Weta Studio, Wellington, NZ

In the last sixyears,I’ve felt a strong need for high fantasy,a genre I loveto read and amwritingfor the first time.My last novel (contemporary, realistic) was published in 2008. Since then the challenges facing me feltunusuallybeyond-my control. Parents withAlzheimers. Children turnedadults. Health. At my desk, being able to resolve my heroine’s struggleinanotherworldbecame a source of immense satisfaction.

Road sign, NZ

Whyfantasy more than other genres? Partly p...