The exegesis will elaborate on the research process undertaken this year to write a fictional draft novel. The creative work is a young adult fantasy novel, and is part one of what will eventually be a three part series. At this stage, its working title is Phaze One. The introduction of the exegesis discusses what may possibly be the attraction of the fantasy genre to many writers; especially in light of what some critics refer to as the ‘light-weight genre’, and why fantasy has attracted me. There is an overview of Phaze One and why I have chosen to write part one of a three part series. The landscape of contemporary young adult fantasy, as well as, the categories of science fiction and fantasy literature and how they overlap will be discussed, with reference to academic literature. I will also discuss the relevance of mythic conventions and archetypes common in fantasy, and how these conventions have been adapted to the novel. Thus, positioning the creative work within its wider context. The exegesis includes reference to various writers who were relevant to the creative process; however, significant reference will be to the young adult fantasy writer Garth Nix and his ‘Keys to the Kingdom’ series. Various fantasy elements within the work will be discussed, as well as, the ideas for some settings, and the integration of Campbell’s ‘Heroes Journey’ in the novel.

The exegesis will elaborate on the research process undertaken this year to write a fictional draft novel. The creative work is a young adult fantasy novel, and is part one of what will eventually be a three part series. At this stage, its working title is Phaze One. The introduction of the exegesis discusses what may possibly be the attraction of the fantasy genre to many writers; especially in light of what some critics refer to as the ‘light-weight genre’, and why fantasy has attracted me. There is an overview of Phaze One and why I have chosen to write part one of a three part series. The landscape of contemporary young adult fantasy, as well as, the categories of science fiction and fantasy literature and how they overlap will be discussed, with reference to academic literature. I will also discuss the relevance of mythic conventions and archetypes common in fantasy, and how these conventions have been adapted to the novel. Thus, positioning the creative work within its wider context. The exegesis includes reference to various writers who were relevant to the creative process; however, significant reference will be to the young adult fantasy writer Garth Nix and his ‘Keys to the Kingdom’ series. Various fantasy elements within the work will be discussed, as well as, the ideas for some settings, and the integration of Campbell’s ‘Heroes Journey’ in the novel.

The exegesis will elaborate on the research process undertaken this year to write a fictional draft novel. The creative work is a young adult fantasy novel, and is part one of what will eventually be a three part series. At this stage, its working title is Phaze One. The introduction of the exegesis discusses what may possibly be the attraction of the fantasy genre to many writers; especially in light of what some critics refer to as the ‘light-weight genre’, and why fantasy has attracted me. There is an overview of Phaze One and why I have chosen to write part one of a three part series. The landscape of contemporary young adult fantasy, as well as, the categories of science fiction and fantasy literature and how they overlap will be discussed, with reference to academic literature. I will also discuss the relevance of mythic conventions and archetypes common in fantasy, and how these conventions have been adapted to the novel. Thus, positioning the creative work within its wider context. The exegesis includes reference to various writers who were relevant to the creative process; however, significant reference will be to the young adult fantasy writer Garth Nix and his ‘Keys to the Kingdom’ series. Various fantasy elements within the work will be discussed, as well as, the ideas for some settings, and the integration of Campbell’s ‘Heroes Journey’ in the novel.

In an attempt to better understand writing as process, this thesis blends textual genetics with observations from the holograph manuscripts of J.R.R. Tolkien’s first chapter of The Lord of the Rings. Tracking his revisions demonstrates complex revision techniques that can inform composition theory—especially revision studies. Discussed are revision terms and their applications, several of Tolkien’s revisions and their significance, and textual genetics as a lens to better understand an author’s motivations and influences. Some largely uncharted territory for composition studies is explored through examining Tolkien’s unique and multifaceted use of visual images to aid his writing process. In addition, Tolkien’s novels were part of an ecosystem which influenced his view of the fantasy genre and vice versa. All of these observations have profound implications for understanding the development of a text and for teaching writing.