Fantasy Prophecy is a fascinating and compelling technique for Writing Fiction and Non-fiction.
When writers use this technique successfully – just like Herman Melville in Moby Dick and Shakespeare in Macbeth – it advances their stories to a new level. The two famous authors display their accomplished writing skills by applying this technique very successfully. They produce anticipation, mystery, and suspense. In this podcast, I compare the prophecy techniques in the two stories. Read the full blog post:
https://fivehousepublishing.com/2021/03/20/writing-skills-wood-and-stone-how-prophecy-changes-everything/
From the author’s sketchbook: Mobi Dick (by Herman Melville). The self-prophesy of Queequeg (harpooner on the whaling ship, the Pequod): “I am going to die – I will build me a coffin.” Ink and watercolour. Credit: William Van Zyl.
The author’s sketchbook: Moby-Dick or ‘The Whale’ is an 1851 novel by American writer Herman Melville. The book is the sailor Ishmael's narrative of Ahab's obsessive quest, captain of the whaling ship Pequod, for revenge on Moby Dick. On the ship’s previous giant-white-sperm-whale-voyage, the whale bit Ahab’s leg off at the knee.
Planning prophecy in fiction is a fine art.
The writer has to plan and consider how much information will be revealed in the prophecy. A touch of mystery is recommended. In fact, including a sort of code will also work well. The writer has to plan the structure of the story. Alternatively, if no planning is included, the writer has to go back and do much editing. It is best if the writer spends a considerable amount of time thinking about the storyline, including the prophecy and the eventual fulfilment, or an unexpected twist. Lean into the ideas before writing. Sleep it over. Think on paper: A diagram or a simple freehand sketch with annotations – before the writing begins – could save the author many hours of rewriting and editing. Read typical prophecy-based stories to develop the skill before attempting the story. It could also be subtle words and concepts that point to future events in the novel. The same technique could also be implemented in non-fiction. However, it is pretty challenging.
More eBooks, articles and blog posts at Five House Publishing:
https://fivehousepublishing.com/
About the author:
http://williamvanzyl.com/
Antonio Gaudi - ‘God’s Architect’ - transforms paradigms. By William Van Zyl. Published in September 2023.
When stories lose their lustre, and children’s creativity and innovation plummet. By William Van Zyl (April 2023).
True stories with unfathomable depth, rich cultural variations, and extensive contexts will develop creativity in young children. By William Van Zyl. Published in April 2023.
Get the Name of the Dog. By William Van Zyl. Published in December 2022.
The Code that Took Humans to the Moon. By William Van Zyl (published December, 23, 2022).
Aslan pulls the sword from the rock - the earth quakes - he defeats the giant. By William Van Zyl. Published in Oct 2022.
To Forgive, or not to Forgive, is the Question. By William Van Zyl. Published in October 2022.
Article - He Never Gave Me a Name. By William Van Zyl - Published August 2022
Midnight-muffin-men stun the baking world by beating face recognition software – a Bake-o-Drama. By William Van Zyl. Published July 2022.
Scuba Diver Defeats Unknown Depths of Hopelessness.
Crystal Radio shortens Gravedigger’s night. By William Van Zyl. Published in June 2022.
Pneumatic words destroy reinforced concrete.
William Draws.
Champollion’s (JFC’s) death – French Decipherer of the Rosetta Stone – underlines one of the age-old killers: Sex, Money, Power, and Fame. Which one could it be? By William Van Zyl.
Introducing the Arduino Uno – a pioneering digital framework – to prepare students for 21-st century problem-solving. Five Journal Entries - A critical reflection. W Van Zyl
Recycling Electronics – Waikato Region (New Zealand): Writing a short essay on ‘The Recycling of Electronics in the Waikato.’
Bathtub-pilots saved miraculously by instruction manual. By William Van Zyl. Published in January 2022.
Advice to Beginner Bloggers and Prospective Writers. By William Van Zyl. Published in December 2021.
Hickory, Dickory, Fig Tree – I ask of you – can you hear me? By William Van Zyl. Published in July 2021.
Tree-to-Tree: From the Lush Canopy – Underhanded and Ciphered – a Message to Thee. By William Van Zyl. Published in June 2021.
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