If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by worldbuilding, intimidated by your messy draft, or unsure how to keep readers engaged in a long-running series—today’s episode is for you.

I sat down with fantasy author A.M. Deese (also known as Alexis Marrero Deese) to talk about how she builds immersive magical worlds, navigates the challenges of writing a multi-POV fantasy series, and faces the fears that come with putting your words into the world.

Alexis is the author of The Dance of the Elements series (Ignited, Submerged, and Windswept), a richly imagined YA fantasy saga full of political intrigue, elemental magic, morally gray characters, and a cast of unforgettable heroes—including a fire-wielding seven-year-old who’ll totally steal your heart.

Here’s what we covered—and why it matters for writers of all genres.

Fantasy Worldbuilding with Emotional Weight

Alexis doesn’t just invent magic systems—she interrogates them. She starts her stories with the magic itself, asking: What if? Then, she builds outward. What’s the cost of magic in this world? Who has power, and who pays the price?

In Dance of the Elements, water is currency and fire wielders are forced to fight dragons for entertainment. Political power is literally deadly—kill the person ranked above you, and you rise.

The result? A world where every magical element affects the emotional and political lives of the characters. It’s not just cool, it’s consequential.

Whether you're writing fantasy or realistic fiction, this is the heart of worldbuilding: considering how your world shapes your characters’ decisions, relationships, and sense of self.

Tools for Staying Grounded in a Big Story

As her series expanded, Alexis relied on two key tools:

A Series Bible: A binder (yep, a literal one!) filled with character details, scraps of scenes, unresolved plot threads, and story ideas. This helped her maintain consistency and track developments across books.
A Style Sheet: Developed with her editor, this included invented words, specific spellings, and story-world terminology—a reference for both the writer and the editorial team.

Writers, take note: If you’re writing a series or even just a standalone with rich worldbuilding, these tools can save you hours of second-guessing and revisions.

What Writing Through Doubt Really Looks Like

Alexis got her first publishing deal through #PitMad on Twitter, but the road there wasn’t easy. She faced false starts, failed publishers, regaining publishing rights, and the constant voice of doubt.

Her advice? “You’ve got to want it more than you want to not have it.”

She also shared one of her favorite reminders: Don’t be afraid of your shitty first draft. You can’t edit a blank page. Show up, even scared. Especially scared.

Writing Across Genres—and Pen Names

Alexis also publishes under the name Lexi Lopez and has a spicy adult fantasy romance coming in 2025 titled Fairy Bones and a Dragon’s Eye. Think dragons, magic, and steamy open-door romance.

This genre shift meant navigating new fears: Would her YA readers follow her? Would she do the new material justice?

It’s a good reminder that growth as a writer often means stepping outside what’s comfortable and letting go of needing permission. You already have it.

The Power of Reading (and Revising)

Alexis reads 150+ books a year. She credits reading—voraciously and across genres—with teaching her the rhythms and structures of story. She also embraces messy, imperfect revision: reading aloud, accepting editorial feedback, and going back to earlier chapters to find what needs strengthening.

For anyone who feels stuck in drafting or revision: the answer to the problem you're facing often lives in what came before.

Final Words for Fellow Writers

“Make sure your stories come out and find their readers,” Alexis says. “You never know who needs your book.”

So whether you’re building a magic system or battling imposter syndrome, remember our motto: you can be scared and still be unstoppable.

Resources Mentioned:

The Dance of the Elements series by A.M. Deese: [Ignited, Submerged, Windswept] (include your affiliate or sales links)
Free Guide: [Worldbuilding Simplified] – my go-to resource for approaching your story world with clarity and intention

Connect with Alexis:

Website: www.amdeese.com
Instagram/Facebook: @authoramdeese
TikTok @authoramdeese

Pen name for adult fantasy romance: Lexi Lopez

Bonus for Fantasy Writers!

(or anyone tackling a big setting)

**Download my free guide, Worldbuilding Simplified, for the key questions to ask before you get lost in the weeds.**

Want individual support on your writing journey?

If you're dreaming up your own magical world and want some support figuring it all out—check out my group coaching program for commercial(genre) fiction writers in story development or who need drafting support. Cohort starts September 2025 and runs through the first week of December. Space is limited to six writers per cohort so fill out an interest form now to get on the list!