Meaning: Tanith Lee, a prolific and influential writer, expresses a profound insight into her creative process through the quote, "People are always the start for me... animals, when I can get into their heads, gods, supernatural beings, immortals, the dead... these are all people to me." This quote encapsulates the essence of Lee's approach to storytelling and character development, shedding light on her unique perspective and the rich complexity of her literary creations.

At the core of Lee's quote is the idea that all beings, whether human, animal, divine, or otherworldly, possess human-like qualities and characteristics. By emphasizing that "people are always the start" for her, Lee suggests that she begins her creative journey by delving into the depths of human experience, emotions, and motivations. This approach allows her to infuse her characters with a sense of relatability and emotional resonance, regardless of their outward form or nature.

Furthermore, Lee's willingness to explore the perspectives of animals, gods, supernatural beings, immortals, and the dead reflects her deep empathy and imagination. She sees beyond the surface differences and perceives the common threads that connect all living beings. In doing so, she challenges traditional boundaries and invites her readers to engage with a diverse array of characters that defy conventional categorizations.

In Lee's literary universe, animals are not merely creatures of instinct, but rather sentient beings with their own desires, fears, and complexities. By "getting into their heads," she humanizes them, giving them a voice and agency that transcends anthropocentric viewpoints. This approach is evident in her works such as "The Dragon Hoard," where she skillfully portrays the inner world of a dragon, allowing readers to empathize with a being typically relegated to the realm of myth and legend.

Similarly, Lee's portrayal of gods, supernatural beings, and immortals as "people" challenges the notion of divine or otherworldly entities as distant or incomprehensible. By imbuing them with human-like qualities, she bridges the gap between the mundane and the extraordinary, inviting her audience to consider the complexities and dilemmas faced by beings beyond mortal understanding. This concept is exemplified in her "Tales from the Flat Earth" series, where gods and demons grapple with timeless themes of love, ambition, and betrayal, mirroring the struggles of humanity.

Furthermore, Lee's inclusion of "the dead" as "people" highlights her exploration of the afterlife and the enduring presence of departed souls. Rather than relegating the deceased to mere specters or memories, she endows them with agency and significance, intertwining their stories with the living. This thematic exploration is evident in her novel "Death's Master," where she delves into the realm of the dead and crafts a narrative that blurs the boundaries between life and death.

In conclusion, Tanith Lee's quote encapsulates her inclusive and empathetic approach to storytelling, wherein all beings, regardless of their nature or origin, are regarded as "people" worthy of exploration and understanding. By delving into the inner worlds of diverse characters, she challenges preconceived notions and invites her readers to embrace the universal humanity that unites all living beings. Through her visionary perspective, Lee expands the boundaries of storytelling and leaves an indelible mark on the literary landscape.