Victor makes a very good point here, though I'm not sure what stuff he's reading that starts like a slug...maybe that old-timey "Classic" lit. What you read certainly does have an effect on how you write and it is very good advice to make sure you stay aware of what current readers expect and demand. … Continue reading REBLOG: A Warning Sign You’re Suffering From Culture-Blindness
Category: Shared Writing
Eight Simple Tips for Editing – WriteToDone
Here is a nice article on editing (and revision, which are not exactly the same thing). Most of the points here are good, though I do not follow them all myself--I don't read my work backwards for one. I also disagree that you should have a set number of words to cut in your mind … Continue reading Eight Simple Tips for Editing – WriteToDone
Character Arcs
Below is an article that discusses ways to use arcs and growth to deepen your characters. I agree with the points that Jason Black offers, but I would add that character arcs do not have to lead to an ending where the character "becomes a better person." Tragedy can be just as compelling. Some of … Continue reading Character Arcs
A Simple Trick That Makes Your Fiction Much More Sticky And Relatable
I have to agree with Victor here, though I would lean more towards the idea of being realistic with your writing and expectations, rather than idealism v. normalcy. You should always consider how realistic your characters actions are; this, of course, includes the way they talk and interact. There is a bit a leeway in fantasy since it is a different world than our own–no one doubts Legolas can shoot as fast or as accurately as he does because the world suggests it to be true. I am currently exploring the idea of exceptional skill and its implications in my book. In addition to asking yourself what are the realistic limits for this character and world, it is also interesting to ask: what are the implications of failure?
Utilize the ugly normal to revitalize your fantasy narrative.
Science fiction and fantasy need to be thrilling, adventurous, and invigorating. Too often, in our efforts to write super-exciting genre fiction, we elevate our characters and the action onto stilts of heroic perfection.
Though laudable, these efforts can backfire. Readers need a bridge, a measure of safe relatability to help them cross over and fully inhabit the worlds that we write.
Idealized fiction:
Hornby drew, in one swift motion, his shining broadsword, and beat away the advancing hordes of screaming elves.
“You will never take our city!” Hornby bellowed. He hacked away limbs, and lopped off the heads of his seemingly-endless opponents.
“Keep them back while I conjure the great death!” Moriven cried. The wizard’s two slave girls propped him up on a high chair of bamboo, and Moriven’s beard spun like ice down his knees as he conjured a spinning…
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Fireball – One Word, One Story
This is a prompt for the author of One Word, One Story. The word prompt is "fireball." And I'm going to add the rule that it must be a S.F. or Fantasy story, since that's what I do. I sit on the cold stone looking up at the glowing sky. Our once red star flares … Continue reading Fireball – One Word, One Story
Why I Can’t Write – Inspired by David K
I read a great post by David K and thought I’d try my hand at the theme. You can find David’s original post here, please give it a visit: Why I Can’t Write Why I Can’t Write I’ve been stuck in a pit of melancholy as of late. I’m bombarded by hopes but hopes are dashed. … Continue reading Why I Can’t Write – Inspired by David K
JM Williams 