How Fantasy Tropes Reflect My Realism?
We enjoy certain tropes as we enter fantasy worlds on page or screen. But what is it that hooks us? I believe it's the relatability to our life with a sprinkle of magic that draws us to these stories.
As we devour the magic of fantasy worlds, the one thing that brings us comfort is the predictability of certain tropes sprinkled throughout fantasy. Whether it is a long quest for an ancient artifact or our heroes training for the ultimate goal by practicing their powers on smaller quests. Sometimes even their weaknesses turn out to be strengths. We enjoy all these tropes as we enter the fantasy worlds on page or screen. But what is it that hooks us to these tropes?
I believe it is the relatability to our life with a sprinkle of magic that draws us to these stories. As I look back to the beginning of this year, I see it as a Quest. Every year I make resolutions, hoping the journey is a successful endeavor.
This year began as a quest for me as I tried balancing on a tightrope between working on my book and becoming healthy. While rereading my dark fantasy manuscript, I have made developmental edit notes in the first 19 chapters of my book. Still more chapters to read and note, but it has been an exciting adventure so far as I get back into my dark magical world.
And while keeping up with my manuscript progress, I have also been trying to be healthier which has been a harder quest than writing a book. I have definitely been feeling like a hobbit while eating smaller but multiple meals.
But what about side quests?
Every hero needs a side quest to channel their powers before confronting the ultimate adversary. So while I have set out on my book quest, there have also been some side quests. I started this year writing poems, two of them I have sent to publications. For the rest of them, I’m still looking for their destinations.
Then there are a couple of short stories which I have been writing and editing for specific places. They are dark. They are creepy. They hold magic. I’m excited to see how they turn out.
Also I have volunteered as a judge at Indie Ink Awards where I get to read books by indie authors which take me on cozy, intergalactic journeys in science fiction and through some battles of the undead that bring both tears and laughter.
I’m thrilled to be on these side quests. They are not distractions but the propellants that push me towards working on my dark fantasy book.
Is there any treasure?
Yes! When you are on a quest, the things you search for the most are ancient artifacts. And I have definitely found some this month. Now the definition of the word ‘ancient’ might be relative. But let us lean more towards a classic type of artifacts which are a greater allure for any fantasy reader. Here’s my treasure!
And Finally, Can Antagonists Become Allies?
My schedule has been my antagonist as I tried balancing my writing life with my personal life. But this month I have turned it into my ally. With sprints, writing buddies, and focus groups, I have managed to finish stories, blogs, poetry, and so much more.
It also brought a last minute surprise on Valentine's Day as my poem STOLEN HEART was published at Valentine's Day Showcase with a beautiful introduction by Niema Bohrayba at Pen to Print- Write On!
So as I look at my life through a magical lens, I encourage you to cherish the treasures you unearthed and the dragons you slayed in your real life.
Feel free to share parts of your magical journey as we wander through different realms.
Nice parellels! Yes, the writing life is indeed like a fantasy quest.
I'm on a quest which has multiple trials to achieve on the way to a prize -- daily word counts in order to achieve a finished manuscript. But I must remember to keep looking towards the ultimate goal - a published book in the hands of readers. It currently seems to be locked inside a box which is kept inside a cellar which is guarded by a three-headed dog which I need to cross a dangerous river to meet!