What exactly is magical realism?
If that term confuses you, or you wonder how writers blend the ordinary with the impossible, this fascinating conversation is for you.
In this episode novelist, poet, short story writer, and educator Stephanie Barbé Hammer explores the world of magical realism, literary fiction, creativity, publishing, and the writing life.
Stephanie shares her journey from childhood storyteller to university professor to published author, explains the difference between fantasy and magical realism, and offers encouraging advice for writers who may struggle to categorize their work.
Along the way, she discusses the importance of literary community, the value of writing workshops, and why kindness matters in critique.
In This Episode
From Childhood Reader to Lifelong Writer
Stephanie shares how discovering language through Dr. Seuss books sparked her love of words and storytelling. Even as a child, she enjoyed reimagining familiar fairy tales and creating alternate endings for beloved stories.
What Is Magical Realism?
Stephanie offers a clear explanation of magical realism:
- How it differs from fantasy and speculative fiction
- Why magical realism introduces only a small number of impossible elements into an otherwise realistic world
- Examples from Gabriel García Márquez and Amy Bender
- How magical realism creates conflict, tension, and deeper meaning
Why Writers Shouldn’t Worry About Genre Too Early
Stephanie encourages writers to focus first on telling the story they want to tell.
Instead of worrying about categories and market labels, she suggests completing the draft first and determining where it fits later.
The Creative Process
Stephanie discusses how stories begin for her:
- Short stories often start with a single sentence
- Novels frequently begin with an image or situation
- Curiosity drives the development of plot and character
- Language itself generates story ideas
Publishing Poetry, Fiction, and Novels
Stephanie recounts how a student first encouraged her to submit her work for publication, leading to her first published poems.
She also shares:
- The challenges of publishing poetry
- Transitioning from poetry to fiction
- Studying with acclaimed author Amy Bender
- Building relationships through workshops and literary communities
Marketing and Building an Author Platform
Like many writers, Stephanie finds marketing more challenging than writing.
She discusses:
- Working with a creativity coach
- Developing a consistent online presence
- Creating a clear author brand
- Thinking strategically about visibility and outreach
Why She Uses Her Middle Name
Stephanie explains the practical reason behind publishing as Stephanie Barbé Hammer rather than simply Stephanie Hammer: differentiating herself from other authors and professionals with the same name.
It’s a useful reminder for writers to consider discoverability and branding early in their careers.
Teaching Magical Realism at the Santa Barbara Writers Conference
Stephanie previews her workshop at the Santa Barbara Writers Conference and explains how participants will:
- Explore whether their work qualifies as magical realism
- Receive supportive feedback on opening pages
- Learn ways to strengthen language and character development
- Participate in a workshop environment focused on encouragement rather than criticism
Key Takeaways
📕 Finish the story before worrying about genre labels.
📗Magical realism adds a touch of the impossible to an otherwise realistic world.
📘Literary communities and workshops are invaluable for growth.
📙Kindness and encouragement are essential in critique settings.
📕Building an author platform requires intention and consistency.
Memorable Quote
“Write the book or write the story you want to write, and then you can figure out what the category is later.” — Stephanie Barbé Hammer
About Stephanie Barbé Hammer
Stephanie Barbé Hammer is an award winning novelist, short fiction writer, and poet. Originally from Manhattan Stephanie moved to Southern California in 1986 to teach at the University of California, Riverside and she’s lived on the West Coast ever since.
Stephanie is the author of three novels, one novelette, three poetry collections, and a how to write magical realism craft manual. Stephanie’s newest book is The Warbler School Chronicles, a mini-collection of eleven magical realist stories about a strange, perpetually freezing private girls school in NYC.
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