  Fantasy
This week: Don't Meander with Plot, End It Edited by: Dawn Embers  
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Fantasy Newsletter by Dawn
A look at plot and the end of the story. Some stories seem to take forever and on occasion a story feels like it has ended long before reaching the last page. Comments on the issue with going beyond the main story arch and how it might not be the best decision. |
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"Is the story over yet?"
That is one question we probably don't want to hear from a reader. However, it can be hard to finish a story because we know there is so much more to the world and characters beyond a certain arch or conflict point. I know I can keep writing the story of certain characters for a long time past the big climax of my initial story idea. Probably part of the reason why I end up with series more often than stand-alones. However, I can see the point of the reader in particular to the single story with having the story end not too long after the main conflict is over.
Part of the reason is I've recently read (or well listened to) a book that didn't end quick enough. It's a story from a well-known author who has many books published and this one was older. The world is interesting, the characters had my attention and there was conflict. However, when it reached the point where it seemed to make sense to consider it almost over because the big conflict with the action and everything had peaked, turned out the story wasn't near over yet. I don't mean a "denouement" where we get the decline after the peak/climax in plot. This book had hours left on the audio. I eventually began to wonder when it would ever end along with where it was even going. Became a challenge for me to keep reading/listening.
How do we avoid this pitfall?
Have a plot/conflict and know when it's over. Sound simple right. While the three act structure isn't always necessary it is something that can be used at times if you like having a guideline to follow. Or you can simply look at the story example I remember being taught when I was in high school (and maybe earlier). The conflict in the story starts small and rises upward towards the climax. There are moments where it might spike up or down, the arch doesn't have to be a perfect rise. However, the story leads up to the big moment, the point where all the stuff hits the fan and any other phrase or saying you want to imagine that makes the same point.
From there, the story is pretty much almost over. Wrap things up. Bring it all together in a way that makes sense, feels complete and for most stories doesn't leave the reader hanging (with a few exceptions). And please, end it.
Simple advice and on the basic side. Have a story with a conflict and bring it to an end. But sometimes we need the little reminders even when it comes to the basics here in the newsletters. Plus, it came up and I needed a topic so here it is: my rambles about stories, conflict and please don't dawdle.
Exception: if you're writing in a world just for you, are working on a first draft, or it's a multi-verse, shared world with variety of stories being put together, you might be able to meander and keep going. My ramble here about stories and reaching the end doesn't mean a story can't keep going. You can keep writing if that is what you choose but as far as sharing might see some limits, struggles and hesitations.
So, either way, lets go write! |
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Do you like a story to continue more past the big conflict resolution?
Last month for the newsletter I discussed the topic of love around the slogan for June pride, "love is love." Discussed some options of exploring the different love pairings in speculative fiction. Here are comments sent in over the topic:
Comment by Mummsy 
Great newsletter! I read a lot in the m/m fantasy genre. I'd love to recommend Kasia Bacon's The Order series, as well as Megan Derr. She does AMAZING worldbuilding in the fantasy genre, and makes sexuality a non-issue in her stories. She also has a series in which gender is very matter-of-factly worked in as something that is determined by individuals rather than biology.
- Thanks that sounds like an interesting series and author. Will have to check it out.
Comment by BIG BAD WOLF is Howling 
Truth be told, there is a number of half-human people out there, in the worlds of Fantasy and Sci-Fi.
- Truth.
Comment by brom21 
I love watching YA cartoons when there is a hint of romance. I should probably think of of putting in some romantic gems in my writing. My mom pointed this putt out to me a awhile ago. I think it is unique when the male bad-guy falls in love with the good female character. Thanks for the NL!
- Thanks. It is interesting in particular if seeing it from the male perspective of falling for her. Or any pairing pending on how it is written/shown.
Comment by vexagrimwoe
I'm planning on writing a half-human-half-cat into my fantasy story but I'm not sure if that'll work. I'd like some ideas on how I can go about this. Also, happy pride!
- Happy pride to you (last month). Depends on how you write the half-human/cat I suppose. Anime does a little with the Neko but the physical elements are limited on the cat side but pick up in other elements like how the personality develops. Could look there for inspiration.
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Fantasy: July 18, 2018 Issue [#9012]
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