“Epic Fantasy Adventure with Timeless Values” Part 1

Let’s discuss branding. Experts in the publishing industry talk about the importance of branding. Branding lets readers know about the writing style and genre of an author. It helps a potential consumer know that this is a book they want to read.

Epic Fantasy Adventure…

The more I write, the more I hone in on my brand or writing style. Currently on my website, I have this phrase at the top of the main page: “Epic Fantasy Adventure with Timeless Values”.

For today’s blog, I just want to focus on the first part: “Epic fantasy adventure…” (I will discuss the second half “…with timeless values” in part 2).

Defining the fantasy genre these days can be tricky, with many nuanced debates on definitions such as “epic fantasy,” “high fantasy,” and “heroic fantasy.” Amazon, to add to the mix, has layers of categories when it comes to genres. There are also contemporary terms like “noblebright,” “nobledark,” “grimdark,” and “grimbright.” On some days, I find it hard to understand the difference or to know how to find the right type of story.

Epic, High, Heroic

Epic fantasy, as I understand it and in its basic form, is about the large scale. The scale can be in the world’s complexity and/or the stakes involved. Entire kingdoms may fall. If the heroes fail, all will be lost. Sophisticated societies and people interact within a fully developed world. High fantasy, on the other hand, is more about otherworldliness. Lots of magic, exotic places, exotic peoples, amazing creatures. It lets you escape to another world. Heroic fantasy is a more focused story on a specific person or hero and has only a few characters overcoming a dilemma. Think of the classic Conan the Barbarian novels. My short story, The Rescue of Edhelwen, would most likely be classified as heroic fantasy.

I enjoy each of these types of fantasy and include a bit of each of them in my stories. Heroic fantasy because I want my main characters to be noble and likeable. High fantasy because I always enjoy amazing mythical creatures and mystical places. Epic Fantasy because I ponder high ideas and love epic battles.

Grim, Dark, Noble, Bright

Author Joe Vasicek wrote a fascinating article called “The Generational Cycles of Grimdark vs Noblebright” on genre trends and how fantasy could be categorized. He describes “Noblebright” as where good usually overcoming evil and the characters have the power to save it. “Grimbright” is where good overcomes evil, but the heroes are dealing with smaller concerns. “Grimdark” has much gray, evil may triumph or “good” may be vaguely defined and the characters may not be so noble. “Nobledark” is a fantasy world where evil is powerful and usually triumphs, but the characters find a way to overcome it for the benefit of all.

Mostly, I dislike Grimdark and even some Grimbright. I prefer happy endings and noble characters. There are some excellent writers making “grim” stories, but I find them too negative and they turn me off, eventually. One could debate about my stories if they are noblebright or nobledark, but I think they would lean towards the nobledark.

Action Adventure

Finally, let’s discuss the adventure part of “Epic fantasy, adventure…” As I continue to write, I realize I like action and excitement, with heroes fighting evil creatures or struggling to overcome some challenge. There may be a bit of political intrigue or philosophical pondering over the meaning of life, but that is to get you to the next battle or struggle. The clash of shields, the ring of drawn swords, the twang of bows, and impact of fireballs, whether it be in a one-on-one contest or a full scale battle, will always be present.

The story I am currently writing will be a fantasy series called Ranger’s Calling. I am close to finishing the first draft of book one, but it is a hero’s tale that builds into an epic adventure with fantastical creatures, noble heroes, dark enemies, and, of course, sword fighting.

What do you like in your fantasy stories? 

Next time, we will look at the second half of the phase, “…with timeless values.”

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The Inn at the Forest’s Edge

My first published novelette, The Inn at the Forest’s Edge, takes place in Veardalan, a medieval style world with goblins and elves, unicorns and dryads roaming an ancient, enchanted forest. A young hero must enter the mystical woods, learn to face his doubts, and find his courage. If that stirs wander in you, you may purchase it here.