I want to write a Fantasy Novel, however..

[malayang-diwa]

I am not really that familiar with the genre.

Most of the Fantasy books that I've read came from the West; CS Lewis, JRR Tolkien, GRR Martin, and the such. But I would really want to create a story that's inspired by the South East Asian/East Asian cultures: Khmer Empire, Chinese Civilization, Ancient Maritime Filipinos and etc.

Any advice?

Just to give concrete issues:

I would like to write it in English, yet there is this side of me that thinks that I should consider writing it in my own language (Filipino). So tell me what you think.

If I do write in English, should I put in local terms or words for expression of Characters; Names of Places; and also description.

Babel problem.I am having this problem about the language of the characters. How can I make characters, who are distinct by their ethnicity, communicate with each other? Plus, I would also have to write it in a single language of my choice.

**

I know it sounds ambitious, but I am not in a hurry to finish it. As a matter of fact, I wouldn't mind spending ten years making this. I have started my research on history, cultures and traditions of SEA and EA; which I truly am enjoying. :)

[Delta40]

I've recently read a book by an American author whose character travelled to Wales in the United Kingdom. Now both countries speak the language but it was clear to me he didn't do his homework because he simply didn't get the local expressions right and it really stuck out. So I think you need to be aware of how sensitive the reader is going to be. When developing a character of course you will need to make sure they speak the lingo and get it right if there is going to be any authenticity to them at all.

When you say distinct characters of ethnicity, are you suggesting they won't have a common language?

As far as fantasy goes, read, research and employ your own wonderful imagination. If you struggle with English then write in your first language.

And be ambitious. Good luck

[miyako73]

Use culture and history as influences and create an entirely different universe in your novel. Make the story universal- meaning, Americans, Europeans, Africans can understand and relate. Using Asian myths, legends, metaphors, and symbols will not take you anywhere but to the Asian market. The question: Is Asia a big market for a fantasy novel? I don't think so. Realism is still the literary staple of Asian readers.

[cafolini]

I am not really that familiar with the genre.

Most of the Fantasy books that I've read came from the West; CS Lewis, JRR Tolkien, GRR Martin, and the such. But I would really want to create a story that's inspired by the South East Asian/East Asian cultures: Khmer Empire, Chinese Civilization, Ancient Maritime Filipinos and etc.

Any advice?

Just to give concrete issues:

I would like to write it in English, yet there is this side of me that thinks that I should consider writing it in my own language (Filipino). So tell me what you think.

If I do write in English, should I put in local terms or words for expression of Characters; Names of Places; and also description.

Babel problem.I am having this problem about the language of the characters. How can I make characters, who are distinct by their ethnicity, communicate with each other? Plus, I would also have to write it in a single language of my choice.

**

I know it sounds ambitious, but I am not in a hurry to finish it. As a matter of fact, I wouldn't mind spending ten years making this. I have started my research on history, cultures and traditions of SEA and EA; which I truly am enjoying. :)

I don't think you can avoid writing a fantasy no matter what you write. That's the nature of it. Fantasy is intrinsic to any fiction. Trying to do it will only exaggerate it and possibly (not necessarily but most likely) spoil it.

[cacian]

maybe you should ask youself 'why' you do want to write fantasy fiction, if and when the answer is found then it should be your story plot to start writing it.

[RicMisc]

I am currently trying to write a fantasy novel as well, and I've found that if you want to base your world on a certain culture existing in this world you should do some research to make it easier for you (since you don't have to make everything up) and to avoid frustrating readers that might be familiar with the particular culture you've decided to use as inspiration.

Also, reading other fantasy novels will help you explore the many possibilities and approaches. Some fantasy novels which I've read that are based on Far-Eastern cultures are The Empire Trilogy by Raymond E. Feist and Janny Wurts (I thought these were his best series) and I'm currently reading Under Heaven by Guy Gavriel Kay. The former is inspired on a medieval Japanese culture and it's probably one of my favourite fantasy series, the latter is inspired on the Tan-dynasty (if I'm not mistaken) in China.

I wish you the best of luck writing and reading :)!

