Fantasy is one of the most popular genres in literature today. It takes readers to a different world, often filled with magical creatures, epic battles, and larger-than-life heroes. If you’ve ever wanted to try your hand at writing fantasy fiction, there are a few key tips that you should keep in mind to help you on your way. In this article, we will explore some of the essential elements of fantasy writing and provide you with some useful guidelines to get started.
When it comes to fantasy writing, imagination is key. Fantasy writers have the freedom to create their own worlds, complete with their own rules, languages, and magical elements. However, this also means that writers need to be continually aware of the details within their created worlds. The best fantasy stories are those that pay attention to even the smallest details, as it is these details that add depth and realism to the setting and make it come alive for the reader. It is important to remember that while fantasy may be based in an imaginary world, it still needs to feel realistic and believable to the reader.
One of the first things you need to figure out when starting to write fantasy fiction is the setting. Where does your story take place? Is it in a medieval kingdom, a futuristic empire, or a world where dragons roam freely? The setting not only serves as the backdrop for your story, but it also plays a crucial role in shaping the plot and characters. A well-developed setting will help to create tension and conflict, which are essential elements of any good story. It also provides a sense of place and helps the reader to visualize the world you’ve created.
In addition to the setting, fantasy writers must also develop their characters. The heroes and villains of your story should have strong motivations, clear goals, and complex personalities. While it’s important to have compelling and relatable characters, it’s equally important to ensure that they fit within the world you’ve created. This means that your characters should be influenced by the rules and limitations of the fantasy world. They should face unique challenges and have to solve problems that are specific to the fantasy genre.
The fantasy genre also allows writers to explore themes and ideas that may be difficult or impossible to address in other genres. Fantasy stories can tackle issues such as power, morality, the nature of good and evil, and the potential of ordinary people to become heroes. By using the fantasy setting, writers have the freedom to ask big questions and dive deep into complex societal issues. This can make for thought-provoking and engaging storytelling that resonates with readers.
When it comes to building a fantasy world, the possibilities are endless. Fantasy writers have the freedom to create rich, vibrant worlds full of magic and wonder. However, this can also be overwhelming. With so many options and details to consider, it’s important to keep your focus and not get lost in the sand of worldbuilding. Start with the basics and build from there. Ask yourself what type of world you want to create and what kind of story you want to tell. What are the rules of magic in your world? How do different societies or races interact with each other? What conflicts exist in the world, and how are they resolved? These are all important questions to ask as you begin to flesh out your fantasy world.
Another important aspect of fantasy writing is the need to reveal information to the reader without overwhelming them with too much exposition. While it’s tempting to explain every detail of your world, it’s important to remember that readers enjoy discovering things for themselves. Instead of dumping all the information on your reader at once, try to reveal details gradually and organically through the actions and dialogue of your characters. This will keep your readers engaged and allow them to immerse themselves in your world without feeling like they’re being spoon-fed information.
Lastly, keep in mind that fantasy is a genre that is meant to be enjoyed by people of all ages. While some fantasy stories may be darker or more complex than others, there is always the potential for lightheartedness and humor. Don’t be afraid to inject some fun and levity into your story, even during the more serious moments. Remember: fantasy is all about escapism and allowing readers to dream and explore new worlds. So, above all, have fun with your writing and let your imagination take flight!
How to Write a Fantasy Series
When it comes to writing a fantasy series, there are many elements that come into play. A well-crafted fantasy series needs to have a real and believable world, with a good dose of imagination and creativity thrown in. It needs to have strong characters that readers can trust and root for, and a story that keeps them hooked from beginning to end.
One of the key things to keep in mind when writing a fantasy series is worldbuilding. The world in which your story takes place needs to be rich and detailed, with its own history, geography, and cultures. It needs to feel like a real place, even if it’s filled with dragons, magic, and other fantastical elements.
Worldbuilding is important because it helps to establish the rules and logic of your world. It also helps to build conflict and solve problems within the story. For example, if there’s a disease in your world, you need to figure out how it spreads, how it can be cured, and how it impacts the characters and the plot.
Another important aspect of writing a fantasy series is character development. Your main characters should be well-rounded and believable, with their own goals, flaws, and motivations. Readers need to care about what happens to them and become invested in their journey.
In addition to worldbuilding and character development, a good fantasy series needs to offer something different. It needs to stand out in a genre that has many popular books and authors. One way to do this is by coming up with unique and creative ideas for your story and the world it’s set in.
While worldbuilding and character development are important, it’s also crucial not to neglect the plot. A fantasy series needs to have a compelling story that keeps the reader engaged and wanting more. It needs to have twists, turns, and surprises that keep the reader on the edge of their seat.
