I'm writing a fantasy novel. I hate fantasy. http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/literary-fiction/threads/18346 gigadrive08 I loved fantasy as a kid, but nowadays I'm more into "literary" works like Dostovesky, Woolf, Faulkner, Delillo, ya know that kinda possibly snobby and pretentious heavy-handed stuff. But at the same time, I do still love a well-written fantasy story. Something like The Tale of Desperaux or anything written by Neil Gaiman. The reason I'm writing a fantasy story is because I've never been able to find the kind of simple, concise fantasy story that I would like to read, so I'm taking it upon myself to write it. In a way it makes me feel hypocritical and mean because when it comes to critiquing others' novels after NaNoWriMo is over, the fantasy genre is the last I will want to think of doing. I'm looking for people who share my same tastes of literary/children's lit that can look at my novel and know what I'm trying to achieve and how I can improve on those goals. I know this is thinking too far ahead since it's only the first day and because I don't plan on revising until at least January, but would anyone be interested in a fantasy novel that tries to be "literary"? Tue, 01 Nov 2011 18:43:36 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/literary-fiction/threads/18346?page=1#forum_thread_comment_358291 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/literary-fiction/threads/18346?page=1#forum_thread_comment_358291 KaitTTT So incredibly interested. Tue, 01 Nov 2011 20:50:24 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/literary-fiction/threads/18346?page=1#forum_thread_comment_362342 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/literary-fiction/threads/18346?page=1#forum_thread_comment_362342 Broreale I'd certainly be up for looking at a good literary fantasy. I think I might know what you'd be aiming for once I read it, and once December rolls around I'll definitely have the time to skim through. Tue, 01 Nov 2011 21:52:29 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/literary-fiction/threads/18346?page=1#forum_thread_comment_364535 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/literary-fiction/threads/18346?page=1#forum_thread_comment_364535 gigadrive08 Wonderful. :) I'll be sure to read both of your novels, as well. I've always wanted to try my hand at constructive criticism, but I'd always been afraid of hurting others' feelings. Especially when they have the view that what they've written is already fantastic, when that is never the case for any unfinished work. Of course, that includes my own terrible, unedited crap. I'm no better. But yeah, as long as you're both harsh and fair, I'll give the same kind of helpful analysis. :) Tue, 01 Nov 2011 22:31:53 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/literary-fiction/threads/18346?page=1#forum_thread_comment_366060 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/literary-fiction/threads/18346?page=1#forum_thread_comment_366060 ChelaRose You know, I share your views about fantasy. I was already judging when I saw the title, but I've never heard of anyone trying to make a simple, concise fantasy book and I think I would like fantasy so much more if more people tried to achieve that goal. So I really would love to read it if you don't mind another person (and one that's young at that). Tue, 01 Nov 2011 23:17:58 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/literary-fiction/threads/18346?page=1#forum_thread_comment_367650 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/literary-fiction/threads/18346?page=1#forum_thread_comment_367650 gigadrive08 More people who are interested in tearing apart my work and making it better, the happier that I will be. :P I'm trying to return the favor for anyone who is writing a novel he/she plans on finishing. Tue, 01 Nov 2011 23:45:59 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/literary-fiction/threads/18346?page=1#forum_thread_comment_368641 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/literary-fiction/threads/18346?page=1#forum_thread_comment_368641 gigadrive08 Also, because I do plan on self-publishing this in *some* fashion (e-book if nothing else), I will include each one of you in a "Special Thanks" type of preface for helping me proofread. :) Wed, 02 Nov 2011 00:58:11 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/literary-fiction/threads/18346?page=1#forum_thread_comment_371186 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/literary-fiction/threads/18346?page=1#forum_thread_comment_371186 Macola I'd definitely be interested in reading literary fantasy (or science fiction, for that matter). My own writing from the past two years is still far from complete and definitely not worthy of someone else's attention, but I always enjoy reading. Wed, 02 Nov 2011 01:22:24 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/literary-fiction/threads/18346?page=1#forum_thread_comment_372004 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/literary-fiction/threads/18346?page=1#forum_thread_comment_372004 swinsea I, too, am interested. I'm in a similar situation, and can't decide whether to go all out with my fantasy number or choose one of my restrained "literary" concepts. I look forward to seeing how you balance these things. Wed, 02 Nov 2011 03:13:24 