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Printed from https://www.writing.com/main/newsletters/action/archives/id/9508-Finding-Balance.html
Fantasy: April 24, 2019 Issue [#9508]




 This week: Finding Balance
  Edited by: Dawn Embers
                             More Newsletters By This Editor  

Table of Contents

1. About this Newsletter
2. A Word from our Sponsor
3. Letter from the Editor
4. Editor's Picks
5. A Word from Writing.Com
6. Ask & Answer
7. Removal instructions

About This Newsletter

Fantasy Newsletter by Dawn

Looking into the issue of balance this week with the elements of story telling and the parts that make the stories fit within the genres of fantasy, sci-fi or other spec fic subgenres.


Word from our sponsor

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Letter from the editor

When it comes to writing fantasy one can look at it as a balance act. We are always trying to find ways to create balance in our lives and that aspect is also found in the stories we tell. Not only is it a necessary aspect as writers in general, but speculative fiction has its own elements that take some finesse in order to make sure the structure doesn’t collapse. There is also a struggle to find balance in our lives with writing and other things but that is covered in other newsletters. So let’s look a little at balance in writing and in our particular genre.

Writing

In general, there are elements that we balance in stories in order to create tales for the readers to enjoy. Not every one gets the same weight and it will vary depending on the story. Some of the main aspects that need worked together in order to convey the overall story include: characters, plot, and setting.

All are involved in some way or another. They are the main building blocks we use as writers. The extent of focus for each are what vary. Sure all stories involve characters of some type whether it is a cast of two or two hundred but some stories are more focused on those characters than others. We say the story is character driven or plot driven. Not as often is the setting the main focus of a tale but in fantasy and science fiction the worlds can hold a very strong front within a story.

As writers, part of what we do in writing, rewriting and editing of a story is create a balance of those elements.

Fantasy

There are some aspects that need balance which is seen more in speculative fiction than other genres. In particular, the elements that make the story fantastical has to be created in a way that the reader can believe in the existence of such outside their own reality. Some stories will use elements of reality, for example, mixed in with magic or new science in order to keep the reader from getting too distracted by questions or doubt.

We have to find a balance with the believable and the imaginative while the reader gives some levels of suspending belief. It is an act that is not just up to the writer, then, but also the reader who goes in knowing some aspects might not hold up in reflection of our own experiences. This can be in a couple of different ways. The most common is the big flashy aspects like when characters can do magic or have some types of powers. It can also be in the types of characters used. Many characters will have human-like qualities in order to help bridge any gaps for the readers in order to help keep things in a way relate-able or in a way believable.

These are just a few things we can consider when writing fantasy stories. How we create balance in the way we write and the stories create can vary. Finding that is up to you as the writer. Have fun and enjoy the process.





Editor's Picks

FORUM
The Science Fiction Short Story Contest  (18+)
A contest inspired by the serious need for more good sci-fi
#2140378 by BlackAdder


FORUM
Paranormal Romance Contest  (13+)
A Romance Contest -- a 2016 & 2020 Quill Award Winner & 2020 Quill Award HM Winner
#2089860 by Jim Hall - GoT Forest Child


SURVEY
Journey Through Genres: Official Contest  (E)
Write a short story in the given genre to win big prizes!
#1803133 by Writing.Com Support


SURVEY
Musicology Anthology  (13+)
An annual challenge to write a short story collection based on an album! Runs April-June.
#1377819 by Jaeff | KBtW of the Free Folk


FORUM
The LGBT Writing Contest - now judging  (18+)
Short story contest (with great prizes) for LGBT characters.
#1980539 by Osirantinous


The Spiter War  (13+)
A fighter pilot wakes up 200 hundred years in the future
#2185101 by Circuit Rider


STATIC
Where Water Breaches the Strand  (13+)
War ended a world lost to the survivors, but the last battle brought them home again.
#2189090 by jdennis


 
STATIC
Desolation Wasteland  (ASR)
24 Syllables April 22 2019
#2188951 by Cobwebby Space Reader Reindeer




 
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Ask & Answer

How do you create balance in your stories and in writing?


Last month, I wrote about finding time both as a writer and for the characters. Here are a couple of comments sent in over the topic:

Comment by Quick-Quill
I think all writers struggle with this. Unless you're in the throes of a muse, making yourself to sit and write can be a challenge

Comment by brom21
I recently started this affiliate marketing program that requires lots of time. I ended up neglecting my writing responsibilities and WdC stuff. So, I'm stepping away from the job gig for now and purely focusing on writing. Thanks for this relevant NL!


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