Don't get me wrong, I love fantasy. It's definitely my favorite genre to read, and one of my favorites to write.
But.
My current work-in-progress (which, due to my only-write-things-that-other-people-would-be-interested-in policy, I haven't told you anything about) deals with a teen girl caught in Japan's March 2011 earthquake and tsunami. Basically, nothing could be farther from fantasy. Plus, I write a lot of poetry, too. In fact, I've had a few poems published recently.
And, more important, there is a lot about writing that doesn't really go under the banner of "fantasy" alone. I think non-fantasy writers might be able to benefit from some of the bits and pieces of advice I've collected, and I don't want to throw them off (or bore you) by about general writing stuff on a fantasy blog.
So, all that to say: what would you, dear readers, like to see? Traditional halls of fantasy lore? Modern stainless steel and cuppa-tea writing advice and anecdotes? A mix?
To help you let me know what you'd like, I've slaved many hours over the hot computer to write a nifty little poll (and figure out how to add it to the blog post). So take your pick and be sure to let me know why you want what you want in the comments!
Should the blog take a new direction?
You should branch out, I think, to keep your thought pool fresh. Also, there are things that don't directly have to do with writing fantasy, but that will help in writing any book.
ReplyDeleteI agree; sometimes it's so hard to force myself to think of something "new" to say about fantasy--again! (Still, that said, I could probably go on chattering about fantasy for a long while yet ;) . Still, I think & hope that not just fantasy writers would benefit from all these posts.
DeleteSo thanks a bunch for your input!
Hallo, I'm new to this blog. :D I'm a young reader and writer of fantasy and allegory.
ReplyDeleteMaybe keep some fantasy, but do what you are inspired to do. Keep Christian writing too- I think that Christian allegories, historical fiction, and fantasy are all related in a way.
I just don't like horror. I like all other types of fiction a little. I don't like science fiction a lot(but I very very much like Doctor Who because of the characters and English accents).
This is funny, I once liked frozen corn as a snack!
Welcome to the blog! So glad you could join the ride :D
DeleteWriting Christian fiction is certainly an entirely unique task. Every Christian writer is called to make a difference, and all genres need Christ, be it historical or fantasy or scifi or horror or anything.
Of course, sometimes what we like to read and write are different, but often our personal reading tastes become our personal writing tastes, too. (Side track?)
(Speaking of strange interests & likenesses, I've also dreamed of visiting Ireland some day! And I'm always pleased to meet a fellow frozen-corn-lover ;)
Fantasy is a great genre, my personal favorite for reading and writing. However, you don't need to feel that because your blog title has the word "fantasy" in it, you have to keep it strictly and only about fantasy. I'd say keep fantasy one of the main things on your blog, but don't be afraid to branch out. I know personally I'd love to see some of your thoughts on other genres and topics from a Christian perspective. :)
ReplyDeleteGod bless!
Kiri
Thanks so much for helping me out, Kiri! I agree that fantasy is valuable, and whatever I end up doing, I'll definitely continue the thread of fantasy-writing. But yes, branching out might be lovely. Especially because there's so many genres out there, and so many possibilities for making a difference for Christ!
DeleteGod bless you too, and thanks!
I like reading your fantasy posts (I have no clue why, considering I never plan to attempt fantasy again), but I think branching out would probably benefit your blog. Either way, I'm good. :)
ReplyDeleteAww thanks! I'm glad the posts don't bore you to tears, at any rate :P . And who knows, you may end up writing fantasy again! I'm sure if you do you'll find it a refreshing break from all the meticulous research. Anyway, thanks for adding your input!!
DeleteBy-the-by, whoever voted "I'm here for the food", I'm with you :D
ReplyDeleteGo with what's in your heart. You know what you want to do...
ReplyDeleteThank you for the reassurance, Traci! I appreciate it :)
DeleteI love reading your blog. You always have interesting things to say- some of them I've never considered before. (Like the footwear post. ;) )Whatever you decide, I'll be here to read. :D
ReplyDeleteI'm one of the ones who voted for fiction and poetry.
Thank you so much, Ophelia! That makes me so happy :D . I'm so glad!!!
DeleteOoh, yay, fiction and poetry--lovely. I love poetry myself :)
Hey,
DeleteIt's good not to lock yourself into a corner of being able to write about one thing only, yet on the other hand, themed blogs can attract a lot of like minded readers. There are an infinite number of generic blogs out there.
Interesting that you are writing about a Japanese girl, as my wife is Japanese, and I've been to Kobe six or seven times since marriage.
God bless
Peter
Yes, that's my dilemma, too--after all, there are a lot of "Christian writing blogs" out there, and far fewer "Christian fantasy blogs." It's such a tough issue!
DeleteOh really? That's wonderful! I grew up in Japan, actually, in the Tohoku area, so it is close to my heart as well.
Blessings to you also, and thank you for your thoughts!
No, not really. I like my meticulous research. The idea of having to come up with a world completely from scratch sounds perfectly frightening. :P I'd rather discover a world that already exists (fancy words for research!).
ReplyDeleteYou're right that I might write it again someday, but I really doubt it.
Hmm, really? I'm currently at the stage in my story where meticulous research is really difficult and time-consuming. And frustrating. But maybe someday I'll appreciate the joys of research as opposed to imagination? *skeptical raised eyebrow*
DeleteMaybe. Who knows what the future holds! You might find yourself writing...Nancy-Drew-style mystery novels someday :D . Or not.
I might have wrote My note to you in the wrong place.It is on the page "About Me".Can you find it?If I was younger, I would start a fellowship of some kind in blog land of Christians who want to take away Whimsical writings and illustrations away from The Evil One. Give them back to God Through Jesus Christ and in His Name because it should belong to Him.I could go on and on and on-Denise from Coffeeberry Cottage.My Lord is FULL of Magical whimsical enchantment that belongs to HIM alone.Thank you JESUS and in your Name I say this.
ReplyDeleteIt's amazing how many like-minded Christian writers there are! I've been continually amazed how God really does work through writers to share His message. Thanks for your thoughts, Denise!
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