“Fantasy is hardly an escape from reality. It’s a way of understanding it.” – Lloyd Alexander

“If you go too far in fantasy and break the string of logic, and become nonsensical, someone will surely remind you of your dereliction…Pound for pound, fantasy makes a tougher opponent for the creative person.” – Richard Matheson

“Don’t use metaphors in fantasy; your readers will take them literally. Or they may take them figuratively – but if so, they’ll also take your magics and transformations figuratively. Either way, you’re in trouble.” – Teresa Nielsen Hayden

“Fantasy doesn’t have to be fantastic. American writers in particular find this much harder to grasp. You need to have your feet on the ground as much as your head in the clouds. The cute dragon that sits on your shoulder also craps all down your back, but this makes it more interesting because it gives it an added dimension.” – Terry Pratchett

“Fantasy is silver and scarlet, indigo and azure, obsidian veined with gold and lapis lazuli. Reality is plywood and plastic, done up in mud brown and olive drab. Fantasy tastes of habaneros and honey, cinnamon and cloves, rare red meat and wines as sweet as summer. Reality is beans and tofu, and ashes at the end.” – George R.R. Martin