Fantasy: August 22, 2007 Issue [#1907]
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Fantasy


 This week:
  Edited by: darkin
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Table of Contents

1. About this Newsletter
2. A Word from our Sponsor
3. Letter from the Editor
4. Editor's Picks
5. A Word from Writing.Com
6. Ask & Answer
7. Removal instructions

About This Newsletter


Welcome to a world of might and magic, heroes and damsels and mystical creatures. Fantasy writing is all about creating a world your readers can disappear into - again and again. My name is Darkin and I'll be your guest editor this week.


Word from our sponsor



Letter from the editor


Fantasy Subgenres


The word fantasy usually brings to mind tales of a magical world where dragons, heroes and incredible lands are filled with dangers at every turn. The reality is fantasy writing is so much more than that.

A fantasy world is a world where anything can happen. Magic is real and works. Heroes do save the damsels in distress. Even mythical creatures can be found roaming around. This is only the tip of the fantasy iceberg.

There are many subgenres the fantasy writer can use to create their story, and take their work down a whole new path - a path to a whole new world. Here are some of the more popular subgenres.

Fantasy Subgenres

Heroic Fantasy - The hero is strong and skilled in fighting. The damsel is beautiful and in distress. The villain is powerful and can only be defeated by the hero, all others will fail. Mystical creatures abound and magic is part of everyday life. Often this subgenre has a medieval quality to it.

Epic Fantasy - In this subgenre the hero is an average person thrown into an extraordinary situation. He or she must complete their task or their world will be in danger of being changed forever or even destroyed. While they are often aided by people who can defend them, they usually end up being on their own to finish their quest. This tale has many characters, both for and against the hero, and a large dangerous world.

High Fantasy - This is the kind of fantasy the casual reader expects to read. This story will have lords and ladies, kingdoms and castles, and dragons and knights. A true medieval story.

Magic Realism - Magic is a way of life in this subgenre. Wizards and sorcerers are as common as blacksmiths. Magic is used, but always at some cost. This can be used on its own, or as a part of another subgenre to add an extra dimension to the character's plight.

Dark Fantasy - This subgenre is harsher and more nightmarish than regular fantasy. Demons and evil mystical creatures run rampant. The hero must face numerous creatures sent by the villain to destroy him.

Sword and Sorcery - High adventure tales with a middle ages feel highlight this subgenre. The buff swordsman hero must defeat the evil villain to save mankind and the woman he loves.

Modern Fantasy - These are tales of might and magic set in modern times. The hero can be a present day fighter, or a warrior from the past brought here to battle an evil.

Comedic Fantasy - These can be parodies of serious fantasy stories, or fantasy stories told in a humorous way.

Any of these subgenres can be combined to make a very unique and fun fantasy story. It only depends on what you, the writer, wants to do with your story idea.

Writing fantasy means knowing your genre well and following the rules without getting trapped by them. As a fantasy writer you want to spark not only your reader's imagination, but your own as well.

Thank you for taking the time to read. Happy Writing!


darkin


Editor's Picks


Here are some items I found while traveling the highways and byways of Writing.Com!

Stories/Poems

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This item number is not valid.
#1175570 by Not Available.

 Daughter Of The Demon Open in new Window. (13+)
Sometimes, the child holds more power than the parent...
#474350 by Tehuti, Lord Of The Eight Author IconMail Icon

 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#1294522 by Not Available.

Knight Errant Open in new Window. (13+)
A heroic poem
#1308036 by Geoffrey St. Alban Author IconMail Icon

 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#1305117 by Not Available.


Activities

 FantasyHorrorSciFi Novel Workshop Group Open in new Window. (18+)
Is your novel a fantasy, horror or science fiction novel? Come in!
#619501 by C.C. Moore Author IconMail Icon

 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#1203185 by Not Available.

 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#1133792 by Not Available.

 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#1232797 by Not Available.

Image Protector
GROUP
WYRM Open in new Window. (13+)
A group for those dedicated to writing and reviewing speculative fiction.
#1142497 by WYRM Author IconMail Icon


Contests

 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#1300413 by Not Available.

 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#1307496 by Not Available.

 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#1304057 by Not Available.

The Unofficial Fantasy Contest (CLOSED) Open in new Window. (ASR)
Contest is currently closed.
#1258547 by The Messenger Author IconMail Icon


 
Submit an item for consideration in this newsletter!
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Word from Writing.Com

Have an opinion on what you've read here today? Then send the Editor feedback! Find an item that you think would be perfect for showcasing here? Submit it for consideration in the newsletter!
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Don't forget to support our sponsor!

ASIN: B01DSJSURY
Amazon's Price: $ 5.99


Ask & Answer


Thank you for letting me into your world this week. I hope you enjoy the newsletter and will take a moment to let me know what you thought. Since this is my first time editing this newsletter, I do not have any feedback to share.

darkin

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<< August 15, 2007Fantasy Archives | More From This Day | Print This IssueAugust 29, 2007 >>

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