Kelly

"As to why I write what I write? That varies from project to project."

"The first is the idea of transcendence and of making myth. I've often heard fantasy referred to as the fiction of escapism in a derogatory way, but I think escapism is really a way for us to transcend the occasionally dismal ordinariness of day to day life, something that allows us to feel as though we are part of some greater world of myth and legend. People need myth, they need stories that model a better place or a happy ending. I'm a strong believer that reading should be an act that brings joy to the reader. Escapism isn't something to be ashamed of, it's a high virtue of fiction and a fundamental part of being human. WebMage is set in a world where the Greek Myths are literally true in part because I love the idea of working with classical myths to create my own modern myths.

The second has more to do with my personal reasons for creating art. I'm pretty much wired for creating stories out of thin air. When I was little I did so as part of the elaborate scenarios that constituted much of my playing--I used to build Asgard out of blocks and use my toys to act out the final battle of Ragnaroc. I also used to spend hours in the woods around the farm where I spent summers, playing Robin Hood and other scenarios. If I go too long without writing I will begin to have vivid dreams and wake up spouting off about things like "llamaflage" or a "Connecticut Buffalo in King Heifers Court"--leaking weirdness. Laura's normal response to this is to give me a very patient look and tell me to go write something.


This is a direct quote from my friend Kelly McCullough author of Webmage, Cybermancy, Codespell, and coming out soon MythOS and SpellCrash. He is part of the Interstialis movement if not by direct connection then by the fact that many of the founders are his close friends. He very graciously answered some of my questions about why he writes and what he thinks of the interstialist movement and the reactions to his writing. Laura is Kellys' wife.