Today I would like to talk about two "new" writing trends that have developed over the past 5-10 years, and 20-40 years respectfully. A new genre called LitRPG and Deep PoV.
LitRPG
LitRPG, or Literature Role-Playing Game, is a new genre that has started in the last 5-10 years. This type of story has a few elements that are required to be a LitRPG:
The story is based on a Role-Playing Game. Can be a Virtual Game, like an MMO, or Tabletop.
The story has both "real world" and "game world" elements. So Main Character lives in the real world, and the Author writes about it, and then plays the game, from that PoV.
The In-Game Character knows its a game. There is Game Engine discussion, like Leveling Up, Stats, Inventory screens, gear fits, quests. etc.
Fantasy, SciFi, Romance, Horror, are all different styles of the genre. LitRPG is not a sub-genre of any other.
This is a work of Fiction, not FanFiction. But, there are some Real World games, LitRPG is based on. Most games are fictional, in these stories.
The type of game depicted controls the flavor. So, a Fantasy based game, makes it a Fantasy style world.
Deep PoV
I was sent a link via PM, to a writer's blog that spoke of Deep PoV. The writer of the blog made is sound like it's the latest in writing trends, and one that you need to heed. As most major sellers are going this route. (First person PoV can go lay an egg!) Basically what Deep PoV is this. It's the Third Person Point of View, but with Speech Tags, Sensory words, and Thought words removed.
SO:“Alright, son,” Adam said. He chuckled silently, shaking his head. He thought, ‘Oh, to be a teenager again.’
Turns into: “Alright, son.” He chuckled silently, shaking his head. ‘Oh, to be a teenager again.’
Because you the reader knows which character is talking and thinking, and you don't need to be told. Each scene of a story is focused on one character, and gets the treatment. Action Tags might be necessary for other character's in a scene. If you Google Search Deep PoV you can find some related blogs, and articles about it, with more examples. A word of caution though... There was some Not Safe For Work results when I searched.
As it was pointed out to me, several GA authors already use the Deep PoV method in their writings. Two such examples are @Mikiesboy and @AC Benus. I personally hadn't noticed until it was pointed out, and I went back and looked at some of their writings. Also, Stephen King in his book, On Writing (and subject of the First Topic Tuesday) has ideas and thoughts on this Point of View aspect.
So, what do you think of the latest writing trends? Have you used Deep PoV? Would you write a LitRPG?