I'm really not a writer, at least not for a living. I write some parts for the story over at the forgotton realms forum. But the things about it that fasenate (sp?) me are the these:Originally posted by Sailor Saturn
And, for those who write fantasy, I ask you this. Why? What are your reasons for writing? And why fantasy?
) against impossible odds and somehowe make it after all.
, different races exist.I dont really understand when you say misconceptions, and how you followed the question up. It sounds like you've asked two different things, one being why we read/write fantasy, and the other being the sterotype the fantasy genre has gained.Originally posted by Sailor Saturn
What are some of the misconceptions you've had about fantasy and how did you find out they were misconceptions?
I am asking both, and the former does have to do with the latter. One of the misconceptions I've noticed there being is about why writers write. People will assume that because a certain piece of literature had a large impact on society, or because something in it is like the problems in society, then that means the author was specifically writing it as an allegory designed to show people the problems in society and attempt to effect a change in society. While there are probably some writers who are doing this, I have found that a lot of writers are writing because they enjoy writing, not because they want to cause any particular changes in society through their writing.Originally posted by Aegis
I dont really understand when you say misconceptions, and how you followed the question up. It sounds like you've asked two different things, one being why we read/write fantasy, and the other being the sterotype the fantasy genre has gained.
) . I think what pulled me into the fantasy genre was just the whole sense of what was, to an extent. I'm a romantic at heart, and I see the whole chivelry, damsel in distress thing as inspiring, and moving. My first steps in this direction was with Final Fantasy 2 (North American version) back when I was six. I played the game through, and became hooked on the sword and sorcery bit, and that lead to my facination with the middle ages, which in turn led to my love of history and fantasy. Also, I feel that the combat was also more interesting in times like that, which is what the fantasy genre illustrates. The last thing that hooked me was the mystery of it all. Because it's fantasy, you could do anything! It is a world where magical dragons soar, and brave, bold adventurers travel. It is that sort of romanticism that captured me. Also, I like because it's fun. My reasons for writing fantasy are similar, but I came about it from a much different direction. Up until 6th grade, I hated reading anything that wasn't non-fiction. The closest to fiction I read was mythology, but even that was non-fiction about what was believed in ancient times. Then, my 6th grade teacher made me read fiction and I got hooked on three things at that time. Chronicles of Narnia, Goosebumps(or whatever they're called), and Hank the Cowdog. I soon outgrew the last two. Anyway, from there, my interest was pushed by Legend of Zelda games and anime into fantasy, with quite a bit of help from Random Shadow. I also found that, though I hate writing by hand, I enjoy writing if I can type what I'm writing. As I found things I enjoyed writing about and ways I enjoyed writing, I gradually switched my career choice from being a Physicist to being a Writer of Fantasy. I have no goals to change people's lives with my writing. I just want to do what I enjoy and provide something that might bring a bit of happiness as they read a [hopefullyOriginally posted by Aegis
Okay, that helps (a bit
Well, speaking as a published author of the fantasy genre, I could say I write because it's fun, but, that would be a cop out
] good story. This misconception that keeps getting mentioned is one that I never really knew. I've heard it before, but it never comprehended its existence. I'm certainly interested in hearing more about ya'lls experiences with these misconceptions.Anyway, the misconceptions I get when I think about it? Well, the first thing thats come to mind is the fact it is not considered a cool thing to do. When you tell someone your a D&D player, the initial reaction to scoff, or laugh, but it is the opposite if tell them your an athleite. Is it this misconception that caused me to take so long to even tell people what sort of genre I wrote (about six years to be exact). I think that the development of computer games is something that has helped that misconception, but hasn't eliminated it. Another one I think of is the sterotype people have placed on RPer's and fantasy fans. It is often that of the pale teenager, often the misfit of society, and never popular with the in-crowds at school, or in life. These are things that are slowly dissappearing, but will never be gone, sadly. At the same it, is also the factor that keeps fantasy as a pure enjoyment. The second it becomes a popular past time, the joy people get out of it will begin to fade.
I haven't read much fantasy, but a clear misconception I used to have, was that fantasy is a genre writers choose to be able to hide bad writing skills behind a flashy curtain. Fantastic creatures, magic, prefabricated stories taken from mythology - all this allows the writer to produce a fantasy text without having good skills in describing a character and tell an exciting story.Originally posted by Sailor Saturn
What are some of the misconceptions you've had about fantasy and how did you find out they were misconceptions?
