The Writer's Guide to Fantasy Literature: From Dragons Lair to Hero Quest (Paperback)

~ Philip Martin (Editor) "ON THE EVE OF THE 21ST CENTURY, a young lad named Harry Potter enchanted the world..." (more)
Key Phrases: high fantasy, adventure fantasy, supernatural fiction, Harry Potter, Stephen King, Jane Yolen (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Most books for fantasy writers blend that genre with sf, but this work is an exception. Unfortunately, the entire first chapter (of 12) is devoted to "Pottermania," including "Eight Reasons Why Harry Is a Success," and a large amount of space is devoted (although more deservedly so) to J.R.R. Tolkien. The book offers little concrete instruction for writers, the most practical advice being found in five pages of the final chapter ("Submitting Your Work for Publication"); otherwise, most instruction is done by pointing to passages by successful authors. Included are such masters of fantasy literature as C.S. Lewis, Ursula Le Guin, and T.H. White, as well as peripherally related writers like Joseph Campbell and nongenre writers like John Steinbeck. This admittedly "inclusive" and "nonacademic" approach is overly generous at times. The slim volume doesn't dally with any one work, with the exception of Harry Potter, and can give the impression of rush and disorder; but the ten interviews with prominent fantasy writers do offer valuable insights. This guide provides a decent overview of an overlooked genre until a more thorough and organized treatment comes along. Recommended for academic libraries supporting broad writing programs and all public libraries. Angela Weiler, SUNY at Morrisville Lib.
Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

Review

"The majority of its tips, and techniques would apply to the writing of science fiction, historical fiction, or genre novels!" -- The Midwest Book Review, January 2002

"Truly inspiring and insightful "must-read" for anyone looking to improve their fantasy writing." -- The Midwest Book Review, January 2002

“A genuinely valuable book, intelligently assembled and edited.” -- Peter S. Beagle, World Fantasy Award winner

“I hope lots of young writers find this book; it has some very sensible advice.” -- Patricia A. McKillip [World Fantasy Award winner]

“Rich with insights, it’s the best and most reliable guide to a multi-faceted and powerful literary genre.” -- Lloyd Alexander, [Newbery Award winner]

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Watson-Guptill Publications; First Edition edition (January 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0871161958
• ISBN-13: 978-0871161956
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.9 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #202,358 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

  Popular in these categories: (What's this?)

  #11 in	Books > Science Fiction & Fantasy > Writing
  #51 in	Books > Reference > Writing > Genre Fiction

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

29 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars The zen of writing fantasy literature, January 17, 2004

By	Gary Riley (Webster, TX United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I was expecting much more of a nuts and bolts book on writing fantasy, but a lot of the material in the book seemed targeted toward having a better appreciation of fantasy or what's required to write it, rather than the actual mechanics of writing. I enjoyed reading the book anyway, but it was not entirely what I had expected. The first part of the book introduced the concept of fantasy literature. I found Chapter 1, which analyzed the popularity of the Harry Potter series, to be very interesting. Chapter 2 introduced the general concept of fantasy literature and Chapter 3 categorized fantasy literature into five types with an accompanying essay or interview for each type. Although interesting, Chapter 3 was probably the weakest section of the book. The interviews, often about a single book the author wrote, were not the most effective means for conveying information. The second part of the book addressed the story itself. Chapter 4 discussed character development and was fairly informative, although like most of the book about a third to a half of the material are passage quotations from fantasy books. The two contributed portions of this chapter were not as informative as the material written by the author. Chapter 5 was similar in content and quality, but addressed places rather than characters. Chapter 6 discussed common themes often found in fantasy-such as magic, riddles, and prophecies-and also included two author interviews. Chapter 7 addressed plot and common story lines in fantasy literature and also included an interview and contributed article. The third part of the book addressed many of the mechanics of the writing process. Chapter 8 discussed generated ideas; Chapter 9 discussed the mechanics of the layout and order of which chapters to write first; Chapter 10 discussed how to set goals and remain motivated in the writing process; Chapter 11 discussed revising material; and Chapter 12 discussed submitting your work for publication. This last chapter was the only one in this part that included contributed material. I particularly enjoyed the interview with Terry Pratchett and the article by Ray Bradbury. The fourth part of the book included some reference material: publisher addresses and web/print references. Overall, as a 'How To' book for writers I give this book four stars. While all of the material was interesting, the usefulness of it was uneven. Betters books are "Worlds of Wonder" by David Gerrold or "How To Write Science Fiction & Fantasy" by Orson Scott Card. However, if you love fantasy and just want a better appreciation of what goes into writing it, then this book is definitely five stars.

6 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Advice from the Professionals, October 30, 2004

By	Ann M. Russell (North Reading, MA USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This is a collection of essays and interviews from various fantasy authors. They share their views, thoughts, and techniques about writing fantasy. This is a book for people who want to learn from professional and successful fantasy authors.

I enjoyed this book because I was interested in what these authors had to say about fantasy. They gave very helpful advice about writing. I thought this book was very informative about the field of fantasy. It covers everything from generating ideas for novels to sending novels to publishers.

If you want to learn from the pro's, this is the book for you.

10 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A truly inspiring and insightful "must-read", February 11, 2002

By	Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

Philip Martin's The Writer's Guide To Fantasy Literature: From Dragon's Lair To Hero's Quest is a collection of informative essays specifically written to help both aspiring and established writers improve the quality of their work, and create fantasy worlds to suspend disbelief and capture the imagination. Essay contributors include such notable talents as Patricia A. McKillip, Jane Yolen, Ursula K. LeGuin, and Peter S. Beagle. Chapters and essays cover such issues as generating ideas, constructing a coherent plot, and enhancing settings with your own brand of magic. The Writer's Guide To Fantasy Literature is a truly inspiring and insightful "must-read" for anyone looking to improve their fantasy writing - and the majority of its tips, tricks, and techniques would also apply to the writing of science fiction, historical fiction, or genre novels of any sort!