I’ve been considering the truth about what I write and why it matters. As I’ve pushed myself to grow in talking more about my books and my writing, and what they are or aren’t, I’ve realized that I don’t always advertise everything. Why? I’m afraid people won’t like it. That’s silly. Of course not everyone will like what I have to offer. But if I’m cagey about my books and writing and what I’m all about, then I also won’t attract readers who do want to read my stories. I will miss out on the audience that’s looking for me.
The Truth About Writing Fantasy
Writing fantasy is one of the most beautiful gifts I’ve been given to use. In writing fantasy, the truth is that I go to places deep inside my heart and imagination that I cannot otherwise access. This writing is both thrilling and exhausting. I write fantasy because it gives me a way to process the real world around me. Fantasy is a safe place to explore and talk about difficult topics.
Creating other worlds full of fantastic people and imaginary creatures has been one of the most beneficial things I’ve done for my mental health. Fantasy is an escape from the darkness of my world, it’s a reminder that good can triumph, light will shine bright, and love is stronger than hate.
It may sound cheesy, but I don’t know if I chose to write fantasy or if fantasy chose me. I’m thankful either way.
The Truth About Writing “Good vs. Evil”
When I write, I choose to make it very clear who in the story is good and who is evil. There is no doubt in my reader’s mind that Eliora and Hadithi are trying to do what’s good for the land of Zale. They want to defeat evil and bring freedom from nightmares. Likewise, it’s pretty obvious that Chiwa is evil and she enjoys being evil.
In Son of Kings, my main character is the epitome of “morally gray”. Yuvraj is not what I would call “evil”, but he’s also not “good”. The thing is, I still believe it’s obvious whether his choices are “good” or “evil”. In some ways, he might be the most complex and human of all my characters.
As my writing progresses, I don’t see this changing. I am more than willing to write characters who wrestle with what’s right and wrong. But I hope to always create a clear distinction between the two.
The Truth About Writing Friendship
Friendship has always been and will always be a major feature of my books. I value and crave deep friendship with others. The truth is that we all need friends, whether we choose to admit it or not. In a world of increasing loneliness, friendship is an absolute gift. Everyone on the planet wants to be seen, understood, accepted, and loved for who they are.
I write about friendship because it’s a reflection of my own longings and reality, and I know the world is lonely. If I can be a part of helping younger readers find friends who truly care about them while being able to spot those who don’t, then I will! If I can remind older readers of what matters in friendship, then I will!
I know the world needs more friendship and less hate. So I will strive to show a little of what I believe that love should look like.
Which brings me to my next point…
The Truth About What I *don’t* Write: Romance
The truth about what I don’t write is this: romance. I don’t do romance. I’ll do little side stories. I’ll talk about people who loved each other romantically. But romance will likely never be a major part of my writing. I have nothing against romance or those who write and read it. There are plenty of books, movies, and TV shows that I enjoy where the central story is about two characters falling in love with each other.
There are lots of books out there, both fantasy and otherwise, that include romance. The stories that come from my head, however, do not. Some would probably tell me what a mistake this is. There are so many people who both want and expect romance to be in the YA novels they pick up. Romance is the best-selling genre. Just like we all long for the love friendship brings to our lives, we also long for romantic love. I get that. But I see absolutely no point in trying to force something into my stories.
Maybe I’m foolish, but I believe there’s a place for YA fantasy to exist and thrive without a romantic element. I believe there’s an audience out there that just wants to enjoy a good story. I choose to write for myself first and everyone else second.
If you’re looking for a fantasy book with romance as a central feature of the story, I would suggest you look elsewhere. As much as I would love for you to read my books, I may not be the best choice for you. If you need suggestions for fantasy romance (aka romantasy) though, let me know!
Final Thoughts
You may be wondering why it matters that I talk at all about the truth of what I write. I believe it matters because I want my books to reach the people who want and need them. I would absolutely hate for someone to pick up one of my books and be disappointed in what they find inside. I think it matters that we be honest, as writers, about what we write and what we don’t write.
I’ve spent so much time worrying that people would hate me for not writing romance or for being pretty rigid with “good vs. evil”. I don’t want to live that way. I want those looking for fantasy adventure books with strong themes of friendship that tackle hard topics to find my work.
Until next time,
Ellen
Ellen ES Ceely 
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