Cheryl Kaye Tardif interviewed Sarah Avery about writing fantasy and escapism. Sarah’s newest book Atlantis Cranks Need Not Apply is discussed as well as her book Closing Arguments.

2. So you’re writing unapologetic escapism?

“To paraphrase Tolkien, anyone who objects to escapism on principle is, at heart, a jailer.
But that’s not the whole story, either. You know that Marianne Moore aphorism about writing imaginary gardens with real toads in them? If your toads aren’t real enough, nobody can escape into your imaginary garden. So an escapist also has to be able to write like a realist.”

To read the rest of the interview go here. To read an excerpt of Atlantis Cranks Need Not Apply go here. To read an excerpt of Closing Arguments go here.