The Writer's Guide to Fantasy Literature

by Philip Martin (editor)

The Writer Books, January, 2002.
Trade Paperback, 240 pages.
ISBN: 0871161958

The Writer's Guide to Fantasy Literature is quite a timely release: fantasy is the hottest genre in the industry, with popular book to film box office hits like Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, and Shrek. The book helps writers learn how to craft a fantasy story, with explanations of fantasy styles, tips, examples from fantasy novels and information on how to submit your work for publication. The book also features interviews with top fantasy authors, such as John Marco, Donna Jo Napoli, Diane Schoemperlen, Ursula K. Le Guin, Peter S. Kemper, Terry Pratchett. Sections in the book focus on developing fantasy characters, creating fantasy worlds and plotting. The resource section includes lists of top fantasy markets, reference books and research websites.

Editor Philip Martin has done an excellent job in arranging and presenting this resource for fantasy writers, as well as doing a lot of the writing himself. For example, Martin explains the different fantasy sub genres: high fantasy, adventure fantasy, fairy-tale fiction, magic realism and dark fantasy, in his excellent article, "The Five Golden Rings." A chapter is devoted to each fantasy "ring", which includes tips and author interviews. Martin provides both practical advice and inspiration for aspiring fantasy writers who wish to improve their writing and take it to a professional level. Martin also includes short examples from novels by popular fantasy writers such as Anne Rice, C.S. Lewis, Robert Jordan and Stephen King to illustrate important writing concepts. Another insightful article is "Pottermania: Eight Reasons Why Harry is a Success", in which Martin delves into the phenomenal success of the boy wizard. This is a terrific book for fantasy writers of all levels. Highly recommended.

The Writer's Guide to Fantasy Literature is available for purchase on Amazon.com

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This review was published in the February, 2002 of The Internet Writing Journal.