--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Fantasy has had some problems with being…" description: "\"Fantasy has had some problems with being too repetitive, in my opinion. I try to read what other people are doing - and say, 'How can I add to this rat..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/cfc/brandon-sanderson-112_add_fantasy-has-had-some-problems-with-being_917409.jpg" --- # Fantasy has had some problems with being too repetitive… ![“Fantasy has had some problems with being too repetitive, in my opinion. I try to read what other people are doing - and say, 'How can I add to this rather than just recycle it? How can I stand on Tolkien's shoulders rather than stand tied to his kneecaps?” quote by Brandon Sanderson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/cfc/brandon-sanderson-112_add_fantasy-has-had-some-problems-with-being_917409.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/cfc/brandon-sanderson-112_add_fantasy-has-had-some-problems-with-being_917409.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/cfc/brandon-sanderson-112_add_fantasy-has-had-some-problems-with-being_917409.jpg) > “Fantasy has had some problems with being too repetitive, in my opinion. I try to read what other people are doing - and say, 'How can I add to this rather than just recycle it? How can I stand on Tolkien's shoulders rather than stand tied to his kneecaps?” [Brandon Sanderson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/brandon-sanderson/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. The author critiques repetitive tropes in fantasy, urging creators to innovate rather than merely recycle, and to build upon predecessors' foundations without being constrained by them **In simple terms:** Avoid copying; instead, add fresh ideas to the genre Key Takeaway Innovate, respect tradition but break new ground Themes creativity originality literary tradition innovation inspiration Mood inspirational thoughtful Type literary creative When to use this quote - writing workshops - story planning - genre analysis - creative brainstorming Key Concepts Genre evolution creative risk authorial responsibility Questions to Reflect On - How can you honor influences while staying original? - What balance between homage and novelty works best? A Different Perspective Innovation can alienate fans expecting familiar tropes ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Add](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/add/) [Fantasy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/fantasy/) [Fantasy Problems](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/fantasy-problems-1393536/) [Opinion](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/opinion/) [People](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/people/) [Problem](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/problem/) [Problems Repetitive](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/problems-repetitive-1393538/) [Repetitive](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/repetitive/) [Shoulders](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/shoulders/) [Stand Tolkien](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/stand-tolkien-1393537/) [Tied](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/tied/) [Tolkien](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/tolkien/) [Trying](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/trying/) ## Related quotes > [I want regulation. I want to protect our environment. I want regulations for safety. 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