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Post by BlackHeart on Nov 21, 2017 7:30:01 GMT -5
Greetings, my fellow barbarians ๐ Some of you maybe remember my words about a novel I write. It's something between historical fiction and S&S genre, set in medieval Byzantium empire, right after third Viking attack on Constantinople (another that ended with northern army defeated), and through story there's a lot of historical figures, along side with fictional characters that dominate along the road. All that happens rest on events that actually happened but goes further on situations that is partially accurate - though there's alot of things that are fruit of writers imagination. Protagonist is northlander called Starkad, Conanic figure blessed by Odin, but cursed by Thor, always against his own "destiny" which is foretold to be bloody and dark.
I go with this story further step by step, slowly cause for things like this one needs a lot of research of that era, but there's a problem that now stands in my way. Originally, my plan was to add a certain supernatural element that idea requires, it should've been fallen god from small collection of my older short yarns (greatly inspired by story of Lucifer), a "deity" that many nations trough different epoch know by a different name. A certain cult of Turanian descendant came from shadows, same ones against Zarathustra battled in his youth, with the plans to overthrow Christian and Muslim religion trough their expansion that is about to happen. And to do that, they will try to invoke their fallen god which physical manifestation is destroyed in war of the wizards before the first world was doomed and destroyed in global cataclysm.
Then it came to me "wait... should I do such things in something that is historical fiction?" And, for few months I haven't touch earlier material nor did I continue with novel. My question is what should I do? What would you, as a fans of that sorts of genre's, preferred to see? Would it be a mistake or not to spice it with unearthly, unnatural elements, or it would give a certain flavor to complete story and makes it a winning combination? Like I said, roots for this idea came from my short stories that goes from the times of neanderthals to something that is pseudo-historical period before first civilizations known today. I wonder what to do with further storyline, cause new inspiration fuels my desire to go on and finish it, once and for all. And, on entire earth there's no place better then this forum for me to ask for someone's opinion ๐ I would appreciate anyone's opinion and/or advice.
Best of luck, BH
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Post by ChrisLAdams on Nov 21, 2017 8:39:35 GMT -5
I feel like you should add the supernatural element. You mentioned it was your intention to write a mixture of historical and S&S - so add some sorcery?
Your mention of Lucifer is interesting, but there are also other fallen angels that might make good villains or perhaps just an entity working 'behind the scene's to direct mankind's footsteps for his own unknown agenda.
Being that your story is set in Constantinople the setting is ripe for some dark, Christian-influenced tones. Depending on the time frame you could utilize Greco-Roman mythology as well for this element of your story.
Good luck with this project, Blackheart, it sounds fascinating. I'm trying myself to wrap up a story I began a couple years ago. I'm very close to completing it so I understand the desire to see it through to completion.
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Post by BlackHeart on Nov 21, 2017 9:57:10 GMT -5
I feel like you should add the supernatural element.ย You mentioned it was your intention to write a mixture of historical and S&S - so add some sorcery? Your mention of Lucifer is interesting, but there are also other fallen angels that might make good villains or perhaps just an entity working 'behind the scene's to direct mankind's footsteps for his own unknown agenda. Being that your story is set in Constantinople the setting is ripe for some dark, Christian-influenced tones.ย Depending on the time frame you could utilize Greco-Roman mythology as well for this element of your story. Good luck with this project, Blackheart, it sounds fascinating.ย I'm trying myself to wrap up a story I began a couple years ago.ย I'm very close to completing it so I understand the desire to see it through to completion. Yup ๐ There are some brutal religious seal on it. Some form of my personal critics to human hypocrisy that has mutilated almost every religion. It begins in Constantinople, but after few chapters goes further to east. And, yes, there are "Watchers" who's leader was Samyaza, whole army of fallen angels, that have corrupted mankind, of wich is spoken in the book of Enoch. Not just Lucifer. I didn't use him or eny of others in earlier works, nor in this one. I just create deity that has similar back story. Hahahaha ๐ I Create DEITY... Man... ๐ต He is called Ofukul - which means "serpent bearer", a god that was thrown on Earth after some form of battle between gods and who (as Watchers did) educates and rises humanity over caves and bring them war and civilization, also corrupting their original natural sense. He, who is known as Ofukul/us during the era which I have called "first world", is what later was known (when millenniums gone to past) in shadowy memories of people as Baal of Cartage, Snake from Eden, Ahriman of Turans, even Lucifer of Christians - depends of what good - bad element has left and how certain people interpreted original legend. I've planned to go with Ahriman I this one. But, as question in previous text said... ๐ And, Chris, thanks for advice and good wishes ๐ I appreciate it alot! Also, I wish you luck with your story. May the gods of old grant us fortune, so we can read each others work published in a form of book one day! ๐
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Post by themirrorthief on Nov 21, 2017 14:38:57 GMT -5
sounds like you already have a good plan there...create your own bad demon, except give him a weakness, like sexy women
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Post by BlackHeart on Nov 21, 2017 15:23:18 GMT -5
sounds like you already have a good plan there...create your own bad demon, except give him a weakness, like sexy women Well, main character will have such weakness A part of his tragedy that follows him trough life.
