fantasy writing features

✨ Fantasy Writing Secrets: 10 Power Techniques to Enchant Your Readers

Table of Contents

Diving headfirst into the world of fantasy writing isn’t merely about penning down a tale. It is about crafting a new world, filled with unique characters, enchanting locations, and captivating storylines. Through this guide, we will help you understand what it takes to embark on this exciting journey. Incorporating our tips into your writing process could pave the path to becoming a successful fantasy author.

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The Essentials of Fantasy Writing

First, fantasy writing requires imaginative plot development. Here, it is crucial to deviate from the conventional ‘hero-defeats-villain’ narrative and explore unconventional plotlines.

Second, detailed character creation is at the heart of every compelling fantasy story. The characters you create should be richly imagined, with distinct personalities, appearances, and backstory.

Finally, world-building is perhaps the most important aspect of fantasy writing. It involves crafting a fictional universe that is both engaging and believable, replete with its own cultures, geography, and rules.

Crafting Enchanting Plotlines

A-Fantasy-book-can-be-about-anything-you-can-imagine

Begin by setting the scene and introducing the conflict. From there, allow the story to develop naturally, leading to the climax and resolution. Throughout the process, ensure that your plot remains consistent and logical within the context of your fantasy world.

Character Creation – The Heart of Your Story

Developing rich, multi-dimensional characters is integral to fantasy writing. The characters you craft should feel real to your readers, despite existing in a fictional universe.

Begin by outlining your characters’ physical characteristics, personality traits, and backstory. From there, flesh out their motivations, fears, and dreams. Remember, the best characters are those who evolve throughout the story, allowing readers to develop a deep emotional connection with them.

The Magic of World-Building

Start by imagining the physical landscape of your world – its geography, climate, and the living beings that inhabit it. From there, define its social structures, cultures, and rules. Make sure to pay attention to the smallest details – it is these intricacies that bring a fantasy world to life.

From Draft to Published Work

Once you have developed your plot, characters, and world, it’s time to start writing. This is where the real challenge lies – transforming your ideas into a coherent, engaging narrative.

Once you have completed your first draft, take the time to revise and polish your work. Look for any inconsistencies in the plot, character development, and world-building. Don’t be afraid to rewrite sections of your story to enhance its overall flow and readability.

The Role of a Ghostwriter in Fantasy Writing

When it comes to fantasy writing, not everyone has the time or skills to pen their story. This is where a ghostwriter steps in. A ghostwriter is a professional writer who is hired to write for someone else under that person’s name.

In the realm of fantasy writing, a ghostwriter’s job involves transforming an author’s vision into a full-fledged fantasy novel. This involves mastering all aspects of fantasy writing, including plot development, character creation, and world-building.

Remember, the journey of fantasy writing is a marathon, not a sprint. With patience, dedication, and a vivid imagination, you too can create a captivating fantasy world that leaves readers yearning for more.

The Art of Captivating Dialogues in Fantasy Writing

Conversations between characters are crucial in any narrative, but they take on an even more significant role in fantasy writing. They’re instrumental in revealing character personalities, advancing the plot, and building the world you’ve painstakingly created. The dialogues you craft should feel natural, be true to each character’s voice, and always serve a purpose.

Start by understanding your characters thoroughly. Knowing their background, personality traits, and motivations will enable you to create dialogues that feel authentic. Secondly, ensure that the dialogues contribute to the plot. They should either advance the storyline or provide key information about the world or characters.

Furthermore, dialogues in fantasy writing should also adhere to the rules of the world you’ve created. For instance, the language and tone of the conversation should be consistent with the time and culture of your fantasy world.

Incorporating Magic Systems in Fantasy Writing

Magic is a fundamental element in most fantasy stories, and rightly so. It adds an extra layer of intrigue and excitement, allowing for plot developments that wouldn’t be possible in real-world settings. However, to be effective and engaging, the magic in your story needs to be well thought out and follow a consistent set of rules.

When creating your magic system, start by deciding on its limitations and consequences. A magic system without limits or costs can lead to a lack of tension and stakes in your story.

Next, consider how magic is learned and used in your world. Is it innate or can it be learned? Is it common or rare? Lastly, ensure that your magic system is deeply integrated with your world-building. It should influence the society, culture, and even geography of your fantasy world.

Incorporating Conflict and Tension in Fantasy Writing

Conflict and tension are the driving forces of any narrative. They propel the plot forward, challenge characters, and keep readers engaged. In fantasy writing, the possibilities for conflict are endless, allowing for an exciting, tension-filled narrative.

Begin by introducing a primary conflict that drives the main plot. This could be a quest, a battle against a formidable villain, or a struggle against time.

Alongside this, weave in smaller, interpersonal conflicts between characters. These add depth to your characters and add layers to your narrative.

In the end, remember that all conflicts should have meaningful consequences and should challenge your characters in significant ways. This is what makes a story engaging and memorable.

Conclusion: The Rewarding Journey of Fantasy Writing

Embarking on the journey of fantasy writing can be daunting, but it’s an endeavor filled with creativity, discovery, and endless excitement. It allows you to explore different realms of your imagination and bring them to life through words.

