Today’s writer topic comes from QSFer Freddy MacKay: As for fantasy, what tropes have been used to death? We’ve discussed variations on this one before, and it’s always one of my favorites. So I’d like to also put a bit different spin on it – in addition to the tropes you are sick to death of, how do you as a writer keep your fantasy stories fresh and trope free? Or alternatively, how do you turn a trope on its head? Join the chat
Today’s topic comes from QSFer and Admin Angel Martinez: Why are fantasy swords so dang big and complicated? We’ve shared this before, but there’s a great post on Fantasy weapon tropes here: http://io9.gizmodo.com/10-tropes-involving-fantasy-weapons-that-should-die-in-1653194903 Which includes: 7. The Weapon Too Big to Be Useful: Like mystical metals, this is a trope that’s supposed to act as a metaphor. See how big this weapon is? It’s directly proportional to either how awesome or evil its owner is. There is no doubt that for many characters in fantasy, their sword is tied into their identity. But, seriously, unless the size is meant to … Read more