Hatrack River Writers Workshop: Brave New Worlds?

This is topic Brave New Worlds? in forum Open Discussions About Writing at Hatrack River Writers Workshop.

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Posted by wrenbird (Member # 3245) on :

I just read an article talking about how, on this day, 70 years ago The Hobbit was first published. The author of the article points out that at the time, fantasy fiction was unpopular. Needless to say, Tolkein opened the world's eyes to how fantastic fantasy can be.

It got me thinking, are there any untapped markets left out there? Is some unknowing Tolkein going to write an excellent novel that opens up some new kind of genre? What will that genre be?

Posted by lehollis (Member # 2883) on :

I remember thinking everything had been done genre-wise, just before Steampunk hit. I think there will always be more out there. Maybe not entirely original, but still fresh.

Personally, I'd like to see more fiction along the lines of the Heroes television show--more stories that involve superheroes. Not based on existing characters, no costumes, and good characters.

Posted by annepin (Member # 5952) on :

Wow, 70 years ago! Happy birthday, Hobbit!

I think we're seeing more interest in cross-genre stuff. Over all, there seems to be a fall in epic fantasies and the more "traditional" stuff. I'm curious to see this cross-genre continue mixing, and to see what comes out of it. Intrusion fantasy seems to be increasingly hot these days, as well as magical realism.

[This message has been edited by annepin (edited September 21, 2007).]

Posted by lehollis (Member # 2883) on :

Intrusion fantasy? I'm not familiar with the term.

Urban fantasy seems to be growing lately, too. Or is it just me? I've been thinking my next novel will be along those lines, somehow.

Also seems like historical fantasy is getting popular, too.

Posted by Robert Nowall (Member # 2764) on :

Just out: a two-volume dissection of "The Hobbit," covering the original manuscripts all the way through to the 1960s revisions. Along the lines of "The History of Middle-Earth," but not by Christopher Tolkien.

Would you believe it? I didn't even know it was going to be published until I saw it in Barnes & Noble on Tuesday...

*****

There's very little new under the sun, as they say. It's a matter of a writer breathing new life into an old story. (Harry Potter, for example.) Even Tolkien made new use out of a lot of old elements.