Flintlock Fantasy: Why You Should Read (and Write) It

Flintlock? What's That? 

Traditional fantasy encompasses the usual tribe--elves, dwarves, orcs, hobbits--with a not-quite-so-historically-accurate medieval flavor of sweeping robes, majestic dresses, and a plague or two. Sound familiar? I'm sure a few stories have popped into your head already.

No offense, Cersei.

Until Tor released an article about this particular sub-genre I had no idea that my epic fantasy book would probably be categorized as such. Flintlock is a fantasy sub-genre that focuses on an 18th-century setting, and named after the gun ignited by the spark of a flint. After having dabbled in writing historical fiction (tried to write an American Revolution spy-themed story before Turn showed up!), I put away my research in a box, never thinking that I would pick it up again for any other project. Besides, I realized that I needed to have a degree, or spend years doing research, to get it to the accuracy I wanted. And yet, when I began a massive revision for my epic fantasy trilogy I realized that all of my research wouldn't go to waste. And, thus, a most peculiar affair began with this emerging sub-genre known as Flintlock--or Gunpowder--Fantasy. 

1. Why Always the Middle Ages? 

With so much saturation of Middle Age fantasy, it's difficult for an outsider to differentiate between stories. Medieval fantasy is great! Much of it is amazing and have influenced the epic fantasy genre immensely, from George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire to Robert Jordan's Wheel of Time. I'd be kidding if I didn't say that all of these stories influenced my reading tastes, as well as inspired me to take up the writing quill myself.

However, it's gotten to the point where people unfamiliar with the genre will conjure images of the elf, the dwarf, the wizard, and if you've ever played a game of Munchkins you'll know what I'm talking about. Everyone shares the same resources, everyone expects sword-fighting and horses and castles. These tropes have worked well, however because of these a lot of modern epic fantasy seems just as stunted as the traditional worlds have not evolved over time. With magic on their side, it only seems natural that fantasy worlds would move forward as a society, merge magic and technology, and explore brave new worlds.    

2. Technology--The Gunpowder

It's hard enough to construct a magic system, but when you throw technology into the mix things can get muddy pretty fast. How can you possibly structure a magic system by itself, much less with technology?!

But I'm here to say that magic can integrate with technology! I like to think of it as another exercise when building your magic system. I can see how some writers would eschew technology, as it places more emphasis on the guns instead of the fun fireballs characters can throw at each other. Guns can remove an element of intimacy that sword-fighting brings to a story, or the wonder of a magic fight. However, think of gunpowder fantasy as a peculiar exercise that requires the writer to think about magic-technology integration.

Some questions for writers to think about: 

• Does the magic hinder or enhance the technology? 
• Can the general public use the technology, or must they be magic-users to use the technology? 
• In what does does technology enhance or hinder the magic system, if it does so at all? 

3. Readers Want Something Different 

This article isn't just about Flintlock, it's about genres changing with the times. I'm certain more amazing fantasy books set in the Middle Ages will arise, but readers' taste will change. They want diversity within fiction, and eventually they will look elsewhere if they cannot find it within traditional fantasy. This can be anything from reading fantasy set in different time periods, different cultures, and exploring gender/sexuality. What this sub-genre can offer:

• Civilizations on the cusp of rebellion (potential breakup with traditional monarchies found in fantasy)
• Magic-Technology integration 
• World Exploration (get past the small map on the inside cover!) and interaction with a wider and more diverse setting.

Flintlock is one of the many ways the genre can diversify, and I'm excited to see the possibilities of what this sub-genre can offer! 

4. A Final Word 

I don't like to capitalize on trends, but it seems like Flintlock may increase in popularity due to works like Hamilton: the Musical. As new readers discover American history through the musical they may turn to reading historical novels, and for those who love both history and epic fantasy, this is a perfect marriage!

Also, just think of Hamilton with magic! 

I mean it's already pretty magical

Do you have a favorite Flintlock book? Tell me your favorite in the comments! 


Flintlock Fantasy Recommendations: 
**The book recommendations in this section uses Amazon Affiliate Links. By clicking on these links you help this blog make monies**
 
Thieftaker (The Thieftaker Chronicles)
His Majesty's Dragon (Temeraire, Book 1
The Dreamer (Webcomic by Lora Innes, free to read online)

On my To-Read List:
Promise of Blood (The Powder Mage Trilogy)