--- title: From the Realm description: Explore From the Realm for behind-the-scenes artwork, writing updates, creative inspiration, characters, creatures, and stories. --- [Skip to content](https://www.mcdonaldsbookrealm.com/fromtherealm#main-content) ![](https://www.mcdonaldsbookrealm.com/hs-fs/hubfs/ChatGPT%20Image%20Oct%202%2c%202026%2c%2007_35_47%20PM.png?width=400&height=400&name=ChatGPT%20Image%20Oct%202%2c%202026%2c%2007_35_47%20PM.png)Homepage - [Home](https://www.mcdonaldsbookrealm.com?hsLang=en) - [Illustration](https://www.mcdonaldsbookrealm.com/illustration?hsLang=en) - [Books](https://www.mcdonaldsbookrealm.com/books?hsLang=en) - [About](https://www.mcdonaldsbookrealm.com/about?hsLang=en) - [From the Realm](https://www.mcdonaldsbookrealm.com/fromtherealm) - [Contact](https://www.mcdonaldsbookrealm.com/contact?hsLang=en) [Contact](https://www.mcdonaldsbookrealm.com/contact?hsLang=en) - [Home](https://www.mcdonaldsbookrealm.com?hsLang=en) - [Illustration](https://www.mcdonaldsbookrealm.com/illustration?hsLang=en) - [Books](https://www.mcdonaldsbookrealm.com/books?hsLang=en) - [About](https://www.mcdonaldsbookrealm.com/about?hsLang=en) - [From the Realm](https://www.mcdonaldsbookrealm.com/fromtherealm) - [Contact](https://www.mcdonaldsbookrealm.com/contact?hsLang=en) [Contact](https://www.mcdonaldsbookrealm.com/contact?hsLang=en) # From the Realm ### *Behind the Stories, Characters & Darker Worlds* Every story has a world behind it. **From the Realm** is where the pages of Brittany McDonald’s stories begin to unfold beyond the book itself. Step behind the curtain and discover the ideas, inspirations, characters, creatures, and strange little details that shaped each tale. Explore the **inspiration behind *The Horrors of Alchemy***, meet the characters who inhabit its darker corners, uncover the legends and artwork that helped bring the world to life, and follow the creative journey from the first spark of an idea to the finished story. Here, you might find: **✦ Behind the Book** Discover the real-world inspirations, artwork, folklore, and strange ideas that influenced the stories. **✦ Meet the Characters** Get to know the heroes, villains, monsters, and mysterious figures who make each world feel alive. **✦ The Illustrator’s Desk** Peek behind the artwork, sketches, character concepts, and visual development that accompany the stories. **✦ Lore from the Realm** Uncover forgotten histories, strange creatures, magical traditions, and secrets that may never fit neatly between the pages. **✦ Author’s Notes** Hear directly from Brittany about the creative process, the challenges of bringing a story to life, and the little details readers might otherwise miss. **The book tells you the story. The Realm tells you what lies beyond it.** --- ## Follow the Journey Some stories take years to finish. Some illustrations begin with a five-minute sketch. Some ideas disappear completely. And every once in a while, something unexpected becomes the beginning of something wonderful. **From the Realm** is where I share that journey as it happens. So grab a cup of coffee, wander a little deeper, and see what's being created. **There is always another story waiting around the corner.** # Latest Posts ![ChatGPT Image Oct 2, 2026, 07\_35\_47 PM](https://www.mcdonaldsbookrealm.com/hs-fs/hubfs/ChatGPT%20Image%20Oct%202%2c%202026%2c%2007_35_47%20PM.png?width=250&height=250&name=ChatGPT%20Image%20Oct%202%2c%202026%2c%2007_35_47%20PM.png "ChatGPT Image Oct 2, 2026, 07_35_47 PM") - [Home](https://www.mcdonaldsbookrealm.com?hsLang=en) - [Illustration](https://www.mcdonaldsbookrealm.com/illustration?hsLang=en) - [Books](https://www.mcdonaldsbookrealm.com/books?hsLang=en) - [About](https://www.mcdonaldsbookrealm.com/about?hsLang=en) - [From the Realm](https://www.mcdonaldsbookrealm.com/fromtherealm) - [Contact](https://www.mcdonaldsbookrealm.com/contact?hsLang=en) [Email](mailto:mcdonaldsbookrealm@gmail.com) Privacy Policy · Legal · © 2025. All rights reserved.