The Snowflake Chronicles

Feb 14, 2024 Fantasy Newsletter Deadline Feb 12, 2024

Research

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon
https://www.livescience.com/25559-dragons.html
https://www.britannica.com/topic/dragon-mythological-creature
https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20240208-the-surprising-4000-year-history-of-...

Editor's Picks

1. Scrabble Magic
2. Dragon Slayer's Saga
3. Father Time's Daughter
4. The Dragon Princess-Part 1
5. The Dragon Princess-Part 2

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Dragons

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Are dragons good or evil?

Hook

How are dragons depicted in your stories?

About This Newsletter

“It does not do to leave a live dragon out of your calculations, if you live near him.”
J.R.R. Tolkien, The Hobbit

"Above us, outlined against the brilliant sky, dragons crowded every available perching space on the Rim. And the sun made a gold of every one of them."

Anne McCaffrey, Nerilka's Story

"But it is one thing to read about dragons and another to meet them."
Ursula K. Le Guin, A Wizard of Earthsea

Letter From the Editor

Dragon myths occur in almost every culture on the planet. Some of these dragons are good, wise, and lucky. Other dragons are evil, fire breathers, and terrifying. There are dragons that have wings and those that don't have wings. All dragons, whether they have wings or not, usually fly. Another trait that many, but not all dragons, have in common is collecting gold and precious gems.

Dragon myths are at least 4,000 years old. A Sumerian scribe mentioned a word for big snake on a clay tablet, which is translated into English as dragon. Other mentions of dragons occur in various other places throughout our history. The main difference between western dragons and eastern dragons are wings and whether they are good or evil. Most western dragons have wings and are evil. Eastern dragons do not have wings and are wise, helpful, and lucky.

Dragons can help move the story forward. Dragons can also help reveal a character's personality and fears. If one uses a dragon in a short story or novel, it needs to be part of the plot line and not just tossed in to make the story more exciting. Dragons do make a story exciting, but a reader knows whether the dragon is part of the plot line or not.

How do you depict dragons in your stories? Do you use the traditional descriptions of either Western or Eastern dragons? Can your dragons appear in human form? Do your dragons use magic of some type? Where do the dragons in your stories live? Do you have a dragon story you would like to submit to this newsletter?

The deadline for the next newsletter is March 8. The content rating is 18+ or lower.

Editors Picks

Scrabble Magic  (E) While playing this scrabble, each word formed will become real. #2312298 by GERVIC

Dragon Slayer Saga  (13+) a royally screwed up love story and why you shouldn't go hunting dragons #2312640 by Ritzy Vampi

Invalid Item  This item number is not valid. #2313561 by Not Available.

The Dragon Princess-Part 1  (E) A twist on an old tale #2313795 by Massive Friendly Derg

The Dragon Princess-Part 2  (E) A twist on an old tale #2313799 by Massive Friendly Derg

Activities, Groups, and Contests

FORUM

WDC Dragon Vale   (E) Tame, Grow, and Adopt a Dragon for delightful rewards. #2312577 by GERVIC

Dragon doing what?  (E) Your a dragon! What are you going to do? #2313538 by 🐺Wolfkingdom🏰

Invalid Item  This item number is not valid. #2313882 by Not Available.

Feedback "Fantasy Newsletter (January 17, 2024)" 

BIG BAD WOLF is Howling writes: I tend to use Gold (or Silver, or similar) coins, Modern Currency, or Credits, depending upon the setting and time of the story.

brom21 writes: How about trading talisman? It seems to fit fantasy perfectly. Or perhaps some kind of mystical knowledge that is being traded from both sides. I could also cite selling your soul for power – especially magical power. Anyway, those are my two cents. Thanks for the newsletter!