This week: Bring on the Heat in Fantasy Edited by: Dawn Embers  
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Fantasy Newsletter by Dawn
In hot days or under temperamental conditions, there are different ways to consider temperature or use the term heat within speculative fiction. |
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It's summer here in Southern California and like much of the rest of the year, that tends to mean it's a little hot outside. Glad I moved out of the Valley near LA, as it was much hotter there. Still, even being close to the ocean we get plenty of hot weather and days, which can make things difficult. And like any other topic, when things happen or exist around me, I use it for these newsletters. Heat can be found or mean different things, so it's something we can use in our speculative fiction.
One obvious option is the weather. Setting is often an important element in fantastical stories considering the nature of the worlds we create and the extent to world building some authors put into their stories. Much like our world, the fantasy worlds will have different weather systems, types of seasons and probably time zones though it may not be demonstrated or discussed as often when considered how to send the fox or hawk with the letters across lands. Since we have these different worlds, we can also consider if there are times that are too hot or cold for the characters. When it's warm outside, that can be nice and helpful for different situations whether it's travel, combat, or celebrations. However, when it's too hot, well that can maybe help someone but it also might be a problem for others. When it's too hot travel is tough, people's attitudes change and there are health risk. So, how you use the temperature outside as an element of the story will depend on what you use and the way the words showcase for the reader.
Bring on the Heat!
This can mean a couple of different things depending the context and situation involved. In sports, what would come to mind is that in baseball, which often is someone telling the pitcher to add more speed (heat) to their pitch. In the kitchen, heat comes in a couple different elements. That can be a literal turning up the temperature in the oven or increasing the heat on the stove. Or it could be adding a spicy element like jalapeño, chili or ghost peppers. One can bring the heat in other settings too, such as adding more tension or creating a dynamic environment based on their approach. How a character responds to the request, whether it's added pressure for them or just a simple reminder can be an added bonus and development. How will your character bring on the heat?
Heat can also be added in the sense of romance. While it's not a main situation in a speculative fiction story, there are often side plots and different character interactions that surface within the stories. Some will have little to no heat considering the focus isn't on the physical interaction between the characters who may have a love interest. However, there are also stories where things might heat up between characters (romance or other kinds of heat). The feelings of the characters, what they experience, and how they interact also can showcase the different types of heart that exist in our/their world.
Finally, there can be a negative side to heat and a consequence. Often when we think of a consequence, we think of something bad even though the word can pertain to any outcome. With heat, there is going to be a result whether it's something melting, the experience of afterburner or a sudden freeze/cool down to counter the risk. Being out in the sun too long can cause burns or heat stroke. Some of us forget protection and how pale we are, then get stuck with the aftermath. Not everyone can handle the heat or take the spice from the kitchen, making things turn sour instead. Remember, when it comes to stories, the consequences and results from any struggle are often important to consider. It helps create the story.
What about you? Write some heat into your story and have fun writing.
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How do you use heat in your story?
Last month, I discussed publishing options briefly for the fantasy newsletter. Here are a couple comments that were sent in over the topic:
Comment by S 
I only use traditional publishing. With 90 short stories and 5 books out there (plus around 40 poems), traditional works for me. I don't do self-publishing although I know many who do. It's just not for me.
The most important advantages I find are marketing (I am lousy at marketing), editing (you don't pay for a professional editor), cover design (you don't pay for a cover), the publishers having an "in" when it comes to brick and mortar stores in many places, and the publishers having access to conventions all over the world where sales can be increased. So, it's trad for me.
Oh, and even though I have only had 8 fantasy short stories published, one of them is the highest paid short story I have ever sold.
Comment by brom21
Thanks for the NL. It resonated with me. I have decided to go the traditional route, personally. After revising my story, my awesome editor is helping me query for my first choice for an agent. She helped me write and format my cover letter and my whole proposal. A big reason I am going this route is because it is free, and I would prefer another to do most or all of the marketing and such. Thank you for being so encouraging!
Thank you for the comments. It is interesting how things turn as nowadays when I tell someone my interest in publishing the general push is to do it myself. I get asked why bother with "traditional" because it's not necessary anymore and I should just do it myself. Nice to know others are still interested in same route.
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Fantasy: June 15, 2022 Issue [#11414]
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