Author Evelyn Cornell on Authentic Writing
"Consistency and authenticity in your writing will always resonate more than chasing trends," said epic fantasy author Evelyn Cornell in an interview published February 21. She also advised aspiring writers to establish a disciplined routine and "treat it like a job, even before it pays like one."
- An author's "voice"—their unique style, tone, and personality—is considered a critical element for success, as it helps a writer's work stand out in a crowded market and builds reader loyalty. - Many professional authors suggest establishing a writing routine by scheduling consistent, manageable blocks of time for writing each day or week, rather than waiting for inspiration. This may involve starting with a low daily word count, such as 200 words, to build the habit. - The fantasy genre is currently seeing a rise in subgenres like "Romantasy," which blends romance and fantasy, and "Cozy Fantasy," which offers more hopeful and low-stakes escapism. This contrasts with the "grimdark" and epic fantasy subgenres that were dominant in previous years. - For a debut fantasy novel, publishing industry standards generally suggest a word count between 100,000 and 150,000 words; a manuscript that is significantly longer may be considered too much of a risk for a first-time author. - The advice to "write what you know" in fantasy is often interpreted as writing from a place of emotional truth and developing characters and worlds so thoroughly that they become intimately known to the author. - A growing trend in the fantasy genre is the use of settings and mythologies inspired by non-Western European cultures, such as African and Indian folklore, which offers a fresh alternative to traditional medieval-style worlds. - Many literary agents and editors state that a compelling and unique authorial voice on the first page of a manuscript is one of the most crucial elements that captures their attention. - Aspiring fantasy writers are often advised to read the classic and foundational works of the genre to understand its conventions and clichés before attempting to subvert or innovate on them.
