Traditionally, the adventuring warrior is a manly man who exemplifies the ideals of masculine prowess. Women are excited by him because he is dangerous. They love him because he is a relentless rescuer and a fearless protector. Men admire him for every reason women desire him. As for the adventurous female warrior, men desire her and women admire her for her feminine strength and graceful prowess.
Fear is thrilling. A lurking horror fascinates because it is an entity that arouses such a strong, primal sensation. Even if the thing is ugly, it is somehow beautiful in its terrifying ugliness.
Comely women are visually appealing whether weak or strong, heroic or villainous. Their very presence is a sexual ambiance, to both men and women. Whether helpless damsel or formidable dominatrix the comely female is more "comely" than anything else. Whether we like it or not, we would have her no other way.
Magic and technology are spurred by the same impetus: empowerment by extraordinary means. They are will made manifest. Magic is viewed as "mysterious" and is associated with antiquity. Technology is the industrial "magic" of the presumed future. Both fascinate. Both illicit fear. Either way, even when vilified, magic and technology are glorified as awesome.
We like what we like whether we like it or not. Our fancies are what they are whether we entertain them or not. Our best fiction makes sense of our nonsense and does so by being exciting. Sex, violence and the fantastic make our stories vibrant, exotic and simply fun.
Writing is all about expression. The things that move us are the ones we are most inspired to write about. Concerning such, we can write with abandon.
ReplyDeleteIndeed. Our favorite themes never change.
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