I want to be a fantasy writer some day. So what do I do? I read fantasy fiction …
I’ve timed myself. I read at about half the speed of the modern college kid, I would think. That’s because, due to hearing voices, I’m often distracted. Perhaps it’s also my age. I’m 41 now. My concentration isn’t what it used to be, either.
So I picked up A Game Of Thrones. And what did I notice? Within the first 150 pages, there’s the murder of a child, a scene of incest, the child-marriage and wedding night description of a 13 year old girl who is terrified she’ll be beat up by her brother if she refuses or does not satisfy her new husband.
I never even knew you were allowed to write about such taboo subjects in fiction. But then look what happened? This fantasy fiction, Game of Thrones, is some of the very best, having been awarded and turned into a TV series.
I’ve learned something about fantasy fiction. If you want to write it: Shock your audience. At the very least: don’t be boring.
The hard Truth About fantasy fiction is that there’s murder, rape, incest and paedophillia in it’s pages. Furthermore, everybody is straight and white.
I’ve always stated that, were I to write fantasy fiction, mine would be a much more sanitized, clean type of fantasy fiction, with young adult readers in mind.
Maybe that’s why my fiction will never sell, nor ever be a best-seller. Maybe I’m too old, too cynical.
I’m learning a lot by reading fantasy. I’m learning about what I can and can’t stomach, not just about point-of-view characters.
Shock your audience, I suppose. That’s what Game Of Thrones did.
Nah I’m good y’all. None of that for my fantasy fiction. Mine’ll be different, clean, sanitary. And probably terrible.
Until next time!
Steve Mini from the 6.
