I too love the Kandra. TenSoon... classic. But my favorite comes from Firesoul (Map the Dragon's book). It's called a xyntrix (or at least I think that's how you spell it off of the top of my head). It's this small little creature that crafts its body off of its environment. Pretty cool!
I also...
The protagonist in my novel doesn't have a "fatal flaw" really. Now he's far from perfect, but his flaws are more natural to something that any normal person would have. He's not overly cocky, or gluttonous, or anything like that. My character, Jack, is a cynical guy who wants nothing less than...
Haha, cool idea for a thread!! Anyway...
1. I become a best-selling author, not because what I write is bought for the sake of being bought, but what I write is special for the reader and actually well-written.
2. I would want to be able to read minds. I just think that'd be cool.
3. I would...
I'm still young, so I have seen a noticable increse in the quality of my writing from when I started my ambitions at the age of 11 or so. Still, even in recent years, I have found myself growing as an writer. I nitpick my work more than most of my readers do, and I challege myself to become...
I agree. The whole idea about ingesting metals and each specifc metal gives you a specific ability is so original. Still, when you think about it, it seems obvious. It seems like something that would've be written about before, but whatever. Props to Sanderson. He is truly a master of the craft.
Dude, I love this list! Seriously, these are some quality ideas to get the creative juices flowing.
Anyway, I've scrapped about three really bad MSs because I no longer liked the content. I planned too much and they didn't turn out well. So, on the MS I actually completed, I didn't plan at...
Yeah, me too. I turn 18 in October. I'm not published yet, but I have written a novel and I do hope to send it off to publishers by Xmas or so.
As for the real topic of the thread, I think Brandon Sanderson may be one of the younger fantasy authors currently writing.
I know there's already a full thread on Sword of Shanara... but I honestly hated Shea (who, if you haven't read the book, is the main protagonist). He's annoying and, quite frankly, worthless. Yes he is the focus of major plot points, but I'd just as soon it be his adoptive brother Flick (who...
My biggest influences in literature would have to be...
Stephen King: Characters and mixing of different genres of writing.
Brandon Sanderson: Most original, yet plausible, plot ideas ever.
Dean Koontz: Dark tones in novels, yet with some added humor.
Louis La'Mour: I love my westerns...
Use examples from your own life. If you have two characters, one quiet one outgoing, have the outgoing one dominate the conversation. Don't describe someone as dull and quiet and then have them give some great uplifting speech. It makes your writing less believable when you do that. Allow a...