Lastly, the most important tip for writing a fantasy series is to have fun with it. Let your imagination run wild and don’t be afraid to take risks. George R.R. Martin once said, “I have a mind to make an empire out of this.” So don’t be afraid to dream big and create a world that readers will love to get lost in.
So, if you want to write a fantasy series, start by building a world that is both familiar and fantastical. Create characters that feel real and offer something unique to the genre. And most importantly, don’t be afraid to let your imagination take flight and create a story that will captivate readers from beginning to end.
Essential Elements of Fantasy Writing
Fantasy writing offers writers the opportunity to create a world without the constraints of logic or the limitations of the real world. It takes readers on a journey into a realm of imagination, where anything is possible. To write great fantasy novels, writers must introduce essential elements that will help build a believable and captivating world.
One of the key elements is the setting. Fantasy novels often take place in different times and worlds, offering a break from reality. Worldbuilders have the freedom to create their own empire, complete with its own traditions, languages, and even magical beings like dragons. The details of the setting are what immerse readers into the story and keep them hooked.
Creating believable characters is another important element. Even though they may be in a world filled with magic and mythical creatures, the characters should still have relatable goals and aspirations. Readers want to connect with the characters on a personal level, so it’s essential to give them depth and individuality.
Conflict is fundamental in driving the story forward. Whether it’s a disease plaguing the world or a figure seeking to overthrow the empire, there needs to be something at stake. Conflict creates tension and keeps readers engaged, eagerly turning the pages to see what happens next.
Imagination is the lifeblood of fantasy writing. Writers should continually push the boundaries of what is possible and create unique and captivating storylines. There’s no limit to the fantastical elements that can be included, from magical artifacts to shape-shifting creatures.
Attention to detail is crucial in fantasy writing. Even though the world may be entirely made up, it still needs to have consistent rules and internal logic. Readers will appreciate the effort put into creating a coherent and believable world, where everything makes sense within the established boundaries.
One last fundamental element in fantasy writing is trust. Readers need to trust the writer to guide them through the story and deliver a satisfying ending. This trust is built by consistently introducing interesting and well-developed characters, captivating settings, and engaging conflicts. When readers trust the writer, they are more likely to become immersed in the story and recommend the books to others.
In conclusion, writing fantasy is a challenging genre that requires a balance of imagination, attention to detail, and the ability to create believable and captivating worlds. By incorporating the essential elements listed above, writers can create fantasy novels that transport readers to magical realms and leave them craving for more.
Imagination
Imagination is the key to creating compelling fantasy fiction. Writers need to have a vivid imagination to develop unique and immersive worlds and characters that will captivate readers.
When it comes to fantasy fiction, the possibilities are endless. Writers can create something that doesn’t exist in the real world, going beyond the limits of reality. Imagination allows writers to build worlds filled with magic, dragons, and epic battles, transporting readers into a completely different realm.
One of the best ways to fuel your imagination is by reading fantasy books. By diving into the worlds and ideas of other fantasy writers, you’ll be inspired to come up with your own creative ideas. You’ll also get a sense of what works and what doesn’t, helping you improve your storytelling skills.
Imagination isn’t limited to what you can see or touch. It goes beyond the external and taps into the depths of the mind. It’s about creating a world with its own rules, languages, and settings. Imagination allows you to push the boundaries and challenge what seems impossible.
When writing fantasy fiction, it’s important to let your imagination run wild but also maintain coherence. Readers need a certain level of believability to be able to connect with the story. It’s a delicate balance between creating something new and making it feel real.
Some tips for harnessing your imagination include asking yourself “what if” questions, brainstorming ideas, and drawing inspiration from your favorite fantasy stories. Even the smallest detail can spark a new idea or direction for your story.
George R.R. Martin once said, “Fantasy is silver and scarlet, indigo and azure, obsidian veined with gold and lapis lazuli. Reality is plywood and plastic, done up in mud brown and olive drab.” Imagination allows you to escape from the plywood and plastic of reality and create a world that is truly extraordinary.
So don’t be afraid to embrace your imagination and let it take you on a journey to new and exciting realms. Start by creating a vivid setting, develop dynamic characters, and tell a story that will transport readers into the fantastical. Remember, in the realm of fantasy fiction, there are no limits!
Worldbuilding
When it comes to writing fantasy fiction, worldbuilding is one of the most important elements. It is the process of creating a unique and believable world for your story to take place in. Without a well-developed setting, it can be hard for readers to become fully immersed in your story.
