What appeals to you in a fantasy novel?

[Wombat]

I've been reading several of the responses here and was struck by something.

I love Pratchett (well, most of his stuff -- not overly fond of Rincewind). On the other hand, whenever people ask me about fantasy that I like, I never mention him. Mentally I think I've put him in an entirely separate category ("Pratchett"), rather than fantasy or humour.

But he is whopping great fun ... and also really makes you think -- a deadly combination!

 

[PieAndDragon]

I'll try nearly any fantasy, but can't put my finger on what makes me keep reading a particular novel.

Like characterisation from the likes of Robin Hobb / Megan Lindholm [makes me far more emotional than any other writer I know] and Guy Gavriel Kay, heroic fantasy from David Gemmell, epics from George R.R Martin, Feist, Kate Elliot & Jordan [first 6 only], easy reading from Maccaffrey, Mercedes Lackey, Prachett, Simon R. Green and R.A. Salvatore.

If it catches me, I'll read it. But if after about 100 pages, I get bored, or am not hooked on the plot or characters, I'll just put it down and try something else.

 

[warlord]

Well about you being worried that your book is a "D&D novel", don't be. You will always be influenced by the styles of writing your exposed to most. So embrave the D&Dness of your book and just go with it. Take what you need from things you've read in the past and make it your own. Once you know how to borrow and create at the same time then you will have mastered the art of writing.

 

[Harmon]

Great characters.

If you got a 100 pages into Fire & Ice then you just barely met Ned. He was one of my personal favorites because he refused to give up what he believed in. Even in the end of his life when he had to chose- his daughters or what he knew was right, he felt a little hesitation.

Arya is another strong character that I love to read, though she is a little more chaotic and very much about personal survival over all else.

I would say the most important thing is great characters, a good plot and a great story are also very important. Good luck with the book writing, my cousin has a Masters and has been trying to get published for a while. Its a hard thing to break into as a career.

 

[howandwhy99]

Hi RW,

You might remember me from a particular graduation reading you and others gave. I was in the audience with Diaglo. I have always thought your written work was of very high quality. Your storyhours are very readable.

I'm not one in position to give good advice. Maybe this?: You will want to write about what you love because your attitude shows through either way. Perhaps genre fiction is what you love? Or perhaps you could make a list a of your favorite authors and works? This should give you an idea of the body of work you want to look back on during old age. I can't really say what's best in the end, but reading deeply and broadly can give you a better "lay of the land".

My own reading preferences for fantasy are more along the lines of Wombat up above. (you're not so far out of the mainstream!) So they are less applicable to what you may have in mind.

I am willing to read any fiction you want to email me. Good reads are always fun and I will give you my honest opinion as best I can. I also write a storyhour in the forums. (one I love, but is written in my own poor style. I this to be true.) Any writing tips would be great. (reader feedback is few and far between as it is )

David

 

[RangerWickett]

Thanks for the feedback. I sadly can't type much because I sprained a finger. Typing slow. But once I'm healed, I'll send interested folks my novel.

 

[warlord]

Quick question for you Ranger as a fellow writer I have to ask don't you think characters with mental problems are just damn fun to write?

 

[barsoomcore]

I like literature with swords. And swinging on ropes, if possible. But swords, definitely.

I'm kind of serious. If you aren't at least trying to accomplish something artistically/philosophically/emotionally/intellectually interesting, well, I've got better things to do with my time. Frankly, that's just part and parcel of telling a good story. And literature is all about good stories.

A good story is its own answer to the question "Why should I read this?" A good story uplifts me (even if it's sad), challenges me, moves me and makes me think. Great art is how we communicate wisdom. A writer who isn't doing that (with swords) is wasting my time.

Are you telling a great story?

If you are, barsoomcore lives at mac.com and would love to review your book. Won't happen anytime soon, but I'll give it a whirl.