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/literary-fiction/threads/18346?page=1#forum_thread_comment_375818 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/literary-fiction/threads/18346?page=1#forum_thread_comment_375818 gigadrive08 If that icon is something you did as a cartoonist, I enjoy your work. I've always been jealous of artists, but I can't even draw a 3D box. Also, I'm sure this is something that will work itself out in time, but I am having a bit of trouble coming up with some greater conflict for my story. Right now, there is this small town girl in ancient Greece who will later find out she is the illegitimate child of some god (perhaps Ares, as a cheap way to explain how she becomes powerful beyond the abilities of a human) and when she slowly realizes her capabilities, she attempts to do greater things. The beginning of the story has her complaining about how gods deny certain people to be mentioned by historians and erase their existence through any means possible. While she does do some important things (she re-ignites the previously pitch black sky and fills it up with stars and the moon, for instance), the gods decide because she is doing this for very selfish reasons, that she will not achieve her wish of being remembered for all time. My problem is trying to balance a.) how to make that more subtle instead of saying it that way in the story and b.) if that is enough of a final conflict to work with. This might also be a good time to ask you guys if this would be enough to qualify as "literary" fantasy.. What do you think? Wed, 02 Nov 2011 08:16:53 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/literary-fiction/threads/18346?page=1#forum_thread_comment_382783 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/literary-fiction/threads/18346?page=1#forum_thread_comment_382783 Macola I think it's hard to define "literary" sometimes, and almost impossible to find tow people who agree on its definition, as other threads here will attest to. I guess my approach would be to write the story as it comes to you, and worry about whether it's literary or not later. Thu, 03 Nov 2011 02:29:29 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/literary-fiction/threads/18346?page=1#forum_thread_comment_413064 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/literary-fiction/threads/18346?page=1#forum_thread_comment_413064 Stasisesque It reminds me of Neil Gaiman's American Gods. Thu, 03 Nov 2011 03:40:09 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/literary-fiction/threads/18346?page=1#forum_thread_comment_415565 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/literary-fiction/threads/18346?page=1#forum_thread_comment_415565 gigadrive08 I love Neil Gaiman's stuff, so it wouldn't surprise me if I'm being subconsciously influenced by him. A key difference between his book and mine is that I'm writing in the past and he wrote in urban America. Maybe a convenient way to describe my (intended) style is Neil Gaiman meets Fyodor Dostoevsky. :P Thu, 03 Nov 2011 03:42:48 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/literary-fiction/threads/18346?page=1#forum_thread_comment_415637 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/literary-fiction/threads/18346?page=1#forum_thread_comment_415637 swinsea I think the best literary work happens when it isn't the main goal, so I think you should write the most effective story possible, and let the literary-ness evolve on its own. (Pretty much what Macola said.) It sounds like there is a conflict already there; perhaps figure out a way to define it more tangibly, in an active pursuit, so it feels more like a struggle? (Thanks for the compliment, btw!) Thu, 03 Nov 2011 14:41:39 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/literary-fiction/threads/18346?page=1#forum_thread_comment_427120 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/literary-fiction/threads/18346?page=1#forum_thread_comment_427120 Bewitched.Rhapsody Well, as for the "selfish reason" idea, I'd think back to any times you have lied to yourself. I know I have at one point or another. We know deep down why we're <em>really</em> doing something, but we rationalize it. We tell ourselves, "I really need this because... " And sometimes, it's actually very convincing. You can make this very subtle, if you wish. Like she might say she wants to fill the sky with stars and the moon because she thinks the people will most profit from it for example, but in reality she's doing it because she - is trying to redeem herself in some form because of something. [So very specific, eh?] - wants the glory. - insert anything you want here. XD But she convinces herself (and the reader, most importantly) that she's doing it for a "good" and rather selfless reason. I hope that was at least somewhat helpful... I agree with you about fantasy. I've gotten so tired of it. I see the same things over and over again. o.0 And all this fancy descriptive language and flat characters and blearrgggg. Of course, this isn't the case for every fantasy book. And sometimes it's not all the fancy descriptive language or flat characters, but the fact that the author is trying to imitate this certain style of writing that is just not their style and it seems so fake when you read it.. Eh, I dunno. I just find a lot of fantasy to be dull. Maybe because half of them are written