Genre

Every book or story or musical composition or piece of art falls into some sort of genre.  A genre is simply a way for us to categorize creative works.  In music, for example, a song may fall into the category of folk, rock, folk rock, blues, R&B, classical, etc.  In art, you find paintings grouped in genres like impressionism, pointillism, realism, etc.  And with fiction novels, you find genres such as science fiction, fantasy, romance, mystery, crime, etc.  As readers, we often have one genre that we enjoy above and beyond all others.  This may not be true for everyone, but I think it is perhaps more often the case than not.  So, this morning I decided to talk a little about my favorite genre of novel and the one that I chose to write in....FANTASY!  And I've decided to write in a mock interview style.

Q: What do you enjoy most about the fantasy genre?
A: I love to be taken to another world or to have the world as I know it transformed before my eyes.  I love to be swept away with a character into uncharted territory where I am given the opportunity to explore the landscape right along with the character.  It is fun to discover new creatures and new lands, experience magic and mystery, and feel the ups-and-downs that the characters experience as they navigate this strange reality.

Q: What are some of your favorite fantasy novels?
A: For some reason, my fantasy reading has tended toward series.  My favorites (in no particular order) are: the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling, The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings trilogy by J.R.R. Tolkein, the Inheritence series by Christopher Paolini, the Inkheart trilogy by Cornelia Funke, and the Percy Jackson & the Olympians series by Rick Riordan.  I don't know if this would fall under the fantasy genre for sure or not, but I also love Bridge to Terebithia by Katherine Paterson.

Q: In The Lantern of Rahela, what are some of the pieces of fantasy that you most enjoyed writing?
A: I am very excited about many things in The Lantern of Rahela, but three moments jump out at me.  First is the moment when Madelina makes the transition from her own world to the land of Wymzi.  I love how she finds the lantern and feels a compulsion to light it.  And I enjoyed experiencing her emotions as she found herself in a new land and with new abilities.  Second, I love the Kashif people.  They are servants of the Queen who plot an escape.  The Kashif people are slow and strong, but when the need arises they are able to move very swiftly.  They have a certain consistency and stubborness to them that I just love.  Finally, I love Belle Mudcastle.  Belle is a river nymph whose people have been forced into living on the river bank instead of in the water.  Over time they have adapted to the terrain and look like mud people now.  Belle is special though.  She is witty, funny, and full of mystery and intrigue.  I can't wait to see how she evolves thoughout the series.

Q: What authors do you try to emulate in your writing?
A: I try to first and foremost discover and utilize my own voice, but I am deeply inspired by some of the authors I've read over time.  I love the subtle mystery that J.K. Rowling wrote into the Harry Potter books.  As I read, I never felt like I fully understood what was going on, but I always understood just enough that I need to keep reading.  Rick Riordan does a wonderful job with that too (though I had not read any of his books prior to writing my own novel).  Christopher Paolini does a marvelous job of creating a new world that has its own languages, creatures, customs, and geography.  I have tried to do something similar with my novel and hope to have it turn out as interesting and creative as his.  Tolkein does an amazing job with that as well and really sets the bar in that realm.  These and many more have greatly influenced my writing and will continue to do so.

Q: What plans do you have for future fantasy novels?
A: I am currently working on the sequel to The Lantern of Rahela and expect at least one more novel in that series before it is complete.  After that, I may take a small break from fantasy novels and work on some children's book ideas that I have bouncing around in the back of my mind.  But I will most certainly delve back into the fantasy realm again and have a couple of ideas I am mulling over.

Those are just some of my thoughts regarding the fantasy genre and my passion for both reading and writing in that genre.  What genre of novel is your favorite?  Why?  Though I deeply love the fantasy genre and plan to continue reading and writing within that genre, I would welcome suggestions of good books outside the fantasy genre that you think I might enjoy.  Keep reading and writing!

And may the story rise up to meet you!