Fabulism: Exploring the Boundaries Between Reality and Imagination

 

 

Fabulism: Exploring the Boundaries Between Reality and Imagination

 

by Olivia Salter

Fabulism, often described as a genre that blurs the line between reality and fantasy, has gained popularity in contemporary literature for its ability to captivate audiences with its enchanting narratives and thought-provoking themes. Rooted in fairy tales, folklore, and mythologies, fabulism explores the mysteries of the world through storytelling that defies traditional genre classifications. Writers of fabulism weave magical elements into their narratives, creating worlds where the impossible becomes possible and the mundane is transformed into the extraordinary.

At the heart of fabulism lies a sense of wonder and the exploration of the unknown. Authors who embrace this genre often delve into themes of transformation, identity, and belonging, using fantastic elements to shed light on complex human experiences. By blending reality with the fantastic, fabulism offers readers a fresh perspective on familiar themes and challenges traditional notions of what is considered possible.

One of the key characteristics of fabulism is its use of symbolism and allegory to convey deeper truths about the world we live in. Through fantastic creatures, magical objects, and otherworldly settings, writers of fabulism can explore complex social issues, philosophical concepts, and emotional truths in a way that invites readers to engage with the text on multiple levels. This layering of meaning adds depth and richness to fabulist works, inviting readers to uncover hidden truths and meanings beneath the surface of the narrative.

In writing fabulism, authors are encouraged to embrace the imaginative and the surreal, pushing the boundaries of what is considered possible. By infusing their stories with elements of magic, mythology, and folklore, writers can create worlds that are both captivating and thought-provoking, inviting readers to suspend their disbelief and embark on a journey of wonder and discovery.

To write fabulism effectively, writers must pay careful attention to world-building, character development, and thematic resonance. Creating a vivid and immersive world for readers to explore is essential in fabulist storytelling, as is crafting complex and memorable characters who resonate with readers on an emotional level. Additionally, weaving thematic threads throughout the narrative can help give the story depth and coherence, allowing readers to connect with the underlying messages and ideas being explored.

Ultimately, fabulism is a genre that celebrates the power of imagination and the beauty of storytelling. By blending reality with the fantastic, writers of fabulism are able to craft narratives that challenge our perceptions of the world and invite us to see things in a new light. Whether exploring the depths of the human psyche, the mysteries of the natural world, or the complexities of society, fabulism offers a unique and captivating lens through which to view the world and our place in it.

 

Also see:

👉Free Writing Resources
👉Fiction Writing books at Amazon

Organizing: What's Holding You Back?

 

Organizing: What's Holding You Back?

 

By Randy Ingermanson

Advanced Fiction Writing

 

I recently discovered something about myself that surprised me. Something that makes me take a lot longer to get things done than I should. Something that sometimes keeps me from finishing tasks. Something that occasionally even keeps me from trying in the first place.

I'm a pessimist.

This came as quite a surprise. After all, I'm not nearly as pessimistic as "Joe," a guy I used to work with. Every time I suggested a new idea to "Joe," the first thing he'd say was, "Now be careful! There's a lot of things you haven't thought about yet." Then he'd shoot the idea down with rocket-powered grenades.

After a while, I learned not to run ideas past "Joe" because apparently, all my ideas were bad.

I haven't seen "Joe" in years, and I'm pretty sure I'm not as pessimistic as he is. But somewhere along the way, I definitely went over to the Dark Side. I became more like him than I ever imagined possible.

That's the bad news. The good news is that pessimism is not forever. You can quit being a pessimist and start being an optimist.

But should you? Aren't those pesky pessimists more in touch with reality than those annoying optimists?

Yes and no.

Yes, pessimists generally do have a better grasp of the hard realities of the situation. "Life sucks" and all that. You can prove in the lab that pessimists are better at recognizing reality.

But no, no, no, because in very real ways, you make your own reality. We all know about self-fulfilling prophecies. Those work both ways. Optimists are happier, healthier, and get more done. Because they expect to. Pessimists are less happy, less healthy, and get less done. Because they expect to. Again, you can measure that difference in the lab.

If you're a pessimist and you want to know what's holding you back in life, just go look in a mirror.

