#IWSG: A Fresh Look at Fantasy Writing

Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!

Posting: The first Wednesday of every month is officially Insecure Writer’s Support Group day. Post your thoughts on your own blog. Talk about your doubts and the fears you have conquered. Discuss your struggles and triumphs. Offer a word of encouragement for others who are struggling. Visit others in the group and connect with your fellow writer - aim for a dozen new people each time - and return comments. This group is all about connecting!

Twitter handle is @TheIWSG and hashtag is #IWSG.

The awesome co-hosts for the February 7 posting of the IWSG are Stephen Tremp, Pat Garcia, Angela Wooldridge, Victoria Marie Lees, and Madeline Mora-Summonte!

Click here to view everyone in the Blog Hop.

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Thank you for dropping in for this month's Insecure Writer's Support Group post from a member of the Pee Dee Writers! Today, we will hear from Terrance Niedziela Jr..

The optional question for February: What do you love about the genre you write in most often?

Let's see what Terrance has to say...

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A Fresh Look at Fantasy Writing

I primarily write in the fantasy genre, occasionally drifting into science fiction. The term “fantasy” comes from the Old French “fantasie” or “phantasie." It’s all about the fantastic imagination. In 1949 the term was used to describe as a literary genre. It is the fantastical that stirs the heart of humanity. Growing up I read C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien, George MacDonald, and a host of other authors who brought me into worlds where anything was possible. As C.S. Lewis wrote, “You can make anything by writing.” I thrive on being able to create worlds where anything is possible. The only limitations are in my own mind. Even though there are a variety of sub-genres in the Fantasy genre such as realistic, high, comic, fairytale, etc. that have characteristics typical of those sub-genres, these are more like the Pirate’s Code; more a set of guidelines than rules. Once again, the only limitations are with me. A great resource on the sub-genres for science fiction, fantasy, and horror is the Worlds Without End website.

As I’ve spent over twenty years studying the ancient world with its mythos, religions, and history, I have grown to understand that our world is filled with the exotic and fantastical. One of the constants in every culture is the idea of telling stories with a deeper meaning. Every story is more than what the surface shows. For one who is willing to dive deeper, there is a magnificent world waiting to be explored. This is what I do. I don’t just write fantasy. I write fantasy with meaning. C.S. Lewis wrote in his book Mere Christianity, “Even in literature and art, no man who bothers about originality will ever be original: whereas if you simply try to tell the truth (without caring twopence how often it has been told before) you will, nine times out of ten, become original without ever having noticed it.” I believe it’s important for authors to consider the works that influence them. Above I listed three of dozens of authors who have influenced me. As I grow in my craft I have become more aware of the nuances of previously read works that find themselves in my writing.

I am revising a book about siblings taken to another world. He is a Ph.D. student at the University of Tel Aviv on holiday in England with his younger sister. They are transported to the country of Aras where they encounter seven races in social turmoil who also must deal with a force of evil mutated monsters waging a blitzkrieg on their country. The sister pulls a trident from a statue while the brother, bearing the mantle of a knight, is her protector. Along the way they learn the importance of walking in one’s identity and submission to the Ultimate Authority. To the keen eye, one could pick out Lewis’ “Chronicles of Narnia”, “The Once and Future King” (or Arthurian legend of any kind), the Icelandic Eddas, Tolkien’s Middle Earth novels, and the Bible to name a few of the works reflected in this book.

My goal is to deliver stories that do more than just entertain. My goal is to help people grow in their relationship with Jesus, wherever they may be on that journey, and to bring glory to His Name. If a story about a brother and sister fighting demons and wielding fantastic powers in a world of giant cats and dragons will bring someone closer to Jesus, then I have fulfilled my mission the way C.S. Lewis did for me with the White Witch and Aslan. I am but one in the ranks of authors who strive to glorify their King and shine His Light through the art of story. I just happen to use Fantasy as my medium.

Solideogloria.

Terrance Niedziela Jr. is a Wisconsin native transplanted in South Carolina. He lives in Hartsville, South Carolina with his beautiful wife and dog, Ahsoka and is the assistant director for the Darlington County Historical Commission. He has a passion for traveling, writing, reading, and teaching and he blends these three in a unique way.

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