It would be lovely if it was all Right vs. Wrong, Good overcomes Evil - I think most Americans, going about their daily lives, fool themselves into thinking that that's how our little world works, but it just isn't so.
Lynn Flewelling
The real world is the fantasy writer's scrapbook. Real history, real geography, real customs and religions are all invaluable sources of guidance and inspiration.
I was always a 'let's pretend' kind of kid.
The move to creating stories was a natural progression for me, but the most pivotal time was probably in 6th grade: That year, a friend introduced me to the stories of Ray Bradbury, and a student teacher introduced me to creative writing.
When I started writing 'Luck in the Shadows,' I just wanted to create an adventure story.
I think the key is to give the reader characters they not only care about, but identify with, and to never take away all hope.
I come from a very small city in a rather remote part of America, where writers simply weren't part of the daily fabric.
I love all of my books. They were labors of love; I was striving to create something well done, and I do feel I succeeded.
Realism isn't something most people associate with the fantasy genre, yet it's an essential element of great fantasy writing.
Setting is the bedrock of your story. If you choose a real-world backdrop, be certain you get your facts straight.
If you set your story in Rome, Ireland or Sheboygan, for that matter, go there. If you're broke, set it in the town where you live, or where you grew up.
