How to Write a Best Selling Fantasy Novel - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Eomer of the Rohirrim · 06-30-2004, 05:48 AM

There is absolutely a middle-ground betwixt Tolkien and Bridget Jones. It's just that that middle-ground is rarely trodden. I think a lot of this stuff would be more at home in mark12_30's 'culture' thread.

Araréiel · 06-30-2004, 10:10 AM

You're right, Diamond. I forgot about that part. 'Twas late.

And please don't tell me you're comparing the Master's work to Bridget Jones!! That is an insult of the utmost.

Roccotari Eldandil · 07-01-2004, 01:19 PM

Here's my try at some rules...

Describe beautiful or handsome people as "fair."
Use terms like, "in him was reborn the {insert character or physical quality} of the {people group/kings/etc} of old." Don't bother to describe what this wonderful characteristic of the ancient People was, or even make up a background for it. (This is not meant to apply to Tolkien!!!)
Another method for creating names or languages: let your cat/hamster/whatever walk across your keyboard. Or just sit on it.
Name your weapons. Always, always, ALWAYS name them. And make sure they "sing" in battle and have an inner fire.
Be sure to incorporate songs in the story everywhere, be it minstrels or one of the main characters who sings them.
Another character profile: the Sorrowing Soul. S/he must be enshrouded in mystery and sad for no apparent reason. This will manifest itself in descriptions of eyes, movements, and voice. The final battle, when won (of course!) will perhaps bring a half-smile to the character's face, but even when all evil is ended forever, s/he will continue to be sorrowful simply...because.
All horses must be either magnificent, noble, and beautiful, with unlimited endurance OR sad, scraggly nags.

06-30-2004, 05:48 AM	#1
Eomer of the Rohirrim Auspicious Wraith Join Date: May 2002 Location: The Netherlands Posts: 4,859	There is absolutely a middle-ground betwixt Tolkien and Bridget Jones. It's just that that middle-ground is rarely trodden. I think a lot of this stuff would be more at home in mark12_30's 'culture' thread. __________________ Los Ingobernables de Harlond

07-01-2004, 01:19 PM	#3
Roccotari Eldandil Haunting Spirit Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: the stables of Lorien Posts: 79	Here's my try at some rules... Describe beautiful or handsome people as "fair." Use terms like, "in him was reborn the {insert character or physical quality} of the {people group/kings/etc} of old." Don't bother to describe what this wonderful characteristic of the ancient People was, or even make up a background for it. (This is not meant to apply to Tolkien!!!) Another method for creating names or languages: let your cat/hamster/whatever walk across your keyboard. Or just sit on it. Name your weapons. Always, always, ALWAYS name them. And make sure they "sing" in battle and have an inner fire. Be sure to incorporate songs in the story everywhere, be it minstrels or one of the main characters who sings them. Another character profile: the Sorrowing Soul. S/he must be enshrouded in mystery and sad for no apparent reason. This will manifest itself in descriptions of eyes, movements, and voice. The final battle, when won (of course!) will perhaps bring a half-smile to the character's face, but even when all evil is ended forever, s/he will continue to be sorrowful simply...because. All horses must be either magnificent, noble, and beautiful, with unlimited endurance OR sad, scraggly nags. __________________ "Come, come!" he shouted, swinging his axe. "Since Gandalf's head is now sacred, let us find one that is right to cleave!" -Gimli, after hearing Galadriel's message to him in TTT

06-30-2004, 10:10 AM	#2
Araréiel Registered User Join Date: Jun 2004 Posts: 92	You're right, Diamond. I forgot about that part. 'Twas late. And please don't tell me you're comparing the Master's work to Bridget Jones!! That is an insult of the utmost.