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.
— Lynn Flewelling
Realism isn't something most people associate with the fantasy genre, yet it's an essential element of great fantasy writing.
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.
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.
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 love all of my books. They were labors of love; I was striving to create something well done, and I do feel I succeeded.
I was always a 'let's pretend' kind of kid.
When I started writing 'Luck in the Shadows,' I just wanted to create an adventure story.
Setting is the bedrock of your story. If you choose a real-world backdrop, be certain you get your facts straight.
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 think the key is to give the reader characters they not only care about, but identify with, and to never take away all hope.
