Fantasy deals in the impossible, focusing on magic and other supernatural elements, rather than on technology. However, the magic does have rules. The fantasy universe is consistent within itself; generally the author poses a "what if" setting, and creates rules around the fantastic elements. Fantasy can be set in a fictional world, or in the real world with impossible elements. In fantasy, the characters accept the supernatural elements as a normal part of life.

Characteristics

History

Appeal

The primary appeal of fantasy is escapism. Most fantasy readers will tell you that they get enough reality in daily life without burdening their leisure time with it, as well. The secondary factor is the ability to address issues by way of extensive metaphor. Whether it comes as an overarching political satire or merely the personification of an abstract personal issue, fantasy can put a face on any problem and illustrate methods to confront it. Individual appeal will vary, however, as fantasy can be applied to any other genre, from romance to horror, from the literary to erotica.

Talking with readers

The most crucial thing to keep in mind when talking to readers of fantasy is that they are expecting you to shun them. Fantasy is a highly marginalized genre, associated—right or wrong—with being juvenile. It's very important to keep from expressing judgement; so long as you are giving a welcoming ear, readers will usually be more than happy to fill you in on the details, which will generally fall into one or more subgenre.

Key Authors

Subgenres

• High Fantasy
• Epic Fantasy
• Sword and Sorcery
• Urban/Modern Fantasy
• Dark Fantasy
• Comic Fantasy
• Gothic Fantasy

References