World in the Satin Bag

Writing Prompt #3 (July 2009): 2,000 Word Challenge

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I thought everyone would find a less restrictive challenge more interesting. Most of the ones I’ve posted have been for exceptionally short pieces, so this one is a bit more open. There is still a theme, though, but I’m making that more simplistic as well. I think these prompts will be monthly and we’ll see how many people decide to join in. This month’s theme is: Reverberations Use that however you see fit, whether metaphorically are literally. Doesn’t matter, just write something! Let me know in the comments if you’re participating, and if you want to post your story here, go for it! Have fun!

World in the Satin Bag

Happy 4th of July

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Today is a big day in U.S. history. Most people probably have no clue why it’s such a big day except through vague remembrances from school. Still, this is probably the only day that truly matters in the U.S. as it marks our independence from those evil Brits, who have since become our good buddies. In any case, hopefully everyone has a great 4th. Make sure to give your respects to our troops, alive, retired, and dead, for without them we would not be here.And don’t forget to explode something, because that’s sort of what this day is about, if you break it down into its simplest form. Anywho!

World in the Satin Bag

When is description too much?

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Words For Writers asked a damned good question a couple months back and I’ve been meaning to address it here. When is description too much? The simple answer: when it goes on for more than a page. But we’re not here for simple answers.Some fiction writers deem it necessary to babble endlessly about one piece of scenery, or a character, or a piece of furniture, and doing so is, quite frankly, annoying and boring. No matter how good your description is, if it detracts from the story, it’s too much. That’s not to say that a good chunk of description can’t work; it can, but only if it is good, and if it keeps the story interesting. Most likely your readers are not going to sit through a page of prose describing a chair. Here are some good ways to know when description is too much: Reading your description sections makes you forget what the point of that section was. Reading your description sections makes you forget what was happening just prior (or makes you forget the story in general). It goes on forever and ever, dragging your character and narrative away from what is supposed to be going on (i.e. the plot). In the event that you’re writing a story that doesn’t really have a plot, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing, then description becomes overbearing if the characters get loses to the reader (or to you). Your description drags the story down. But, description is an important element, one which deserves careful attention. Well-written description invokes something akin to a hallucination. Readers can imagine the scene as if it were real, as if they are actually there, experiencing it through the character’s mind. Fiction is an escape from the real world, or at least the world we currently occupy. Making your description about something more than just telling us the basics can add flare to the world you’re dealing with, to the characters, objects, and scenes you’re attempting to convey or use. Sometimes you need a lot of description to accurately convey these things. Don’t sell yourself short. ——————————– Other opinions welcome. Feel free to leave a comment!

World in the Satin Bag

Top 10 Fantasy Worlds

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There are a lot of fantasy worlds out there: some I’m familiar with, some I’m not. The following list consists of those worlds I consider to be the cream of the crop. I might be wrong, which is why you’re welcome to disagree with me in the comments and make your own suggestions. Here goes (in no particular order): Arda (J. R. R. Tolkien)For those that don’t know, Arda is the name of the world Tolkien created, which included Middle Earth. Probably the most elaborately detailed fantasy world, and most well known, Arda is without competition. Oz (L. Frank Baum)What can I say? I’m a fan of The Wizard of Oz. Quirky, fun, and memorable. The only thing working against it are the Munchkins (because they creep me out). But any world with talking lions, men made of tin and straw, and crazy witches with flying monkeys is good in my book. Narnia (C. S. Lewis)I’m a bigger fan of the films than the books, but C. S. Lewis’ fantasy series has always been in the top for me. What is most fascinating about the series are the allusions to Christian mythology and other mythologies. I like that in my fantasy. Beyond that, though, Narnia is fun. It’s sort of like what Oz would be if it wasn’t such a quirky place. Star Wars (George Lucas)I know that a lot of people consider Star Wars to be science fiction, but it really is a fantasy universe. The Jedi use magic (i.e. the Force) and the universe itself is populated by creatures that look like something out of a bad 80s fantasy movie (which I actually think is a good thing, because they work for Star Wars, but not bad 80s fantasy movies). But you gotta love it, right? It’s frakking Star Wars. Utopia (Thomas More)If you’re not familiar with this world, you probably should pick up More’s book. Richly detailed, fascinating, and influential, Utopia is, well, a utopia (at least it’s supposed to be). It’s a bit old these days, but definitely worth familiarizing yourself with. Wonderland (Lewis Carroll)Quirky worlds are always the best ones. If you’ve never seen Alice in Wonderland or the various live-action versions of Carroll’s fantastic novels, then you’re missing out. His work is like seeing an acid trip without actually being on acid, and that’s pretty impressive to convey in a children’s story, don’t you think? Neverland (J. M. Barrie)For some reason I have an obsession with fantasy worlds in children’s and YA books. Neverland is one of those childhood loves for me. My grandma used to make me watch Disney movies, and Peter Pan was always one of my favorites. So, understandably, Neverland is on this list. Plus, the crocodile is awesome! Hyrule (Zelda)I grew up with the NES and Gameboy and have played pretty much every Zelda game in existence. So how can I leave this exciting world out of a list like this? Swords, magic, gems, weird creatures, and a lot of other nifty stuff make up this fantasy world, and make it one of the best, most entertaining places to visit (in your head or on your TV, that is). Foo (Obert Skye)More quirkiness for this list. Foo is bizarrely fascinating, with strange creatures that can’t decide which side of themselves to follow (literally), people with strange powers, and a talking, walking toothpick that used to be a great king. If you haven’t read the Leven Thumps series, you should, because it’s awesome. You DecideWhich fantasy world should take up the tenth slot on this list? Let me know in the comments and tell me why! Thanks for reading!

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