Fantasy: October 12, 2011 Issue [#4660]
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Fantasy


 This week: Let the Animals Talk
  Edited by: Prosperous Snow celebrating 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

There are talking animals in children’s books, folk tales, and mythology.


Word from our sponsor

ASIN: B01DSJSURY
Amazon's Price: $ 5.99


Letter from the editor

As a child, some of my favorite stories contained talking animals. I remember sitting spell bound as my mother or grandmother read the Three Little Pigs, Little Red Riding Hood, and Alice in Wonderland. I liked those stories because the animals talked. I know there were other stories containing talking animals, but those are the three stories I remember someone reading to me.

Talking animals serve many functions in stories. They can illustrate a metaphor or teach a lesson. They can have human characteristic, such as some of the creatures in cartoons, or they can abilities that are normal to the species, while having the ability to talk. These talking animals can be living creatures or stuffed animal, but the one thing they have in common is the ability to talk

Examples of talking animals interacting with humans are scattered throughout mythology and folklore. Most of these creatures illustrate a metaphor. Sometimes their ability to talk is the result of magic and sometimes shape shifting, but no matter how they acquire their ability to speak they hold the reader’s attention.


Editor's Picks

Stories and Poems


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This item number is not valid.
#1804938 by Not Available.

Excerpt: In a world full of stories like a goose that lays golden eggs, frog princes, unicorns, and fairies, I’m going to tell of something you’ll find hard to believe although, to the best of my knowledge, is absolutely true.

Of Children and Other Natural Disasters Open in new Window. (13+)
The natural disasters that are sometimes our children...
#1805396 by elizjohn Author IconMail Icon

Excerpt: Way up in the heavens, far beyond where the eye can see, there lives an old married couple who love each other very much...

 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#1809932 by Not Available.

Excerpt: The dirt surrounding me falls apart
as I dig myself out of the grave.
All I can think of is brains.


 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#1795895 by Not Available.

Excerpt: Grammy Rabbit moves a bit slower these days. The light-footed little hippety-hop she had in her step has slowed to a shuffle and she spends a lot of time sitting on her front porch, smiling and waving at neighbors as they hop by....

 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#1811836 by Not Available.

Excerpt: Counting consumed Wadsworth

 Shadows excerpt Open in new Window. (13+)
one of the scenes of the story that i've decided to try and write
#1817100 by Shavar Author IconMail Icon

Excerpt: Eve entered the prep room of the Training Hall and stopped just inside. She took her sword from its holster and slung it over her shoulder. “Morning all” she said cheerfully as she surveyed the soldiers, 10 men and women, her colonels and majors.

 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#1785204 by Not Available.

Excerpt: The clanging of pots and pans could be heard throughout the cottage. The sun had not even fully risen yet, and Mother was already searching for her missing spoon. Liam sighed and rolled himself out of bed. This rude awakening has happened every morning for the last two weeks. Liam knew what was causing the ruckus and also knew that he would be called upon to attempt the reclaiming of Mother's spoon, if he wanted breakfast.

 The Wrath of the Dragon Lady Open in new Window. (E)
The story about a little girl suffering the Dragon Lady's wrath.
#1817108 by Allichan Author IconMail Icon

Excerpt: Once upon a time there was this little girl. She loved to read books, and therefore visited her local school library everyday.


Contests and Review Forums


Daily Flash Fiction Challenge Open in new Window. (13+)
Enter your story of 300 words or less.
#896794 by Arakun the twisted raccoon Author IconMail Icon


FORUM
The Writer's Cramp Open in new Window. (13+)
Write the best poem or story in 24 hours or less and win 10K GPS!
#333655 by Sophurky Author IconMail Icon



 
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Word from Writing.Com

Have an opinion on what you've read here today? Then send the Editor feedback! Find an item that you think would be perfect for showcasing here? Submit it for consideration in the newsletter!
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Ask & Answer

Jay's debut novel is out now! Author Icon writes: Hi Snow!

I am familiar with much of the mythos associated with HP Lovecraft's writing, and there are a lot of people who share his influence today. At my house, we occasionally play a cooperative board game that is themed around the Call of Cthulhu material, called Arkham Horror. He left behind one of the most popular shared universes I've ever encountered, and one of my favorite places to explore. Many folks have written stories in his universes-- an interesting and grim place to visit.

BIG BAD WOLF is Howling Author Icon writes: Person stuck in land of Fantasy turns to Characters.
 Redwall Interactive Open in new Window. (13+)
After an accident, you find yourself in the land of Mossflower. What now? 3,860+views.
#1802654 by BIG BAD WOLF is Howling Author IconMail Icon


atwhatcost writes: Does anyone have any suggestions for newsletter topics?
Since you asked, I do like fantasy, but not necesarily what people immediately think of when they think of that word. (Science fiction and Tolkien-like creatures.) Many children's books and MG books come under "fantasy," too. Consider talking animals - warm blooded or stuffed. There is a "world" out there for furry/feathery/scaley friends. Sometimes they even pop into our world, if we but notice. ;)

StephBee Author Icon writes: I read Call of Chultu. Lovecraft set the bar for 20h century horror with his imagination and creativity.


Do any of you write stories about talking animals? If so, please submit them to the newsletter.
Prosperous Snow celebrating Author Icon


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