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Printed from https://writing.com/main/newsletters/action/archives/id/5303-The-secret-to-writing-fantasy.html
Fantasy: October 10, 2012 Issue [#5303]

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Fantasy


 This week: The secret to writing fantasy
  Edited by: Prosperous Snow celebrating Author IconMail Icon
                             More Newsletters By This Editor  Open in new Window.

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

Any man who keeps working is not a failure. He may not be a great writer, but if he applies the old-fashioned virtues of hard, constant labor, he'll eventually make some kind of career for himself as writer. - Ray Bradbury

If you haven't got an idea, start a story anyway. You can always throw it away, and maybe by the time you get to the fourth page you will have an idea, and you'll only have to throw away the first three pages. - William Campbell Gault

To be a writer is to sit down at one's desk in the chill portion of every day, and to write; not waiting for the little jet of the blue flame of genius to start from the breastbone - just plain going at it, in pain and delight. To be a writer is to throw away a great deal, not to be satisfied, to type again, and then again, and once more, and over and over.... - John Hersey


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Letter from the editor

What is the secret to writing fantasy and science fiction? What is the secret to writing a novel? The secret is to sit down in front of your computer and begin to write. You can begin by writing an outline, a character sketch, a background, or you can begin by writing the story. It does not matter if you have an idea or inspiration, all you have to do is sit down and begin writing something. I know from experience that once you start writing eventually you will find an idea and a story.

This is October and like many others I am planning my NaNoWriMo novel. Even though I prefer to just start out writing the novel, I am going through the planning steps. I am writing character sketches, background stories, plot outlines, and world building. These exercises help focus my attention and imagination. These exercises reveal points in the plot that are weak or undeveloped, as well as resolving issues with the characters, story background, or indicating research I need to do before November.

Planning the novel also helps me resolve time conflicts and determine my schedule for November. In order to complete a novel in thirty days, I must write at least fifteen minutes each day, with a minimum daily word count of approximately 1,666 words. It may take me longer then fifteen minutes to write those words, but it will not take less time. I will know before the end of October how long it will take me to write 1,666 words because I am planning a timed writing exercise to determine the amount of time it takes to write those words.

If you want to write a short story or a novel, even if you do not have an idea. Sit down at the computer, open a document, and begin to write. If you have difficulty accessing a computer then use a blank journal, a loose leaf notebook, or an old fashion typewriter and begin to write. Once you start writing do not worry about anything except getting the words down. After you finish your story, then read it over and correct any spelling or technical issues your find. I know from experience that it is not a good idea to edit while you are writing the story. After the story or novel is finished then print a hard copy and begin editing.


Editor's Picks

Stories and Poems


 Temporal Suicide Open in new Window. (13+)
A time traveler has an important mission...
#1895605 by Hyperiongate Author IconMail Icon

Excerpt: The needle-ship popped into existence thirty-five years before it left.

 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#1895345 by Not Available.

Excerpt: Dirt and debris fell from Moonhawk's cloak as she shook it. The innkeep looked as though he wanted to slap her. She smiled, but her eyes made it quite clear she was more than happy for him to try.

 The Truth About Dragons Open in new Window. (E)
A tale about Dragons. Sort of whisical, a little humorous.
#1895409 by Alleycat428 Author IconMail Icon

Excerpt: Well, I'm certainly no expert on dragons. I just know one. From what he tells me , all this fire breathing stuff is hogwash. It's just fear mongering. The closest he's ever gotten to fire breathing, was some habaneros he ate. No one likes to burn the inside of their mouths, not even dragons....

 The Hiding Place Open in new Window. (E)
Is perception in the autistic or disabled fantasy or reality? Are we so smug as to know?
#1873735 by L. A. Powell Author IconMail Icon

Excerpt: The sidewalk in front of the house buckled, then straightened itself out.

 Alien Shampoo Open in new Window. (13+)
Thanks Dave Wright - idea aliens are amused to cause panic through religious confusion
#1894515 by Voodoo Shampoo Author IconMail Icon

Excerpt: Oh you silent night, how much we endorse the peace and quiet you bless us with. It is night that lets us rest, loosen up the stress and even build the much needed melatonin for our bodies. Night time is also the time the pesky grey's saucers crawl down to earth to abduct our children. But not on my watch! Not as long as I, doctor Harsh, am around!

Submitted to the Newsletter


 Zena's Christmas Open in new Window. (ASR)
The wolfess wakes from a dream, to a plesant surprise
#1734193 by BIG BAD WOLF is Merry Author IconMail Icon

Excerpt: The young wolf girl looked outside the window at the mountain. She could see white powder falling from the sky.

Contests and Review Forums


Daily Flash Fiction Challenge Open in new Window. (13+)
Enter your story of 300 words or less.
#896794 by Arakun the twisted raccoon Author IconMail Icon


Image Protector
FORUM
The Writer's Cramp Open in new Window. (13+)
Write the best poem or story in 24 hours or less and win 10K GPS!
#333655 by SophyBells Author IconMail Icon





 
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Word from Writing.Com

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ASIN: B085272J6B
Product Type: Kindle Store
Amazon's Price: $ 9.99


Ask & Answer

shoumojit writes: Link to my story on star-trek is...http://www.writing.com/main/books/entry_id/760487

Lunarmirror Author Icon writes: Wow talk about Nostalgia. I am years younger than you but I felt some of your euphoria as you talked about this :)

BIG BAD WOLF is Merry Author Icon writes: "Prepare for warp." Always good.

{suser:quiet-dragon writes: Hi
this is in response to the Star Trek fanfiction submissions. while it does not include characters from the show, i thought you might be interested since it uses and inspired by episode titles from Star Trek
The Day of the Dove Open in new Window. (ASR)
*Star Trek* titles lead to a story of finding peace...
#737025 by Rose Grey Author IconMail Icon


Happy NaNoWriMo preparation. Do you have any writing rituals? Do you do something special before you sit down to write a story?
Prosperous Snow celebrating Author Icon



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