in third person omniscient and I just got tired of that.... o_o Thu, 03 Nov 2011 17:24:47 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/literary-fiction/threads/18346?page=1#forum_thread_comment_431314 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/literary-fiction/threads/18346?page=1#forum_thread_comment_431314 SummerDaniels Hello, I am interested. However, my reading habits have been the opposite. When I was a child I was only interested in literary books and classics, and that was mostly reflected in what I wrote (a couple of forays into the worlds of fantasy and science fiction that included people with tiger-stripped skin and lost princesses when I was ten years old aside). Now, I am more interested in reading fantasy and science fiction and writing the same. I am writing a noir mystery for nano because it is something I have not done. I actually agonize over my fantasy and science-fiction writing a lot because I sometimes feel it is too literary in the way it reads. Fri, 25 Nov 2011 04:23:22 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/literary-fiction/threads/18346?page=1#forum_thread_comment_836526 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/literary-fiction/threads/18346?page=1#forum_thread_comment_836526 SummerDaniels Have you read "Til We have Faces" by C.S. Lewis? It is similar in that the narrator thinks they are doing something for one reason, but realizes they are doing it for another towards the end of the book. They also reflect on their life and realize how selfish they have been, in part through self-delusion. SPOILER Without giving too much away: The protagonist has a mentor who misses his homeland and complains about it early on. When she is reflecting on her life, she realizes that she could have dismissed him from her service which would have meant him returning to her homeland. Instead, she keeps him on and convinces herself that he stays because he wants too, and not because he feels duty-bound to stay unless he is dismissed formally. Fri, 25 Nov 2011 04:27:40 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/literary-fiction/threads/18346?page=1#forum_thread_comment_836564 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/literary-fiction/threads/18346?page=1#forum_thread_comment_836564 Dennis Jernberg If you're writing literary fantasy, you're influenced by Neil Gaiman, period. He's the one truly prominent literary fantasy novel I know of, and he's hugely influential, not just in fantasy. The entire "dreamspace" setting of my novel is an unconscious homage to <em>The Sandman</em>, the same way the cyberspace setting is a conscious homage to the cyberpunk science fiction novels <em>Neuromancer</em> and <em>Snow Crash</em>. Thu, 01 Dec 2011 08:56:32 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/literary-fiction/threads/18346?page=1#forum_thread_comment_913391 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/literary-fiction/threads/18346?page=1#forum_thread_comment_913391 vampyre_smiles Really? Because I only know 2 of his stories (Mirror Mask and Coraline), and only through their movie adaptions which I had to look up to find out they were by him. I've had ideas for lit fantasy long before I ran into either of those. And of those two (in movie format), I'd only say Mirror Mask could be considered lit fantasy, and my ideas are very different from that. There is such a thing as independently coming up with an idea. My ideas have more to do with modern takes on mythology, anime and the Eldridge Abominations of Lovecraft (which I have yet to read but still know more about than Neil Gaiman's works). You don't need to know Gaiman or his works to figure out that what you want to write is lit fantasy, just that you are writing something literary and it happens to be a fantasy. Thu, 01 Dec 2011 19:32:21 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/literary-fiction/threads/18346?page=1#forum_thread_comment_916693 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/literary-fiction/threads/18346?page=1#forum_thread_comment_916693 flopart Lev Grossman's novels are marketed as literary fantasy and they've been best sellers for 2+ years. Sun, 04 Dec 2011 06:21:53 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/literary-fiction/threads/18346?page=1#forum_thread_comment_930755 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/literary-fiction/threads/18346?page=1#forum_thread_comment_930755 flopart I originally thought I was writing a fantasy novel, because my story involves fantastic beasties and settings and magic, and then I did the good writer thing and bought some current novels in the genre to see what people we reading lately... And I realized what I was doing was not genre fiction. It's definitely an attempt at literary fiction with fantastic elements. I also found that most genre fantasy bugs me. I love things with a sense of humor, but a lot of it is either stuffy and goes nowhere (I'm looking at you, "Wicked") or reads like anime. And why would I read something I could watch? Shouldn't writing bring it's own unique things to the table? Alas. Sun, 04 Dec 2011 06:24:52 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/literary-fiction/threads/18346?page=1#forum_thread_comment_930762 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/literary-fiction/threads/18346?page=1#forum_thread_comment_930762