Why are Fantasy Books Important?

Why do I write fantasy? The first time someone asked me this, I didn’t know how to respond. It felt like they were questioning the value of fantasy and the value of my work, and I got defensive. But now that I’ve had time to think about it, I realize this is actually an interesting question. Why do I write fantasy? What is it about fantasy that appeals to me as a reader and a writer?

Escapism and Imagination

First and foremost, I like books that take me out of reality; books that transport me to a different world where anything can happen. I think this is a big part of why humans read and consume stories. When the burdens of everyday life become too heavy, it’s nice to disappear into a fantasy land. A land where the possibilities are endless.

For me, fantasy does escapism best. Science Fiction, Horror, and other genres of speculative fiction do it really well too, but for me, Fantasy is more liberating. I believe Science Fiction needs to be rooted in science fact, it needs to follow some rules of the real world in order to be truly successful. And of course, Horror has a specific vibe it needs to achieve, which isn’t always my favourite.

But Fantasy is pure imagination. Anything an author can imagine, can be a book. It’s endlessly fascinating to explore new fantasy ideas and worlds. In a way, every fiction novel is a fantasy. It’s all conjured from someone’s imagination, so the Fantasy genre seems to be storytelling at its most natural, liberated form.

Celebrating Mystery

I am fascinated by people, and by this place. For me, stories—and especially fantasy stories—are a way to honour and celebrate the mystery of life. I know that sounds corny, but please indulge me for a minute.

Throughout civilization, humans have used mythology to explain the unexplainable, and add meaning to the mundane. I don’t believe we will ever understand the universe and all its mysteries, so we will always use our imaginations to fill in the gaps. Human imagination is amazing. The questioning, the wondering, the searching for new experiences. It’s all wrapped up in what it means to be alive. This insatiable curiosity is the spark of invention. In craving answers, we create new ideas and continue to expand the possibilities of real life.

Now I’m not claiming fantasy authors are necessarily changing the world, but I do think we have the power to encourage and inspire curiosity. These curious people might then go out and take chances, challenging the limits of what’s possible.

So, Why Fantasy?

If nothing else, fantasy authors get to revel in their own curiosity and imagination. We get to have fun creating new worlds with new rules, and embrace our own sense of wonder. I would always rather embrace that sense of wonder than submit to the limits of the world as it exists right now. Fantasy has no limits.