Book Suggestions

[Pravuil]

I decided that it would probably be foolish to kick off my writing career with the cliche fantasy that is so common today, as without ample writing experience I wouldn't be able to differentiate my book from any other. And so I decided to experiment with a couple possible books before I even attempt to create the staple book that I have had in mind for a while now. This preliminary book(s), for lack of better wording, will contain within them just as much as my love for writing, fantasy, and rescripting as any other book I could envision myself writing would, albeit written by a less experienced hand as opposed to a later date.

After musing this I came up with a list of books and I think I have finally found a suitable theme to be secure in my starting point. I was thinking of having a group of people being immersed in an exceptionally vivid video game, based over fantasy, and playing their characters mentally, guiding them through actions, etc.

I am aware this idea has been done myriad times over, but I want to add a new element to it. A state of seperate realities, where in real-time some glitch, hold-up, etc. is taking place, while the immersed characters mind's are gradually assimilating with that of their characters, becoming more alike, a very unexpected glitch. This might be done in a private lab or the likes, in which SWAT or some such would invade in the end, rescue said labrats, and all of that hooplaa.

My main vice now is knowing what people would want to see in such a story, what could possibly add a new level of interest for you personally? As I said, I want this to be a very trying book, trying on the mind that is, as there will be many cross-plots and the main characters themselves will, at first be able to distinguish themselves from the game, but later on I plan to fragment the realities, add a level of complexity and depth to this overdone theme. And so I conclude my, erm...ramblings. Note that this is meant to be a book for young and old adults alike, but definitely not kids, as I have seen this type of book done mostly in literature for the younger readers. As I asked before, what would personally make such a story interesting to you? What would you like to see in this book? Any idead that you think would fit respectably well into such a book? Any advice?

This will be very personal in writing style, the story that is, for any wondering. Suggestions for the beginning are particularly welcome, as I can imagine the preponderance of events to take place in the book except for the beginning. With time it will come, but like I said, suggestions are welcome.

[Joel007]

I would be interested to read a book like that, I've always admired authors who can mix two or more realities to such an extent that they begin to overlap.

[Culhwch]

Sounds very much like Tad William's Otherland... Was that one of your influences on this theme? If not you might like to give it a look-see.

[Pravuil]

Actually it wasn't, I just figured this idea so outlandish in adult fantasy that I presumed noone had written it's peer before...guess I was wrong.

[GOLLUM]

You'll find most themes/ideas have been covered in various guises these days but it's good to see you have a go!

I wish you success in your endeavour...

[Ghost of Harrenhal]

I'd recommend having a character die in game and it having a catastrophic effect on his real life self or something. Maybe he goes into a coma?

Is it a networked game you are talking about? Like a fantasy MMORPG? Because then death in any form isn't really an important factor so you may want to consider changing the rules or something and setting it in the future.

Imagine a game where when you die, you must start again from square one. There are no extra lives or saving the game. I expect that is the kind of game these guys are playing.