We begin with a definition of Historical Fantasy that allows us narrow the topic and differentiate it from Alternate History. When we say historical fantasy we mean “adding magic to a historical period we want to write in.” We offer some examples of this, talk about why it’s popular right now, and then talk about how you as a writer can do this well.
via Writing Excuses 7.7: Historical Fantasy » Writing Excuses.
Just listened to the podcast and had a thought. You talked pretty thoroughly about the line between alternate history and historical fantasy. But I’m curious about the other border – between historical fantasy and created world fantasy. Or to put it another way: Guy Gavriel Kay (specifically the later stuff – Sarantine Mosaic and Under Heaven, say). Is he writing historical fantasy? He’s definitely creating worlds but also definitely anchoring them very specifically in historical times and places.
Just listened to the podcast and had a thought. You talked pretty thoroughly about the line between alternate history and historical fantasy. But I’m curious about the other border – between historical fantasy and created world fantasy. Or to put it another way: Guy Gavriel Kay (specifically the later stuff – Sarantine Mosaic and Under Heaven, say). Is he writing historical fantasy? He’s definitely creating worlds but also definitely anchoring them very specifically in historical times and places.
Just listened to the podcast and had a thought. You talked pretty thoroughly about the line between alternate history and historical fantasy. But I’m curious about the other border – between historical fantasy and created world fantasy. Or to put it another way: Guy Gavriel Kay (specifically the later stuff – Sarantine Mosaic and Under Heaven, say). Is he writing historical fantasy? He’s definitely creating worlds but also definitely anchoring them very specifically in historical times and places.