Fantasy and science fiction can be literal as well as allegorical and thereโs nothing wrong with enjoying a monster like a giant squid for what it is, as well as searching for metaphor.
China MievilleIn the field of fantastic fiction, the question of world-building is not uncontroversial. But I grew up with 'Dungeons and Dragons,' so that whole world-building thing is very close to my heart.
China MievilleMy job is not to try to give readers what they want but to try to make readers want what I give.
China MievilleIn every book I write, I try to name-check the most prominent influences, or the most prominent conscious influences.
China Mieville