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Post by Von K on Nov 21, 2017 15:33:58 GMT -5
Greetings, my fellow barbarians ๐ Some of you maybe remember my words about a novel I write. ... I would appreciate anyone's opinion and/or advice. Best of luck, BH Hi Blackheart, Imho, the decision youโre faced with here is to choose which genre youโre writing in. By the sounds of it you are undecided whether to write, say, Historical Fiction or (Dark?) Historical Fantasy. In general Iโd say that if the magic and speculative back history is presented as real then you have a Historical Fantasy or Dark Historical Fantasy, or possibly Heroic Fantasy. But if the supernatural elements are either not present or ambiguously presented (ie reader can decide if the magic is real) then you have Historical Fiction. Youโre going to be at the writing desk for a long time, so might as well make the choice that plays best with your own natural inclination, knowledge base, and enthusiasms. Personally I think you should write from within whatever you find the most fascinating and interesting. Trust your storytelling instincts... My 2c.
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Post by BlackHeart on Nov 21, 2017 16:42:36 GMT -5
Hi Blackheart, Imho, the decision youโre faced with here is to choose which genre youโre writing in. By the sounds of it you are undecided whether to write, say, Historical Fiction or (Dark?) Historical Fantasy. In general Iโd say that if the magic and speculative back history is presented as real then you have a Historical Fantasy or Dark Historical Fantasy, or possibly Heroic Fantasy. But if the supernatural elements are either not present or ambiguously presented (ie reader can decide if the magic is real) then you have Historical Fiction. Youโre going to be at the writing desk for a long time, so might as well make the choice that plays best with your own natural inclination, knowledge base, and enthusiasms. Personally I think you should write from within whatever you find the most fascinating and interesting. Trust your storytelling instincts... My 2c. Lets just say - it's a dark historical fantasy with some historical characters such has emperor Constantine and few episodic figures that history remembers. That's why I'm troubled cause historical fantasy reflect some period and mostly mentioned some ruler or a warrior that left his trace. This one of mine use some of them in first few chapters, though focus is on my own characters which are pillars of the story.
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Post by themirrorthief on Aug 5, 2018 12:28:47 GMT -5
this sounds like a very ambitious project, I hope you are still at it...I have tried to write longer stuff but always got bored after several chapters. good luck!!
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Post by BlackHeart on Jul 11, 2019 12:57:57 GMT -5
this sounds like a very ambitious project, I hope you are still at it...I have tried to write longer stuff but always got bored after several chapters. good luck!! It is and thats the beauty of it - its like a test, for me, to see if I can pull it of and make it into something worth. Btw, story goes further, finaly. Main problem of mine, when it comes to writing, is coming and going of cold/warm period with inspiration. Everything is in my mind, but I cant write single line, and tr n, all of a sudden, it com2s back and words are flowing... Till next bye bye from my muse. This isnt exeption, sadly. Though, its gonna be a heawy duty ride. Lots of work still needs to be done.
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Post by Char-Vell on Jul 11, 2019 13:44:29 GMT -5
I always vote in favor of adding supernatural elements.
You can preserve the historical feel by including one or few eldritch happenings, happenings that only a few individuals are aware of. Low Fantasy I think they call it.
Sounds like you have a good handle on things anyway! I can't wait for the finished product.
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Post by ChrisLAdams on Jul 11, 2019 14:00:44 GMT -5
I also wouldn't be afraid of putting my own 'spin' on history as we know it. You can invent your own explanation of what happened. So many centuries have passed, you could really have fun with mixing fact with fiction and tossing your sprigs of supernatural herbs in to spice it up. I have something like this going with the Tales of the Tomahawk series I'm writing. I throw in enough historical events and individuals that it makes it feel like your reading a true account. I'm writing Vol II right now, but in Vol IV I have plans for my character to meet HPL where my mercenary character is hired by the Gent from Providence. Should be a dark installment in the series. Have to finish II and III first to see.
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Post by sorcerer on Jul 20, 2019 22:55:54 GMT -5
Greetings, my fellow barbarians ๐ Some of you maybe remember my words about a novel I write. Is there anywhere you have the first chapter uploaded?
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Post by BlackHeart on Jul 23, 2019 5:24:44 GMT -5
Is there anywhere you have the first chapter uploaded? Sadly no, my friend. First two chapters needs a bit polishing, cause they establish characters, started world building and there's a werry little action in them. I gues you and rest of our brothers here wouldnt find it much exciting ๐ And, I write in serbian, wich is second problem. I need to cut few lines here and there, and give it another touch. Then Ill find someone to translate it properly and I tought (maybe) to post it here, on this forum. No ones opinion I respect more then that of people you can find here.
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Post by Char-Vell on Jul 23, 2019 6:49:27 GMT -5
Is there anywhere you have the first chapter uploaded? Sadly no, my friend. First two chapters needs a bit polishing, cause they establish characters, started world building and there's a werry little action in them. I gues you and rest of our brothers here wouldnt find it much exciting ๐ And, I write in serbian, wich is second problem. I need to cut few lines here and there, and give it another touch. Then Ill find someone to translate it properly and I tought (maybe) to post it here, on this forum. No ones opinion I respect more then that of people you can find here. As to action, have you considered starting out in the middle of an action sequence, then going into the meaty world building. sort of how the 007 movies start out with a pre credits, action packed opening?
Not that your story needs this, just an idea.
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Post by BlackHeart on Jul 23, 2019 9:43:53 GMT -5
As to action, have you considered starting out in the middle of an action sequence, then going into the meaty world building. sort of how the 007 movies start out with a pre credits, action packed opening?
Not that your story needs this, just an idea.
Actualy, I did. But, it would altered begining for at leest one more chapter. Recently, I did add certain epilogue alike pre-chapter. Short, but important. Its capturing of a character that should come later in the story. Let's say, its half action sequence ๐
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