It's you. But you already knew that, and you were already down on yourself, and now you're mad at me for blaming you, but realistically, you secretly believe it's your own darned fault, so you're really just mad at me for telling you what you already knew.

Sorry about that. I feel your pain. Remember, I'm a pessimist too, and I'm probably a bigger one than you are.

I'm a pessimist, but I'm going to change. Which is actually an optimistic thing to say, and it means the cure is already working.

What is pessimism? And what is optimism? And how do you know which you are?

I'm not the expert on this. Martin Seligman is the expert, and he has been for a long time. Recently, somebody recommended Seligman's book to me. The title is LEARNED OPTIMISM.

I grabbed a copy off Amazon and began reading. Seligman hooked me right away with his account of how he and a number of other researchers broke the stranglehold on psychology that had been held for decades by the behaviorists.

Behaviorists taught that people were created by their environment. To change a person, you had to condition him to a new behavior. A person couldn't change himself merely by thinking differently, because thinking didn't matter. Only conditioning mattered.

What Seligman and others showed was that the behaviorists were wrong. The way you think matters. Thinking optimistically, you could change things for the better. Thinking pessimistically, you could change things for the worse -- or at best just wallow in the "life sucks" mud.

There's a test you can take in LEARNED OPTIMISM that helps you figure out your particular style of thinking. There are three particular aspects to measure:

* Permanence -- if things are good (or bad), do you expect them to stay like that for a long time? * Pervasiveness -- if one thing is good (or bad), do you expect everything else to be like that? * Personalization -- if things are good (or bad), who gets the credit (or blame) -- you or somebody else?

Optimists think that good things will continue on but that bad things will go away soon. Likewise, they think that good things are pervasive whereas bad things are merely aberrations from the norm. When good things happen, optimists are willing to take a fair share of the credit; when bad things happen, they're willing to let others take a fair share of the blame.

Pessimists are the opposite on all of these.

I took the test and discovered that I'm somewhat pessimistic in two of these aspects and strongly pessimistic in the other.

That's not good. But (having now read the book) it's not permanent. I can change if I want to. Furthermore, that pessimism is in my head, it's not a pervasive feature of the universe. Most importantly, my pessimism isn't entirely my fault, because I can see now who taught it to me.

The above paragraph is a model of how to change from pessimism to optimism. Both optimism and pessimism are driven by your beliefs, which are driven by what you tell yourself.

When you change your self-talk, you change your beliefs. When you change your beliefs, you change your behavior. When you change your behavior, you change your life. Chapters 12, 13, and 14 of LEARNED OPTIIMISM teach you the techniques you need to change your self-talk.

Let's be clear on one thing. Optimism is not about the alleged "power of positive thinking," not about making those wretchedly gooey self-affirmations, and not about telling lies to yourself.

Optimism is about looking for alternative plausible explanations that might lead to improving your life.

Pessimism is about looking for alternative plausible explanations that might lead to disimproving your life.

Which of those is likely to make you happier, healthier, and more productive? Bringing this home to the topic of fiction writing, which of those is likely to help you get your novel written, get it read by an agent, and get it published?

Research shows that optimism is an invaluable tool in dealing with criticism and rejection. If you've ever shut down for three days after a tough critique, or stopped sending out query letters for three months after getting a rejection from that perfect agent, then you can see the value of learning optimism.

Optimism will keep you going through the hard times as a writer. And you are going to have hard times. That will never change. What can change is how you respond to those hard times.

There is no way I can explain in 500 words exactly how it all works. The best I can do is to point you to Martin Seligman's book and tell you that I think it's gold. I expect this book is going to revolutionize my life in the next year. I hope it changes yours too.

Here's my Amazon affiliate link to LEARNED OPTIMISM.

 

---

About The Author

Randy Ingermanson is a theoretical physicist and the award-winning author of six novels. He has taught at numerous writing conferences over the years and publishes the free monthly Advanced Fiction Writing E-zine.

 

 Randy Ingermanson Books at Amazon

 

More Advanced Fiction Writing

Free ProWritersAid Romance Writers' Week 2024

 

Romance Writers' Week 2024

Discover the secrets for writing, editing, and publishing a romance novel at this free online summit.

