These last couple years I’ve been a wanderer when it comes to genre. I’ve experimented with science fiction and fantasy and various combinations of the two. All the while, I’ve stuck to my penchant for the dark and the weird.

A genre exists in my mind, yet for all my searches, I’ve yet to find a label for it. However, the fantasy subgenre of sword and sorcery has taken me closer. It’s not about vast battles between good and evil, but rather the personal conflicts of flawed characters. It often takes horror and weird fiction and tells it through fast-paced fantasy. And it thrives in the short form.

Discovering S&S

Prior to last month, I knew of sword and sorcery and had read a few titles, but I couldn’t tell you much about it. Then I happened upon a YouTube video praising the versatility of the genre and my obsession began. I visited multiple bookstores throughout the city and bought a heap of books which I consumed voraciously.

I started with the Big Three: Robert E. Howard (of Conan fame), Michael Moorcock (Elric among others), and Fritz Leiber (Fafhrd and the Gray Mouser), before diving into other classics, such as Zelazny’s Dilvish and David C. Smith’s Oron, and numerous anthologies.

Writing

Before I even had a handle on the genre, I began writing it. My first S&S story was called “Eddu and Elor,” which I later renamed “The Slime of Olungu.” This was meant to be a practice piece, just to get a feel for things. But then I saw a call for submissions from a small S&S zine and thought, Why not submit it?

I completed the story and polished the heck out of it (I’ve never cut so many words). A couple weeks ago, I sent it to the publisher. Though I doubt it will be accepted, I am proud of what I created and prouder that I sent it out.

It’s been a while since I’ve submitted a story (longer than I care to admit). Mostly because I’ve been teetertottering between genres, unable to latch on to an idea for too long. I feel I’ve found a home (at least a temporary home) in sword and sorcery. And I hope this is the start of a lot more submissions.

Many authors in the genre focus on the numerous exploits of a single character: Howard’s Conan, Moorcock’s Elric, etc. I thought I’d follow suit. But I didn’t have to look far. I’ve been writing about my character Thalamus since I was thirteen years old. His adventures would make a perfect series of tales, I thought, so I began fleshing them out.

I brainstormed, jotted down notes, and soon I had four good ideas for short stories featuring Thalamus. I just had to write them. I truly believed I had gold. It was only when I read the fourth volume of Moorcock’s Elric of Melniboné series that I realized the similarities.

Unintentionally, Thalamus has far too much in common with Elric. Not one or two things, but soooo much. To me, it didn’t seem derivative since I created Thalamus long before I’d ever heard of Elric. But I knew I couldn’t submit it without it being labeled pastiche.

That slowed me down a lot.

Right now, I’m working through a few ideas, unsure if I want to create a new multi-story character or stick with one-offs. I’m still reading as much as I possibly can, hoping that the ideas come to me. I have a vast playground to work in, given all the worldbuilding I’ve done over the years, and something new will eventually show up (I hope).

Norwescon

On April 2nd through the 5th, I attended Norwescon, a science fiction and fantasy convention a half hour drive from my house. It was my first year attending and I had a blast. The main reason I go to conventions is the inspiration. I went to a multitude of panels, listening to talented writers talk about the craft. It recharged my failing batteries and I learned oodles in the process.

I didn’t sign up for any workshops this year, but what I gleaned from this convention was well worth the ticket price. I plan to attend next year. Though I must admit that SFF authors are not nearly as fun as horror and bizarro authors.

One of the highlights was the Free Book Table. In fact, my two favorite words are “free” and “book.” I limited myself to sword and sorcery titles and just so happened to find all four books of C.J. Cherryh’s Morgaine Saga—signed!

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I’ve heard it said that sword and sorcery is entering its third wave (the first was in the 1930s, the second in the 60s-80s). I’m not one to chase trends, but it means more publishing opportunities and more great modern work to read.

Well, I better get back to work,

Zé