Why Reading Fantasy (and my Books) will change your life

Why Everyone Should Read More Fiction (Especially Fantasy)

Or: Why You Should Read My Books, But Also Other Books, Too... Probably.

I’m just going to come out and say it: reading is one of the best things you can do for yourself. It’s like a superfood for your brain, except it doesn’t taste like kale, and you don’t have to pretend to enjoy it at brunch.

And when I say “reading,” I mean all kinds of things—fiction, nonfiction, fantasy, sci-fi, poetry, even that 10,000-word Reddit thread on the history of medieval taverns. But for me, there’s something particularly magical about fiction, and fantasy in particular.

Fantasy doesn’t just transport us to other worlds—it makes us better in this one. It inspires us, helps us grow, and teaches us about people and cultures far beyond our own experiences. And yes, I’ll admit, as a fantasy writer myself, I’m totally biased in saying this. I want you to read more fantasy because…well, I want you to read my fantasy books. (Self-interest alert!)

But in all seriousness, there’s so much we can gain from opening our minds—and our bookshelves—to stories that push us out of our comfort zones. Let’s talk about why reading, especially fiction and fantasy, is so important.

1. Reading Expands Your Imagination

Fiction—and fantasy in particular—is a gym for your imagination. When you read, you’re not just passively absorbing words; you’re creating entire worlds in your mind. You’re picturing the dragon soaring over a jagged mountain range, the hero charging into battle, or the mage whispering ancient spells. You’re filling in the details the author doesn’t spell out, building something unique and alive in your own mind.

This kind of mental exercise isn’t just for fun (though it is fun). It helps you think creatively in all areas of life. Need to solve a tricky problem at work? Imagination. Need to dream up a birthday party for a kid obsessed with space dragons? Imagination. Want to visualize how you’d look holding an Oscar for Best Screenplay? You guessed it: imagination.

Fantasy doesn’t just teach us to dream big—it teaches us to think outside the box. And in a world that desperately needs new ideas and bold solutions, that’s a skill worth cultivating.

2. Reading Diverse Stories Builds Empathy

Every book you read is like stepping into someone else’s shoes. And when you read stories about characters who come from different backgrounds, cultures, or perspectives, you’re learning to see the world through their eyes.

Fantasy is an especially powerful tool for this. In a well-written fantasy story, the differences between characters are often exaggerated—different species, magical abilities, wildly contrasting cultures. But those differences also highlight the common threads: love, fear, hope, ambition. Through the lens of a fantasy world, we come to understand universal truths about humanity.

And here’s the thing: the more we understand each other, the harder it becomes to hate or fear what we don’t know. Reading about diverse characters—whether they’re queer elves, disabled mages, or Trans heroines with swords—helps us see the beauty in difference.

3. Fiction Preserves and Reinvents Traditions, Myths, and History

Stories are humanity’s oldest technology. Long before we had written language or the internet, we passed down our knowledge, beliefs, and traditions through storytelling. Fiction is a continuation of that tradition—it keeps myths alive, breathes new life into history, and helps us reflect on the past as we imagine the future.

Fantasy, in particular, draws heavily from mythology, folklore, and cultural traditions. When we read it, we’re connecting to something ancient. But we’re also evolving those traditions, blending them with modern perspectives to create something entirely new.

Think about it: every fantasy novel, no matter how imaginative, is shaped by the real world. The history of magic in a story might reflect real-world histories of persecution. The conflict between kingdoms might mirror modern political struggles. Even dragons—cool as they are—are often metaphors for greed, power, or destruction.

When we read fantasy, we’re not just entertaining ourselves—we’re participating in a long, beautiful tradition of storytelling that stretches across generations and cultures.

4. Reading Inspires New Ideas and Ways Forward

Great fiction doesn’t just reflect the world as it is—it shows us what it could be. It challenges us to dream bigger, to imagine better, to rethink what’s possible.

Reading a fantasy novel where characters fight for equality might inspire you to get involved in activism. A story about an inventor creating world-changing technology might spark your own ideas for innovation. Even a tale of survival in a harsh, magical wilderness might give you new insights into perseverance and resourcefulness.

And sometimes, fiction inspires us in smaller, quieter ways. Maybe it gives us a new way of thinking about a personal challenge. Maybe it helps us reframe how we see our relationships or our own identities. Fiction doesn’t just entertain—it transforms.

5. Fantasy Lets Us Laugh, Cry, and Dream Again

Life can be heavy. The news is overwhelming, work is exhausting, and sometimes the biggest adventure you can imagine is taking a nap. But fiction—especially fantasy—reminds us what it feels like to dream.

It gives us permission to step away from the grind for a while and lose ourselves in something bigger. It makes us feel alive, whether we’re laughing at a witty bard, crying over a beloved character’s death, or gasping at a shocking plot twist.

Reading fantasy isn’t escapism—it’s recharging. It’s giving our minds and hearts the space to breathe, to feel, to hope. And sometimes, that’s exactly what we need to face the real world again.

So, Why Read More Fantasy?

Because it expands your mind, builds empathy, and connects you to a larger tradition. Because it inspires new ideas and helps you dream. And, let’s be honest, because sometimes you just need to spend a few hours with a badass Trans heroine fighting dragons and saving kingdoms. (Have I mentioned my books? You should totally read my books. Just saying.)

In all seriousness, the power of fiction—and especially fantasy—can’t be overstated. It’s not just about entertainment. It’s about growth, connection, and finding meaning in the chaos of life.

So, pick up a book. Step into a new world. Let it teach you something, move you, and remind you of the beauty of being alive. And who knows? Maybe one day, your own story will inspire someone else to do the same.