Surviving Fantasy

Filed Under Tales from the Author's Desk | 4 Comments

If my life was a fantasy story, I would be one of those extras who dies in Chapter 1.

Why? Because I wouldn’t survive living in classical fantasy.

My reflexes are terrible. I’d get struck by Avada Kedavra or an enemy’s blade like that.

I’m out of shape, and that doesn’t lend itself well to outrunning enemies. Actually, I have exercise-induced asthma, so I’ve got two strikes against me on that one.

I don’t like hurting people during weapons training. I don’t hit very hard, I apologize when I do what I’m supposed to, it just doesn’t work so well. I guess I could still be an archer, but if someone pulls a knife on me I’m doomed.

Also, in case you missed it because you didn’t read my name, I’m a girl. Girls are expected to stay at home, cook and clean (or embroider if they’re noble), marry well, have lots of kids, and obey all men.

Yeah, screw that. If I don’t die of boredom, I’d get burned as a demon or something for standing up for myself.

So what about you? Would you survive in fantasy?

  • Welcome

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    Hi, I'm Jenn, new grad student and old YA fantasy writer. I've long dreamed of being a novelist, and I bet you have too. I hope you find my blog helpful, inspiring, and maybe just a little bit fun. (But not too much fun. Writing is serious business, you know.)

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  • Official Progress


    4/21 segments

    A narrator hijacks a cliche fantasy story, much to the chagrin of its characters.

    Status: Second revision



    1,639/70,000 words
    A young noblewoman with strange powers must choose: her king or her soul.

    Status: First draft



    1,087/70,000 words
    When a girl's heart is stolen, she's plunged into a world of magic and shadows - but can she get her heart back before she loses it completely?

    Status: First draft





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    Jennifer Johnson © 2010