Issue 8.1 | Spring 2006


The Wand in the Word: Conversations with Writers of Fantasy

by Leonard S Marcus (editor)

Non-Fiction

Walker Books

Hardback

£9.99

ISBN: 0763626252

Reviewed by Steph Little

[Armadillo 8.1 Spring 2006]

Leonard S. Marcus interviews thirteen of the most celebrated fantasy authors, including Terry Pratchett, Ursula Le Guin, Garth Nix, Philip Pullman and Diana Wynne Jones. From his in-depth, astute questions we learn many intricate details, from the authors' childhoods and early literary influences, through to their working routines and their latest projects. All of the writers tell extraordinary tales about the genesis of their works and many hold assured beliefs about where the fantasy genre falls within the literary canon. Together with author photographs, the book also includes pages from early drafts of many famous fantasy novels.

Remarkably, while studying at university some of the writers attended lectures by legendary authors C. S. Lewis and J. R. R. Tolkien, a clear testament to the notion that early influences can shape the path of one''s creativity.

Whether for an avid reader of fantasy novels or just interested in the craft of writing, this beautifully produced collection of intimate conversations makes for fascinating reading.

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