Fantasy setting experience

When I experienced the movie Avatar in the theater it enthralled me. Notice, I'm not only saying I saw it. I experienced it. It drew me in. The characters came to life but so did the Pandora fantasy setting. The 10 foot-tall humanoid cat-like species known as the Na'vi lived in harmony with their fantastical world. In looks, it reminded me of the Yessongs Awakening print by Roger Dean from back in the 70s. Falling in love with the Na'vi and their world was instant, and with it's 3D effect, it ranked near the top among movies worth seeing on the big screen.

The Avatar story starts with a common futuristic theme. Earth suffers an energy crisis and with its natural resources depleted the humans are harvesting what they need from space. In this particular story, the RDA (Resources Development Administration) plans to mine a valuable mineral from a forested moon known as Pandora. The story gets interesting quickly. With an atmosphere poisonous to humans, and the Na'vi who are one with their world, instant conflict arises.

Importance of setting in fantasy writing

I could go on about the movie, but what I want to talk about is the importance of setting. In a story, characters function within the setting as the story unfolds. If surroundings are not clear, strong characters can usually pull off the scene, but if that's the case, we're cheating the reader. It's like eating a slice of pizza without smelling it cook, without the anticipation of waiting for it to be done cooking, without choosing favorite toppings. A weak setting throughout the book makes the story less interesting. A setting that doesn't provide sounds, smells and visuals to create a complete experience within the reader's imagination, even with a great plot, will be mediocre. If Dorothy is told to follow the yellow brick road but we never see it, feel it, hear our footfalls click upon it...we feel a little lost.

 

 

Engage the senses

Along with creating a visual, it's important to engage the other senses. You want to deliver the whole package. To do that, a fantasy world needs to be experienced on more than one dimension. As you write ask yourself what makes your fantasy world different than the real world? In some cases it might be fantasy characters like dragons, fairies, elves or other lifeforms walking around in a world much like the one in which we live. Whether or not you've created a whole new world or have decided on a world similar to the one in which we live, it takes more than landscape, unique creatures and characters with special powers. To help give your readers a complete experience ask these questions:

• What smells and tastes are experienced?
• What customs are practiced?

Avatar answers these questions in such a way that you are drawn in and become one with the world. In the Wizard of Oz, Dorothy learned the "custom" for her to return home required her to retrieve the Wicked Witch's broom and bring it to the wizard. Many times these small details play an integral part in the plot, but are so subtle that it isn't realized until the climax and/or conclusion of the story. Without them, it's like a tapestry with threads missing leaving bare spots that detract from the picture and make it less than it can be. 

 

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Photo credits: etsy.com

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About The Inheritance by Donna Sundblad

Written within the allegorical tradition of classics like Pilgrim's Progress, The Inheritance offers a literal but symbolic story for today's fantasy enthusiasts. This cleverly devised tale doesn't tell you what to think, but stimulates thought as to why you believe what you believe in your own quest for the Eternal City. The Inheritance is an ideal discussion starter for youth groups, homeschoolers, and families who enjoy meaningful discussions. 

 

The Inheritance is available on Kindle, paperback on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo (Christian fiction), Smashwords and Google Books. When you read it, be sure to leave a review! Thanks for your support. 

Coming soon! Dragonborn by Donna Sundblad

Coming soon! Dragonborn by Donna Sundblad

Dragonborn conjures up a winning fantasy with dragons, humans, time travel, and magic. Follow the journey of the young prisonguard, Ervig Greenfields, as he seeks out dragons to remove a curse. The dragons offer him access to the Labyrinth of Times, which will purge the dark magic. But there’s a catch. Erving must take the Dragon Oath that requires allegiance--to fight alongside dragons for centuries, never to return to his own time. He and a handful of others take the selfless oath and become Dragonborn. The Dragonborn and their dragons become seeds of change, in this epic tale, of sacrifice for the greater good. Ride along with them as they slip through a tear in time to the past to change the future.

 

What's Your Fairy Name?

Research is a part of writing both non-fiction and fiction. I'm currently writing a scene where a simple bridge is created by magic, but to show the scene I needed to check out how medieval bridges were constructed. Even naming characters can take research. As a fantasy writer working on my Dragonborn series, amid my research I came across a nifty name generator that offered to dub me with a fairy name. 

My fairy name

Oak Rainbowwand: I'm a fortune bringer who lives in forests of oak and lime trees. I'm only seen when the seer holds a four-leafed clover, and I decorate myself with leaves and berries. I have multi-colored wings like a butterfly, too!

I love the picture this flashes across the screen of imagination. What a perfect tool if you're ever looking for a new character or inspiration for a current character. 

Types of fairies

If you are wondering if "fairy" is the right word, let me tell you that the "fair folk" are also known as fay, fae, fey, or faerie. These mystical creatures are found in folklore in numerous European cultures and they do not fit into one specific form. Their origins are credited to everything from demoted angels, to spirits of the dead, hidden people, elemental beings and are commonly referred to as spirits of the air. They are not about to be pigeon-holed into one stereotypical creature.

