Black Gate article: ON WRITING FANTASY: The Quest for Originality
Mr. Fultz talks about writing fantasy and how to write with originality. He makes several points, but the one I have to say AMEN to, is this:
The problem is that many fantasies simply recycle ideas from J.R.R.Tolkien and those who have already recycled Tolkien (or fantasy games that emulate his works). Yes, J.R.R. is a fundamental cornerstone of the genre, and yes his work is brilliant and should always be read and remembered. But so is the work of Lord Dunsany, Clark Ashton Smith, Robert E. Howard, Fritz Leiber, Edgar Rice Burroughs, E. R. Eddison, Jack Vance, and many more writers I could name.
I feel the same way about rpgs. Too many elves! It's done to death already. My two cents.
