Fantasy is fantasy. It's fiction. It's not meant to be a textbook. I don't believe in letting research overwhelm the fiction. That's a danger of science fiction in particular, as opposed to fantasy. A lot of writers forget that what they're doing is supposed to be art.
Interpretation
This quote emphasizes that fantasy and fiction should prioritize creativity and artistic expression over strict adherence to research and realism.
N. K. Jemisin highlights the distinction between fantasy and other genres, particularly science fiction, by arguing that fiction should remain a form of art rather than a textbook burdened by research. She warns against the tendency for writers to let scientific accuracy eclipse the imaginative and artistic aspects of storytelling, suggesting that the primary goal of fiction should be to evoke creativity and wonder.
In practice
This quote can be shared in a writing workshop to inspire authors to trust their creative instincts.
Magic is the mysteries into which not everyone is so lucky, or unlucky, as to be initiated. It can be affected by belief, the whims of the unseen, harsh language. And it is not. Supposed. To make. Sense. In fact, I think it's coolest when it doesn't.
I don't really understand why so many fantasy writers choose to focus on worlds that just seem strangely denuded. But to them, I guess it doesn't seem strange. And I guess that's their privilege. It isn't mine.
I write what feels real. I write things that are informed both by my own experience and by actual history.
Reactionary movements can't sustain themselves unless they find something new to catch and burn on.
There's a thriving field of self-published stuff in, particularly, black fiction. I don't know that other groups of people of color have that same recourse.
I've always believed that as an artist, as a writer, you need a lot of contact with other people to make your art good.
When we get to a point when trans folks are included in the creative process, the narrative will be much more authentic. Trans actors playing trans roles is a key part of that. But some of the trans talent is not even making it into the audition room, let's be honest.
Pure drawing is an abstraction. Drawing and colour are not distinct, everything in nature is coloured.
I experience a period of frightening clarity in those moments when nature is so beautiful. I am no longer sure of myself, and the paintings appear as in a dream.
While writing, I tend to repeat the same song, endlessly, for thousands of times. This helps me ignore any lyrics, and helps create a consistent mood for each book.
Drink wine, drink poetry, drink virtue.
A theatre receives recognition through its initiative, which is indispensable for first-rate performances.
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