In fact, I'm not very good with titles unless they suddenly jump out at me, which does happen. Sometimes. No, really. Okay, so not all that often, but who needs flashy titles anyway? This...might be why I don't intend to title individual chapters of my novels--opting instead for the classic numbered approach.
Well, I guess that opens with a random fact about me as a writer: I'm bad with titles. Furthermore, it gets the ball rolling--albeit, slowly. But, as long as it rolls and rolls forwards rather than backwards, I can deal with that.
If you've checked my bio page, you'll already know a little about me. If not, then I'll regale you with the concise version here:
I want to write. I want to write fantasy. I am working on fantasy novels as we speak. (Not literally, as I'm presently writing this blog and listening to Classic FM, but you get the point.)
I intend to use this blog as a place to post anything that interests me in the deep, dark and delicious realm of fantasy fiction; this includes my own writing. Whether or not I'll be posting excerpts, all depends on whether or not I feel it appropriate. Essentially, I'd rather get the blog on its feet by posting reviews, articles that I fancy writing about both existing authors and books/series, as well as blogging about my own work.
I'll take pleasure in posting regular updates and information about my work, such as maps and guides to the world/setting/magic system, and suchlike. Fun things, basically! (Because who doesn't love maps?)
Throughout this year (and beyond), I'll be trying to forge and maintain something of an internet "presence" and endeavour to find and move in the networking and community circles related to what I love: fantasy fiction.
As well as writing like a demon, I hope to convince myself to start producing short-stories and possibly even novella/novelettes that I can subsequently fling about every which way, in the hope of some kind of impression/reputation/publishing experience sticking as a result.
As a core part of this "forging a presence" mission (I'll get a +10 to charisma by the end of level 6!) I mentioned writing articles. These will be posted both here, as well as being gladly submitted for the reading pleasure of the members and readers over at Fantasy Faction. Two topics are presently in the pipeline:
1) Dragons in fantasy: why are they so popular/important/accepted in our staple fantasy novels?
I'll be looking at their recent resurgence--revived in all their fiery glory--in Stephen Deas' The Adamantine Palace and The King of the Crags (FYI: the final book of this series--I believe it's the final?--The Order of the Scales is released in May 2011), as well as tracing their fantasy origins and exploring their journey and evolution through fantasy fiction. Lots of dragon-y, fire-breathing, burn-y goodness, basically.
2) Political messages through fantasy: how and why do authors slip their views (whether subtly, or otherwise) into their work?
I expect that whilst other writers will feature in this article, the limelight will be hogged by Mark Charan Newton, whose Legends of the Red Sun series (currently; Nights of Villjamur and City of Ruin, with The Book of Transformations coming in June 2011) cleverly deals with innumerable political issues that are not only increasingly relevant, but that many fantasy readers can identify with, or at least offer up an opinion on, and would likely do so with great enthusiasm.
The dragons get to stomp across the stage first, with the article coming within the next few weeks.
So if this interests you, remember to check back regularly, and whilst you're at it, why not pop over to the lively forums at Fantasy Faction, where the article will also be available?
Whilst my presence isn't very strong in the Fantasy Faction community yet, I shall be rectifying this in the coming weeks, so look out for me over there, where I'm masquerading around as GavinGuile (a horribly unoriginal, unashamed homage to Brent Weeks' The Black Prism).
Hopefully all this is enough to pique your interest, and keep you checking back for updates. I intend (best laid plans...) to keep updates regular and entertaining, all whilst working on the book that consumes my life at present--more in detail on The White War in my next update. (See what I did there? You want to know more about it now, don't you? (; ... right? )
No comments:
Post a Comment