If they can't grasp the idea that it's fantasy, therefore fiction, f-em. The majority of what I've written is historically based fiction, which is completely different than fantasy. In that case I research the hell out of whatever it is I want to include in my story. (ie - the history of the coat hanger comes to mind! Invented by Thomas Jefferson, btw) Blood Of The Scarecrow is an odd combination of early American history, modern paganism as practiced by a small group of people (and frankly, every Pagan I've ever met does things slightly different than his or her fellow Pagan) and the supernatural realms of magic, ghosts and reincarnation. I made it up people but what needed to be historical, is. I really don't worry too much about offending people because no matter what you write, you'll piss off at least one person no matter how hard you try to do otherwise. I write what rings true for me and suits the story.
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The majority of what I've written is historically based fiction, which is completely different than fantasy. In that case I research the hell out of whatever it is I want to include in my story. (ie - the history of the coat hanger comes to mind! Invented by Thomas Jefferson, btw)
Blood Of The Scarecrow is an odd combination of early American history, modern paganism as practiced by a small group of people (and frankly, every Pagan I've ever met does things slightly different than his or her fellow Pagan) and the supernatural realms of magic, ghosts and reincarnation.
I made it up people but what needed to be historical, is.
I really don't worry too much about offending people because no matter what you write, you'll piss off at least one person no matter how hard you try to do otherwise. I write what rings true for me and suits the story.