[Timoni]

I've just finished another series and have been hit with that melancholy that seems to be a regular occurence after I'm done--lying about, still lost in a world that I've never been to, and engrossed in the characters. Sure, I've been this way a little bit with typical fiction, but it always hits hardest with fantasy--and the better the fantasy, the more depressing it is to leave the books behind.

I've never really discussed this with anyone, because I don't know many fantasy fans, but it seems like I can't be alone in this state of melancholy longing. Fantasy fans seem to immerse themselves far more than other readers of literature--you don't see fans of political history, for example, creating RPGs, fiction, and art for themselves--and I was wondering why.

Myself, I feel let down because I'm continually reminded that I had the bad luck to be born in a universe without magic. I can forget, for a while--but I always have to come back. I think some of you understand what I mean.

My questions are this: one, is there anyone else who knows what I'm talking about, and two, if so, do you think it's our own fault that we're lost in longing, and three, do you think fantasy authors are the same way? I'm assuming since so many fantasy fans write fantasy, at least some of the pillars of fantastic literature must have come from that core group, they too get lost in fantasy, and perhaps that seeps into their writing. (Which we then pick up, and the circle begins anew...)

I hope this is at least coherant. http://www.sffworld.com/ubb/smile.gif

[Rob B]

I guess I can understand some of what you say. When I finish a series, I feel pretty spent, as if my mind has run a marathon. I rush through the book to find out what happens, but I am disappointed that it has ended. I am almost in a daze because especially with the really good ones, I know my time with those characters and world are over.

I think once an author finishes either a book or a series, a weight is lifted from them.

It was coherent http://www.sffworld.com/ubb/wink.gif

[Timoni]

Coherent, not coherant, thanks.

I know exactly what you mean about rushing through a book, and then feeling dazed afterwards. Sometimes I feel so ambitious as to try to read them again right away--but more often than not, I stop a quarter of the way through the first book.



[This message has been edited by Timoni (edited March 01, 2001).]

[azaz]

Same here, If its an ace series, you want it to continue, whats probably I like ongoing series. I have wicked dreams though, after a good Fantasy series/book, e.g Gardens of the Moon, Farseer trilogy etc.

Like lets pick an Example, after I read the Farseer trilogy, and tried to guess what twould happen if the series was to continue, what other characters reaction would be, etc etc.

And The Fantasy Genre is the best at testing your Imagination. Fantasy Rules.

[Lady Fox]

I know exactly what you mean Timoni. The feeling is especially intense when you wait and wait for the next book in a series. After you finish it, if it lives up to your expectations, you feel drained and somewhat lost as to what to do next. Or worse, the long awaited for book doesn't end the series and you are once again in that state of limbo waiting for your next "fix". I know I was absolutely at a loss after I finished GRRM's Storm of Swords. The book was awesome. I couldn't decide whether to read straight through so I could see what happened or make myself read it in bits and pieces to make it last. The read it straight through aproach won out. I have very little self discipline when it comes to a good book. After I was through with SoS nothing else I tried to read really satisfied me. The books just couldn't grab my attention. Luckily I finally snapped out of it and am once again enjoying some pretty good reading material.

[FitzChivalry]

I remember those feelings from years ago...
When i read Dragonlance Chronicles, The Lord of The rings for the first time or The Wheel of Time for the first time.

But now, those feelings come very rarely and they are a lot less intense... i think the more you read the more numb you become and it takes a better book to create those feelings, kinda like drugs i suppose, you need more and more to get the feelings you once got easily.

[Shehzad]

And I thought I was alone...! Whenever I finish a series I get a sense of loss, and as all of you have mentioned the better the series the stronger the feeling. Its almost as if I want to enter the world and become a part of it. I have dreams at night about meeting the major characters. Perhaps it's also the sense of "greatness hidden in all of us" that so many of these series have as part of their storyline that inspires us. You know, the scullion/kitchen boy/maid/stable boy who discovers his gifts and becomes a great hero through chance and bravery. Maybe WE all long to feel that way. Maybe we WANT to rise in the world through magic and adventure. Maybe we dream of the feel of a sword or wand in ones hand, facing up to the powers of evil. Maybe.

[Azurehero]

I feel good when I finish a book, and even better when I finish the series. It has ended and a conclusion has been met. If I find myself wanting, or missing the characters or the world, I take it off the shelf and reread some of it, or all it.

[Hans]

I gotta agree with most of what you guys have said. If its a very good book, I sometimes wished it could continue on.

[Cannon Fodder]

When I've just finshed a whole series and it ends well I generally get a good buzz at the end. Even if I wish the series was longer so I could read more I get a good buzz, no feeling of emptiness or melancholy or anything. It's a kind of like a feeling of satisfaction, particularly with the longer series. Kind of like just having finshed a very tasty meal and having that contented feel. Of course if the series has a crap ending or wasn't that great the feeling is absent.