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Well, why not? Fantasy is make believe and allows tremendous creativity and freedom for both the writer and the reader. Besides, it's just plain fun. You can design a brand new world (if you don't like the one you're living in) where the oddest things can - and do - happen. But don't make the mistake of thinking the characters aren't real. They are, in the sense that they share problems you can understand, as well as others that you can't - well, not completely, anyway. For one thing, they face the same human problems we do - relationship squabbles, personality conflicts, jealousy, insecurity, rage, and all those ugly emotions, as well as the positive feelings and reactions, too, that make us happy to be alive.
But there is a slight difference. In a fantasy, where magic is an accepted part of the world, other problems crop up. Well, take Alexandra Daine Keltie in Mage Confusion. Alex has a few typical problems to which many of my readers can relate: a well-meaning foster family who drives her nuts, friends who think they know what's best for her, a paralyzing fear of bridges, the need to be left alone, and, well…you get the picture. But she also has trouble with her magic. First she denies it, then she doesn't know how to use it. She can't change a wooden chair into sawdust, but can, instead, turn it into a puddle of cold water. So while you might not be able to empathize with that specific problem, you can certainly relate to her difficulty in trying very hard to do something and not immediately succeeding. Realistic problems make the character believable.
But remember, fantasy is essentially about magic and make believe. So, writing fantasy is taking the easy way out?
Absolutely not! Just because you're being creative and building an environment where incredible things (in our jaded eye) happen, a key rule to remember is that those incredible things have to be, ah…credible - at least in terms of the fantasy world. What happens in magic has to be consistent. Magic demands rules.
In Alex's world, magic involves the elements of air, fire, water, and earth. A mage can't simply mutter an incantation and, poof, create anything. So, when Alex goes about threatening to turn annoying people (including her family and friends) into different animals, it's just that - a threat - because that's not what her brand of magery is all about. She can change wood to water (among other elements, but you'll have to read the book to find out more), for example, but not a person to an animal. Speaking of Alex, where did she come from?
I suppose from my desire to write about a female mage with attitude and a great sense of humor - someone I could like, someone I would consider a friend. Alex is thick-headed and reluctant and drags her feet almost all the time, but when her friends need her help - even though she's royally mad at them - she comes charging to the rescue. Despite her fears (they're crippling sometimes) and her flaws (too many to count) and her frequent confusion (about everything), her heart is definitely in the right place. So, is Alex a reflection of you?
No! Puhleese… However, we do share a certain tendency toward, ah, crankiness and stubbornness and need for solitude. But Alex is far more adventurous than me. Ok, so where do you get your ideas for the plot, anyway?
I have no idea, honest. Sometimes they come from the characters, you know, when Alex decides she wants to do something. Other times, the plot comes from my own personal agenda. Aha! Your own personal agenda? We knew you were trying to brainwash us.
Not at all. But I do like to believe I can make my readers think about some of the themes I try to weave into the story. In all my writing, I tend to believe that good will eventually triumph over evil (even though terrible things happen), that family is important (even though they sometimes drive you to distraction), that friends are key (even though you're not talking to them), and that one has to strive to be one's personal best (even though it's easier to give up than keep trying). There are other themes, of course, but these four come out pretty strongly in Mage Confusion. What was that you said about Alex deciding to do something? Don't you, as the writer, control her?
Did you ever try to control a mule that's planted its feet into the ground? That's Alex. Trouble always comes when she says something or does something or goes somewhere that's not in her script (my script, really) and eventually gets into some entanglement. That's when I have to pick up the pieces and save her - so she can gallop into the sunset to save her friends and family (or herself).
As a writer, I can certainly direct the plot, but believe me, when Alex rebels, I have no choice but to listen. Often enough, she has something good to say. And I'll let you in on a secret. When something unexpected happens to the plot, that's the fun of writing! So, you really believe that writing is fun?
Sure, but it's hard work, too, especially when the plot's not working or you don't like the characters or the rejections are coming to your mailbox fast and furious. But honestly, if you can't see the fun in writing, then you're in the wrong field. Do you write anything besides fantasy?
Sure. I enjoy writing mysteries and articles on writing, as well as features in local newspapers for charity organizations. In fact, writing for a charity serves two purposes: (1) you feel good about yourself because you're devoting some time to a worthwhile cause, and (2) you hone your writing skills because that type of writing demands a different style. Try it. Any pointers for people crazy enough to want to write?
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