wicked writing

It's always good to come up with your own ideas but the term "rip off" is rather harsh. We all have to start somewhere and like artists, we learn from others till we can do more original things on our own. Writers who want to break into this market aren't going to know automatically what to write so it helps to use POPULAR icons and ideas that will appeal to many readers. Have you seen all the hundreds of books out now about vampires and romance because of the movie Twilight? It's BIG BUSINESS and writers have to eat and pay bills just like anyone else. If people want dragons, write about dragons. If people want vampires write about vampires. Not all writers are just writing for the art or creativity but there is no reason your shouldn't add such to the genre you decide to write in, once you know what you are doing and have the elements that will not only attract READERS but also BUYERS! I applaud you for writing your first fantasy novel. I am current working on my first fantasy novels and yes, I have the normal fairies, elves, dragons and medieval lore that so many people EXPECT and enjoy in fantasy. I do try to be creative with my stories though and hope to branch out with newer and more original characters soon.

There's nothing wrong with having those things in your story as long as it IS your story. Paolini is a plagiarist and not even a clever one. You both misunderstood what I was saying and took it the wrong way. Anyone who would want to write vampire stories because of Twilight would be better served by reading Bram Stoker instead. Twilight is badly written. I have no fairies, elves or dragons and mine is set in modern time. I do, however have Siog, Pantar, Luchorpan, Spiorad, Marbh, Bean Sidhe, and a number of others. It isn't what you call them-it's what you do with them.

I prefer mixing fantasy and reality. I am currently finally!!! In the process of actually writing a novel, and it consist of both. The reality being things actually experienced and felt and then fill in the rest. (: