Blog Tour - N R Williams Fantasy Writer - What elements are in the story?

My guest today is fellow blogger and author N. R. Williams, who recently released THE TREASURES OF CARMELIDRIUM. For those of you who got a surprise I've invited Nancy to my flash fiction blog as the Publication Party is raging over at my L'Aussie Writing blog.

Nancy's blog tour has proved hugely popular and she has had a loyal band of followers/commenters at each session. I hope you find today's session equally intriguing. Please tell us what you think after the session.

Firstly, in case this is your first visit to the blog tour, here is a little information about N.R.Williams:

N. R. Williams lives in Colorado, U.S.A. with her husband. She is delighted to have two three year old grandchildren, cousins. She’s a long time member of Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers and has been privileged to attend conferences and workshops. Since her formative years, she’s been inventing fantastical stories and since she could spell she’s been writing them down. While she majored in art in college, she didn’t make a living at it. Now, she uses her skills of observation to create fantastical worlds, interesting characters and stories that touch the heart.

Fantasy is not a genre that I, myself, am completely familiar with, so I was intrigued when I first read the synopsis of "The Treasures of Carmelidrium," wondering what elements I would find in this story - romance? suspense? horror? How would these elements add to the story? Let's hear what Nancy has to say.

What Elements Are in the Story?

Thank you Denise for allowing me to be here with my blog book tour for “The Treasures of Carmelidrium.” I am grateful and have been enjoying myself immensely. I hope those who have been following the tour have been enjoying themselves just as much.

Today we will talk about the elements in a story. My story. You may say, “What do you mean by elements?” Good question.

Elements in a story are types of tension built within it to bring added dimension. Some genres are specific with the treatment of its story. In Romance, you must have romance. In a Cozy Mystery, there must be a murder on the first page. Usually the investigator is not a member of the police. In a Suspense Thriller you’d better have suspense and thrills, blood and gore, murder and mayhem. In Urban Fantasy you need to have a raw edge to your writer’s voice.

These are all elements of the story. More and more, stories can also have elements of another type of novel. A Romance can also be a Thriller. A Cozy Mystery may have paranormal activity. A Suspense Thriller may have Romance. Urban Fantasy might encompass a who done it. The way you determine which category each book is, is by the first type. Therefore in a Romance Thriller, the romantic aspect is stronger than the thrills.

“The Treasures of Carmelidrium,” is an epic fantasy more because some publishers don’t have a category for high fantasy. What does epic or high mean? Usually it means that the characters have a quest that must be fulfilled. It can also mean that they must endeavor to defeat the villain and the quest may be a journey of self discovery. Frodo must endure hardships and isolation enforced on him by the power of the “ring.” Samwise will not leave Frodo’s side regardless of how much Frodo tries to push him away. The quest is to get rid of the “ring” in the fires of Mordor. (The Lord of the Ring, J. R. R. Tolkein).

In the “Treasures of Carmelidrium,” Missie is forced to come to terms with the fact that she has been transported to a medieval world. Here in Gil-Lael, her music is powerful. It can heal, destroy and empower the treasures. On her journey, she has several romantic interludes with the prince. She is hunted, attacked and fearful for her life. The elements of romance and suspense follower her; plus the mystery of who Renwyk, the villain, is. These elements create tension, tenderness, fear, questions about what she wants, and more. They are the secondary plots. The reason the reader wants to turn the page. In the end, it is the elements; more than the quest that helps Missie grow from a young twenty year old college student into an adult. She must decide what is more important to her and waivers at every turn.

The reader is given clues throughout. This isn’t a cozy mystery, so my clues are not hidden. But until the end, Missie doesn’t know what she will do and the reader may guess, you might even cheat and read the last page first, but for the character, this is a journey of self discovery.

I’ll be by throughout the day to answer questions and comment.

And don't forget, leave your email address with your comment as there are 3 e-books of Treasures of Carmelidrium to give away. Don't miss out on the chance!

Drawing and announcement is on my blog Feb. 1, 2011. I will email the winner and they will have a choice between kindle, iBookstore or Barnes and Nobles for the e-book. One book per winner.~~

 

When a hooded man steps in front of her car, Missie is thrust through a portal into a medieval world where she encounters monsters and mythical creatures. Here, her flute has magical powers to heal and destroy and to empower “The Treasures of Carmelidrium.” She is romanced by a prince and hunted by the villain. Will she find her way home? Does she want to?

THE TREASURES OF CARMELIDRIUM is available at Amazon for Kindle and Amazon UK for Kindle. The book is being sold for $2.99 until July 1, 2011 when it will increase to $3.99.

Thank you,

N. R. Williams (Nancy)

Thank you so much Nancy, for explaining to us the elements of your story. I'm sure "The Treasures of Carmelidrium" has captured our imaginations and we're all excited to read it. We all wish you the best and may you have a best-seller on your hands!

Enjoy the rest of your tour...

Denise