If you’re reading this on April 23rd then we urge you to take a moment and consider how we sci-fi/fantasy readers and writers still can’t get enough of William Shakespeare, even though he died 399 years ago today!

The classic figure provided a wealth of material in his lifetime, grounding epic tales with very human passions and packing them with dialogue that sparkles even today. Shakespeare’s works are a standard that all writers yearn to achieve, and a richly rewarding experience that all readers yearn to have, regardless of form or even genre.

SFF readers and writers joyously pore through the worlds hiding in the words, and that focus produces some interesting interpretations of Shakespeare’s works! A couple months ago, Tor.com began featuring them regularly on the site…

Fantasy author Brian Staveley digs through the speech of King Lear for signs of the character’s madness.

Author Jo Walton asserts that the real appeal of Romeo & Juliet isn’t the love story but rather the feud between the Montagues and the Capulets.

Jo Walton also explores Henry V, Part 2 and Shakespeare’s plans for parts 3 and 4 and okay, this was an April Fool’s post that Walton wrote years ago and we just really really enjoy it. You will, too!

Tor.com staff writers Leah Schnelbach and Natalie Zutter point out that teens basically grow up learning Shakespeare whether they like it or not, thanks to all of these pretty great teen movies.

Regular Tor.com contributor Chris Lough points out that Julius Caesar is essentially the blueprint for all modern day blockbuster films, and a guide for how those blockbusters can make themselves better.

There’s a lot of magic in Shakespeare, but the magic in The Winter’s Tale—if it even is magic—is of a whole different variety, argues author Alex Bledsoe.

Author and writer Katharine Duckett agrees that there is plenty of magic in Shakespeare…in his use of language. Want proof? The Tempest makes this easy to spot.

There’s a lot more coming in the ensuing weeks and months (Oh gosh, we haven’t yet touched Hamlet!) so check the Shakespeare index on Tor.com every now and then!