Today’s topic comes from QSFer John Marshall:
Magical realism. When we include magic in our paranormal settings, do we look to the real word or do we seek something totally original? If we do choose to use real world cultural traditions, how can we both indulge in poetic licence but also be sensitive to the history of white authors sensationalizing non-western cultures in really shitty ways?
This topic is near and dear to my heart, as I often include magical realism elements in my stories. I love how it can add a different element to an otherwise run-of-the-mill contemporary tale.
So as a reader, do you like stories with a bit of magical realism? What are some of your favorite examples? And as a writer, how have you used it in your stories? Do you appropriate magic from other cultures?