In fantasy novels, there are often certain tropes and series of events that readers expect to see. However, it’s important to put your own spin on these tropes and create something unique. George R.R. Martin, for example, introduced a realistic and gritty world in his series “A Song of Ice and Fire,” which was quite different from the typical fantasy setting.
One of the best ways to start worldbuilding is by creating a map of your fictional world. This will help you visualize the different places and understand the geography of your world. You can also develop the history and cultures of different regions, as well as the languages spoken by the characters.
When building your world, it’s important to keep in mind that it should feel alive and dynamic. This means thinking about the daily life and routines of the people who live there, as well as any magical creatures or beings that may exist. Consider the impact of disease, politics, and other social factors on your world and its inhabitants.
It’s also essential to think about the conflicts and tensions that exist within your world. These conflicts can drive the plot of your story and create opportunities for character development. Whether it’s a war between kingdoms or a internal struggle for power, conflicts add depth and realism to your world.
Although it’s tempting to create a perfect world where everything is harmonious, it’s often more interesting to have some form of conflict or tension. This makes your world and its characters more relatable and gives them room to grow and change throughout the story.
Worldbuilding is a continual process that should evolve as you write your novel. As you progress through the story, you may come up with new ideas or find that certain elements of your world need further development. Don’t be afraid to make adjustments and revisions as you go along.
When it comes to introducing your readers to your world, it’s better to show than to tell. Give them glimpses of the different cultures, creatures, and languages through the actions and dialogue of your characters. This will help them become invested in your world and its inhabitants.
Lastly, it’s important to avoid creating a boring or predictable world. Think about what makes your world unique and different from other fantasy fiction books. Consider the impossible and figure out ways to make them believable. Use your imagination and push the boundaries of what is possible.
In conclusion, worldbuilding is an essential part of writing fantasy fiction. It helps create a believable and immersive world for your readers to explore. By continually developing your world and its elements, avoiding common tropes, and creating conflicts, you can build a strong and captivating setting for your story.
Believable Characters
Creating believable characters is essential in fantasy fiction. While the genre allows for creative and imaginative elements, readers still need characters they can relate to and believe in.
When it comes to worldbuilding, fantasy writers often have the perfect opportunity to open their minds and tell stories in a world that doesn’t exist. However, this doesn’t mean that everything goes. Your characters need to have goals, conflicts, and development, just like characters in any other genre.
Here are some tips for creating believable characters in your fantasy fiction:
- Give them flaws: Perfect characters can be boring. By giving your characters flaws and challenges to overcome, you make them more relatable and interesting to the reader.
- Avoid stereotypes and tropes: While there are certain fantasy tropes that can be effective, relying too heavily on them can make your characters feel flat and unoriginal. Think outside the box and create characters that break the mold.
- Provide detail and logic: In a fantasy world, it’s easy to get carried away with imagination and forget about the importance of detail and logic. Make sure your characters’ actions and decisions make sense within the world you’ve created.
- Develop relationships and conflicts: Characters don’t exist in a vacuum. They interact with other characters and face conflicts along the way. Use these interactions to further develop your characters and move the story forward.
- Focus on goals and motivations: Characters need goals and motivations that drive their actions. Without clear goals, your characters may feel aimless and their actions may not make sense to the reader.
- Don’t overdo it with worldbuilding: While worldbuilding is important in fantasy fiction, it’s easy to get carried away and spend too much time explaining the intricacies of your world. Remember that the characters are the focus of the story.
- Leave some things to the reader’s imagination: It’s not necessary to explain every detail of your characters’ lives. Leave some room for the reader’s imagination to fill in the gaps.
By following these tips, you can create believable and engaging characters in your fantasy fiction. Remember that while the world you’ve created may be impossible, the characters and their goals, flaws, and conflicts should feel real to the reader.
Check out our other articles on fantasy fiction writing for more tips and ideas!
Story Conflict
Conflict is an essential element in any story, and it is especially important in fantasy fiction. When writing a fantasy novel, you have the creative freedom to build a world that is different from our own and introduce unique characters, settings, and even languages. However, it’s important to remember that your story still needs conflict to keep the reader engaged and interested.
One way to create conflict in your fantasy story is by setting strong goals for your main characters. The goals should be challenging and difficult to achieve, creating a sense of tension and driving the plot forward. For example, if your main character is trying to save their kingdom from an evil empire, their goal could be to gather allies, learn powerful magic, and defeat the empire’s forces.
Another way to create conflict is by introducing obstacles and challenges that the characters must overcome. These obstacles can range from physical challenges like fighting dragons or overcoming a deadly disease, to more emotional challenges like betrayals and heartbreaks. By throwing these obstacles in the path of your characters, you force them to make difficult choices and change in order to reach their goals.
