Cambell Boucher
asked
Michael J. Sullivan:
How about representation of LGBTQ characters in fantasy, do you think fantasy literature is moving towards better more inclusive representation? So often lesbians are used as a sexy plot point and then snuffed out once they've served that purpose. I so desperately want to be able to identify with a powerful gay woman in a well written book.
Michael J. Sullivan
Hey Cambell,
Thanks for the question. I can't claim to be an expert on fantasy literature as a whole, but just as people are becoming more enlightened in society, and as writing is a reflection of society, I think there will be more diversity int his regard. As for myself, I don't really have much in the way of sex (of any kind) within my books, but I do have characters that are attracted to the same sex as well as those attracted to other people. It's not something a shine a big spot light on, as I don't really see it as "a big deal" it's just one aspect of someone's personality. For instance, in my new book, Age of Myth, Arion's current partner is a woman. The only way you know this is she briefly mentions it in our conversation she is having with her mother about the fact that she has recently split from Celeste.
I have put sexuality front and center in my science fiction novel, Hollow World - mainly because all people in the future are genetically engineered to be identical and lacking both male and female sexual organs. They achieve sexual gratification through sensations directly to the brain and so self-gratification is common. People still fall in love, but because everyone is identical it's not based on appearance or "sexual attraction." When a man from our time is introduced into that society it does lead to questions about what is love and some people have criticized the "homosexual aspects" of the book. I find this pretty amusing as the characters in this story never have any kind of physical contact, just an emotional one. Plus, since one of the characters is neither male nor female I'm not sure you could classify their relationship with a male as either heterosexual or homosexual. Still, I expected that reaction and it's one of the reasons I wrote the book.
In any case, I wish I was better educated to direct you to some good works. I did find this link that might have some titles you are interested in.
Thanks for the question. I can't claim to be an expert on fantasy literature as a whole, but just as people are becoming more enlightened in society, and as writing is a reflection of society, I think there will be more diversity int his regard. As for myself, I don't really have much in the way of sex (of any kind) within my books, but I do have characters that are attracted to the same sex as well as those attracted to other people. It's not something a shine a big spot light on, as I don't really see it as "a big deal" it's just one aspect of someone's personality. For instance, in my new book, Age of Myth, Arion's current partner is a woman. The only way you know this is she briefly mentions it in our conversation she is having with her mother about the fact that she has recently split from Celeste.
I have put sexuality front and center in my science fiction novel, Hollow World - mainly because all people in the future are genetically engineered to be identical and lacking both male and female sexual organs. They achieve sexual gratification through sensations directly to the brain and so self-gratification is common. People still fall in love, but because everyone is identical it's not based on appearance or "sexual attraction." When a man from our time is introduced into that society it does lead to questions about what is love and some people have criticized the "homosexual aspects" of the book. I find this pretty amusing as the characters in this story never have any kind of physical contact, just an emotional one. Plus, since one of the characters is neither male nor female I'm not sure you could classify their relationship with a male as either heterosexual or homosexual. Still, I expected that reaction and it's one of the reasons I wrote the book.
In any case, I wish I was better educated to direct you to some good works. I did find this link that might have some titles you are interested in.
More Answered Questions
Softbananas
asked
Michael J. Sullivan:
Hi Mike Your collection of the Riyria series is confusing with some books in, some out and some in more than one series. I don't want to miss any books just because they are not in the series I chose. So my question. Would you recommend a single reading list of all the Riyria books to accomplish this ? Are some books stand alone ? Thanks Softbananas
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