Flights
of Fantasy
Many
science fiction authors are turning their hand to fantasy. With
the rapid changes in science, good science fiction is becoming increasingly
difficult to write. So why do so many authors turn to fantasy? It
has absolutely no limits.
In the
world of fantasy, magic rules, and magic has no limits, except those
imposed by the author in his or her particular story. Magic, like
science, may be used for good or evil, and there will always be
a conflict between the two. Without conflict, there would be no
story to tell.
There
is a kind of fantasy--high fantasy--that always has a quest involved.
To me, it is particularly interesting to send someone on a quest
to find something, destroy something evil or restore something to
its rightful owner. Always, there is someone or something evil standing
in the way-- someone or something to which the reader can take an
instant dislike.
To me,
the clash between good and evil magic has long held a fascination.
The battles can take many forms and the outcome is usually predictable,
though the path of good to victory is not at all easily foreseen.
It never keeps me guessing as to who will win, but it does keep
me interested to see how the outcome will come about.
The
popularity of Harry Potter is a testament to the appeal of well-written
fantasy. It helps children find an escape from reality. Just
help them remember that fantasy is not reality and the reliance
on magic to cure all ills is never good for everyone. Any kind of
power, even that of the printed word, must be wielded carefully,
lest we destroy more than we help.
©
MyShelf.Com. All Rights Reserved. |