When creating conflict, it’s also important to keep in mind the logic and rules of your fantasy world. While you have the freedom to invent new creatures and magic systems, it’s important to establish clear rules and limitations for how these things work. This will help keep your story believable and engaging for the reader.
Avoid creating conflict that feels forced or contrived. Every conflict should have a purpose and a reason for being there. It should also be directly related to the goals and desires of your characters. For example, if your main character has a fear of water, introducing a conflict where they have to swim across a treacherous river can create tension and help the reader connect with the character’s struggles.
In fantasy fiction, conflict can also come from the clash of different traditions, cultures, or belief systems. For example, if your story takes place in a world where there are multiple races or species, conflict can arise from the prejudices and misunderstandings between these groups. This can create a rich and complex world for your story to explore.
Finally, remember that conflict doesn’t always have to be external. Internal conflicts can be just as compelling and interesting. These conflicts can arise from a character’s own flaws, doubts, or fears. By delving into your character’s inner struggles, you can create a sense of depth and complexity that will keep the reader invested in their journey.
When writing fantasy fiction, conflict is an essential ingredient that should be present in every aspect of your story. Whether it’s the conflict between characters, the conflict between different worlds or belief systems, or even the conflict within a single character’s mind, conflict is what drives the story forward and keeps the reader engaged.
2 Build your world
Creating a believable and immersive world is one of the most important aspects of writing fantasy fiction. In order for readers to fully engage with your story, they need to feel like they are stepping into a whole new universe. Here are some tips to help you build an open and realistic world that will captivate your audience:
1. Start with an idea: Every great fantasy world starts with a single idea. Whether it’s a magical empire or a world where dragons rule, figure out what your main concept is and build your world around it. This idea will be the driving force behind your story and will help you keep everything tied together.
2. Introduce the basics: When starting to build your world, it’s important to first establish the basic foundations. What is the geography like? What are the traditions and cultures of the people who live there? What are their goals and ambitions? These details will help you create a strong foundation for your world and give your readers a sense of place.
3. Offer a glimpse of the fantastic: While your world may have similarities to the real world, fantasy fiction allows you to introduce elements of magic and the supernatural. This is where you can really let your imagination run wild. Don’t be afraid to include mythical creatures, powerful spells, and ancient artifacts. Just make sure they fit within the rules and logic you’ve established for your world.
4. Keep it realistic: While fantasy fiction may take place in a world of magic and wonder, it’s important to ground your story in realism. Readers need to believe that the events and characters in your book could actually exist. This means that the rules of your world need to be logical and consistent. Even though it’s a fantasy world, it still needs to make sense.
5. Continually reveal details: Instead of overwhelming your readers with a barrage of information about your world all at once, reveal the details gradually throughout your story. This will create a sense of intrigue and keep your readers engaged. It also allows for potential plot twists and surprises, as your characters discover new aspects of their world.
6. Show, don’t tell: Instead of simply telling your readers about your world, show them through the actions and experiences of your characters. Let your readers discover the details on their own, rather than spoon-feeding them information. This will make your world feel more real and immersive.
7. Check for consistency: As your world grows and evolves, it’s important to continually check for inconsistencies or contradictions. Make sure that the rules and details of your world remain the same throughout your series. This will help maintain the integrity of your world and keep your readers invested.
Building a fantasy world takes time and effort, but with these tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating a captivating and believable universe for your readers to explore.
Introduce some logic
When it comes to writing fantasy fiction, including logic in your worldbuilding is essential. While fantasy allows for limitless imagination and creativity, it doesn’t mean you can throw everything together without any thought. In fact, the best fantasy novels are the ones that have a logical framework tying everything together.
Before you begin creating your fantasy world, ask yourself these two important questions:
1. What are the goals of your story? Knowing the goals of your story will help guide your worldbuilding and reveal where conflicts and obstacles should arise.
2. What are the rules of your world? Every fantasy world has its own set of rules, whether it’s the way magic works, the languages spoken, or the traditions and customs of the different cultures. By establishing these rules, you create consistency and believability in your world.
Once you’ve figured out these key elements, you can start introducing logic into your worldbuilding. Here are some tips to help you do that:
1. Keep the logic consistent. If you establish that dragons are capable of speaking in one chapter, don’t suddenly make them mute in the next. Consistency is key to creating a believable world.
2. Think about cause and effect. Everything in your world should have a reason for being there, whether it’s a disease that affects certain creatures or a conflict between different factions. By understanding the cause and effect, you can create more depth and complexity in your world.
3. Use logic to flesh out your world. When worldbuilding, don’t be afraid to delve into the details. Think about how your characters eat, sleep, and interact with each other. Consider the consequences of certain actions and decisions. This attention to detail will make your world feel more real and immersive.