February 12 - 16, 2024

Can't make it live? No problem! All sessions will be available for replay after the event.

 

Sign-up for FREE Prowritingaid Romance Writers Summit Here

 

Do you want to learn how to write and publish a romance novel?

Join Romance Writers' Week to learn how to craft an unforgettable romance story and share it with the world.

 

Learn

Attend more than 20 live sessions led by award-winning authors + educators.

 

Discover

Learn strategies for outlining, editing, publishing, marketing and more.

 

Connect

Meet like-minded writers in networking events.

 

Sign-up for FREE Prowritingaid Romance Writers Summit Here

 

 

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More names coming soon

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Award-Winning Author

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Crafting Compelling and Captivating Love Scenes: Avoiding Amateur Mistakes

 

Crafting Compelling and Captivating Love Scenes: Avoiding Amateur Mistakes

 

by Olivia Salter

Love scenes, when written well, can add depth, passion, and emotional resonance to a story. They captivate readers, drawing them into the intense connection between characters. However, writing engaging love scenes can be challenging, as it requires balancing sensuality, emotion, and plot progression without veering into clichés or discomfort. In this article, we will explore essential tips to help you create compelling and authentic love scenes while avoiding common amateur mistakes.

1. Understand the Purpose:

Before diving into a love scene, consider its purpose in your story. Is it intended to deepen a relationship, reveal vulnerability, or advance the plot? Knowing the scene's purpose will help you shape it effectively, leading to a more impactful and authentic experience for readers.

2. Develop Well-Defined Characters:

Strong character development is crucial for any love scene. Understand your characters' desires, fears, and motivations to create genuine and multidimensional interactions. Characters with depth engage readers on a more profound level, making their romantic connections feel real and captivating.

3. Emotional Connection:

The emotional connection between characters is at the heart of any love scene. Focus on building chemistry, trust, and intimacy throughout your story, allowing the reader to invest emotionally in the relationship. When the time comes for a love scene, the emotions expressed should feel earned and authentic, further amplifying its impact.

4. Balance Descriptions:

When describing physical intimacy, strike a balance between sensuality and leaving room for readers' imagination. Avoid excessive detail or explicitness, which can feel gratuitous or uncomfortable for some readers. Instead, focus on key sensory details and the emotions unfolding within the characters, creating a tantalizing and immersive experience.

5. Consent and Communication:

Incorporating consent and open communication is crucial to crafting ethically responsible love scenes. Consent should be expressed clearly, ensuring that both characters are comfortable and willing participants. Writing scenes where characters openly communicate their desires and boundaries reinforces healthier and more respectful relationships.

6. Avoid Stereotypes and Clichés:

To create captivating love scenes, steer clear of stereotypes and overused clichés. These can undermine the originality and authenticity of your writing. Instead, strive to capture unique expressions of love and desire that reflect your characters' distinct personalities, backgrounds, and experiences.

7. Show Vulnerability:

Vulnerability is an essential component of any love scene. By revealing characters' insecurities and fears, you create depth and emotional resonance. Don't be afraid to explore the characters' inner thoughts and conflicts during intimate moments, as this adds richness to the scene and draws readers even closer to the characters.

8. Maintain Consistency with the Storyline:

Ensure your love scenes align with the overall tone and pacing of your story. A sudden shift in tone or content can be jarring for readers. Keep in mind the themes, genres, and character arcs you have established, allowing the romantic development to progress organically and suit the overall narrative.

In conclusion, crafting compelling and captivating love scenes requires attention to detail, character development, and emotional depth. By understanding the purpose of your love scenes, developing complex characters, maintaining authenticity, and avoiding clichés, you can create love scenes that resonate with readers, adding depth and intensity to your story. Remember, the ultimate goal is to evoke emotions, create connections, and contribute to a powerful and unforgettable reading experience.

Also see:

👉Free Writing Resources
👉Fiction Writing books at Amazon

 

Perfectionist Editor: Writers Striving for Flawlessness and Perfection

 

 

Thanks to @RandamuMaki for giving me the inspiration to write this article.

 It is common for writers to feel a constant sense of self-doubt and comparison when it comes to their work. The inner critic, that perfectionist editor within every writer, often claims that their writing is inferior to all the other pieces out there. This nagging voice can be incredibly draining and disheartening, but it's important to recognize that it doesn't have to control your creative process.

