Imagination of Sage Tyrtle – Strong Women Strange Worlds
I’m excited to be part of the upcoming Strong Women Strange Worlds on June 18th—and honestly, the lineup is incredible! For those unfamiliar, Strong Women Strange Worlds is a long-running virtual reading series celebrating women and nonbinary creators in speculative fiction. They bring together authors of science fiction, fantasy, horror, and the wonderfully strange for fast-paced live readings packed with imagination, emotion, and unforgettable ideas. Oh, and giveaways too! Since one of my favorite parts of events like this is discovering the inspirations and creative processes behind stories, I am interviewing several of the participating authors to spotlight their work and the strange sparks that fuel it. Today I am interviewing Sage Tyrtle. Their fiction blends surreal concepts, emotional impact, and sharp observation in unforgettable
What Medieval Fencing Teaches Me About Writing Fight Scenes
There is a correlation between sword and pen — and it is flow. Practicing medieval-style fencing has taught me more about writing conflict than any craft book ever could. From centerline control to disciplined restraint, here’s how real steel shapes the fight scenes in Heart of the Worlds.
Magic with Meaning. Stories with Teeth.
Some magic sparkles and fades.
Other magic notices who touches it.
At thirteen, Aunia stands at the edge of a misted forest with more questions than answers—and just enough courage to reach for something forbidden. What she doesn’t yet understand is that magic answers literally, remembers deeply, and sometimes draws the attention of things that were already searching.
This is where her story begins.
Not with prophecy—but with consequence.
Launch Day Magic: Faeries Don’t Hide Is Here!
Celebrate the launch of Faeries Don’t Hide! Books 1 & 2 are 99¢, Book 3 is free, and tonight’s virtual party brings games, giveaways, and faery magic.
Wow!! Epic Goodreads Giveaway Lifts this YA Fantasy into Amazon’s Spotlight
A spark of faery magic: 2,061 entries boosted our YA fantasy book on Amazon and set the stage for the Faeries Don’t Hide launch on 11/25/25.