[Mutatis-Mutandis]

I am not really that familiar with the genre.


Um, just a stab in the dark here, but maybe you should read more from the genre, then?

[malayang-diwa]

When you say distinct characters of ethnicity, are you suggesting they won't have a common language?

Yes. What I had in mind was that I want the different cultures to have different languages as well.


Use culture and history as influences and create an entirely different universe in your novel. Make the story universal- meaning, Americans, Europeans, Africans can understand and relate. Using Asian myths, legends, metaphors, and symbols will not take you anywhere but to the Asian market. The question: Is Asia a big market for a fantasy novel? I don't think so. Realism is still the literary staple of Asian readers.

I was thinking of employing Western culture as well. But just to expand the feel of the world.


maybe you should ask youself 'why' you do want to write fantasy fiction, if and when the answer is found then it should be your story plot to start writing it.

Just to let you know, there's a hint of propaganda in what I want to do. But that's not really my main reason. But since there are things that I can't directly address towards my audience, I need to find a medium to use so that I can bring out a message.


I am currently trying to write a fantasy novel as well, and I've found that if you want to base your world on a certain culture existing in this world you should do some research to make it easier for you (since you don't have to make everything up) and to avoid frustrating readers that might be familiar with the particular culture you've decided to use as inspiration.

Also, reading other fantasy novels will help you explore the many possibilities and approaches. Some fantasy novels which I've read that are based on Far-Eastern cultures are The Empire Trilogy by Raymond E. Feist and Janny Wurts (I thought these were his best series) and I'm currently reading Under Heaven by Guy Gavriel Kay. The former is inspired on a medieval Japanese culture and it's probably one of my favourite fantasy series, the latter is inspired on the Tan-dynasty (if I'm not mistaken) in China.

I wish you the best of luck writing and reading :)!

That's great! Hope I can read it one day as well!

Yes I have been immersing myself with Fantasy. But I need to expose myself on the Eastern mind-set. Traveling is also something that can help. Seeing the places and their cultures will give you the ideas to stretch your imagination.

[TeranikaSloane]

This doesn't really have much to do with your question but I would just like to add: make sure your characters are solid. Full backgrounds, a clear idea of their personality and how they look. Make the characters in your story REAL to you before you start to write about them, otherwise they don't really make much sense, and stick with that image in your, or modify it if the story calls for it (traumatic event or something) but don't make them change completely in an instant. It makes for a more interesting and easy to follow read.

[Bonsai Ent]

When writing fantasy, it never hurts to read more Ursula Le Guin.
Especially if you're interested in writing something that doesn't automatically privilege and centralize western culture, and idealize the European middle ages.

And yeah, if you're planning to write The Fantasy Novel, that will be read by Fantasy Readers and you want to target at Fantasy Publishers, you're going to need a functional familiarity with the genre.

Personally though I wouldn't let genre constrain you. Work out the novel you want to write and write it. If you try to force a novel into a genre it's only going to hurt your writing.

[michaelsbearre]

You're dabbing into a realm that grants entire freedom. As in, you could create your own culture inspired by Asian backgrounds or lore. This approach would give more freedom and flexibility. However, if you wish to directly use Asian influences, it would be wise to research their customs and traditions and get a sense of 'being' for the culture. There are tons of videos that would allow you to poke your imagination into as well as pictures, Asian Americans you could chat with and interview. To learn this culture enough to write about it as an insider and not an outsider will demand a ton research in which I suggest you do in person. Good luck!

[Calidore]

Just by way of examples, you might look at Lian Hearn's very good Tales of the Otori series. Sean Russell's duology The Initiate Brother / Gatherer of Clouds was also decent.

[dark desire]

I think what you need at the foundation is a philosophical question. Like in Lord of of the Ring the question was - Can dark power be used for a good cause? While different people can have different takes on this, the author was convinced with a No. And he manages to bring that out extremely well. Some philosophical question you will need at the bottom most layer of your work and that will work as the thread that will connect all the different details of your work. Look inside, see what matters to you personally and then bring it out in your work.

I think reading will be of more help than travelling and talking to people. Your ambition is admirable. Best Wishes.