What do you look for in a “portal” fantasy?

As an avid reader of fantasy books, I’ll admit that “portal” fantasies are my favorite. When I wrote the first draft of Hope, I heard time after time that “portal” fantasies wouldn’t sell and writers utilized this approach using the portal for nothing more than to bring a familiar type of protagonist to a fantasy world.

In my opinion, a portal isn’t a one-way door. My intention with The Knights of Av’lor trilogy was always to expand the story beyond Av’lor. Of course, you’ll have to wait for the release of the second book, Gate, in order to find out what I mean.

I apologize, but the release date for Gate is pushed out to later this year. Once I have a solid date, I will post it here and on my website, samrook.com

So, what do you think? Are “portal” fantasies dead?