Exploring the World of Romantasy Panel

The World of Romantasy panel took attendees by storm at this year’s NYCC. Moderated by Aurora Dominguez, the room was nearly full ten minutes before it started. Featured authors Analeigh Sbrana, Sydney J Shields, Jeneane O’Riley, and Mai Corland captivated an eager audience. They explored the emergence of "romantasy" as both a genre and a cultural phenomenon, sparking discussions on their novels and upcoming projects.

Diving into Romantasy World-Building

The authors addressed the genre’s reputation as a guilty pleasure. Shields boldly declared, "People are seeing themselves in these books in ways they haven’t before." Meanwhile, O’Riley praised the genre’s inclusiveness. "I love that there’s so many different things for everybody," she noted. Corland – with contagious humor – quipped about rooting for romance in Titanic.

Their discussion evolved into the creative process behind these fascinating worlds. Whether plotting with precision or letting characters dictate the narrative, their authenticity was apparent. O’Riley often crafts her stories with unexpected twists, refusing to let her characters "get away with anything." Conversely, Shields and Sbrana let their characters shape the story. Corland and Shields emphasized world-building, often sketching maps of fictional realms as a foundation.

The Audience Inquires and Responds

When the floor opened for questions, fans seized the opportunity. One asked what they hoped young readers might see in 15 years. Sbrana envisioned inclusivity. "I want to walk into a bookstore and see books about people who look like me," she proclaimed. O’Riley, an indie author, craved more support for independent creatives in bookstores. Shields expressed interest in narratives exploring evolving identities in enduring relationships. Dominguez pushed for "more diversity in storytelling."

One probing question asked whether intimacy scenes mirrored personal experiences. All authors collectively confirmed that these elements were entirely fictional.

Upcoming Ventures in Romantasy

The discussion also previewed their upcoming works. Sbrana introduced the audience to Lore of the Wilds, which features an enchanted library and a love triangle. Shields shared about The Honey Witch, a sapphic regency-inspired tale with a beekeeping witch. O’Riley explained the conflict of Infatuated Fae, exploring the rocky romance between a human and a faerie. Corland described Five Broken Blades as a story of five liars uniting to kill the God King.

As for future projects, many authors hinted at sequels. O’Riley humorously shared her apology dedication for Infatuated Fae’s third book. Meanwhile, Shields is crafting a dark academia narrative, where an unexpected love triangle forms.

The panel’s enthusiasm for romantasy, blending romance and fantasy, was palpable. Their passion was infectious, leaving the audience buzzing with excitement. As NYCC concludes, the world of romantasy remains poised for growth and exploration. Stay tuned for more coverage from NYCC ’24.