Jones, Diana Wynne - The Tough Guide to Fantasyland

[oyceter]

I feel that every single person who so desires to write a fantasy novel should be forced to sit down and read this book from cover to cover before proceeding. Everyone else should also read this book, because it is freaking hilarious. I think I startled some people because I was giggling so loudly

Comments

[oyceter]

Hee, me too. Luckily my horrible fantasy stories were never written down ;).

[dherblay]

Is this in print? I spent a couple of seconds looking for a copy about eighteen months back and never found one.

[oyceter]

Amazon says it's out of print, sadly. I just stumbled across a copy in the bookstore and borrowed it.

[oracne]

I think it was back in print, in an American editiion, for a while, so maybe you can find a used copy.

[oyceter]

You're right, Derkholm. I was too lazy to check Amazon, and someone has borrowed my book for several months now (growl).

[ladystarlightsj]

Just a quick question -- is it "derkhelm" or "derkholm"? My library system has it under "holm", and while I'm sure it's the same book, it did cause me a bit of confusion. Thanks for the rec, though!!

And here's where I fix my dropped tag, and repost the original comment. It's definately Monday!

[londonkds]

I adore that book. I think my favourite parts, like you, are the economy entries. Also all the ones about Lowest Common Denominator fantasy writers underestimate the sheer physical labour in a low-tech lifestyle.

[oyceter]

I loved all her commentary on the lack of animal life and bacteria and all that sort of stuff and oh, I forgot. My very favorite part was probably her bit on sex and virgins and all that stuff.