R. James
asked
M.L. Spencer:
You list your influences as some of the heavies like King and Herbert. How do you show that influence without being labeled "derivative"?
M.L. Spencer
Even though my writing is influenced by these genre "heavies", I definitely have my own take on blending elements of fantasy, scifi, and horror.
I think what sets my series apart from other works of speculative fiction is the theme. The Rhenwars Saga isn't about good versus evil; it's an exploration in two conflicting moral ideologies. So I'm definitely attacking things a little differently. My heroes are very dark and my villains can seem perfectly justified, and I have a lot of flexibility with character.
So while I strive for King's insight into psyche, Herbert's fluency with institutions, and Jordan's capacity for world-building, I definitely have my own "thing" -- pushing the boundaries of moral philosophy.
I think what sets my series apart from other works of speculative fiction is the theme. The Rhenwars Saga isn't about good versus evil; it's an exploration in two conflicting moral ideologies. So I'm definitely attacking things a little differently. My heroes are very dark and my villains can seem perfectly justified, and I have a lot of flexibility with character.
So while I strive for King's insight into psyche, Herbert's fluency with institutions, and Jordan's capacity for world-building, I definitely have my own "thing" -- pushing the boundaries of moral philosophy.
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