Summer Reading Fantasy Bootcamp
Since I’m working on my thesis right now for VCFA, which is about fantasy, whilst also anxiously awaiting my editor’s revision for book one of THE DARK CARAVAN CYCLE (EXQUISITE CAPTIVE), I thought this might be a good time to share my non-fiction reading list. Below are some books about fantasy and writing within the genre. I can’t say enough times how important it is to read in your genre and how encouraging and inspiring it is to read about other writers’ processes. While for some of you it may seem boring to read essays instead of just getting into the next great fantasy read, I think it’s really important to know where we as fantasy authors come from in order to determine where we’re going next. I also feel that knowing the history of the genre and reading the masters’ take on what fantasy is and how/why they do it, lends us a sense of authority as writers. We all know that there are more than a few people who are, let’s say, “genre-ist.” I think you’ll find these books to be both a comfort and a shield. Here you’ll find writers who can articulate the value of escapism while at the same time challenging the assertion that fantasy is simply escapist. From Tolkien to Diana Wynne Jones, these writers convey the power of fantasy to draw us closer to ourselves, our world, and the mysteries of the universe. Many of them explain why fantasy is especially important for the young reader and how our myths are part of what make us who we are as people and as a society. When you’ve taken off your academic cap, you can check out this list of fiction titles, all fantasy books that you should be familiar with. Also, you know, they’re fun!
Basically, you need to get your read on:
Fantasists on Fantasy (Robert H. Boyer and Kenneth J. Zahorski)
The Wand in the Word: Conversations with Writers of Fantasy (Leonard Marcus) – this is all children’s / YA
Touch Magic: Fantasy, Faerie, and Folklore in the Literature of Childhoos (Jane Yolen)
On Faierie (C.S. Lewis) – Click the link to download the PDF. This is fantasy’s classic essay, a must read!!
Now you’re ready to get on your soapbox with writers or readers who look down their noses at you – don’t forget to throw down the mike and stomp out of the room when you’re done.
