Just a couple questions for those in the know

[lokiie1984]

Sorry if this is in the wrong section, but i couldnlt really figure out where a good place to post would be.

I have wanted to write fantasy since i stumbled onto my first DragonLance book way back in 7th grade. Those books got me through jr high and high school, of course all i did was read so i also failed all my classes. Now I'm 27 years old an unemployed, and i have decided its high time i start actually trying to do something with writing rather then just saying i want to do it some day. So on to my question:

I have developed a fantasy world in my head for where my stories would take place, and i have introduced the two main characters. Now what I'm wondering is, would i be able to do the first book as a short story collection detailing random adventures the main characters have and then do the next one as a true novel? I mean would there really be a market for something like that in the fantasy genre? Or would i be better off just aiming for novels the whole way?

My second question is: Does erotic fantasy sell well? I'm pretty sure i have seen it online but i never really looked that hard. My girl friend and i would be interested in maybe picking up a book or two (really interested if any one knows of any erotic fantasy graphic novels.) I also ask because i'm curious about my options as a writer. If i fail as a fantasy writer maybe i could try something for erotic fantasy.

Anyway thanks for any info, and again sorry if its in the wrong place.

 

[Stella_Omega]

The problem with creative work is that it's pretty much always on spec. Writing fiction is a different process than selling fiction.

I would say-- first, write your book(s) and while you are learning the craft of writing, be also doing your research as to what markets there are out there. Sadly, there are no guarantees.

The rhythm of a short story is very different than that of a novel, the expectations of the reader are different. If I were to read a short story anthology, I am not sure that I, personally, would be very interested in a novel in that same universe. Other people might have a different point of view on that.

erotic fantasy graphic novels... Off the cuff, I can think of Michael Manning, Alan Moore, Elaine Lee/Michael Kaluta and I am sure there are plenty more recent then that.

 

[Innuendos]

It has been my uninformed observation as a reader... a reader, mind you, not writer... of fantasy, that authors generally get collections of their own short stories published after they've put out a larger work. Of course, that does still leave you the option of getting those shorts published in a fantasy fiction magazine or other collection if you're looking to build an interest in the novel.

I'm not the person to ask about the specifics of that, however; you'll want someone that's actually been published.

 

[lokiie1984]

Hmm i will have to try an google some of those an see what comes up. Lil while back i did actually try googling for "erotic fantasy graphic novels" but all that ever came up was art books through amazon.

We just figured they might be fun to read since we do enjoy manga. It just seems that there are so few that share our idea of fantasy.

Anyway thanks for the advice on the books, i kind of figure my best bet would be to just write em out an see where it goes. Who knows by the time im done maybe fantasy will be really popular again lol.

 

[Innuendos]

Hmm i will have to try an google some of those an see what comes up. Lil while back i did actually try googling for "erotic fantasy graphic novels" but all that ever came up was art books through amazon.

We just figured they might be fun to read since we do enjoy manga. It just seems that there are so few that share our idea of fantasy.

Anyway thanks for the advice on the books, i kind of figure my best bet would be to just write em out an see where it goes. Who knows by the time im done maybe fantasy will be really popular again lol.

If you're looking for Fantasy material along the lines of Dragonlance, but with erotic content, you'll probably have to look to some kind of specialty press, produced by one of the men's/women's magazines... it no doubt exists, but it's not so commonplace that you can drop by any store that shells out Marvel, DC, Dark Horse, Image or any of the other of the major graphic novel producers and expect to have a lot of luck.

Adult material, certainly... stuff like Fables has an element of T&A while Gaiman and others like him do have an element of nudity and sexuality in their work, but not outright erotic stuff.

 

[lokiie1984]

I just mean fantasy in general, dragons an elves an wizards, (oh my) but yea i figured i would prolly have to buy online. I just wasnt sure if there was even any out there.

