Since GENMOS: Gathering Storms was officially published on the last day of March, I’ve been busy running campaigns on Twitter, Facebook, and via the libraries, and while I’ve received good levels of interest, I’ve also often received looks of confusion when the words “Furry” or “Anthro” pop up in conversation.
For th
ose not in the know, Anthropomorphism is defined as “The showing or treating of animals, gods, and objects as if they are human in appearance, character, or behavior:” (1.)
“Furs” or “Furry” is the subgenre of Anthro that directly relates to animals. Now, before you go off in a tiffy fit, take a deep breath, compose yourself, and then ask, “Am I a furry, or a fan of anthropomorphism in general?”
The answer is, most likely if you are reading this, YES.
Modern media has long adapted you to be at least partly familiar with the anthro world. Have you ever enjoyed a Disney flick where animals act with human characteristics, laughed at Bugs Bunny or Porky Pig, cheered when the Ewoks helped the rebellion during the battle of Endor, enjoyed the antics of Thomas the Tank Engine, or encouraged the Ents to defeat the evil Orcs, or utilized plants to destroy hordes of undead? Than congratulations, and welcome to the Anthro Genre.
So why 
did I chose to write my first novel as an Anthro(Furry) adventure? Several reasons. As I have already implied, I have been massively influenced by the anthro genre my entire life, and as such, was reading a glut of furry webcomics when the idea for the Genmos formed in my mind. Also, by casting my characters as not-quite human, I’ve been able to demonstrate all of their human traits and quirks in a much clearer light. All of their flaws positive qualities, desires and emotions are made that much more tangible thanks to their distance from the ‘norm.’
Now I leave you with a challenge: Grab a paper and a writing implement, and for one day, just one, write down everything you see that is “Anthro.” You may be
surprised by just how prevalent the influence of the genre is, without ever realizing it.
“Anthropomorphism” Cambridge Dictionary. http://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/anthropomorphism (April 17, 2017)
Thomas the Tank Engine http://www.thomasandfriends.com/en-ca/ )