FANTASTIC REALMS
KEEP IT SHORT
Fantasy fiction is known for epics – but as Alex Davis explains, there are worlds of possibilities in writing ‘anti-epic’ short stories
When you think of fantasy fiction, one of the first words that comes to mind might well be ‘epic’. The genre often features tales that are vast in scope and size, spreading across multiple volumes – with the trilogy remaining a real favourite – not to mention the fact that each part of the story can run to 150,000 words or more with ease. The vast array of characters, strong elements of worldbuilding and significant events that will alter said world mean that fantasy can be at its very best in an extended format.
However, we are starting to see something of a shift of late, with fantasy books themselves starting to become shorter – many of the new wave of romantasy titles epitomise that move. The whys and wherefores of this would probably constitute another article entirely, but personally I hope and believe this will allow another underserved market to flourish – the fantasy short story. In this article, we’ll explore some of the challenges and opportunities that can present.
Setting up your world
I used the word above, and it’s hard to reflect on fantasy without its worldbuilding elements. Authors often lavish weeks, months or even years on creating a setting for their stories that feels immersive and consistent, a fully-functioning society with tensions built within it – and all of that without mentioning those genre trappings of magic and fantastical creatures that often come with the territory. That world is a big part of what allows for those epic tales to be told – the author needs to know it inside out before starting, and little is improvised or made up on the spot.