fantastilist

Fantastilist is a term used in literary criticism and fan communities to describe a writer or compiler who creates or curates lists of fantastical elements—worlds, creatures, artifacts, or plot devices—primarily to spark imagination or critique rather than to provide formal taxonomy.

Origin and usage: The term is a neologism with limited attestation, typically used informally in online forums, blogs, and fanzines. It blends fantastical with list, emphasizing cataloging of imagination rather than narrative production. Its exact usage varies by community and is sometimes employed in a playful or self-referential way.

Practice and forms: A fantastilist may publish catalogs of imaginary creatures, checklists for world-building, or top-10 lists of fantastical tropes. Some produce comprehensive compendia mapping magical systems or mythic histories, while others generate curated lists intended as writing prompts or speculative thought experiments. The formats are often modular to facilitate reuse in fiction, games, or discussion.

Reception and impact: As a niche practice, fantastilists are more commonly discussed in online communities than in formal scholarly literature. Proponents argue that such lists stimulate creativity, help organize ideas, and lower barriers to world-building. Critics contend that lists can oversimplify complexity or distract from narrative depth.

See also: World-building, Listicle, Speculative fiction, Creative writing prompts.