A college student interviewed Castalia House author Vox Day for a paper he was writing about the fantasy genre.

1: What characteristics do you look for in well-written fantasy novels?

Originality, plot, credible characters, and technical style.

 2: What has been your experience with reading fantasy?

Most modern fantasy is polluted by philosophical perspectives inconsistent with their quasi-medieval settings.

3: What do you believe are the major differences between fantasy and other genres?

Fantasy provides more room to explore ideas.

4: As a reader, what kinds of values do you look for in a good fantasy novel?

I don’t really care, so long as they are coherent, consistent, and credible.

5: What has been your experience with writing fantasy?

It is rewarding to create a world and have the opportunity to let others experience it.

6: What fantasy authors (past and present) have influenced or impacted you, and the fantasy genre, most?

JRR Tolkien, CS Lewis, Susan Cooper. But Tolkien is the giant that overshadows everyone.

7: Which style or sub genre of fantasy do you prefer?

Epic fantasy

8: As a writer, what experiences or values motivate and influence your work most?

My martial arts experience, my historical studies, and my Christian faith.

9: What freedoms does the fantasy genre give to a writer?

You can invent and utilize anything the reader will find credible.

10: What are some of the most imaginative fantasy novels you have read?

Embassytown and Perdido Street Station by China Mieville. Awake in the Night Land by John C. Wright. The Lord of the Rings by JRR Tolkien.

11: How can you effectively evoke desirable emotion in your audience as a fantasy writer?

Make them care about the character first, then you can elicit any emotion you want by either doing something to the character or having him do something.