Get Inside Their Head: Epic Fantasy

“Get inside their head” is about getting to know the audience you’re writing for. Once a month, I interview one avid reader of a particular genre, asking questions every author wants to know, or should know about writing for their audience through the eyes of one ideal potential reader.

Today’s discussion is about Epic Fantasy. And my interviewee is twenty-four year old blogger, author, and avid reader, Dakota Lopez:

Thanks again Dakota for joining us on this feature interview about what readers are looking for in an epic fantasy genre. 

Thanks for having me.

First of all: How long have you been an avid reader of the epic fantasy genre?

My inclination is to just say “oh gosh, forever.” But that would probably be a lie. Although I’ve always liked the fantasy genre. 

What drew you to epic fantasy?

I’d have to say that personality has a lot to do with it. I read a lot of different stuff. I love science fiction and science fantasy as well. Usually fantasy is a much more nostalgic genre, where SciFi is hopeful. I tend to lean more on nostalgia, as a fault in my personality.

What is the first epic fantasy novel you’ve ever read?

I attribute Tolkien’s works as being the earliest form of inspiration for me. I’ll say The Fellowship of the Ring was probably my first, although I’m in need of a LotR reread as I read those at far too young an age to fully grasp their weight.

How many epic fantasy novels have you read in total? 

Maybe 50.

What are your three favorite epic fantasy novels?

Again, nostalgia factor. In no particular order:

The Kingkiller Chronicle, by Patrick Rothfuss – This extremely popular trilogy follows the life story of young Kvothe, and is the story of how he became the greatest legend of all time in just a few short years. The third book is notoriously long awaited, as Rothfuss is such a perfectionist he rewrites his book some 80+ times before he feels comfortable with it. The first book, The Name of the Wind, has seen global acclaim.

The Stormlight Archive, by Brandon Sanderson – This planned ten book series has only actually released its first two novels, but they’re huge. The second book alone sits at 400,000 words. Sanderson is the master of worldbuilding and magic systems. This series sees a cast of characters realize they’re something far more than they ever dreamed, as an evil unlike the world has ever seen looms forth. It’s essentially the most perfect superhero origin story of any epic fantasy series I’ve ever read.

The Farseer Trilogy, by Robin Hobb – Perhaps the most heart-wrenchingly beautiful fantasy epic I’ve read of late, the Farseer Trilogy is part of Hobb’s much larger Realm of the Elderlings series. It follows young FitzChivalry Farseer as he grows up living the terrible life of a lesser heir to the throne. It doesn’t sound terrible, but the worth of nobility is put to the test in this book. I cried for this kid. I stressed for these characters like I have for none other in any book ever. 

What was it about your #1 favorite book that stuck out to you the most?

The series I’ve found nearly perfect would be The Stormlight Archive, by Brandon Sanderson, as mentioned above. In its incredible length, not once is there an uninteresting, or dull moment. Sanderson’s ability to redefine what it means to visit a fantasy series is undeniably impressive, placing you in a world so alien and yet so real. The series, which begins with The Way of Kings, delivers on all accounts.

Which characters in this book really spoke to you?

It’s been almost two years since I’ve read it now, but I remember each character so very vividly.  Kaladin, the highlighted of the four main POV characters in the first Stormlight Archive book, is excellent, for starters. The son of a wealthy Doctor, he enlists into the war when his younger brother is drafted, so that he can protect him. He isn’t capable of protecting him, and he as a character breaks. He is sent to be a slave. One day a spren, a fairylike creature, begins communicating with him – something that never happens to humans – and he begins developing odd abilities.

Another character, perhaps my favorite, is Dalinar Kholin. Brother to the fallen King, and advisor to the reigning heir, he begins to see visions that the voidbringers are returning. He must make sense of these visions before the kingdom and the world is destroyed.

Why did they speak to you personally?

Dalinar is a very rational being. He doesn’t take things entirely at face value, and he is an excellent father and mentor figure. But most of all it’s his understanding of honor that puts him at the very top for me. That, and the fact that he’s just so cool.

What made these characters so memorable?

Generally speaking, the greatest characters are all very human. They have flaws. They have a growth arc. They are relatable, hatable, and often very lovable. I need to be able to understand these characters to get behind them.

In your opinion, what generally makes for a memorable character?

To find him or herself, the character must be given a good arc, situations in which they are put to their limits, and other characters to play off them in convincing ways.

Is there a character type you feel is overdone in the fantasy genre?

 The orphan boy who struggles to move foreword in life, who then suddenly realizes he’s the chosen one, or is whisked away to become the greatest hero or most powerful person of all. Nearly all modern fantasy relies on this trope. And yes, we’ve gotten some of the absolute best characters from it. But it’s easy. And it’s not the only character type there is. Don’t assume you need to opt for this formula. There are plenty of others out there.

Lots of really great points you bring up, Dakota. But how about when you’re shopping around for a new book to read…

Where do you typically go to find a new epic fantasy novel to read?

There’s nothing like word of mouth. Especially when it comes to social media. The greater the writer and reader circle is talking about a certain read online, the quicker it’ll find its way onto my to-read list.

What are the top three to five things you look for in your next surefire read?

1. A good cover is an easy way to intrigue me.

2. If the first few pages are good, I’m all for it.

3. Books that have some critical acclaim, so that I know that quality will be present.

4. Some semblance of worldbuilding is a must.

5. Magic systems, or power systems should be present but not limitless.

Are you more influenced to read a book that your friends suggest? Or do you like to go out on a limb and try a completely new book?

Sometimes I see a book on Goodreads or Twitter that none of my friends have read or reviewed. And yeah, sometimes I’ll have to go out on a limb and try it for myself. I know my friends generally have good taste, so books they recommend I usually get around to reading.

What would instantly turn you away from reading a book?

Poor writing. Repetitive phrases. Grammatical errors. Absurd metaphors. Using words incorrectly. Or trying too hard with a Victorian speech pattern. It’s just messy.

What sort of book covers stand out to you when you’re shopping around? Any examples to share with us? 

Something that is imaginative. Generally a good painting. Dark, atmospheric, beautiful. A.M. Dellamonica’s ‘Child of a Hidden Sea‘ is a great example of a cover that totally grabs your attention.