[1356] A Toad and a Rodent (Part 1 of 2)

Feedback given: [2853],[581]

Piece: Go to town.

Story Brief: This is the first half of an over-the-top high-fantasy short story about talking animals. Toads worship cannibal gods. Rodents go on reality-saving quests. Magick is commonplace.

Me: I am a hobbyist writer. I want to get better at writing so I can be proud of my stories.

Intent: I want people to enjoy themselves (obvs).

Below are some intentions I hope also come across:

1. Leaning hard into fantasy: The melodrama, language, and sweeping severity of it all. I want to capture that, tongue firmly in cheek. This is also what makes the genre genuinely fun, so I am not intending complete satire.

2. Lighthearted tone, but for adults: I wanted to try explore fantastical, weird and light, versus grimdark. There is intended comedy, for better or worse. I hope that the characters still bring things back to earth.

3. Character focused: The should be about the characters. I want the reader to feel like they are witnessing only a small moment in these characters' lives. I hope at a base level, readers feel something for them.

I have other intentions, but getting feedback without sharing these would be helpful.

Feel free to critique whatever you feel needs it. I'll appreciate all advice.