I really want more writers to embrace “I don’t know.” You don’t have to know how all of your mythology perfectly fits. You don’t need to know how the magic works or how the lore all connects.
Sometimes fantasy stories are just isolated little fables, best understood by the heart, not the head.
Sometimes fantasy stories are just isolated little fables, best understood by the heart, not the head.
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Most of the canonical stuff they're famous for was added in new versions and adaptions.
Canon is a guide for what you're doing right now.
I'm a soft magic reader and writer. Some rules are good, but I establish them to bend them. The rest is vibes to carry the theme.
Even if you’re the type of author who likes to know how every little moving part fits together, leaving some of that obscure can create a better *audience* experience for this very reason
Spelling out everything frequently distracts from the story, but if the story is internally inconsistent the audience will notice.
Others (like me tbh) don’t want to know everything because it spoils the surprise for me as I write. Does it make editing hell sometimes? Sure. But that’s how my brain works best. (1/2)
I do hate when authors feel obligated to write in ways that don’t work for them because “it’s how it’s done.” F that.
What's your theory on how it works?
It sparks conversation and can serve as inspiration for later instalments. It also fosters a relationship with fans! See what's in their heart and mind.
Good answer for small children too when they ask a question.
Kids ask questions out of wanting to interact with you and talk to you! Being interested in their answer means a lot to them.
Kids are also really funny 👀 so you'll get a weird ass answer that'll probably make your day.
I also don’t write kids lit, so this isn’t a circumstance I’m likely to find myself in.
Point well taken though.
Some stuff kids say can become kids lit all on their own lmfao.
Plus the second a fan tells me their idea I can’t use it because of copyright law.
Even if you never canonize the answer to a question, you can encourage curiosity and discussion.
Plus it speaks to the reality of the industry which sparks an even deeper conversation.
Having it or not, if the plot is disastrous, then everything is lost.