At times I ponder what it would be like to be a science fiction, romance, or chic lit author. I have attempted to write in other genres, but have been unable to get into the story.
I believe there are two reasons for this: my love of fantasy literature and writing fantasy is a means of escape.
I love reading fantasy books. My mother had a book on her shelf called The Forgotten Beasts of Eld. I was already interested in fantasy because of the early Final Fantasy games (we are talking FFII). I adored Patricia McKillip's book, and I asked my mother if I could have it. Since them I have read it over thirty times. I also enjoyed the early Lord of the Rings movies (the cartoons). It wasn't until I met my husband that I read them. In high school I became a fan of the Dragonlance Chronicles by Tracy Hickman and Margaret Weis. I also played a little D&D (honest, my character was a conjurer name Crosenia - she is still alive).
Though I have been told that I could be more successful writing realistic or literary fiction, I look at the success of recent fantasy authors and I think that maybe my daydreaming will one day have a purpose.
xx
Danielle Raver
Author of Brother, Betrayed
now available on Kindle and Nook
Tags:
Danielle Raver / Brother, Betrayed / fantasy / author / dark fantasy / publishing / J. R. R. Tolkien / The Lord of the Rings / The Dragonlance Series / Tracy Hickman / Margaret Weis / The Forgotten Beasts of Eld / Patricia McKillip / Final Fantasy
You're right. No matter what other people say, you should always write what's close to your heart.
ReplyDeleteChristine,
ReplyDeleteWell said. : )
True words. I also was a D&D player and I loved the Dragonlance Chronicles -- they still sit on my shelf. I truly believe that you will be successful.:)
ReplyDeleteDanielle, I came upon this and thought you'd be interested in comparison:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.orbitbooks.net/2011/04/22/why-fantasy/#more-17360
(I like what she says about Zelazny, one of my personal favorites.)
I'm a big fan of fantasy books; J.R.R Tolkien is one of my favorite authors! He writes such an incredible story.
ReplyDeleteYou should always write what you love!
Good blog. Always write what you know and love.
ReplyDeleteIt's so interesting to me, what we choose to write. The other day I taught a workshop with an Ethiopian woman in it who wanted to write a cookbook/memoir, a runaway from India interested in writing a motivational book, several novelists, a graphic novel writer...Sometimes we don't even know why we write what we write--just that it's the only thing we could. Glad you found your niche, Danielle!
ReplyDeleteKaren,
ReplyDeleteI'm staring at the Dragonlance Chronicles on my mantle :)
Stephen,
Interesting blog! Escapism is an interesting concept, reminds me of "And I don't understand why I sleep all day, and I start to complain that there's no rain. I read a book today just to stay awake. It rips my life away but it's a great escape."
Krista,
True! Tolkien spent so much time developing his world. His complete works is also on my mantle (along with my husband's R.A. Salvatore and G.R.R. Martin books if you were wondering. :)
Jim,
Thanks! I think that's what I'm going to do.
Jenny,
"Sometimes we don't even know why we write what we write -- just that it's the only thing we could" Great line! So true...
The Forgotten Beasts of Eld is an amazing book, and I can easily see how it could be your "gateway drug" into the world of fantasy, lol. I assume you've also read the Riddle-Master Trilogy. I haven't read any of McKillip's books in years. May have to go back and open one them up again after reading this post.
ReplyDeleteScott
Scott!
ReplyDeleteWow! I am so happy to find another McKillip fan! The Riddle Master is on my reading list. My husband bought them all of me a few years back and I am still working on them. I really loved Ombria in Shadow, The Changeling Sea, The Forests of Serre, and her collection of short stories. I LOVE her style. I just realized I listed all the books I have read of hers, (lol).
Let me know when you if/when you reread them. I'll get started on the trilogy.
The Riddle-Master Trilogy is definitely different from The Forgotten Beasts of Eld, but if you've read so many of her other books then you know what she's capable of. She's one of those writers whose books I feel every true fantasy fan should read!
ReplyDelete