If you are creating a story based on fair folk, you have a large collection of history from which to pull. And think of it this way, as you create a new faerie realm, with your own artistic influence, you'll be adding to that history.

About The Inheritance by Donna Sundblad

Written within the allegorical tradition of classics like Pilgrim's Progress, The Inheritance offers a literal but symbolic story for fantasy enthusiasts. This cleverly devised tale doesn't tell you what to think, but stimulates thought as to why you believe what you believe in your own quest for the Eternal City. The Inheritance is an ideal discussion starter for your groups, homeschoolers, and families who enjoy meaningful discussions.

Coming soon! Dragonborn by Donna Sundblad

 

Authors Unleashed Interviews Donna Sundblad

Donna Sundblad, author of the young adult fantasies Beyond the Fifth Gate and Windwalker
stopped by Authors Unleashed for an interview. Check it out to learn about the inspiration behind these fantasies, along with plenty of fun facts.

Here's a taste of that interview:

Who is your favorite cartoon character?

I can't say I have a favorite. It's more like I enjoy cartoon characters with relationships. Even if they are love/hate relationships. That's what makes them interesting I grew up watching the Flintstones and Jetsons, and today enjoy The Simpsons. The shenanigans of the Road Runner and Wile E. Coyote are fun, too. Those writers have had to come up with new ways to blow Wile E. Coyote up, throw him off a cliff, and have something land on him, while keeping it fresh and even making us laugh.

Which cartoon character is most like you?

I guess out of the characters I listed above, I'd say I'm most like Marge Simpson. She's a caring mom, loving wife, and an independent woman.

If you could beam yourself to anywhere in the world (“Beam me up, Scotty!”), during any time in history, where and when would it be—and why?


You can find the answer to this and more at Author's Unleashed.

Pitching Your Idea - Part 2

How Would Your Idea Fit

Tell the publisher or editor how your idea fits their needs. If you’ve done your homework you’ll know what they want. If the guidelines say: “Fiction: May include, but is not limited to, realistic stories, fantasy, adventure-set in past, present, or future. Humor is highly desirable,” would you send something written in the romance genre? No.

Publishers look for a “fit” and writers need to do the same. If your manuscript is a futuristic adventure story, it would meet the need of the above publisher. Focus on points of interest. In this case I’d make sure to highlight the adventure and futuristic aspects of the story. If a thread of humor ran through the text, I’d mention it. Fashion your query to sell them what they want and increase the chance for consideration. Custom fit details to address specifics the publisher desires.

Compare your work to an existing novel (or novels) that most closely resembles your story. Explain why your idea is fresh and why you think it will appeal to the same readership.

Your Story’s Purpose/Angle

Even works of fiction have a purpose. In a single sentence state your intention for writing the piece you’re submitting. What are you trying say about life? Incorporate it in your pitch.

For example: My intention is to take the reader on an imaginative journey; a spiritual quest that does not tell them what to think but stimulates one to question why they believe what they hold to be true.

Why Should The Publisher Print It

Something within the guidelines made you think they’d be interested. Zero in on key issues that make it a right fit.

Whether you submit a short story or novel, tell the editor what’s at stake. If your protagonist doesn't attain his goal, why does it matter? What are the consequences? Why would the reader care? Lead the publisher to think. Emotionally engage their interest.

Tie in market trends and current issues. Who is the target audience? What kind of people will purchase and read your novel? Be as specific as possible.

One trick that works for me is to imagine the manager of a bookstore asking, "Why should I place an order for your book?” What would you say? What is it about your novel that causes it to stand out in the sea of fiction?"

Qualifications

Sometimes it’s harder to put together something about ourselves that it is to write a novel. Learn to craft your autobiographical information to suit the publication. If you’re writing for a pet magazine, include information about being a pet owner. Part of who we are will be found in threads of the story we’ve written. Use this “expertise” or personal experience to your benefit.

New or unpublished writers struggle with this aspect of pitching an idea. Don’t draw attention to your lack of qualifications. If you’ve never been published don’t mention it. Highlight experiences or achievements that tie your life as a writer to your story. Even something as simple as love for the genre, when worded properly, works as a qualification.

Do You Have Images To Support Your Story

Don’t forget to mention photographs or illustrations if applicable. In some cases, offering visuals to compliment your writing makes the piece more appealing. Don’t send originals, but rather copies in case the submission gets lost or damaged.

Be Professional

Even when sending an e-mail, keep correspondence professional. It’s a good idea to confirm the current editor’s name (along with correct spelling). Stay focused but creative when presenting your information. Be sure to target areas of interest mentioned in the guidelines and provide the editor with more than one reason to say yes. Give the publisher an idea of the size and completion date for your manuscript, tell them a bit about yourself and finish with an enthusiastic close.

The shorter your query letter, the better the chance it will be read. You have one shot to get the attention of the editor. Don’t use fancy, hard-to-read fonts, or crowd text onto a page with nonexistent margins. Instead, choose your words carefully. Use a 12-point font. Your pitch makes the editor hungry to see more so be sure to include your contact information.