I write epic fantasy. Not “diverse fantasy.” Even though it fits under that category for those looking to “expand their palate” or whatever. But I hate those words, and in private I never actually think that about my work. The dance I do to appeal to “diverse” readers is a systemic thing and I can’t wait for the day when we don’t have to do it anymore. When authors of colour like me can just be in this space, in this genre, that we carved for ourselves without having to fight tooth and nail to belong.
I hate those words because they other what I write, as if they’re supposed to be interesting only to those who are “tired of the norm” (implying I am not normal), for those looking for something exotic. They other me.
I mean, it’s not like they work, right? Every time I go to r/fantasy on Reddit and see someone asking for “diverse recommendations,” nearly every fucking time, less than half of the recommended authors are PoC. I have people bend over backwards to try and fit in authors and works that barely match the OP’s request, while authors of colour continue to be invisible.
People say they’re “tired of medieval European fantasy” but I’m going to be perfectly honest and level with you here…I’m not. I love that stuff. I may not necessarily like how many are done, but there’s nothing wrong with the setting.
I love epic fantasy. I love shit like Dragon Age and Game of Thrones. Give me massive armies and people hacking at each other with swords and giant dragons that tear apart whole cities any day. Give me hopelessness and destruction and then SHOW ME that shining, pinprick of salvation in the midst of despair because that has always been the essence of this genre. That’s the stuff that keeps me going.
I’m not writing to please people looking for an exotic romp through the woods. As someone from a colonized country, whose women (and men) have historically been objectified and exploited, I am so not here for that.
I write what I know, so my culture, my history, my people’s griefs and trauma, all colour my work. It’s there, it is the depth and soul of what I do. But it’s not just that.
If you want to read my work because it is a fun, bloody adventure with a snarky main character and a hot thief who is probably bad news, go for it. If you want to read it for geopolitical complexity, dragons, and magic, go for it. If you want grey characters, tangled relationships, and emotional resonance…that’s all there, too. Recommend authors of colours in everything, not just in diverse recommendations.