Learning to give that editor within you some rest and having faith in your work is an essential step towards pursuing your passion as a writer. Remember, your writing stands on its own merits and is not determined by how it compares to others. Each writer has their own unique style, perspective, and voice, and that is something to be celebrated.

One of the first steps in overcoming this self-doubt is to shift your focus from external validation to writing for yourself. While it's natural to seek recognition and appreciation for your work, it should not be the sole driving force behind your creativity. Writing is a deeply personal journey, and true satisfaction comes from expressing your thoughts, ideas, and emotions through the written word.

Embrace the idea that writing is a constant process of growth and improvement. Every piece you write, whether it's a novel, short story, a poem, or an article, is an opportunity to refine your craft and explore new horizons. Instead of constantly comparing your work to others, strive for personal growth and progression. Set goals for yourself, experiment with different styles and genres, and, above all, enjoy the process of writing itself.

Another vital aspect of silencing your inner critic is developing a supportive mindset. Surround yourself with a community of fellow writers who understand the journey you're on. Engage in writing groups, workshops, or online forums where you can share your work, receive constructive feedback, and learn from others. Remember, this is not about competing with them; it's about growing together as writers and inspiring one another.

Furthermore, taking care of your mental and emotional well-being is crucial to quieting that perfectionist editor within you. Practice self-compassion and kindness toward yourself. Understand that making mistakes or feeling uncertain is all part of the creative process. Give yourself permission to make errors, learn from them, and move forward. Celebrate your successes, no matter how big or small they may seem.

It's also important to take breaks and enjoy other aspects of life beyond writing. Engage in activities that replenish your energy and inspire new ideas. Take a walk in nature, read books, watch movies, or spend time with loved ones. Doing so not only enhances your creativity but also helps in gaining perspective and realizing the vastness and depth of the writing world.

Lastly, remember that writing is subjective, and every reader will have their own opinion. Not everyone will resonate with your work, and that's perfectly alright. What matters is that you stay true to your voice and write from a place of passion and authenticity. Trust in your instincts and have faith in your work. With time, dedication, and perseverance, your writing will find its audience.

So, take a deep breath, quiet that perfectionist editor within, and write for yourself. Embrace your unique voice, trust in your abilities, and remember that your work stands on its own. The world needs your stories, your perspectives, and your words. Let them shine brightly, undeterred by comparison, and make a mark with the power of your pen.

Also see:

👉Free Writing Resources
👉Fiction Writing books at Amazon

 

Writing is Visceral: If You Write Something Down And Don’t Feel Some Kind Of Way, Then It’s Not Working.

Writing is not merely an exercise in transferring thoughts onto paper or screen. It is an intimate dance between the mind and the heart, an endeavor that should evoke strong emotions and stir the soul. When we write, we engage in a visceral experience—a profound connection between our thoughts, feelings, and the written word.

The act of writing goes beyond mere communication; it becomes a conduit for our innermost thoughts, desires, fears, and joys. It is a way to capture the essence of our existence, to record the moments that define us, and to explore the depths of our own humanity. If writing fails to elicit any kind of emotional response within us, then it is falling short of its true potential.

When we write, we have the power to transport ourselves and our readers to different times, places, and emotions. We can evoke a sense of nostalgia by describing a childhood memory, inspire empathy through the portrayal of a character's hardships, or simply bring a smile to someone's face with a lighthearted anecdote. Words have the ability to move us, to make us feel alive, and to create lasting connections.

To truly harness the potential of writing, we need to tap into our own emotions and allow them to guide our words. Whether it is the art of storytelling, the expression of personal experiences, or the conveyance of complex ideas, we must feel deeply about what we write. If we approach writing with detachment and indifference, our words will lack the power and resonance required to make an impact.

In the process of writing, we shape our thoughts and emotions into something tangible. We have the opportunity to explore the full spectrum of human experiences and share them with others. But in order for this to happen, we must be willing to embrace vulnerability and authenticity. We must dig deep within ourselves, confronting the raw and unfiltered emotions that drive our stories and ideas.

