Fantasy

The real world reveals fanastic natural wonders to inspire Fantasy. When writing my fantasy novel , I had the basic plot complete and a first draft on paper when a visit to New Mexico inspired the ancient Fortress of Stone.

Large rock formations, mountains, and golden Aspens cutting ribbons of color through dark pine forests provided the magical element I needed to add dimension and realism to the fantasy landscape. One huge rock formation sat amid a valley like a castle and thus the Fortress of Stone was born.

I've recently engaged in two different conversations with groups of writers that said they didn't read or write fantasy because of the magic. It's against their religion to have anything to do with witchcraft.

I asked one of the participants if they saw the movie Freaky Friday. She said yes, that she enjoyed the cute movie. And I reminded her that when the mother and daughter switched places--that was the magic that made that storyline fantasy. The funny thing is that she didn't look at it as magic. That in her mind "just happens."

The magic of fantasy does not have to include witches and warlocks. It's an extraordinary element that works as the agent of change within the story line. For example the life of the character Molly Jenson, palyed by Demi Moore, in Ghost changed when her husband died. That's the ordinary word--the magic is when Sam shows up because he promised to protect her forever--and she needed protecting. Only she can't see him. It builds into a love story filled with suspense, commedy and yes fantasy.

So for writers who want to write fantasy--it doesn't have to include witches and wizards, but it can.

Donna Sundblad
Pumping Your Muse Prompts
Losing Weight From a Writer's POV

Rejuvenate your imagination by pushing away from the keyboard long enough to go for a walk, shopping, run an errand--and don't fret about what you're not getting done. Instead, allow the time away from your current project to let new ideas filter into your thoughts. At times, I actually go out with the intention of shopping for a new idea for writing fantasy. Visiting a resale shop or thrift store offers a wealth of ideas if you just look for them. For fantasy, antique shops and museums can also inspire creativity.

My fantasy novel Windwalker was inspired by going for a walk in my neighborhood. A drainage ditch leading to a culvert became a cave. The natural predators inspired the serpent that chases my protagonist into the recesses of a network of caves.

Donna Sundblad
Pumping Your Muse Prompts
Losing Weight From a Writer's POV

Writers are a different breed. Count them among the creative misfits known as artists. And within this group, some write Fantasy. Why write fantasy? It's the gift they have to offer to world. The imaginative threads that make a fantasy world work are no less complicated than writing mystery or making a relationship intersting when writing romance.

Those who think they don't like the genre need only to consider its influence on our everyday lives. Santa Claus would not exist, cartoon entertainment would disappear, even theme parks would not exist.

Give fantasy a chance. Allow your imagination to explore the possibilities.

Donna Sundblad
Pumping Your Muse Prompts
Losing Weight from a Writer's POV

Do you want to write but don't? Did you start the New Year with new determination but already see it dwindling? Life can be hectic. The writer's life is one of discipline. Set time for it, make an appointment for yourself--your writing self.

I started this in my own life years ago when I set a goal to write 20 minutes a day four days a week. From that starting point I learned a love for writing and today am a full-time author and freelance writer. If you're looking for help in writing fantasy you can read a variety of articles at Inspired Author where I work as the Fantasy Topic Editor.

Writers have different reasons for writing. In this recent interview, I talk about mine:

What is your motivation for writing?

I can’t remember not wanting to be a writer. However, the desire hovered on time’s horizon out of reach. I wrote poetry, short stories, and even a novel before taking writing seriously, but never did anything with them. As I approached age 50 I experienced an epiphany of sorts during prayer, as if God asked what I was doing with the gift He had given me. What was I waiting for? Until . . . what? I realized that the reasons I wasn’t writing were really excuses induced by fear. Fear of failure. Fear of opening a window into my mind. Even fear of rejection, didn’t have time or wasn’t good enough. I took the step of obedience and started writing seriously about six years ago. (read more here)

If you have questions about writing, please feel free to ask.

Donna Sundblad
Pumping Your Muse Prompts
Losing Weight From a Writer's POV