One of my favourite things to do when I write is to bring…
““One of my favourite things to do when I write is to bring a sense of wonder to a normal everyday setting... Yes, there are magical elements, but there are also very down-to-earth elements and often what shines through isn’t the magic, but the lanterns that the characters light against the dark... If you substitute the words “fairy tale” or “myth” for “fantasy,” the reason I use these elements in my own work is that they create resonances that illuminate solutions to the real world struggle without the need for an authorial voice to point them out. Magic never solves the problems–we have to do that on our own–but in fiction it allows the dialogue to have a much more organic approach than the talking heads one can encounter in fiction that doesn’t utilize the same tools. [from the interview Year’s Best 2012: Charles de Lint on “A Tangle of Green Men” ]””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Fantasy elements illuminate real‑world issues, allowing readers to discover solutions without overt authorial guidance.
In simple terms: Magic shows real problems subtly.
Key Takeaway
Use metaphor to explore truth.
Themes
imagination
truth
storytelling
Mood
thoughtful
inspirational
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- novel writing
- screenwriting
- teaching
- personal reflection
Key Concepts
symbolism
resonance
organic dialogue
Questions to Reflect On
- How can metaphor deepen understanding?
- When does subtlety hinder clarity?
A Different Perspective
Risk of readers missing the underlying message without clear cues.