How To Write Dark Fantasy: Writers' Wednesdays

Summary

In this Writer's Wednesday video, author Cassie Van Gundy delves into the dark fantasy genre, discussing its history, defining characteristics, and tips for aspiring writers. Highlighting the genre's roots with Gertrude Barros Bennett and its evolution through authors like Charles L. Grant, she offers insights on creating compelling dark fantasy by incorporating horror elements, writing from a monster's perspective, and establishing a tone of dread. Van Gundy also emphasizes the importance of diversity in the genre and encourages a more inclusive space for writers of all backgrounds.

Takeaways

• 📚 The video is part of a series called 'Writer's Wednesdays' hosted by Cassie Van Gundy, an author who shares tips for writers and discusses her experiences in the publishing world.
• 🎨 The channel focuses on dark fantasy, a genre that Cassie writes in, and the video aims to define it and offer advice on writing within this genre.
• 👩 The video acknowledges Gertrude Barros Bennett as a key figure in the creation of dark fantasy, highlighting the need for diversity in a genre that is often male-dominated and white.
• 🌑 Dark fantasy is described as a subgenre of fantasy that incorporates horror elements and supernatural horror, often set in a secondary world rather than the real world.
• 👻 The video differentiates dark fantasy from horror by stating that while horror can be graphic and vividly scary, dark fantasy includes unsavory elements but isn't purposely grotesque.
• 📖 Charles L. Grant is mentioned as someone who popularized dark fantasy, defining it as a horror story where humanity is threatened by an outside force beyond its understanding.
• 🧛‍♂️ Dark fantasy can also be told from the perspective of a monster or an anti-hero, offering a different viewpoint than traditional fantasy stories.
• 🎬 The genre is not limited to literature but is also prevalent in movies, anime, and manga, with examples like 'Berserk', 'Madoka Magica', and 'Pan's Labyrinth'.
• ✍️ Writing advice for dark fantasy includes creating a sense of dread and impending doom, using detailed environmental descriptions to build tension, and focusing on the character's sensory experiences.
• 🔮 The protagonist in dark fantasy can be morally ambiguous or an anti-hero, offering a fresh perspective on storytelling compared to traditional heroes.
• 🌧️ Setting the right mood is crucial, and even a gloomy setting can contribute to the dark fantasy vibe, affecting the characters' psyche and actions.

Q & A

Who is the author of the video series 'Writer's Wednesdays'?

Cassie Van Gundy is the author of the video series 'Writer's Wednesdays'.

What is the debut work of Cassie Van Gundy mentioned in the video?

Cassie Van Gundy's debut work mentioned in the video is 'Chris Fate'.

What genre does Cassie Van Gundy write in?

Cassie Van Gundy writes in the genre of dark fantasy.

Why is the video's theme spooky?

The video's theme is spooky because it is almost October, which is Cassie Van Gundy's favorite month and season, and she plans to do more spookier themed writing videos.

Who is credited with inventing the term 'dark fantasy'?

Gertrude Barros Bennett is credited with inventing the term 'dark fantasy'.

What are the key elements of dark fantasy according to the video?

Dark fantasy is a subgenre of fantasy that focuses on dark themes, incorporates horror elements, and often involves supernatural horror or takes place in secondary fantasy worlds.

What differentiates dark fantasy from horror?

While both genres share dark themes, dark fantasy is not purposely trying to be grotesque or overly vivid in its horror, and it often includes elements of fantasy settings.

How does Charles L. Grant describe dark fantasy?

Charles L. Grant describes dark fantasy as a type of horror story in which humanity is threatened by an outside force beyond its understanding.

What advice does Cassie Van Gundy give for writing scary scenes in dark fantasy?

Cassie Van Gundy suggests building up descriptions of the environment, using deliberate verbs and adjectives to build tension, and focusing on the main character's feelings and physical reactions to create a sense of unease.

What is the significance of the protagonist in dark fantasy?

In dark fantasy, the protagonist may not be a pure hero but could be an anti-hero or a morally ambiguous character, which can add depth and complexity to the story.

How does the setting contribute to the dark fantasy genre?

The setting can contribute to the dark fantasy genre by being dark and gloomy, creating an atmosphere of dread and hopelessness, which is crucial for establishing the genre's tone.