  Fantasy
This week: Reviewing Speculative Fiction Edited by: Prosperous Snow celebrating  
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| What story elements do you look for in reviewing speculative fiction? |
| ASIN: B07YJZZGW4 |
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I have noticed, over the past couple of years, that my methods of reviewing a story has changed. As I read more stories, I have begun to look for the essential elements that go into writing an exciting and good story. The five fundamental and essential story elements to look for are theme, character, plot, setting, and conflict. A basic definition of the theme is the principle concept of the story. The character is the creature that is confronted by and deals with the story's conflict. The setting is the location where the story takes place. The conflict is the struggle. The plot has to do with the relationship between the actions and events of the conflict that confront the character. A sixth story element is point of view of the narrator telling the story, which can be first person, second person, or third person.
While each of these elements are essential to writing a good story, I have found that as a reviewer I focus more on character, plot, and conflict. It is the main character's actions and reactions in dealing with the conflict that make the story exciting. I also notice if the descriptions and background elements are written as part of the action because this seems to assist in carrying the plot forward. Other things important to a good story are technical elements, such as grammar and spelling.
As a review I focus more on the elements of the story then anything else. I am wondering what elements do other reviews focus on. I also wonder if focusing on the story elements is helpful to the authors. Please let me know that you think.
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Stories and Poems
Excerpt: 1. Nothing is EVER easy!
Submitted to the Newsletter
Excerpt: Karen lit the last candle and surveyed the room. A soft glow illuminated colorful shawls and throws that covered the rescued furniture. Steve would arrive at any time.
Excerpt: Zena crouched on the ground. Her long ears rotated, catching the familiar sound. Her nose twitched, catching the familiar scent of iron. Her eyes darted left and right, catching every movement. The wind blew, causing Zena to shiver in her fur slightly.
| |  | Invalid Item
This item number is not valid.
#1920367 by Not Available. |
Excerpt: "It's nice to have the base to ourselves for once. Too bad our vacation was cut short," Raven said as they walked in. They both wore thin bathrobes and had their hair wrapped up in a towel.
Excerpt: The woman wearing a neutral, dusty colored dress stood on the outskirts of the city crowd. Her sharp eyes waited for the moment the public speaker would step down from the podium. When their words drifted in ending, the people’s voices roared in acceptance, chanting, “Meghan, Wondrous Woman of Wisdom” with ardor.
Contests, Review Forums, and Polls
Excerpt: In honour of STAR TREK's 46th Anniversary, Star Fleet has sent this Poll com far and wide in the reaches of WDC Space, even where the few who know the klingon language hide out!
Excerpt: Hail Star Trek folks...
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| ASIN: 1945043032 |
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Amazon's Price: $ 13.94
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jack-tyler writes: Beautiful work, P.S! In response to your request for WdC works with strong female characters, I offer for your consideration two of my own items, the long-story (11,000+ words) | | | Invalid Item
This item number is not valid.
#1890539 by Not Available. |
, and the full-length novel. Everything I write features one or more strong women in leading roles; I wouldn't know how to write without them...
Quick-Quill  writes: Don't know if this is what you were thinking.
Shanna, by Katherine Woodiweiss is my favorite.
CristaV  writes: I like when female characters develop their strength over time. The most recent case of this, even though it is not fantasy writing, would Anastasia of the 50 Shades of Grey series.Once you get pasted all the sex and really invest into the plot itself, you witness her character evolves into what she always wanted to be: a strong woman.
BIG BAD WOLF is Merry  writes: Beware of Zena. She's got a mean left hook, and a wicked temper.
Mr. Midnight writes: Here is a side story that focuses on the girl power and smarts of Broken Faith. In this 'all-girls mission', A super computer genius hacker, a super spy, and a secret service agent go on an secret mission to save the world while the boys are away. I wanted to do a girl-power thing and this was my shot at it.
pinkbarbie writes: Hi Snow, I think what makes a woman strong is how she copes and perceives the challenges in life and of this world.I realize how strong my mum is and my grandmother was. I also think that Florence Nightingale was a strong woman character in history. Thanks for this newsletter, it means so much to me.
k-9cooper writes: I love having woman as the hero. Truly in crime novels. Even as the bad girl criminal. I am recently writing with that same subject in mind. It just seems to work.
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| ASIN: B083RZ37SZ |
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Fantasy: March 27, 2013 Issue [#5590]
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