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This week: Thoughts on Potential Readers Edited by: Dawn Embers  
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An Elf (written) Fantasy Newsletter
A discussion of potential readers for different stories with a particular look towards what certain people will believe or not. |
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Every year, since 2008, I have taken part in a pre-NaNoWriMo challenge that has different exercises throughout October in order to prepare to write a novel. And every year, the same assignment has stalled me and I've struggled through it each year. It's nothing long winded or beyond what I should know about my stories. In fact, it's something that I should consider more. The one I struggle with each time is a question of market. It asks me to figure out not only my target audience but to also profile the readers. It's not an easy endeavor because you don't want to just say "fantasy readers" or "everyone" because even if that's ideal, there are specific people that are going to be the real target and it's good to be aware of their existence.
Why ramble about this? Well, I'm working on a couple different fantasy novels and once again, the question of audience has crossed my mind. I will admit, most of the time I don't think about the reader because in many ways, I am writing for me. I like my stories and characters, so that is what I write. Even with some contests, I have focused more on what I enjoy than trying to develop the story based on the readers/judges.
Which is fine to a degree. Nothing wrong with writing for yourself, but at times the other readers should be considered. And there is something that fantasy and sci-fi writers might need to consider in particular when it comes to different readers. That one thing is: how much will the reader accept as believable?
I bring this up because my stepdad isn't a full on fantasy reader. He prefers books like NCIS or military stories. He read a certain popular very adult series because of a coworker and his main complaint was that he didn't find the main character "believable." On the other hand, his favorite series include Harry Potter and Percy Jackson. So, he's okay with the unbelievable in some fantasy series but other stories, not going to believe just anything.
I vary as well because there are some stories, just how they are written make it hard to keep going as the reader. But it's way different when you are on the other side of the story. You like your story and of course you can believe it happens that ways because you created it all. However, when getting ready to rewrite and edit, the best thing you can do is try to find a way to look at the story as a different reader. Not every reader will accept the same level of believability. Others are going to be up for whatever world you make as long as you are consistent within that world. And some readers won't put up with anything fantasy, so our stuff isn't for them.
Just consider who might read the story because you never know.
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The challenge that assigns people consider their readers before writing is:
Here are a few items that I found when searching for bits on audiences and readers:
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Finally, a few stories that are somewhat recent and fantasy:
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Do you consider the reader before or during the writing process? Ever worry readers might struggle to believe your story?
Last time I wrote for Fantasy, I wrote about ambition and got 1 comment.
Comment by Elfin Dragon-finally published 
Ah that all encompasing word ambition. I have several characters I'm working on, each with their own ambitions. One wants to eventually unite her people, another is on a quest to find out not only what mystery her world holds but who she really is, and three others are on a quest to find what their souls are guiding them towards. Ambition comes in many forms and not always in the most obvious way.
- Thanks for the comment. Very true that it comes in different forms and it's interesting to see those within stories.
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Fantasy: July 23, 2014 Issue [#6449]
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