Fantasy: A Gateway to Understanding the World, Ourselves, and Finding Peace in the Chaos
If you’re reading this and already feeling overwhelmed by the chaos of the world, trust me, I get it. These are wild times, and it often feels like we’re all just trying to keep our heads above water. But here’s the thing: while we can’t control everything around us, we can control how we choose to process and respond to it. And that’s where fantasy comes in. It’s not just about escaping into a world of magic and mythical creatures (though, let’s be honest, that’s a big part of it). Fantasy offers a lens through which we can examine the very real struggles of our own lives—without even realizing it. It gives us the space to explore our fears, our dreams, and our internal battles, all while keeping a safe distance from reality. And, let’s face it, these days, we could all use a little bit of that.
I’ve always been drawn to fantasy—not just as a writer, but as a reader and a fan of fantasy TV shows and movies. As a child, I discovered the power of stories like The NeverEnding Story, which let me wander in worlds filled with wonder and possibility. It wasn’t just about escaping the ordinary—it was about finding deeper truths within those fantastical realms. Those stories helped me cope with internal conflicts and fostered my longing to explore, both in my imagination and in the world around me. Then came Tolkien—oh, Tolkien! His tales taught me that even the smallest, most unlikely characters can shape the course of history. But what really resonated with me was the realization that bravery isn’t about being fearless; it’s about forging ahead despite the fear.
Of course, the magical worlds didn’t stop there. Harry Potter blew my mind wide open. The trio of Harry, Hermione, and Ron showed me that friendship, sacrifice, and courage aren’t just for the pages of a book—they’re things we need to nurture in our own lives. It’s not just about the magic, the spells, or the wizarding world; it’s about the choices that define us, the struggles we face in our daily lives, and the power of sticking together even when the odds seem impossible.
But what really solidified my love for fantasy was Game of Thrones. It wasn’t just about dragons (though, yes, dragons). It was the layered complexity of the characters, the morally gray areas, and the brutal truths about power and loyalty. Game of Thrones helped me understand that fantasy can be an incredibly potent mirror for real-world conflicts. It doesn’t shy away from showing us the darker sides of humanity, but it also reveals how our choices shape the world, much like in our own lives. The series made it clear that, just like in fantasy, life is full of unexpected twists, and there’s no such thing as a perfect hero or villain—just people trying to survive in an ever-changing world.
When I wrote The Lake of Miracles and The New Blood Fairy, I wasn’t just diving into fantasy for fun—I was working through my own internal struggles. The Lake of Miracles came out of my own journey to understand and manage anxiety. It’s a magical tale about having faith in oneself and the understanding that destiny is something we shape for ourselves. The characters in this story must confront their inner demons and the chaos around them while learning to find peace in a world that often feels out of control. Similarly, The New Blood Fairy is about self-discovery and the realization that even when everything seems lost, there’s magic in the journey. For me, writing fantasy isn’t just an escape—it’s a way to make sense of the real-world conflicts that weigh heavily on us all.
But here’s the thing: writing fantasy and immersing myself in fantasy worlds has helped me process, understand, and cope with the challenges of life. Whether it’s anxiety, personal conflicts, or simply navigating through uncertain times, fantasy provides a much-needed space for reflection, healing, and growth. So, whether you’re feeling overwhelmed by the world around you, seeking a break from your own internal struggles, or simply looking for a way to explore new possibilities, I encourage you to dive into a fantasy world. There’s so much out there—from big epic sagas to smaller hidden gems—that can offer you more than just an escape. They can provide you with lessons, wisdom, and even the strength to tackle whatever comes your way.
After all, sometimes the best way to understand the world we live in is to take a step into a world that’s entirely different. And who knows? You might just find the answers you’ve been looking for.
