Michael
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Fantasy is my favorite genreFantasy (and the possibilities therein) is easily my favorite genre. My obsession began when I was nine years old and my uncle lent me The Hobbit and The Lord of Rings.
I don't think I have any one favorite author - just lots of "favorites." These would include Stephen R. Donaldson, Mercedes Lackey, David Drake, David Gemmell, and so many more . . .
Personally, I would add Roger Zelazny, but apparently many fans consider his work sci-fi. I do understand why they feel this way, because the "shadows" of Amber are remarkably similar to the many worlds theory in quantum physics (all possible universes exist along the probability wave of the real universe). But I think of it as a classic example of genre blending, and therefore I think Zelazny was a master of mixing science fiction with fantasy.
Of course, as I grew older I knew I wanted to write fantasy, but I wanted to do things that stretched the conventions set by Tolkien. In fact, I would have to cite Zelazny as one of my influences here, because what I like the most is genre blending. I like to read and write stories that mix some conventions of science fiction, horror, and even romance (don't laugh - I'll admit it's not at the top of my list but I might give it shot one day) with fantasy. Some of these sub-genres include dark fantasy, romantic fantasy, superhero fantasy, future fantasy, science fiction and fantasy and science fantasy.
Now why would I distinguish between those last three, I wonder? If you don't or don't care to see the difference, that's fine. But considering that I like writing stories in all these various styles I want to see the difference.
It's obvious what "dark" and "romantic" fantasy refer to, and I like to think of "superhero fantasy" as a blend of comic book conventions with fantasy (or science fiction) literature. In the future I will add posts that discuss how I perceive the differences between future, science fiction, and science fantasy.
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Ian
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Fantasy and ZelaznyInteresting to see you site Zelazny as an influence, Michael. Whilst I hate the question 'who is your favourite author' because so much depends on mood, frame of mind etc., if pushed, Zelazny would most likely be my grudging response.
You're right, the Amber books were most certainly fantasy, but it was with books such as 'Lord of Light' and 'This Immortal' that he first made his name, and these, along with later works such as 'Doorways in the Sand', are clearly science fiction.
Like you, one of the things I partricularly enjoy about Zelazny is the way he takes elements of both SF and fantasy and seamlessly blends them together in so many of his works. You always get the feeling that here is a man who really doesn't give a fig about such distinctions.
A great writer, and a sad loss.
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Michael
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Thanks for stoping by, Ian. Good to see you here!
I have to agree about Zelazny - a sad loss. I'm not familiar with the works you've mentioned, unfortunately. I've read a book of shorts that included "Damnation Alley" and the Amber series. Oh, I've also read The Black Throne, which he co-wrote with Fred Saberhagen - another good read.
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kiwusek
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I guess I am with Ian on this one. I really can't state which author is my favourite, but here is a list of ones that I like:
JRR Tolkien (you saw that coming, didn't you?)
Dante
George Orwells
A bunch of other names that elude my mind at this moment...
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Michael
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Oh, I know just how you feel...
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Laura Stamps
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Fantasy is my favorite genre too. But not trad fantasy. When I was a little girl I devoured every fairy tale book published. But since then I have a hard time getting into trad fantasy. The plots set in the far past or in other worlds just ever seem to interest me as an adult.
But I am a rabid fan of urban and dark urban fantasy. I enjoy Jim Butcher, Lilith Saintcrow, Charlaine Harris, Marilyn Alt, and Maggie Shayne, to name a few.
Don't like romance, so I have never been able to get into Laurell K. Hamilton. I read one "Nightside" book by Simon R. Green, and it just didn't click for me. Tanya Huff is next on my TBR list, so I am looking forward to trying her novels.
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Ophelia-Stornoway
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When I was younger I devoured anything fantastical I could get my hands on: Fairy tales (Grimm and Anderson, mostly), Greek mythology, high fantasy, historical fantasy, contemporary fantasy - even some prose-ified versions of Shakespeare!
Nowadays I seem to have become picky and fussy, but I still enjoy a good yarn and if it grabs me, I'll buy it. My most recent discovery is Naomi Novik; she writes Napoleonic-era stories where dragons are used like fighter planes. I love them.
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Michael
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Ah, we have a new member since I've been away. Welcome to Tower of Light, Ophelia. Looks like you're getting around very well so far. Thanks for joining!
And good to see you still coming around, Laura!
Well, I'm posting this from a library computer, unfortunately, because Cavalier still hasn't gotten me back online. Now I have to wait until August 31! I hope they give me credit. let me tell you...
Anyways, I'm sorry I'm not around. Thanks to everyone for sticking around despite that!
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Laura Stamps
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Hi, Michael--
Glad to see you are back (sort of). Don't worry. I think your forum is developing a wonderful life of its own. 
I have been insanely busy, but still find time to stop by every few days. I think it's just been a crazy kind of month for a lot of people!
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deathwizard
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I've read LOTR at least 25 times, so I would have to say that Tolkien is my favorite author. But I've got some others: the three big Steves (Stephen Donaldson, Steven Erikson, Stephen King), plus George R.R. Martin. I'm not so big on Brooks, Jordan, or Goodkind. In the non-fantasy realm, I favor John Updike. The Rabbit series was magnificent and life-altering.
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msheald
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Hello! I enjoyed The Lord of the Rings as much as anyone, and the movies as well. I think that LeGuin's EarthSea Trilogy is a masterpiece. It didn't have the scope the LOTR did, probably because she addressed conflict that the main character could address and much of the story tension involved the personality of GED, the main character.
I don't think much of the follow-up books in the series. She seems to be trying to make a point in those stories rather than telling a story.
Though EarthSea was an award winner, it didn't seem to have the impact that the LOTR did. I'm not sure why. Any insights? Best regards.
Michael A. Heald
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deathwizard
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Though Le Guin is an unquestioned master and the favorite of many, she's not one of my favorites. Again, I'm not saying that she's not good. She's been writing best sellers since the 1960s. She just doesn't do it for me as much as the Tolkiens, Howards, Eriksons, Donaldsons, and Martins of the world. Though I'm about as far from being a chauvinist as a man can be, I tend to enjoy fantasy written by men more than women. My favorite woman fantasist is probably Patricia McKillup.
All that said, I've read LOTR at least 25 times, but I only read the first three of Earthsea once, and those so long ago that I barely remember them. So I'm not the best judge, in this regard.
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