Some (hopefully) Useful Links for Fantasy Writers

Here are some links to some sites writers (and fans of sci-fi and fantasy) might find interesting or useful. If you have any additions or questions about the list, please drop me a line Fraser Ronald

And remember, AtFantasy has it's own e-zine, Sword's Edge. Check it out, and if that doesn't satisfy your fiction cravings, there is always the Fiction Archive.

Fantasy's Realm - Collection of roleplaying and fiction related material.

Bright Weavings: The Worlds of Guy Gavriel Kay
Mr. Kay is my favourite author right now. He is a Canadian (which gives him extra points in this Canuck's books) but most importantly, he's doing something different with fantasy right now. Have a look through of some of his essays and you'll see what I mean. Better yet, read some of his books. You won't be sorry. I suggest Tigana (the link is for Amazon, but you can get it from Chapters.ca if you are in Canada) as a starting point, though if you love high fantasy, The Fionovar Tapestry (made up of The Summer Tree, The Wandering Fire and The Darkest Road) is for you. Remember, this is the guy that helped Christopher Tolkien compile and edit The Silmarillion. Not bad for a first published work.

CALLIHOO Newsletter
This newsletter, editted by Julia West, offers up market news for writers of science fiction, fantasy, and horror. It's regular, informative, and has up-to-date market information, which can be very important. Drop by the site, and if you like what you see, sign up. Be sure to thank Julia, since this is a free service, and how often does one truly get a free lunch?

Christopher Reynaga's The Write Market
A market resource for writer's of genre fiction. If you you are intending to sell some of your writing, this is one place to research your markets. Personally, I find the Market List (see below) easier to navigate, but check them both out; you never have too much information.

Critters Workshop
The internet writers' workshop for genre fiction. Dr. Andrew Burt maintains a consistent and useful workshop. If you write sci-fi, fantasy or horror, have a look. If you want a load of free stories every week, check it out also. There are also lots of writing resources on this site.

The Historical Armed Combat Association
You ever wondered how knights really fought? Did you ever want to see a movie of sword practice? This is the place. Not a re-enactment club, but a scholarly group with the avowed purpose of studying real medieval and renaissance European martial arts. A fascinating and educational site.

Locus Online
This is the online version of one of the most important magazines for writers of sci-fi and fantasy. Some tidbits and teasers for you, and maybe enough to get you to go out and buy the magazine.

L. Ron Hubbard's Writers of the Future
Check it out. You never know, you might win!

The Market List
If you are a writer who thinks you have the stuff to get published, this is a great resource to research the available markets. Remember, though, know your market, which usually means a sample copy or two.

ORB: The Online Resource Book for Medieval Studies
So, you're going to write the next great fantasy novel, are you? Or perhaps a story set in 14th century Irish village? Well, you might want to research what life was like in medieval times, and this is the site that can help you. This is one of those sites I end up spending a few hours perusing, without meaning to.

Parasitorium, the
This is a Yahoo club mostly aimed at writers of horror, but includes information for writers of fantasy and science-fiction. It includes a very comprehensive links section, as well as the chance to connect with other writers, which is always a good thing.

Paul Halsall's Internet History Sourcebooks Project
Spent all last night at ORB (see above) and are ready for some more information? Check this place out. Lotsof good source material for your next fantasy novel, or game world for that matter.

Ralan.com
This market list covers it all, from novel publishers and pro markets to those markets (like Sword's Edge) that can only offer satisfaction. Ralan.com also has writing tips, links, response times and market notes. There are a lot of markets here.

The Science Fiction and Fantasy Roundtable
A resource for readers and writers of sci-fi and fantasy. Lots of stuff to see here, so be prepared for a long wander. There is also a special resource page for writers.

Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America, Inc.
This is the website for the SFWA. It has plenty of information both on the writing of sci-fi and fantasy, as well as authors of the same. Check out the listings under Writing: The Craft and Writing: The Business. These sections are very useful for beginning writers who would like to make it a career. Also, be sure to read Writer Beware and Preditors & Editors, both are very interesting.

World Wide Weblications
Another online writer's resource. It doesn't have as much as the SFWA site or what Dr. Burt has at Critters, but it's worth a look.