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When I was thirteen years old, I didn't exactly discover epic fantasy on my own. I acquired it as a social defence mechanism.

I think writers from both East and West have long been fascinated by the ancient tales and the opportunity to reinterpret them.

I think the story is the most ancient form of human entertainment.

I believe excellent fantasy reflects us all, and yes, it can use those myths that underpin societies, our subconscious yearnings and longings, and perhaps our barren spirituality.

Fantasy is sort of a blank slate that everybody can project their own culture onto. Everybody can read it in their own way.

So many of the fantasy stories I encountered growing up were set in worlds that were largely modelled on medieval Europe in one way or another. Lots of white folks in feudal societies, castles and kings, that kind of thing.

I feel that good fantasy will always be in demand. I think children especially need literature that helps them escape from the real world, which is very scary to them right now.

What I find interesting about folklore is the dialogue it gives us with storytellers from centuries past.

I have a better internal and intuitive understanding of folklore and myth than science and technology, so in that way fantasy is easier.

From a very young age, stories fuelled my imagination in the most wonderful way.