Is Worldbuilding Overrated? Horror vs. Fantasy & Pet Sematary
Page Chewing · Oct 25, 2026 · 15:28
Page Chewing · Oct 25, 2026 · 15:28
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Is fantasy becoming too complicated? Are enormous series and excessive worldbuilding discouraging readers? And why is horror experiencing such strong sales compared with fantasy?
This week on Page Chewing, I'm exploring these questions and sharing my thoughts on whether fantasy could benefit from more standalone novels, shorter stories, and less emphasis on elaborate worldbuilding.
I'm also wrapping up my first reading of Stephen King's Pet Sematary. What initially left me somewhat disappointed has become one of my favorite King reading experiences as I've had more time to reflect on the story.
Our special Halloween conversation with Stephen King scholar Caroline Bicks is coming October 31st, including a discussion of the novel's early drafts and alternative ending.
I'm also continuing through Agustina Bazterrica's disturbing Tender Is the Flesh and R. Scott Bakker's The Thousandfold Thought.
Looking ahead, November brings our Shadow & Claw read-along by Gene Wolfe, with weekly Friday discussions. I'm also planning to revisit Hermann Hesse's Steppenwolf in December.
Beyond the books, I'm discussing upcoming Page Chewing videos, revisiting The Sopranos, and reflecting on how our perspectives change as we watch our parents grow older.
Thanks for listening, and I'd love to hear your thoughts on the future of fantasy fiction.
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