Well, this is masochistic of me, because if I were just asked to do a rant on love triangles, I could sum the whole thing up as, “1). Don’t write them ( Read more... )

This is just a little Warning.

In most rants, I attempt to have a sense of moderation. There might, for example, be one situation where I think a stupid villain would work, if [insert condition x here] exists. Or there might be a situation where the heroine of the book could be a red-haired, fiery-tempered fire mage and not annoy me. (Arguably, ( Read more... )

*stares at keyboard for a while*

Yeah, my definition is kind of over against the wall, given that I’ve lately started defining “hero” in negative terms and using “protagonist” or “main character” instead. So I have to try to praise something I don’t want to praise.

( Oh, well, what the hell )

As long promised and taking a long time to deliver: D&D stereotypes!

( They’re responsible for more bad fantasy than Tolkien is )

I would have said, a little while ago, that I have a low opinion of characters with special abilities, but that’s not true. I have a low opinion of the way that most authors handle them.

( Better ways of handling them )

I tend not think that characters with extraordinary looks are necessary, even (or especially) in fantasy, but there are ways to have them and not make them sound conceited, waifish, or just complete clutter in the story.

( Sometimes beauty is only in the imagination )

Unless your characters really are all loons, I hope so. For the sake of the story, as well as your readers.

( Why would any sane person... )

Well, I’ve had my say about the Quest plot (twice), but, as dawnkiller pointed out, that’s not the only overused (and often terminally stupid) plot in fantasy. There’s also “Let’s defeat the Dark Lord!” And “Let’s get the heir his throne back, never mind the usurper is doing a fine job of ruling in his place!” And, usually, “Let’s do both at once ( Read more... )

This one is on human/human empathic bonds, and especially the "soulmate" thing.

( It's perhaps no surprise to anyone that I hate these )

And because the lines yesterday were from "A Ballad of Life," these lines are from A Ballad of DeathKneel down, fair Love, and fill thyself with tears ( Read more... )