Why I write Epic Fantasy

I write epic fantasy so that readers can embark on an adventure, explore a new world and stretch their imaginations.

I write epic fantasy to explore life's big themes, in a world entirely of my own creation. How do we give our lives purpose? How do we react to change and uncertainty? What decisions do we make when faced with life or death questions? How do we find hope in the midst of despair?

I write epic fantasy so that readers can travel without leaving their armchairs. I can create a world that you could believe exists. I can lead you across mountains, along the banks of wild rivers and through vast forests - and I can give them all names.

I write epic fantasy so that I can explore the stories of different people - all with their own motivations, fears, strengths and weaknesses. I can send them on epic adventures and watch them grow. In the end they become old friends, or enemies.

I write epic fantasy because it's fun. Because we all need a bit of escapism.

I write epic fantasy because we need stories - and stories need us.

Why do you read epic fantasy?

What makes an epic fantasy novel fantastic?

This blog is dedicated to my favourite genre - epic fantasy. I have always loved reading epic fantasy, and am constantly on the look out for new authors and novels to immerse myself in. If I think of my favourite epic fantasy books, there consistent elements that jump out at me; elements that have made these novels winners. Here are three things that (in my opinion) that make a good epic fantasy tale linger in the reader's mind, long after they've turned the final page:

• a richly drawn, believable world. From Middle Earth to Westeros, epic fantasy needs a world that readers feel could actually exist. I like worlds with a detailed, unique history, distinct flora and fauna and a realistic depiction of geography. A really good epic fantasy world take the role of another protagonist in the story; and as such should help shape and drive the plot, as events and characters do
• a rich cast of characters (just not too many) with a main character (or characters) that I can really identify with. No superheroes please. If our main character has lost his family, his job, and witnessed the destruction of the world - I want to see a real, human reaction to such events. I've read so many 'coming of age' stories that I tend to avoid them these days; instead I look for tales with characters who go through life-changing events that shape and alter them and their perception of the world forever. I like stories with flawed, gritty characters. Writers who stay with my favourite character's point of view for large chunks of the book please me, as I enjoy feeling as if I'm looking over this character's shoulder and living the adventure with them
• a unique, intriguing plot that may, or may not, include a quest. Like most avid epic fantasy fans, I love a good quest. However, it's been done so often that many quest-focused novels seem like a rehash of Lord of the Rings. For a quest to work it has to have both personal and a wider significance to those going involved - there has to be a reason why the main character would put his/her life at stake to save the world (other than being incredibly brave, or foolhardy).

So, what are the things that turn me off an epic fantasy novels - to the point where I will abandon the book? Unsurprisingly, have a few of these...

• killing off my favourite character(s) - this is very upsetting, especially if I have invested a lot of time into reading a book or series
• overly simplistic plots or character motivations - there are so many shades of grey in life and a good novel should reflect this. Readers like people and events that are not what they seem
• one-dimensional characters that behave the same way throughout the book - these are boring (and all too common in fantasy I'm afraid). I might be reading about a make-believe world but I want characters I can believe in
• sub-plots that take me off in long-winded digressions from the central story, focusing on characters we don't care about - the writer might have a grand plan, and such digressions will make sense in Book Four of the series; however I feel these weaken a story rather than add to it
• any book that rehashes the classics - I loved Lord of the Rings, The Sword of Shannara, Magician and Game of Thrones - but I don't want to read an imitation
• books that deliver beautiful description, but lack substance - readers want action, conflict and drama, not page-long, sigh-inducing descriptions of mist-covered mountains!

What do you love (or loathe) about epic fantasy? Please share!
 

Are you a fan of traditional Epic Fantasy?

Upon reading the advice – write what you love to read – I began my first novel, an epic fantasy entitled The Children of Isador.

I wanted to include all the aspects of epic fantasy that I love – a great adventure, a quest, an exciting cast of characters whose lives are irrevocably changed by the events of the story, and baddies that are as fascinating as the good guys. I wanted to keep my epic fantasy traditional, and a bit dark.

Yet, there are a few aspects of this story that differ from the norm –  elements that I have wanted to see in my favourite fantasy reads. Unlike a lot of epic fantasy, which has a long and detailed build-up to the main action, this story starts in the thick of things. The enemy has already attacked and conquered – only a small handkerchief of territory remains. Things are looking pretty bleak for Isador. For an adventurous writer, this is a great place to start! I like to make the stakes high, and what better way to see what my main characters are made of than throwing them all in? I also have a fast-paced writing style. I don't rush the plot, but once you start reading, the story should sweep you along with its momentum. I’ve made this story as ‘epic’ as possible – to transport you to a rich, believable world and high adventure.

I initially published The Children of Isador in 2007 with Equilibrium Books, Australia. The printed edition had its own small success and the novel was shortlisted for the Sir Julius Vogel Awards in 2008 (for New Zealand writers of Fantasy, Sci-Fi and Horror). Deciding that I could improve it – I gave the novel a thorough re-edit and republished it as an e-book on Amazon Kindle in June this year. The novel has done a lot better this time round – due (I imagine) to its wider reach via Amazon and my changes.

If you enjoy traditional epic fantasy and a classic struggle of good against evil, The Children of Isador might be just your thing!

For just three days only (23-25 October 2012), The Children of Isador is available for FREE to download on Amazon Kindle (instead of $2.99 USD). Please take advantage of this offer – and if you enjoy the book feel free to post an honest review on either Amazon or Goodreads.