The Joy of Reading, and Writing, Fantasy

[John]

This is a rambling post on why I enjoy reading and writing fantasy.

Ever since a young age, I loved to read. I never considered myself bookish, especially back then. But there was something rewarding about a story that would transport me to a different place or time.

While in college, a friend told me I should read The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien. I couldn’t put it down once I started. I suspect a lot of people felt the same. I thought it was amazing, and at the time I remember feeling how great it would be to develop a story as spectacular as this.

It took me decades writing high-tech marketing material before I returned to what sparked my joy of writing in the first place — the delight in taking readers to a place of wonder. It’s one of the reasons I still enjoy science fiction and fantasy. Not everyone reads it, but it’s a genre that most people would consider highly imaginative.

You only have to look at the top-selling books or movies to understand why. Harry Potter, Star Wars, The Lord of the Rings are only a few of those at the top of the list. They all provide a glimpse into a different world and instill in us a sense of awe.

But these stories only work if the world is believable. Sci-fi and fantasy writers have even coined the term “world-building” to describe the process of creating the environment for a story. I’ve heard some say it’s the most challenging aspect of developing a novel in this category. That’s why I feel such a sense of accomplishment when someone tells me that the world of Elthea’s Realm came alive as they read the book.

I believe there’s nothing like a well-crafted fantasy or science fiction story to spark the imagination. And although a novel may transport you to a different place, in the end, what we remember most is how it applies to our lives. Whether it’s hope, courage, justice, or adventure, a good story will make us feel something about ourselves. I believe that's the biggest takeaway of any novel.

So that’s why I write. I hope I have transported you to a different place for the short time you read it. But more than that, I hope it gives you pause to think about the broader questions of life.

Tell me what you think of my book, Elthea's Realm. I’m always happy to hear from readers.

[Andy]

My experience is very similar experience to your's, John. I loved creative writing in grade school and in college. I loved the freedom of creating a world and making a surprising, interesting story.

Coming out of college I needed money and I worked as a computer programmer and project manager for 37 years until I retired. I immediately wrote my first novel, "Zombie Turkeys" the first month I retired!

Technically, this is an urban fantasy, for I put paranormal animals in our current world and society, often with hilarious effects. What if everyone were afraid of turkeys? How would the military and politicians react?

So aside from blood and gore, slapstick humor, irony, and romance, there's also political commentary!

I love it!