What makes a great fantasy culture?
Jan 16, 2023 4:49 pm
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Dear reader,
I'm a travel nerd. Always have been, and hopefully I always will be. I've found that the "travel bug" is an especially useful compulsion to have as an epic fantasy author.
One of my favorite parts of being a high school English teacher is leading student travel programs. Most recently my wife and I took a group of kids to Japan, and let me tell you, the kids' reactions were almost as rewarding as the destination itself.
Sure, taking a dozen teenagers to another country probably sounds like a very special circle of hell for most of you, but trust me. It's worth it.
Seeing their jaws drop as they step into a completely foreign world? Watching them take pictures of things the locals find commonplace (like the fancy toilets and the over-stuffed subway trains)? Always gives me a kick.
That wonder in their eyes, the magic of having their worldview completely rocked: It's a feeling I strive to replicate for my readers.
So, what have been your favorite fantasy cultures? I've heard lots of complaints over the years: this one's just a lazy reskin of a real culture, I'm sick of medieval settings/Tolkien clones, this one's unrealistic, this one feels too gimmicky, etc...
But what are the really good ones? The one's that felt fleshed-out and vibrant and believable? And, most importantly, why were they so good?
Shoot me an email. I'd love to hear your insights and recommendations.
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Thanks for your support and insight, friends. And happy reading!
Ben Schwarting
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My Books:
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