Fables, Not Fantasy

I have a hard time defining myself as a fantasy author, and there are reasons for that.

Rather than defining myself as a dark fantasy author, I consider my work to be rooted in the ancient style of storytelling of the old fairy tales and myths from around the world.

There is a considerable amount of darkness in those ancient stories that speaks to our shadow selves of violence, fear, rage, and hatred.

I believe the core difference between those old fables and the marketing of what is considered fantasy is that connection to our unconscious psyches. And that is where I find my inspiration.

Against the advice of many an agent and editor, my characters are written as archetypes. They are nameless and with a title that indicates their role in the story.

I respect their reasons for their advice. I know it limits me to write a character in this way. Their development is stunted, and they can be more distant to the reader.

These are good points.

But I find all kinds of limits to creativity in the world of traditional publishing. That’s why I chose the DIY route — with all the freedom and frustration that entails.

Thus, my characters remain as nameless archetypes.

I find value in exploring psychology in this way. See if you can discern who a character could be from what they are called — Ella Bandita, the Wanderer, the Patron, the Sorcerer, the Shepherd, the Gambler, the Rogue, the Bounty Hunter, the Courtesan, the Youngest, the Wolf.

Who is the protagonist?

Who is the antagonist?

Who is the hero?

Who is the anti-hero?

Of all the characters, who plays the villain, the victim, the victor, or the vanquished?

All the characters — even the minor ones — have a journey within the story. Who do you feel you would relate to, simply from what they are called?

The beauty of writing characters from this place is giving the reader a chance to journey into the hidden aspects of self. I believe that readers have a chance to explore the depths of their shadows as well as within their light.

Archetypal characters open the door to the subconscious and give readers a chance to respond. That is the power of fables and that is why I write them.