Lack of progress report

[scott_sanford]

I really shouldn't be talking about writing here, as my readers mostly aren't fiction writers and the exceptions have published novels and/or gotten nominated for Hugos, so I'm either talking to the wall or being the n00b who should STFU.

But I've reached the end of my crappy-first-draft in a short story, so I'm blowing off some steam on LiveJournal to relax.

Like all of us, I'm aware of certain tropes in fantasy writing, and I can't help thinking that this story may not easily be recognized as fantasy. Consider:

* My protagonist is not magically Speshul.

* She is not the Chosen One.

* She does not defeat the Dark Lord.

Actually, we don't have a Dark Lord.

* She is not remarkably beautiful.

Nor are her eyes a strange color.

Her hair does not blow dramatically in the wind.

* She is not the long-lost heir to anything.

Nor is she a princess

* She does not possess a magical sword.

* She does not have a talking magical animal companion.

* She does not ride a unicorn.

Or a dragon.

Or a beautiful high-spirited horse.

She rides in a boat once. I don't think that counts.

* The closest thing to a Wise Old Mentor in the story is about 40 and tells her to suck it up.

Clearly I am Doing It Wrong and will endeavor to write a more standard fantasy story next time. Thank you.

Comments

[seawasp]

Don't worry, _Phoenix Rising_ is picking up your slack.

[scott-sanford.livejournal.com]

< Leela>"Oh, Lord."</Leela>

There's probably a Destiny involved, too.

[seawasp]

Leela would be more likely to say "Shall I kill him now, Doctor?"



"Des-ti-ny! Des-ti-ny! No escaping des-ti-ny!"

All that has transpired there has done so according to Khoros' design.

[scott-sanford.livejournal.com]

I meant Futurama's Leela not Doctor Who's Leela - but you're right; Turanga Leela is quick to kick something with Arcturan Karate, but Leela of the Sevateem would stick a knife in it.