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Category: short fiction
Creating Languages
Writing fantasy can so often leave you caught up in a web of your own making. Most fantasy involves a secondary world, that is a world different from our own. Granted, it doesn’t have to be totally original, but it raises the question: how different should we make it? Should we scrap everything we know and play God and build from scratch? Should we shape and morph things that already exist? Or should we keep what everyone finds familiar? These questions can be asked when it comes to inventing anything for our worlds, but one such area in which it’s particularly prevalent is with language. In this new world of ours, does everyone speak the same language?
‘A Fantasy Writers’ Handbook’ Teaser: Dialogue
As you may or may not be aware, I'm in the process of drafting 'A Fantasy Writer's Handbook', a non-fiction guide to writing fiction, fantasy fiction in particular. The book is split into three parts: fiction writing, fantasy writing, and what to do when the writing is done. Today, as a little midweek treat, I thought I'd share one of the chapters from part one: Dialogue.
One of Them Yearly Reviews
A look back at a 2018 filled with twists and turns, and a glance into the hazy future of 2019
Plotting: The Crucible
The crucible is one of the simplest and most effective plotting tools. At its core is the relationship between the protagonist and the antagonist. The conflict they share spawns plot. It illustrates wonderfully the interwoven relationship enjoyed between character and plot.
Turning to Art for Inspiration
Sometimes the ideas dry up. Trump's Wall blocks out creativity and all you can do is lament. A terrific solution to those droughts, I've found, is art
[Guest Post] On The Train to Know Where
I'm delighted to introduce novelist Gene Rosen who's put together a satirical story on the click bait articles we all fall victim to. You know the ones, "3 ways to get published in a week", "5 tips to make you write like Orwell." You click on them and learn sweet F.A. Enough of me, over to Gene.
The Length of Stories
I see many people seeking guidance on how long their novels and stories should be. Having compiled lists of publishers of short and long fantasy fiction I've noticed a few trends. This article looks at the lengths publishers seek for fiction in their various forms: micro, flash, short, novelettes, novellas, and novels. But it begins with a few words of caution.
Lists of Publishers Updated
I've been busy updating my lists of fantasy publishers for both short fiction and long fiction. The short fiction list now contains 80 publishers ranging from prozines to token publishers. Whatever stage you're up to in your writing journey, there'll be a publisher on there for you.
More publishers added to the short fantasy fiction list and news of publication
I've updated my list of publishers of short fantasy fiction. There's now a hefty seventy publishers listed on there. One of them is bound to accept a submission, right? I've got my fingers crossed for you.
