Written by: Tia Eley

For my birthday my boyfriend took me to one of my favorites places on earth— a book store. But, this wasn’t just any bookstore. It was a bookstore that primarily carried titles by African American authors. You would have thought I was a kid in a candy shop. I bounced around the entire place showing him different books. I felt like I had transported into another dimension. 

I couldn’t help but notice the lack of books in the fantasy genre. Fantasy is my absolute favorite genres, so imagine my surprise. I stood there surprised and shocked at the lack of fantasy titles in this independent store. It made me realize something I’ve heard circulating around the black community. Unfortunately, a lot of us have been told that if we write fantasy, people simply won’t read it because it is not interesting enough for our culture. African Americans are not encouraged to write stories like fantasy because it is seen as weird or “not cool.” I fully disagree and wanted to offer a word of encouragement to you.

There are plenty of African American authors of fantasy that exist. I am a fantasy writer and love everything about creating another world and people that belong in that world.

I often get imposter syndrome thinking that no one that looked like me would read my book because I was not writing in the right genre. But after going into that bookstore, I say you can write any story you want. If you love, you should write it. We don’t need to let the world define normal.

Many minorities have believed they will never be seen as normal, but let’s show the world what that you can write whatever you want and there is an audience for it! Be you unapologetically. Tell the story you want to tell no matter what other people think. I promise if you do that something beautiful will blossom.

If you want to write a fantasy novel, try the following steps:

Build a Strong World: A well-built world is essential for a good fantasy novel. Your world should have its own history, geography, culture, and rules. It should be unique, but still believable and consistent. Spend some time thinking about your world before you start writing, and make sure you have a clear idea of how everything fits together.

Create Memorable Characters: Characters are the heart of any story, and in a fantasy novel, they can be even more important. Your characters should be well-rounded, with their own personalities, motivations, and flaws. Give them interesting backstories and make sure they have clear goals that drive the plot forward.

Use Magic Wisely: Magic is a common element in fantasy novels, but it can be a double-edged sword. Too much magic can make your story feel unbelievable, while too little can make it feel dull. Find a balance that works for your story, and make sure that your magic system has clear rules and limitations. This will help keep your story grounded and prevent it from becoming too chaotic.