Friday, April 6, 2012

A-Z Challenge: F is for Fantasy

Remember to check in with the other A-Z challenge participants! It's been a great week so far, but we've barely begun!

F is for Fantasy

As you know, Fantasy is my favorite genre to write (although it's not my favorite genre to read...I actually don't have a favorite genre when I am reading for fun: I just want a well-written book). Although my works tend more towards modern fantasy, I tip my hat to those excellent writers of high fantasy over the years. Myth and magic are beautiful things, and playing with them in prose is one of the best parts of my job.

I am especially influenced by fairy tales and classical mythology. Tomorrow, I'll be blogging about one of my favorite fairy tale inspired authors, so make sure you check back!

Interested in writing Fantasy? Here are some resources you might want to check out:

Visit the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America site for great genre information (and to connect with other authors).

Fantasy Factor is an online magazine for fantasy writers.

Here are some awesome Fantasy Writing Tutorials to help you get started.

The Fantasy novelist’s exam: see how your book stacks up (just for fun).

Interested in the history of the genre? Learn more here.

Which genre do you prefer to read/write? What attracts you to this genre?

7 comments:

  1. Like you, I enjoy most genres, though I'm not crazy about high fantasy - all those wacky names end up confusing me. I do like "light fantasy" though (Kristin Cashore comes to mind).

    Writing I seem to fall into contemporary YA Southern Gothic type things with quirky family members and lots of sub threads. Though I've written a post-post apocolyptic adventure and have a light sci-fi idea brewing. I'd also like to try my hand at a Middle Grade ghost story.

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    1. Ever since I fell in love with Avi, I've thought about writing a MG ghost story: have you read "Seer of Shadows" or "Something Upstairs"?

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  2. Hello :) Thanks for posting the links.
    I agree, I'm not much into high fantasy. I enjoy magical realism, urban fantasy, and paranormal romance- both as a writer and when I read for fun. When I read and when I write, I am all about the escape. I want to be transported to another world- even if it's only a more magical version of our own.


    http://kayedraper-writeme.blogspot.com/

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    1. Reading is the best form of escape: our possibilities are limitless. Thanks for dropping over!

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  3. I love graphic novels and would have to say I am a fan of fantasy. I lived through Neil Gaiman's Sandman throughout high school. I explored Clive Barker's Abarat with one of my son's, fun for both of us. Forced to walk through Stephen King's Dark Tower's with my husband, I'd say I know fantasy a bit. It's not my first choice but I love being open to all genres.

    Will be back for tomorrow's treat!

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    1. My husband really likes graphic novels, but for some reason, it's a hard genre for me to read: my brain doesn't like the image + word combination, which is odd, because I love picture books.

      Gaiman is one of my favorite authors: have you read Graveyard Book?

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    2. Yes, the graphic novel is another world.

      I have not read this one. Now I will. :)

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