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Fantasy: January 27, 2021 Issue [#10582]




 This week: Expectations in Speculative Fiction
  Edited by: Dawn Embers Author IconMail Icon
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Table of Contents

1. About this Newsletter
2. A Word from our Sponsor
3. Letter from the Editor
4. Editor's Picks
5. A Word from Writing.Com
6. Ask & Answer
7. Removal instructions

About This Newsletter

Fantasy Newsletter by Dawn

“Fantasy is a necessary ingredient in living, it’s a way of looking at life through the wrong end of a telescope.” - Dr. Seuss


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Letter from the editor

Most readers have some type of expectation when they decide to reader a story based in part on what information they have before even reading the first paragraph. This is true of many situations too because we often have ideas or pre-conceived notions before experiencing the reality. The same goes for genres that people read. Fantasy and Science Fiction in particular have elements of what make them qualify for the genre that equate to expectations for the reader. Those we should already know, or at the very least have a general idea about with the realization that some exceptions may exist.

However, what about other expectations? Aside from genre focused ones, what do you think a reader is going to expect when decided to check out your story?

We can go even more basic that the genre. The story length and type are going to involve a few expectations as well. If something is labelled a short story, readers aren't going to expect a poem or a novel. Some aspects of structure come into play too though there is wiggle room available. Sure, at times you can throw in a surprise like a little poetry within a story or even how you develop the dynamics or structure but for the most part, basics of writing come with some general assumptions that are accurate.

Beyond that, it's a matter of your story and characters. Not only in the writing do you have to figure out the what the reader might be looking for but also what expectations might exist within the story.

I'm going to keep this one short. Will leave this with a little suggestion to consider trying in either outlining or during parts of the writing. Pick a chapter, character or short story that you want to focus on. Then write down on a sheet of paper, notepad or even a sticky note (writer's choice in material) what expectations exist for the scene/story. Let yourself take time to consider the reader and/or the world being developed but don't worry, it doesn't have to define or change your focus. You don't have to write to the reader, but it can help to have a mild awareness of what anticipation exists before someone gets through the words you put down.

Then get back to writing.


Editor's Picks

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Ask & Answer

What do you expect to get from a speculative fiction story?

“Here you leave today and enter the world of yesterday, tomorrow, and fantasy.” - Walt Disney

“Fantasy is hardly an escape from reality. It’s a way of understanding it.” - Lloyd Alexander


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