Since this is my first post on The Speculative Salon, I thought I should introduce myself.
I’m Marsha A. Moore and I write fantasy romance. I prefer high fantasy or epic fantasy, but will dabble in paranormal or urban fantasy once in a while. Many days I feel akin to a Reese’s bar, wondering whether I got fantasy in my romance or romance in my fantasy. The latter wins out most times, since I tend to use romance only as a device to show more dimensions of my characters, reaching a bit further inside them emotionally. I need to know why, in their hearts, my characters are driven to complete their fantasy quests.
Otherwise, I’m delighted to live in Tampa after escaping from Ohio two years ago. I aspire to be a beach bum and often take pencil and paper there for long afternoons of fun. My fantasy worlds are often inspired by nature around me while cycling, kayaking or at the beach, like in my mermaid series. Tears on a Tranquil Lake is currently available, Tortuga Treasure coming in January, and Teega’s Tallion in the works to end the collection. I confess to being a yoga addict, and that level of inner discovery, mysticism, or spirituality also influences the fantasy worlds of my books and stories. I’m drawing much from those aspects of my life in an epic tale beginning release late this fall, The Enchanted Bookstore.
I’m pleased to have a few days a month to ramble here about my views on fantasy. Since I talked a lot about me, today I have something short—two quotes about fantasy I find interesting.
“Fantasy is an exercise bicycle for the mind. It might not take you anywhere, but it tones up the muscles that can.” ~Terry Pratchett
“Fantasy mirrors desire. Imagination reshapes it.” ~Mason Cooley
Like I said, I do enjoy exercise, so activity to work my mind sounds pleasant. However, Pratchett’s statement could easily apply to working math problems…ugh, not at all the same to me. Mathematicians may argue that the end result produces a product of value, thus it takes you somewhere. According to Cooley, fantasy lets you imagine your desires; you travel to a world of your making, one you desire.
Is an imaginary world a real destination?
Art credit: Michael Giedrojc
7 comments:
Oh absolutely! Who doesn't want to take a break from the mundane world around us to slip off into a world of pure fantasy? :)
We can relate to their problems, their conflicts, yet it's not the same. We don't have to deal with vampires, not on a regular basis. Or worry about a werewolf shedding on the carpet. Or concern ourselves with jetting through the wrong worm hole. Yet we still do deal with blood suckers, hairy beasts, and taking the wrong turn in real life. But "fantasizing it", is another story. :)
Hi Marsha,
I grew up with fantasy/sci-fi as a big part of my life. It was an escape from the life and events going on around me in my childhood...and I never lost it because it still comforts me. Thank you for sharing.
I think a good Fantasy takes the reader away for a while, in their minds, and makes them wonder "What IF?"
Hey Marsha,
Reading fantasy allows me to enter worlds that are necessary for a story to work. They also enable me to spark my imagination and create stories with messages that only readers of fantasy/sci-fi will read. For example, fantasy readers may not desire western, romance,or even the Bible. But put a message with hope, faith, and encouragement into a book they enjoy...and voila!
@Terry -- I often need to slip away from the problems of reality into someplace far removed. It's relaxing to see how people of other worlds solve problems.
@Kay Dee -- Me too. I've loved fantasy for so long , I'd be lost without it.
@Jeannie -- I absolutely love that "what if" feeling!
@Nick -- I agree and do always include a real life theme behind my fantasy stories, usually a women's lit self-growth idea. I like my characters to improve through their tragedies, slaying dragons and mysterious beasts while learning about themselves!
Well, I can't say that I would desire to live in the worlds where my fantasy stories take place. Too much conflict after all, so I'm glad they're not real destinations. But I do need a story to challenge my brain muscles and my heartstrings. And that's the amazing journey.
Nice to hear your thoughts, Ellyn. I agree, some worlds we create would be pretty harsh to actually live in without all the conveniences we take for granted.
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