Alchemy with Words: The Complete Guide to Writing Fantasy vol 1 (The Compete Guide Series) (Paperback)

by Darin Park (Editor), Tom Dullemond (Editor)
Key Phrases: semantic mapping, high fantasy, supernatural villain, Middle Ages, Science Fiction, The Lord of the Rings (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review
The Complete Guide lives up to its name and goes beyond the ordinary. -- Jeanine Berry, FictionFactor.com, author of Dayspring Dawning and Daysprint Destiny

Review

"Comprehensive, with much advice on historical settings, weapons, combat, world building and such, and fantasy writers can profit by it."

- Piers Anthony, Author of the Xanth Series -


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Product Details

• Paperback: 360 pages
• Publisher: Dragon Moon Press; 1 edition (May 28, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1896944094
• ISBN-13: 978-1896944098
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 5.8 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (21 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #176,615 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

120 of 124 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Background Material, October 2, 2003

By	Moira Allen (Chantilly, VA USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I've picked up many "genre" writing books that have proved a huge disappointment -- maybe a chapter or two of genre info followed by the usual "how to type a manuscript" stuff. This book is a refreshing change! For anyone seeking to build a "realistic" fantasy world, it's a compendium of expert advice -- covering food, clothing, weapons, warfare, religion, even a fantastic (no pun intended) section on diseases. There have been criticisms of this book based on the fact that many of the contributors aren't "established" fantasy authors. What they ARE is experts in the fields upon which they are contributing, whether that field is medicine, weaponry, or what-have-you. In short, if you were going to look up "experts" to talk to about some aspect of the world you're building, these are the people you'd ask. This book will stay on my shelf! --...

50 of 54 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A great resource, October 5, 2003

By	Sheri L. McGathy "Author, http://www.sherilmc... (United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

The Complete Guide to Writing Fantasy is a great reference guide for the aspiring fantasy author who is bubbling over with all the "How do I" questions. It is also a wonderful resource for those who have been writing in the genre for some time, but maybe need to understand one aspect of the genre more than another.

I personally found the sections on medieval food, medieval clothing and the sections on armor and combat very helpful.

You can't go wrong with this on your bookshelf.

47 of 53 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Researchers can provide valuable assistance, October 1, 2003

By A Customer

Scanning this book, I found it to be a collection of useful and well-researched information. As a librarian, I value the quality of research more than whether I have heard of the author, and the depth of coverage speaks for itself in this volume. Don't be put off if you might not have heard of some of the authors, for the sections are insightful, knowledgable and prompted some very interesting story ideas.