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Writing Fantasy (part 1)


The Introduction To My Ideas

I once heard a quote that went “If you want to be a writer, go be an accountant. If you want to write, write.” how true that simple quote is. You must want to write, for the rewards that writing gives you personally, not what you can gain from being a writer. Ever since the release of Lord of the Rings, fantasy novels have been high on the best sellers list, so if you think you have the creativity, patience, determination and really, really want to write, what better genre to start on.

The genre can be attacked from so many angles it is unreal, and despite what anybody says (even me!), you really have to write how you feel comfortable, not a forced style that isn’t really you and is merely used to either gain more readers or sell more books, because despite it being a thrill to sell a book, that’s not why you should write, it should be for yourself and for a personally sense of satisfaction.

O.k, so that is enough of my theories and views on writing, now I’ll try to touch on the little hints that might help you become a more accomplished and competent Fantasy writer.

All chapters written by Kevin, Martin Copyright 2005: -
(Information is in the opinion of Kevin, Martin.)




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Kev2012, Jan/14/2005, 10:50 pm


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Re: Writing Fantasy (part 1)


Characters

It is nothing more then a myth if people tell you “Fantasy novels are read by unconfident males”, I’m very confident, and read Fantasy novels, as too are many of my friends. So why is it said? Well I’m not 100% sure, but I would say it is merely one of those stereotypical statements that people say to try and be perceived as clever. Basically many people take this statement literally, and end up trying to create a lead character that these type of people can relate to, personally I think that the lead character should be made in order to fit into your story perfectly, not for the sake of reader relationship. The lead character is the most vital part of your book, he/she/it should be complex, multi dimensional and not “normal”, (this is a fantasy novel normal just doesn’t work!).

Now, you have created this fantastic lead character, and what better way to complement him/her/it then to create a band of assailants that asset your lead characters strengths, while each offering something slightly different to the group. You need your leader who knows all about the quest your gang is going to embark upon, but never really says much about it. Then you have your “comedy” character that can lighten a tense tone with one, ill-timed word. What about the strong and powerful warrior that has a grudge with the bad guy. And finally the female, obviously beautiful, but also a highly skilled fighter. And there you have it, your bog standard Fantasy clan. Clearly that is a very typical selection, the key to your novel should be making this clan unique to your book, following the rules above, and then suddenly changing or bending them can add a whole extra aspect to your story, something so simple, can give immense impact.

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Re: Writing Fantasy (part 1)


World Building

The character creation is fun, but the real joy for me of Fantasy writing is world building, it is the single thing that separates this genre from the rest, freedom to doing anything, no boundaries, and very few rules to follow. One of these rules has been broken before, with great effect, but the standard author shouldn’t really attempt it again. That rule is “depth”, how complex and what history should your world have. The rule was broken many years ago, but a certain Mr.Tolkien, the depth of Middle-Earth was of such, that it would merely boggle the average mind trying to read, let alone write, so where do you draw the line? The answer differs from person to person, it is all down to how you feel comfortable, but more importantly what is essential to the story. If your story doesn’t need it, then my advice would be don’t put it in! Not only does it mean more for your reader to read and consume, but it is also gives added chance of confusion and contradiction within your story.

My ideal worlds are always based on Earth, for many reasons. Firstly you have the landscapes laid out, and with some careful research, and some slight twists you make it unique to your world. Take the Florida Plains, you got the landscape, now just give it a few tweaks, maybe some underwater caves harbouring some powerful life form, or even some kind of unique creature hidden under the water. A city of stone built smack bang in the middle of the plains. Simple and minute things that can customize one of natures many paradises. Another reason would be you don’t just have to look into your mind when describing your world, you got the internet, libraries, endless resources available, so use them. Look at the Florida plains, and go about picking the perfect descriptive sentences that tell the reader with vivid detail what this place is like.

On the flip side of the coin, if you want to go about creating a whole new world, landscape and all, that is equally rewarding but vastly more difficult, but again, use the research humans have done on the many planets to help you along the way, it’s not cheating, it’s merely inspiring your creative side to fulfil it’s potential.


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