Remember, fantasy fiction is a balance between imagination and logic. While you have the freedom to create fantastical elements, it’s important to ground them in some form of logic. By doing so, you’ll create a world that readers can fully immerse themselves in and believe in.
Don’t reveal it all
In fantasy fiction, the best way to capture your readers’ attention is to leave some things unsaid. Too much detail can drag down the pace of your story and leave less room for readers’ imaginations to fill in the gaps.
When you introduce your readers to a new world full of magical creatures, heroic warriors, and epic conflicts, it’s essential to start with a strong hook that doesn’t give away all the details at once.
For example, instead of telling everything about the main characters, their backgrounds, and their objectives, start with a scene that showcases their strengths and the conflict they’re about to face. Let your readers get to know the heroes as the story progresses, revealing their pasts and motivations slowly. This will create a sense of mystery and keep the readers engaged.
What makes fantasy novels great is the ability to create your own world with its own logic and rules. However, even in a world where dragons can fly and disease can be cured with a magical sand, there should still be some level of believability.
When it comes to world-building, it’s important to remember that not everything needs to be explained in detail. Trust your readers’ imagination and let them figure certain things out on their own. If you try to explain every little detail, it will take away from the magic and wonder of your story.
It’s also important to know when to hold back and when to reveal information. Sometimes, leaving certain elements unresolved can create intrigue and keep readers hooked throughout a series. If you reveal everything in the first book, there won’t be much left to explore in the books that follow.
So, don’t feel the need to dump every piece of information on your readers all at once. Keep some things hidden, allow for surprises, and let your readers enjoy the thrill of discovery as the story unfolds. This will make your fantasy fiction even more engaging and satisfying.
| Do | Don’t |
|---|---|
| Introduce your main characters’ strengths and motivations slowly, revealing them as the story progresses. | Tell everything about the characters’ backgrounds and objectives in the beginning. |
| Create a believable world with its own logic and rules. | Over-explain every little detail of your fictional world. |
| Leave some things unresolved to create intrigue and keep readers engaged throughout a series. | Reveal everything in the first book, leaving nothing for readers to discover later on. |
| Trust your readers’ imagination and let them fill in the gaps. | Dump every piece of information on your readers all at once. |
By following these guidelines, you’ll be well on your way to creating a captivating and successful fantasy fiction series.
How to write fantasy – things you should do
When it comes to writing fantasy fiction, there are several key elements that you need to keep in mind. These things will help you create a compelling and believable world for your readers to get lost in. Below, we’ve compiled a list of things you should do when writing fantasy:
- Start with a goal: Every fantasy story needs a main goal or quest that the characters are trying to achieve. This goal will drive the plot forward and give your story a sense of purpose.
- Figure out the setting: The setting of your fantasy world is crucial, as it sets the tone and atmosphere for your story. Spend time building a realistic and immersive setting that will capture the reader’s imagination.
- Create unique and realistic characters: Characters play a vital role in fantasy fiction. Make sure they have their own distinctive traits, strengths, and weaknesses. Avoid clichés and strive to make your characters feel relatable and human, even if they’re not.
- Introduce magic: Fantasy stories often involve magical elements. Decide how magic works in your world and how it impacts the characters and the plot. Be consistent with the rules you set for magic and avoid using it as an easy solution to every problem.
- Build a strong plot: A good fantasy story needs a well-developed plot that keeps the reader engaged from start to finish. Make sure there are plenty of twists, turns, and conflicts to keep things exciting.
- Think about the problem your characters need to solve: Every story needs a problem or conflict that the characters must overcome. Make sure the problem is logical within the world you’ve created and allows for growth and development of the characters.
- Reveal information gradually: Don’t dump all the information about your fantasy world and its history at once. Instead, reveal it gradually throughout the story to keep the reader intrigued.
- Include diverse elements: Fantasy is a genre where you can let your imagination run wild. Don’t be afraid to include different creatures, magical artifacts, and unique locations to make your world feel vibrant and diverse.
- Create strong heroes and villains: The conflict between heroes and villains is a hallmark of fantasy fiction. Make sure your heroes are relatable and flawed, while your villains are complex and not simply evil for the sake of it.
- Keep the story moving: Fantasy novels can span hundreds of pages, so it’s important to keep the plot moving forward at all times. Avoid lengthy descriptions or unnecessary detours that can make your story drag.
By following these things, you’ll be well on your way to writing an engaging and captivating fantasy story. Remember to click here to check for any other helpful sources that can assist you with your writing process, including tips from popular fantasy authors like George R.R. Martin.
