Fantasy and Literature? Not a natural mix for most people, I suspect. But, I'd suggest that with such classics as '1984', 'Animal Farm', 'Alice's Adventures in Wonderland' and 'Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde', that particular boat has sailed.
I set out some years ago, starting with a detailed imagined map of my world, to develop a story that could explore the theme of hypocrisy in religion. Fantasy seemed the most appropriate genre, allowing me to make analogies without specifically 'blaming' any named religion. I, of course, wanted the book to be an adventure for readers (and for me, in the writing). The inviting journey of the quest seemed a great medium for what I wanted to say.
So, I spent a good many months in research on all those topics I knew I must touch on during the story. More research on such aspects of story as 'how far can a camel travel in a day?', much delving into the world of the sailing ship, since parts of the tale involve sea voyages. In short, I researched all those subjects I felt were likely to crop up in the telling of the story.
My map was largely derived from a part of our own world but modified. I wanted to present a realistic landscape with rivers, mountains, forests etc in the sort of places such features would appear. I drew the original on sugar paper in ink, knowing that such paper deteriorates quite quickly. It took a few years of hanging on the back of the study door before the map took on the appearance of tattered parchment; perfect for the 'period' of the story.
Whenever I write fiction, I begin the story by developing character sketches for each of the named characters. That way, my characters, who all have history, relationships, ambitions and priorities, can guide the story. I act as director of these players, keeping them on track whilst allowing them the freedom to keep in character. When I started, I didn't realise that the book would become a trilogy and the number of named players would eventually exceed 100. A spreadsheet was needed to use as a timeline so that I could keep track of all the characters and know where each individual was at any one time.
Writing the book has been a wonderful adventure and a labour of love for me. I've grown to love many of my people and to loathe others. Some of my creations have had to die during the story and others have changed through growth along the way.
As I write this, all 3 books of the trilogy are written and I'm in the final process of the penultimate edit of book 3 - my final edit will be a read aloud from the printed page. Then it'll be for the publisher to do whatever I've missed. Book 1 'Joinings' of the trilogy, 'A Seared Sky', was published in print and digital formats by Fantastic Books Publishing at the end of March 2014. Already, it has sold in many different countries and, a very long book, is now gathering 5 star reviews from those who have completed the read.
I would be delighted to discuss the content with all readers here on this forum. And I'd love to know whether readers consider my book qualifies as literature.
I set out some years ago, starting with a detailed imagined map of my world, to develop a story that could explore the theme of hypocrisy in religion. Fantasy seemed the most appropriate genre, allowing me to make analogies without specifically 'blaming' any named religion. I, of course, wanted the book to be an adventure for readers (and for me, in the writing). The inviting journey of the quest seemed a great medium for what I wanted to say.
So, I spent a good many months in research on all those topics I knew I must touch on during the story. More research on such aspects of story as 'how far can a camel travel in a day?', much delving into the world of the sailing ship, since parts of the tale involve sea voyages. In short, I researched all those subjects I felt were likely to crop up in the telling of the story.
My map was largely derived from a part of our own world but modified. I wanted to present a realistic landscape with rivers, mountains, forests etc in the sort of places such features would appear. I drew the original on sugar paper in ink, knowing that such paper deteriorates quite quickly. It took a few years of hanging on the back of the study door before the map took on the appearance of tattered parchment; perfect for the 'period' of the story.
Whenever I write fiction, I begin the story by developing character sketches for each of the named characters. That way, my characters, who all have history, relationships, ambitions and priorities, can guide the story. I act as director of these players, keeping them on track whilst allowing them the freedom to keep in character. When I started, I didn't realise that the book would become a trilogy and the number of named players would eventually exceed 100. A spreadsheet was needed to use as a timeline so that I could keep track of all the characters and know where each individual was at any one time.
Writing the book has been a wonderful adventure and a labour of love for me. I've grown to love many of my people and to loathe others. Some of my creations have had to die during the story and others have changed through growth along the way.
As I write this, all 3 books of the trilogy are written and I'm in the final process of the penultimate edit of book 3 - my final edit will be a read aloud from the printed page. Then it'll be for the publisher to do whatever I've missed. Book 1 'Joinings' of the trilogy, 'A Seared Sky', was published in print and digital formats by Fantastic Books Publishing at the end of March 2014. Already, it has sold in many different countries and, a very long book, is now gathering 5 star reviews from those who have completed the read.
I would be delighted to discuss the content with all readers here on this forum. And I'd love to know whether readers consider my book qualifies as literature.