It’s important for writers not only to write consistently, but also to read, and read a lot, especially in their genre of choice. I grew up reading many different genres, but none have fascinated me as much as Magical Realism which has inspired my writing greatly.
Magical Realism (Magic Realism, Fabulism) is a genre encompassed not only in literature but art ( painting, film, theater, etc.) that incorporates fantastic or mythical elements (magic, supernatural) into otherwise realistic, mundane, real-world settings, which inspired me to write a summary of a few favorite in the poem below.
I roam betwixt real and fantastical
a parallel world of natural and supernatural
Venturing high-tea and edible goodies with the vampire next door
Til blood thirsty eyes detect pulsation
Then I escape for a stroll with a riddling cat
And pause for a giggle beneath a tree living Baron
Annoyed, he shoos me toward a speeding horse
Whisking lovers from a house redolent of chocolate
And a lovesick Spaniard offering a lick
A savor of her enchanted, tear-engendering batter
Achingly sated, I escape into a night raining flowers
Seizing posies from a two-mooned heaven
In the distance, a girl with glass feet sparkles
Along a road paved with roses
It all seems impossible, fantastical, and magical
I hasten inside the mistress of spices who know what I seek
A portion of realism, a potion of truth, a brew to reality
Where magic exists for the curious only
In paintings and rows of spine-covered pages
Some of my favorites books in the Magical Realism genre are:
Like Water for Chocolate by Laura Esquivel
Chocolat by Joanne Harris
One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez
Beloved by Toni Morrison
The House of The Spirits by Isabel Allende
The Mistress of Spices by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni
Winter’s Tale by Mark Helprin
Along with a few, I’m reading this summer:
The Girl With Glass Feet by Ali Shaw
The Girl Who Chased The Moon by Sarah Addison Allen
The Taste of Apple Seeds by Katharina Hagena
Understanding your genre is critical to your writing success. So go out and read a book or two, or three that inspires your writing.
Happy reading!!!
Copyright 2017 by E. Denise Billups
Art: Courtesy of Sophie Wilkins
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You are right. I find myself drawn to espionage, crime and thriller novels. Lovely post 🌺🌺
Thanks, DreamDesireAchieve. Have you written mysteries or thriller novels?
Well not yet, I wrote a few on my blog (Footsteps in the Dark) and I’m yet to finish it. I’m still new to blogging and novel writing so I’m just working on my skills at the moment.
I will revisit and read. But be diligent and you will finish. The more you write the better you become. It’s daunting at times. I’m going through a bit of writer’s block at the moment. But I remember what a mentor said, just write, no matter how bad it is, you can always go back and edit 🙂 Good luck with your stories!!
Great piece of advice. Thank you so much🌺🌺
I couldn’t agree more about reading extensively, especially in your chosen genre (if you’re a writer). As always, your poetry is lovely. I could never express my thoughts/feelings effectively through that medium. 🙂
–Michael
I’m not so good with poetry either, I just enjoy trying to construct words in poetic medium. I’m still far from expert but it’s fun. Thanks again Michael 🙂
Love this genre!!!!! And I also loved Like Water for Chocolate in high school
Isn’t it a great story and the food always made me hungry😊
Haha. I’m so glad for your post I’m gonna add it to my list of approaches I have going for my next story. So glad to be following your blog
Thanks and likewise! Good luck with your story, can’t wait to read! 🙂
I just finished A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman. It’s in my spiritual genre.
This is one on my list to read. Thanks for reminding me. It appears to be a wonderful book! 🙂
You have reminded me of two books I have loved in the past. 100 Years of Solitude and The House of Spirits. This is an interesting genre and I have to admit I have not been reading it for years. Perhaps I shall go back and give it another look.
Anne, those are two of my favorites. There are some new and fantastic books in this genre you might want to read as well.
Nicely carved post with interesting poem…👍
Thanks SKD! I’m glad you enjoy it!
👍
Always trying to read my genre, your spooky magical writing isn’t normally my thing but I do like it 🙂
Thanks Simon! I like the Sci-Fi genre as well. Mission to Mars, Star Trek, etc. Keep reading Simon!
Ill keep reading and writing where I can. I know you’ll be a more than worthy companion to help 😊
Likewise my friend!
🙂
Magical realism one of my favorite genres. It’s no surprise that you list here some of my favorite works. I’d also add Borges’ books, especially his short stories collection, Labyrinths (which has had a profound influence on my shorts).
Hi Nicholas! Excuse my late response, I’ve been traveling the last couple of days. Thanks for mentioning Borges. I’m always looking for writers in the Magical Realism genre, and will check out his book of short stories ASAP. By the way, thanks for the great advice you provide to writers on your blog! 🙂
Aw, you! Thank you 😀
🙂
I nominate you for blogger recognition award. Please check the following link.
https://wordpress.com/posts/aroundtheworld5511.wordpress.com
Thank you. Have a nice day
Aroundtheworld5511, thank you for the nomination! 🙂
Mention not 🙂
I’m always looking for writers in the charming realness literary genre, and will hindrance out his book of account of unretentive stories ASAP.
I hope you enjoy the reading. It is my favorite genre as well! 🙂