  Fantasy
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"Too much breaks the bag."
~Spanish Proverb
The world needs fantasy. It can be an escape from daily life, a means for finding the hero within, a landscape to inspire the imagination. Enter the world of Fantasy. In my newsletters you can expect thorough looks at different aspects of fantasy writing, and a publisher spotlight.
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When your character is traveling, or thieving, or even walking around town, are you aware of their baggage? A problem in my own novel was recently pointed out to me. My thief character didn't have a consistent type of bag on him, and his pouch seemed to hold anything. I wasn't really paying attention to what logically could fit in there. Subconsciously, I was relying on a bag of holding, a magical satchel which often carries more items than is physically possible. Have you ever relied on the same thing?
One thing that helped me correct my problem was learning the different types of bags. A pouch is not a sack. The following definitions are taken from Webster dictionary, complete with estimated dates on their origin (more important in historical stories than created worlds).
bag: (13th century) a usu. flexible container that may be closed for holding, storing, or carrying something
purse: (before 12th century) (1): a small bag for money; (2): a receptacle (as a pocketbook) for carrying money and often other small objects
handbag: (1862) a bag held in the hand or hung from a shoulder strap and used for carrying small personal articles and money
pouch: (14th century) 1: a small drawstring bag carried on the person; 2: a bag of small or moderate size for storing or transporting goods. example: belt pouch
sack: (before 12th century) a usually rectangular-shaped bag (as of paper, burlap, or canvas). gunnysack: (1799) a sack made of a coarse heavy fabric (as burlap)
saddlebag: (1742) one of a pair of covered pouches laid across the back of a horse behind the saddle or hanging over the rear wheel of a bicycle or motorcycle. Types of saddlebags, from Wikipedia: Pommel bags (which sit in front of the saddle), regular saddlebags (which sit behind it), and pannier style bags (that can be fitted over a saddle that is not being ridden in).
knapsack: (1603) a bag (as of canvas or nylon) strapped on the back and used for carrying supplies or personal belongings. also known as rucksack (1890).
backpack: (1914) a piece of equipment designed for use while being carried on the back
pack: (1175) a group of things wrapped or tied together for easy handling or carrying; a bundle, esp. one to be carried on the back of an animal or a person: a mule pack; a hiker's pack.
satchel: (1300) a small bag, sometimes with a shoulder strap.
There are a few other things to keep in mind. Bags are usually labeled by their purpose – herb bag, feed bag, doctor's bag. Sacks are labeled by material – paper sack, canvas sack.
Of course, your character may actually possess a magic satchel or bag of holding. But make sure you're not using it as an excuse to carry around anything and everything. Give it limits or side-effects, and a purpose in the story. One possible downside to a magical bag is not always pulling out what you need, or it can't hold metal. Whatever type of bag you have, remember how many your character has, and don't lose track of what they're supposedly carrying.
** Image ID #1092573 Unavailable **
 Publisher Spotlight
Publisher: Drabblecast
Location: USA – online podcast
Website: http://web.mac.com/normsherman/iWeb/Site/Podcast/Podcast.html
About: "Strange stories, by strange authors, for strange listeners."
Guidelines:
 Looking for "that weird idea you have, that hilarious or disturbing scenario you've been brooding over." fantasy/sci-fi stories with humor or some bizarre or unexpected events.
 Advised to listen to a few of their stories before submitting.
 Include word count and bio information with your story (plain or rich text) in the email body.
 email stories and questions to drabblecast@yahoo.com
 Reprints and simultaneous submissions are welcome.
Be sure to read guidelines on website for further guidelines on formatting and submissions. http://web.mac.com/normsherman/iWeb/Site/Submission%20Guidelines.html
Length: Flash fiction up to 2,000 words. keep it short and sweet
Payscale: ¾ cent per word for stories 500-2000 words.
To see previously featured publishers, go to "Invalid Item" . |
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a rhyming poem about a place in fantasy and magical lore (Best of Best contest entry)
#1245906 by jc_hall |
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#1359973 by Not Available. |
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#1348862 by Not Available. |
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#1371241 by Not Available. |
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#1342379 by Not Available. |
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#1368324 by Not Available. |
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#1168309 by Not Available. |
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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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Reader Comments
From alicengoreland:
I love the idea of the Red Riding Hood anthology. I was all hyped up for plotting my two stories, then I saw that I had until Jan. 1st. and I knew I did not have enough time. Sadly, I am just not that quick.
I hope they have another anthology coming for 2009. And it is a great site, one I bookmarked and have languished over.
I'm sorry about not announcing it sooner, but I recently discovered it myself. You can still write the stories and submit them at anytime, they just won't be part of that particular anthology. I'm sure there always looking for future collections, and for e-books. The only item type they do not accept submissions for outside of special requests is poetry. So don't let a passed deadline keep you from writing a story you're excited about. 
From dusktildawn:
Thank you so much, Emerald. I did have a "sort of" basis for the nobility levels, but this was spot on. I didn't know what a Viscount was! I'm definitely saving this Newsletter for future use.
From dragon17:
Such a useful newsletter!(no sarcasm) I now know what ranks to give my lords in my stories. This is really a big help.
I'm glad I could be of help. 
Thank you for all the comments. Remember to leave feedback or ideas for future newsletters.
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Fantasy: January 16, 2008 Issue [#2174]
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