Date
5-23-2025
Department
College of Arts and Sciences
Degree
Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing (MFA)
Chair
James Latta
Keywords
fantasy, philosophy of writing, Christian art, transcendent, Tolkien, Lewis, Schaeffer, Rowling, Paolini, Sanderson, Mingerink, Levenseller, Into the Shadows
Disciplines
Creative Writing
Recommended Citation
Mumford, Genevieve, "Into the Shadows in Context: A Personal Writing Philosophy, the Fantasy Tradition, and a Novella" (2025). Masters Theses. 1304.
https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/masters/1304
Abstract
It is important for the aspiring fantasy novelist to consider why he or she writes. Some personal motivations for writing include the desire to glorify God by mirroring His creativity, utilizing one’s talents, reflecting the Gospel of Christ, creating quality art, and providing clean entertainment. Christian authors should be free to pursue whatever type of writing they wish, knowing that when they focus on the story first, the message will flow into it naturally. In addition, fantasy novelists should study key works in this genre. Fantasy stories generally include otherworldly settings, magic, and the victory of good over evil. J. R. R. Tolkien, C. S. Lewis, J. K. Rowling, Christopher Paolini, Brandon Sanderson, Tricia Mingerink, and Tricia Levenseller have all authored works that meet these criteria in unique ways. A study of key fantasy novels by these authors will inspire personal creativity as I seek to contribute to this literary tradition through my novella Into the Shadows.
