BWFoster78
Myth Weaver
Elements/Genres (not sure of the correct word) that I want to include in my novel:
Sometimes, it helps me to verbalize the goals for my book (and, for those nitpickers out there who say “you’re writing this, not verbalizing it,” I promise to read it aloud at some point!). In my ongoing attempt to clarify my thinking, I compiled the following list of what I think my novel should include. I’m posting it in the hopes it may spark discussion or possibly help someone else formulate their ideas.
1. Fantasy — A fantasy story has to have - wait for it — fantasy! But what makes a story fantasy? Trying to boil it down to its most essential element, it seems to me that fantasy means using fantasy creatures and/or magic. Frankly, I’m not much of a fantasy creature guy, but I do love magic.
To me, magic adds exceptionalism, and I want to read about exceptional characters. In fact, I prefer my characters to have powers above and beyond anyone else, so I don’t want them to be one among a class of mages. I think of them almost as superheroes, with magic being their superpower, and, if everyone is special, than no one really is.
2. Action/Adventure — The characters have to have their lives physically put in mortal danger on a regular basis. That’s a necessary given for my world.
More than just the inclusion of heart racing scenes of dire peril, however, I think A/A informs the character choice. The characters need to be larger than life. If they’re smart, they’re super-smart. If they’re strong, they’re super-strong. If they’re… Well, I think you get the point. I have to be careful not to make the story too cartoonish, but I don’t want to read about ordinary people doing ordinary things.
3. Romance — The search for love, sex, and companionship forms much of the human experience. These motivations make the characters relatable. Besides, I’ll admit it: I like a good romantic story (I actually like reading Twilight).
4. Political Thriller — If you’re writing epic fantasy, it needs to be epic. You can’t focus only on your character’s journey. His actions need to impact the entire world. Showing the political structure and involving him in the “game of thrones” adds crucial conflicts and depth.
5. Coming of Age — This is purely personal preference. I tend to like the ‘kid who grows up in the boonies gains great power and saves the world while learning what it takes to be a man’ storyline.
Sometimes, it helps me to verbalize the goals for my book (and, for those nitpickers out there who say “you’re writing this, not verbalizing it,” I promise to read it aloud at some point!). In my ongoing attempt to clarify my thinking, I compiled the following list of what I think my novel should include. I’m posting it in the hopes it may spark discussion or possibly help someone else formulate their ideas.
1. Fantasy — A fantasy story has to have - wait for it — fantasy! But what makes a story fantasy? Trying to boil it down to its most essential element, it seems to me that fantasy means using fantasy creatures and/or magic. Frankly, I’m not much of a fantasy creature guy, but I do love magic.
To me, magic adds exceptionalism, and I want to read about exceptional characters. In fact, I prefer my characters to have powers above and beyond anyone else, so I don’t want them to be one among a class of mages. I think of them almost as superheroes, with magic being their superpower, and, if everyone is special, than no one really is.
2. Action/Adventure — The characters have to have their lives physically put in mortal danger on a regular basis. That’s a necessary given for my world.
More than just the inclusion of heart racing scenes of dire peril, however, I think A/A informs the character choice. The characters need to be larger than life. If they’re smart, they’re super-smart. If they’re strong, they’re super-strong. If they’re… Well, I think you get the point. I have to be careful not to make the story too cartoonish, but I don’t want to read about ordinary people doing ordinary things.
3. Romance — The search for love, sex, and companionship forms much of the human experience. These motivations make the characters relatable. Besides, I’ll admit it: I like a good romantic story (I actually like reading Twilight).
4. Political Thriller — If you’re writing epic fantasy, it needs to be epic. You can’t focus only on your character’s journey. His actions need to impact the entire world. Showing the political structure and involving him in the “game of thrones” adds crucial conflicts and depth.
5. Coming of Age — This is purely personal preference. I tend to like the ‘kid who grows up in the boonies gains great power and saves the world while learning what it takes to be a man’ storyline.
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