My feeling is that writing Fantasy should be harder - not easier - than writing any other kind of fiction.
From Jane Lindskold
I realize that, to many readers, Hard Fantasy may seem to be a contradiction in terms. Fantasy, according to most generally recognized definitions, differs from both 'real world' fiction and 'science fiction' in that magic or magical creatures are active elements.
'Legends Walking' was the first of my books to go to a second printing based on strong initial orders, but much of that printing never found its audience.
Readers are always surprised to learn that authors have little or no input regarding the cover art for their books.
I've never met any artist who illustrated one of my books, although I've corresponded briefly with one. I have always been impressed by the technical expertise involved in the covers, even if sometimes puzzled by the subject matter.
Copy editors are very important and too rarely praised.
Even after the text is written, there are a tremendous number of stages along the way to the finished book. If a publisher cares about the finished product, none of them will be omitted.
One of the ironies of being a professional writer is that, if you are even moderately successful, the very traits that let you succeed as a writer are not much help when the time comes to head out as 'The Author.'
To be a writer, you need to like spending a lot of time by yourself in the company of imaginary people.
There are other types of public appearances a writer does in addition to book signings and readings. Each calls for different skills. None of these skills, needless to say, are those that go into writing books.
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