As writers, we should not be afraid to feel. In fact, we should actively pursue those emotions that course through us, guiding our pens and keyboards. When we write, we are not simply crafting sentences; we are weaving moments of our lives into the fabric of our words. It is the pursuit of these emotions, whether they be joy, sorrow, anger, or love, that transforms our writing into something truly remarkable.

A writer's responsibility is not just to inform or entertain, but to connect with their readers on a visceral level. When we write with feeling, our words become alive, resonating with the hearts and minds of those who engage with our work. It is this connection, this profound impact, that defines the power of writing.

So, the next time you sit down to write, ask yourself, "Am I feeling something? Does this work stir a response within me?" If the answer is no, it may be time to delve deeper and explore the emotions that lie beneath the surface. Writing should move us, inspire us, and challenge us—it should never leave us indifferent.

In conclusion, writing is a visceral experience, one that demands our emotional engagement. It is through this emotional connection that our words come alive, sparking a deep resonance within both ourselves and our readers. So, let us embrace the power of our emotions, infusing every sentence we write with the passion that gives our words their true purpose.

 

Also see:

👉Free Writing Resources
👉Fiction Writing books at Amazon

 

Horror Writing: What Is It? by Olivia Salter

 

Horror Writing: What Is It?

 

by Olivia Salter

 

Horror is a genre of storytelling that taps into the deep and primal emotion of fear. It takes us on a rollercoaster ride through the darkest corners of our imagination, inviting us to confront our deepest fears and explore the unknown. From ancient folklore to modern-day novels, films, and even interactive video games, horror has captivated audiences across cultures and generations, leaving an indelible mark on our collective psyche.

One of the key elements of horror storytelling is its ability to evoke intense emotions within us, particularly fear. Whether it's the chilling anticipation before a jump-scare or the suspenseful build-up to a ghastly revelation, horror plays on our basic human instinct to protect ourselves from danger. It elicits a visceral reaction that engages both our minds and bodies, often leaving us on the edge of our seats and our hearts pounding.

The power of horror lies in its ability to tap into our deepest anxieties and bring them to the surface. It confronts us with the unknown, the supernatural, and the macabre, forcing us to confront our own mortality and the fragility of our existence. By invoking fear, horror allows us to safely explore and process our fears, giving us an outlet for our darkest thoughts and emotions.

Furthermore, horror often delves into taboo subjects and explores the darker aspects of the human psyche. It can address themes such as madness, violence, and the blurred lines between good and evil. Through these narratives, horror provides a platform to explore and challenge societal norms, often acting as a cautionary tale or a reflection of our own fears and insecurities.

Throughout history, horror has taken many forms. From ancient myths and legends, such as the stories of vampires and werewolves, to Gothic literature with its eerie castles and tormented protagonists, to modern horror films that rely on psychological suspense and visceral gore, the genre has continuously evolved and adapted to reflect the fears and anxieties of different eras.

In recent years, horror has even embraced new mediums, such as virtual reality and interactive video games. These platforms immerse the audience in terrifying scenarios, blurring the line between fiction and reality and heightening the sense of fear and immersion. By actively participating in the horrors unfolding before them, viewers and players are given a whole new level of agency and engagement, further intensifying the emotional impact.

Ultimately, horror storytelling serves as both entertainment and catharsis. It allows us to confront our deepest fears in a controlled environment, offering a temporary escape from our own reality. By experiencing fear through the lens of fiction, we can gain a sense of empowerment and resilience, knowing that we can face and overcome even the most terrifying of circumstances.

In conclusion, horror is a genre of storytelling that taps into the emotion of fear. It provides a space for us to confront our deepest anxieties, explores the macabre and the unknown, and challenges societal norms. Through its ability to evoke intense emotions, horror captivates audiences and invites them on a thrilling and unsettling journey. So, the next time you find yourself turning off the lights or eagerly watching a horror movie, remember that you are not alone in seeking out that delicious sensation of fear—horror storytelling has been doing that for centuries.

 

Also see:

• Horror Writing Books at Amazon
• The Most Important ProWritingAid Check for Horror Authors: Emotional Tells
• Webinar Replay: Horror Story Essentials: Turn Scattershot Scary Scenes Into Nightmare-Inducing Stories