Is It a Fantasy?

[Devorah]

Readers tell me that they can relate to the very real, modern problems that King Bewilliam and Empress Alexandra face: career displacement, the challenge of widowhood. So is The Lost King a fantasy, or something else? When you seek out a fantasy novel to read, what are you looking for that's different from other genres?

[Samantha]

When I pick up a novel to read that is fantasy, I expect it to take me within it's world. I want it different than the real world and I want magic, mythological creatures, or anything else that came come with it. The fact that your story has very real-world problems just makes the story relateable. It makes your characters feel real, which is also something I have to have. :) That's a really good question, Devorah!

[Alesha]

When I read fantasy, I'm looking for the weaving of magic and the "fantastic" into the story. The characters feeling real is a bonus! We want to relate to them :)

[Devorah]

What would you say that magic and mythical creatures bring to a fantasy story that's missing from other types of tales? (I'm thinking the answer might explain why I chose to set the story in a fantasy time and place.)

[Alesha]

I think it brings the possibility of drastic power and/or change, which is something we yearn for in real life.

[Samantha]

It's the idea of possibility for me. If things like that can exist in our minds and come to life on paper, there is that hope and possibility that if we can dream it, it can happen. And that, to me, is such a big concept.
I feel like I missed my point here, so if I did, please let me know. :)

[Devorah]

Yes, I think that's why I chose to set the story in a fantasy time and place.

[Francene]

To me, fantasy should contain some element that wouldn't happen in real life and though it could be set in the present time. Like The Time Machine.

[Cecilia]

For me I look for something different. Unusual. I can't really put a finger on what unless I read a book. When I feel it I'll be like 'Oh yes, it has that 'it' :)