Personally i would love to do the story im working on in graphic novel form, but sadly i have a whopping zero artistic talent. I wish there was a way i could let the reader see it as i see it, with out all the words getting in the way. Guess i will just have to wait until they invent a USB port for the brain.

 

[Bramblethorn]

Don't forget XXXenophile from Studio Foglio. It may be comedy, but it's none the poorer for that. It's on hiatus at the moment because the Foglios are sticking to family-friendly stuff until their kid turns eighteen. (I'd say "alas", but the family-friendly stuff is awesome too.) Most of XXXenophile is fairly short stories, but one of the later collections is a longer fantasy story.

Last I looked, Blowfish had a range of erotic GNs, some fantasy, some not; you could look there as a starting point.

 

[glynndah]

I just mean fantasy in general, dragons an elves an wizards, (oh my) but yea i figured i would prolly have to buy online. I just wasnt sure if there was even any out there.

Personally i would love to do the story im working on in graphic novel form, but sadly i have a whopping zero artistic talent. I wish there was a way i could let the reader see it as i see it, with out all the words getting in the way. Guess i will just have to wait until they invent a USB port for the brain.

There are a number of very talented artists working in the AH. You might want to contact some of them and see if they're willing to collaborate with you. Try the Visual Artists' Corner at the top of this page.

A welcome for the little newbie from the good little witch.

 

[Etaski]

I have developed a fantasy world in my head for where my stories would take place, and i have introduced the two main characters. Now what I'm wondering is, would i be able to do the first book as a short story collection detailing random adventures the main characters have and then do the next one as a true novel? I mean would there really be a market for something like that in the fantasy genre? Or would i be better off just aiming for novels the whole way?

Strictly based on what I've seen done before:

The novel comes first.
The anthology expanding on the fantasy world with different characters and situations in short stories comes later (when/if there's demand and interest).

The usual reason: people get to know and like the main characters, and then they become curious to learn more about the "support" characters and other parts of world.

However, there's nothing saying you couldn't get creative and write several shorter tales that somehow connect and come together at the end. It's just an idea.

My second question is: Does erotic fantasy sell well? I'm pretty sure i have seen it online but i never really looked that hard. My girl friend and i would be interested in maybe picking up a book or two (really interested if any one knows of any erotic fantasy graphic novels.)

Erotica graphic novels, there plenty if you look. Check out some local comic shops and ask the vendor for recommendations or anything he/she might stock or be able to order in. They'll appreciate your business.

Milo Manara is a favorite of mine. He wrote and drew the "Click!" series of stories. It's a modern day setting and he's mostly heterosexual with a lot of Exhibition/Voyeur aspects (plus more kinks). A favorite theme of his in "Click" is the gorgeous woman having sex with guys who would not normally be able to attain someone of her appearance.

There's also "Sapphire" by Barry Blair and Colin Chan that's a pretty fun/weird fantasy setting. That's more your classic "Conan/Red Sonja if they were elves" feel but they don't take themselves too seriously.

Michael Manning (seconded) is extremely talented with his portrayal of bondage, fetishes and transgender/androgyny fantasy. He favors Asian/Japanese styles of storytelling and imagery and I'd highly recommend him.

Adam Warren writes the "Empowered" series of books that is more a parody on both American and Anime Superhero comics, with a very engaging story, tons of humor and lots of wit (his dialogue is some of the most organic and creative I've run across), as well as astonishingly accurate issues with confidence and understanding the opposite sex. All while being very sexy. I highly recommend Adam Warren's work.

You could look for books published by "Amerotica" to find more titles and artists such as these.

Yes, it does sell.

EDIT: I forgot...if you want to just "sample" some erotica graphic stories, check out Heavy Metal magazine. It's geared mostly toward heterosexual men, but some of the fantasy/sci-fi stories are good, though be warned there's usually a lot of violence.

 

[Angellica1612]

Sherilynn Kenyon (sp?) writes some juicy fantasy novels.