FANTASY STORY MEANINGS; TYPES AND HOW TO WRITE IT
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So, what exactly is a fantasy story?
In simple terms, the notion of fantasy stories can be
defined as stories that are purely about human imagination and fantasy. With
this definition, the special feature of fantasy stories is that they cannot
occur in the real world because of their purely imagination.
However, the reality is not always the case because, there
are also types of fantasy stories that take the setting, plot and characters
from real life.
Well, this time I will invite you to know more about the
meaning of fantasy stories, types, and also a simple way to write them.
Definition of Fantasy Story
In a simple way, the notion of fantasy story is a story that
raises the theme of the imaginary world of humans which is closely related to
the occult. The easiest example to understand fantasy stories is by looking at
the various fantasy characters that have been very popular until now.
So, what are the characters of the fantasy story?
You can mention stories about fairies, about dwarves, about
witches, about dragons, about vampires, about mermaids, and so on. All these
creatures, no matter the controversy that accompanies their existence, must be
recognized as part of the imagination of the fantasy world.
In addition, another definition can also be seen in the
notion of a fantasy story which states that a fantasy story is a fictional
story born from the imagination of the author which is then flavored with
elements that are closely related to things that are supernatural, metaphysical
and magical.
So, there are several elements of the most important fantasy
story related to its meaning, namely; imaginary – supernatural – imaginative.
These are the 3 most important elements forming a fantasy story.
Types of Fantasy Stories
After you understand some common understandings about
fantasy stories above, now what are the types of fantasy stories that you need
to know?
Based on the structure of the most common fantasy story
texts, fantasy stories can be grouped into 8 types, namely;
1. Epic Fantasy
Epic fantasy Is a type of fantasy story that is complete and
comprehensive. Epic fantasy has its own world structure. This type of fantasy
has its own world order which can be very different from the realistic world.
In epic fantasy there is a law, dimension, meaning of space-time that is
completely independent.
2. Low Fantasy
This is a type of fantasy story that takes a real-life
setting and then adds supernatural elements in it.
3. Magic Realistic Fantasy Story
The meaning of this fantasy story is almost similar to low
fantasy. It's just that in realistic magic fantasy, added supernatural elements
are normal in the story world.
4. Sword and Magic Fantasy Stories
This is fantasy story developed hero armed with a sword,
spear, bow or similar traditional weapon is a common feature of this type of
fantasy story. The presence of a magician with his magic power becomes an
element that strengthens this type of fantasy.
5. Dark Fantasy
This is a type of dark fantasy that combines elements of the
supernatural powers and also horror or terror. Dark fantasy usually involves
the presence of scary creatures from other realms such as monsters, vampires,
aliens, Dracula, and so on.
6. Fables
You must be very familiar with fables, right?
A fable is an imaginative story whose main purpose is to
provide a moral lesson for the readers.
The main characteristic of this type of fantasy story in the
form of a fable is that it uses imaginary characters in the form of animals,
plants, stars and so on. In fantasy story characters in the form of fables, all
of these personified characters are described as having human-like
characteristics including their nature and motivation.
7. Fairy Tales
Fables may be almost the same as fairy tales, especially
when it comes to their purpose.
In fairy tales or fables, the purpose of fantasy stories is
to convey messages and moral values so
that they can be more accepted by the reader.
The most notable difference from fairy tales is that they
are usually written for children with very popular prefixes such as; long
ago, once upon a time, and so on.
8. Super Hero Fantasy
The last type of fantasy story is super hero fantasy which
of course raises stories about superheroes. The most striking difference of
this type of fantasy story with fictional superhero stories in general is the
origin of their power.
While in common fiction superheroes derive their powers for
scientific reasons, in fantasy superheroes derive their powers from
supernatural elements.
How to Write a Fantasy Story
In summary, these tips and steps are as follows;
1. Read and Read
You will only be able to write as well as you can read.
So, before you write a single word of the fantasy story that
you have in your imagination, increase your references and insights by reading.
You can read fantasy novels written by your favorite authors
and learn how they built a magnificent fantasy world in their books.
2. Define Your Target Fantasy Reader
The second step in
writing a fantasy story or any story whose primary purpose is for public
publication is to learn the specific target audience for the book you are
writing.
If you know that your target audience is children, then the
setting, plot and message of the story should be easy for them to accept.
3. Start Small
Then the next step you can take in writing a fantasy story
is to start small.
So, before for example you take an epic fantasy with a wider
fantasy world, you can start by writing several short stories with the same
theme.
4. Move on to a More Complex World
Once you've adapted to the fantasy story through writing on
a smaller scale then it's time to create a bigger and stronger story. You can
build an epic fantasy story, fable or whatever by getting used to the size
first.
5. Determine the Ideal Point of View
Point of view is important in writing any type of story,
including fantasy stories. Well, you can determine first; From what point of
view will you write your fantasy story?
Is the point of view of the first person omniscient, limited
first person, second person, second person and so on.
6. Create Fantasy Characters
Fantasy characters are something you have to build before
writing their story. Think of creating unique fantasy characters like Narnia,
Gollum, Obelisk, Mermaid and so on
7. Use Story Outline
Outlines or outlines are important in writing any theme
book.
In fantasy story writing, outlines will help you in many
ways. Starting from overcoming indecision when encountering a part that feels
difficult to making sure no plot is empty because it is missed.
8. Have a Realistic Feel
Even if you're writing a fantasy fairy tale that's
completely imaginary, you still need to make it seem real to the reader.
To achieve that goal you can create some parts of your
fantasy story based on realistic beliefs that exist in the real world.
9. Write Authentic Dialogue
As a story that has its own set of scientific laws, fantasy
is certainly different from what happens in ordinary life. Well, to strengthen
this impression you can add authentic and strong dialogue in the story.
10. Let Your Fantasy Flow Like Water
The last important thing you should also pay attention to
when writing your fantasy story is to let it flow naturally.
As a fantasy, you may not wait to introduce all the
characters and story settings to the reader, but whatever. the message is to
keep it natural, to flow naturally.
Well, that is the meaning of fantasy stories, the most
common types and also some of the most important steps for writing them.
Writing fantasy stories with good results may indeed be a
difficult challenge.
But with disciplined practice, you'll be able to build your
own fantasy world that may be just as great as the fantasy worlds of great
writers like J.R.R. Tolkien or JK. Rowling.
So, happy writing fantasy!
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