An Elf as Everyman: How I came to write a fantasy trilogy
And why it’s important
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RSVP required
Program is FREE to attend
About the Event
For this upcoming Coffee House luncheon, we welcome R. A. Bellson to discuss his trilogy of fantasy novels.
What began as a lighthearted charity video project unexpectedly evolved into a narrative that refused to behave. In this luncheon talk at Salmagundi for The Coffee House Club, author R. A. Bellson explores how a series of novels called Charcoal the Elf seemed to write itself – how characters took control, themes emerged uninvited, and a supposed children’s story ballooned into a full-length young adult/adult fantasy trilogy examining otherness, intolerance, and the fragile human condition, inviting readers to consider their own roles in creating change.
Thoughtful, quietly unsettling, and liberally interwoven with humor and adventure, the books invite readers into the mystery of stories that arrive with questions rather than answers. This talk explores how these books evolved.
About the Speaker
R. A. Bellson, a native of Brooklyn, NY, although new to the world of fantasy literature has a long history of video production, team management of various educational organizations and public speaking on a variety of topics related to local history.
In 2021, keeping busy in the depths of COVID with pro bono work, a lighthearted charity video project unexpectedly evolved into a narrative that refused to behave.
An elf named Charcoal, grumpy, uncooperative, and totally atypical of what the average person imagines an elf to be like, evolved from a projected children’s story into a series of novels called Charcoal the Elf. It seemed to write itself – characters took control, themes emerged uninvited, and the children’s story ballooned into a full-length young adult/adult fantasy trilogy examining otherness, intolerance, and the fragile human condition, inviting readers to consider their own roles in creating change.
Two of the three novels in the trilogy are already available, the third slated for release in the spring of 2026. He is currently deeply immersed in producing the audiobook of Book Two.
Now semi-retired, R. A. Bellson maintains a home in Ocean County, NJ.
Hungry?
RSVP-d attendees will be enjoying lunch together during this event. On the day of the event, you can pay for your meal with a card or your membership account (no cash).