Hi again folks! I've returned to screenwriting after a long hiatus, and am rediscovering my creative side. Adding into that, I've also rediscovered fantasy books, as well as romantasy, which has really captured my fancy.
My dream job at this point, if I don't sell my own projects? Being in the writer's room of Fourth Wing or the future Sarah J Maas projects (if they ever get into development). I've written fan fiction for Throne of Glass, if that's not proof of my fandom.
That said, I lean into drama with some humorous elements. I love stories that elevate human struggles of connection and elevating their true powers, regardless of age or life circumstance. I would love to connect with writers who aren't young anymore, who have lived life and see the world differently than they did when they were younger. Also people who think that all art is inherently political. I can't write a story that doesn't have an underlying political message; the trick is writing it in a way that doesn't hit you over the head.
Love to hear from others who are of like mind!
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Hi, Claire Kaplan. Welcome back to screenwriting. I've never heard of Romantasy. I gotta use that when I write a Romantic Fantasy script. :D What's one of your favorite Fantasy books?
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Hi Maurice!
Romantasy IS romantic fantasy, although typically you can give a hint whether the book is primarily fantasy or romance. My current fave books: Anathema by Keri Lake (sequel is Eldritch, 3rd TBA). Throne of Glass by Sarah J Maas (more fantasy than romance; she started writing it when she was a teen and you can tell but continued for years since there are seven books and got increasingly better. The story, the world-building, the characters are chef's kiss. SJM has three series out and two have a crossover; in the future all three will crossover. Another series, A Court of Thorns and Roses (AKA ACOTAR) was in development but rights reverted back. Sixth book in that series is due out late this year or early next I think.. ACOTAR is more romance than fantasy. Third series, which I also love, is Crescent City, an urban fantasy-romance; three books out, one remains. Two other good ones: When the Moon Hatched. Sequel coming out within the next few months. And Direbound by Sable Sorenson--sequel coming out within a year.
If you check out Goodreads or Booktok you'll find a zillion romantasy books. It's the largest-selling genre in publishing rn.
I have a feature script that's romantasy, set in present-day Northern Virginia. It's on my profile, called Boyfriend Trouble. Something I learned on Reddit when diving into the whole morass of romantasy subs, was the term "book boyfriend," which I found quite fascinating. You might want to check all of that out, because it's a real education. Tons of fun, I think.
Last commint: I'd love some feedback from someone who is into fantasy, so if you have the energy to read my script (which now has three different endings (!) let me know :).
I added those books to my read list, Claire Kaplan. I'm trying to read more books. Thanks.
Boyfriend Trouble sounds interesting. I've never heard of "book boyfriend." Using terms to come up with script ideas is a great idea!
I'm working on four projects, I have projects/jobs lined up, I have scripts to read for writers, and being a Stage 32 Lounge Moderator takes up a lot of my time, so my plate is full right now and for a while. I added your script to my script read list though.
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Thanks so much! I don’t expect you to read it though, with everything on your plate.
Have fun reading! don’t expect great literature. if I could, I’d take a blue pencil to all of Sarah’s books
You're welcome, Claire Kaplan. Hopefully I'll be able to catch up on some scripts this weekend and next week. And I wrote a Fantasy Comedy short script called Money Roses a while back. I'm thinking about turning it into a Romantasy feature script now. Thanks.
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You should! And if you’d like I’d be happy to read it. Short or long.
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I love this! Welcome back Claire Kaplan I focus on the intersection of psychological thrillers and sci-fi, exploring how societal structures and norms impact mental health and spirituality. I've found that building "grit" through life experience adds a necessary depth to storytelling that you just can't shortcut. Good luck with your work!
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Ryan I certainly appreciate your interests! I’d like to know more about your projects.
I spent >40 years as a victim advocate, so I suspect that we have much in common.
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I think I'm going to turn the short into a feature script, Claire Kaplan. Thanks and thanks for the offer.
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I love Throne of Glass too! It’s my favorite fantasy book series
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Me too! I especially adore Lorcan and Elide. I've written some fanfic for them, and plan to write more. I've heard rumors that SJM is still in negotiations ever since ACOTAR fell through. I think it's because of the cross-over and any producer will need the rights to all three series (possibly four if Twilight of the Gods is published) to be able to realize a Maasverse series. Have you read Anathema? There's a sequel--Eldritch--and a third coming out next year. I so love that series as well. I think in part because I spent the better part of 40 years as a victim advocate, and the MMC is a morass of PTSD from horrible abuse. I see Lorcan that way as well. You don't walk around in the world with a glower and a cloud of rage without having a history of childhood trauma.
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Lina, since you love TOG, you might be interested in my fanfic! There's also some other wonderful fanfic that I love--both Manorian and Elorcan fics. Mine is Lorcan's backstory and a bit of Elorcan. I plan to write about their lives in Perranth, too, but haven't gotten there yet.