 Fantasy: July 02, 2008 Issue [#2474] |
  Fantasy
This week: Edited by: Feywriter  
More Newsletters By This Editor 
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
"The world is but a canvas to the imagination."
~Henry David Thoreau
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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| ASIN: B07YJZZGW4 |
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Fantastic Creatures, Real and Imagined
In my last newsletter I shared some real life fantastic natural phenomena ("Fantasy Newsletter (May 7, 2008)" ). This time I want to focus on the fantastic creatures that inhabit our worlds.
There are many unusual species on our own planet. New species are still being discovered in the Amazon Rainforest, the deep sea, and other places that technology is only now allowing us to explore.
 Lyre Bird - Named for the shape of its magnificent plumed tail, but known for the extraordinary ability to mimic natural and artificial sounds. Its songs combine those of other birds, as well as noises from the environment around them. See/hear for yourself:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WuFyqzerHS8
Oar Fish - This fish looks like something out of mythology, could this be the origin of the Chinese dragon? They have very long, silver bodies with a red dorsal fin along the entire length of the fish. These things are Huge! The longest recorded was 36 feet! Sorry about the long link below, but here's a fishing story of a caught oarfish, complete with pictures.
http://www.bloodydecks.com/forums/baja-mexico-fishing-reports-discussion/81929-i...
Platypus - Strange looking with it's duck bill, beaver tail, and otter feet. But more unusual in that not only is it an egg-laying mammal, it is also venomous.
Liger - The liger, a hybrid cross between a male lion and a female tiger (the other way around is a tigon), is proof that some interspecies breeding does happen.
Frilled Lizard - This lizard looks like something left from the dinosaur age. The frill on their neck can stand straight out, and these guys look funny when they get up and run on their hind legs.
When filling your own fantasy world with life, you can always rely on familiar creatures - real ones like horses and snakes or mythical ones like dragons and unicorns. But one great thing about creating your own world is the opportunity to be creative and create your own fantastic creature. Here are some ideas:
 Combine two or more creatures:
ex. liger, chimera, sphinx
Modify a familiar creature into something magical:
example from my own writing is the Eaktu - This horse is composed of the earth. It's hooves and bones are made of stone. Mane and tail are grass. The eyes are precious stones. It can travel swiftly within the earth. When tamed, are very loyal to their master. Will come through the earth when summoned. However, they cannot take their rider below the surface. Removing the eyes will kill them--the body will disintegrate.
Create a new breed (nonmagical) of an animal:
ex. green slider (type of snake), giant seahorse
Start completely from scratch - more below
If creating a completely unique creature, there are some questions you can ask yourself. What is the creatures purpose? Will it be a mount, a messenger, a pet, a danger in the woods? Where does it live? What does it eat? Include a physical description, and any powers/abilities it might have. A couple years ago, I hosted a contest for elemental creatures to fill the fantasy world of my novel. There were some great entries if you want to look through them for inspiration: "Invalid Item" .
One fun tool is for a game coming out later this year, Spore. You can currently download the demo or purchase the creature creator part of the game. This tool allows you to create completely unique creatures. Then it will take what you make and show you how it would move, fight, communicate. There is so much variety, the combinations are endless.
Spore Creature Creator
| ASIN: B0017KWJ56 |
Product Type: Video Games
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What creatures inhabit your world?
** Image ID #1092573 Unavailable **
Publisher Spotlight
Publisher: Tyrannosaurus Press
Location: USA
Website: http://www.tyrannosauruspress.com/
About: "Tyrannosaurus Press was founded in February, 2002 to produce, promote, and distribute quality works of science fiction and fantasy. We focus on novel length works, but occasionally produce anthologies of shorter works. Tyrannosaurus Press works closely with its authors. Our founders and editors are writers too, so they understand the trials and tribulations of working in this business. We work hard to keep our authors involved in every aspect of their works, from design to distribution to marketing. Each work is, after all, the author's creation, only slightly less precious than a child, so who better to offer advice on how to approach it?"
Guidelines:
 Be sure to read guidelines on website for further guidelines on formatting and submissions.
 Send query letter (no synopsis or manuscript) which includes teaser, title, word count, target audience, and full contact info and writing experience. "Be creative, but be concise!"
 Can email to Info@TyrannosaurusPress.com (plain text, no attachments)
 or mail to:
Tyrannosaurus Press
Attn: Submissions
5486 Fairway Dr.
Zachary, LA 70791
 Single volumes have better chance, as do shorter works (no huge LotR epics). No fan fiction!
Length: max of 150,000 words
Payscale: unknown
To see previously featured publishers, go to "Invalid Item" . |
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#1426906 by Not Available. |
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#1417676 by Not Available. |
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| |  | The Key of Fortune (E)
Prince of fairyland has to find the lost key or spend rest of his life in prison.
#1441606 by Anum |
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#1444170 by Not Available. |
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#1436905 by Not Available. |
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#1219652 by Not Available. |
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#1300413 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!
https://www.Writing.Com/go/nl_form
Don't forget to support our sponsor!
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I'd love to see what creatures you come up with. Create an item - image, poem, story, or even just a description of your new life form, and submit it below. I'll showcase them in my next newsletter.
Reader Comments
From Cubboo!  :
I enjoyed this newsletter very much.  Wow, I never realized there were all those natural phenomenas going on in the world! How cool!  I have seen the Northern Lights and they were spectacular. I could hardly believe my eyes. It was like there were flashlights above me with colored beams flashing all over the sky.
I also like what you wrote: The world needs fantasy. That is so true. Recently I have escaped into the Twilight Series by Stephenie Meyer. Wow. I even dream about the characters, lol! I've never been into the vampire thing, but these well-behaved ones are certainly interesting. 
From Kyna  :
LOVE IT!!!
From A thinker never sleeps :
Great newsletter, thank you for the links. There's so many strange, unexplainable things in this world.
From Pen Name :
Dear EE,
What a creative Fantasy Newsletter, featuring awe(and fantasy writing!) inspiring natural phenomena. Very original; keep up the good work (and the off-site contest links).
Sincerely,
Lotusneko
Thank you for all the comments. Remember to leave feedback or ideas for future newsletters.
We editors love to hear from you!
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