Remember, fantasy writing isn’t just about creating a story. It’s about crafting a whole universe, complete with its own set of rules, characters, cultures, and conflicts. As you navigate through the process of plot creation, character development, world-building, dialogue crafting, magic system development, and conflict incorporation, you’ll find yourself growing not just as a writer, but as a creator of worlds.

Be patient with yourself, keep honing your skills, and never stop exploring your imagination. The world of fantasy writing awaits you! Embark on your journey to becoming a successful fantasy writer today with the help of “ Fantasy Book Empire “.

You can also learn about writing science fiction , mystery , and romance books.

Click here to purchase Fantasy Book Empire today!

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15 thoughts on “ ✨ Fantasy Writing Secrets: 10 Power Techniques to Enchant Your Readers ”

I want to improve my fantasy writing but I did have some short stories I wrote on my blog years ago. However, I stopped for being time-consuming.

I couldn’t agree more with this insightful comment about the world of fantasy writing. It’s an exciting and rewarding journey with endless possibilities and creative opportunities. Crafting a whole universe from scratch, complete with its rules, characters, and conflicts, is a testament to one’s imagination and writing skills.

Your guide on fantasy writing secrets is pure magic! It’s packed with invaluable techniques to captivate readers. Thanks for sharing these enchanting insights that will surely elevate any fantasy writer’s storytelling skills.

There is a lot that goes into creative fantasy writing. I love to read it although haven’t written much in years. I do love well written characters.

ChatGPTExpressing my thoughts through writing serves as a wonderful stress-reliever for me. Crafting intricate and immersive fantasy narratives provides an ideal channel for me to unleash my creative energy.

I am a Sci-Fi fan so such fantastic topics are definitely in my interests. thanks a lot for your insights and specific skills for writing about these and they are inspiring!

It is good to incorporate these things into writing. My writing has evolved over the years from more creative pieces, to more blog / news like pieces. I miss the creativity of drawing a reader into a fictional story.

Writing is an excellent way for me to relieve stress. Creating captivating storylines in fantasy writing is a great outlet for my creativity.

I find the characters are important, but I love reading fantasy and it’s all about building the world for me. I can suspend my disbelief if the world is created vividly.

The magic of world building – what are great words for all writers. I`m not a big fan of fantasy, but I bet an author must have a great imagination to make an interesting plot.

Hhhhmmm….thank you for these ideas. I am yet to fully explore captivating dialogues in my writing. My dialogues are usually a line or two. Is that even acceptable?

I took a couple of fantasy writing courses in college. It is such a fun experience to create a new world with enchanting characters and storylines.

I love fantasy as much as I love sci-fi, so this was another great read for me. I’d love to know your favorite fantasy author. For me, it’s Robert Jordan. I’ve never read world-building like his.

These are great tips regarding fantasy writing. I think plot and character development has to be the hardest when writing regardless of genre. But those are important factors because as a reader myself, I enjoy the build up. As for ghost writing, I am not sure I am on board. I mean yes it would help the author but doesn’t that take away the authenticity of the writing?

Maureen | http://www.littlemisscasual.com

Being a ghostwriter means to understand the author (the client) and write as if I were in their shoes. So, given that a ghostwriter knows what they are doing, it does not take away from the authenticity of the writing.

How to Write Fantasy: The Ultimate Guide

By fabled planet.

DO YOU WRITE FANTASY OR SCIENCE FICTION?

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The Ultimate Guide To Writing A Fantasy Novel

You just finished reading a fantasy series that has left you reeling.

You’re satisfied with the way things turned out, but the thought of saying goodbye to those characters just hurts.

You want to keep the magic going.

So now you’re looking for the best guide on how to write a fantasy novel — because you want to be the kind of writer who can work that kind of magic.

Who knew fantasy fiction could be so transformative?

Fantasy Writing Tips

Fantasy plots, how to write a fantasy novel outline, how to start a fantasy story, 1. develop your characters., 2. develop your (story’s) world., 3. develop your backstory., 4. craft an interesting and believable plot for your characters., 5. decide how your story will begin., 6. write the first chapter., 7. decide on your story’s climactic event., 8. keep writing chapters until you reach the end., 9. print out your first draft and take a break., 10. self-edit., 11. revise your self-edited draft., 12. edit your draft., 13. revise your professionally-edited draft., 14. get your novel ready for publication., writing fantasy.

Writing a fantasy novel presents some unique challenges to the storyteller. For one, you’re expected to know about the magical elements you use in your story.

For example, if your story involves werewolves or vampires, you’ll need to research all the folklore related to both in order to portray them in a way that will build trust with your reader.

Making things up as you go when there’s already known folklore or mythology in place will irritate knowledgeable readers and likely earn you some scathing reviews.

Second, fantasy fiction usually involves an imaginary world created by the author.

Research is important here, too, since some magical creatures are associated with particular environments.

And just because it’s a made-up world doesn’t mean you have to defy every expectation.

The sky doesn’t have to be a different color unless that detail adds an essential something to your story.

But you should know this world as well as the one you live in (when you’re not writing).

Also, some — if not all — your fantasy characters will be magical or mythical beings, humanoid or otherwise.

And the more you know the mythology surrounding them, the more convincing your character building will be to your readers.

As with your setting, you should know these characters as well as you know the people in your closest circle — recognizing all the while, of course, that they can still surprise you.

If you want to know how to write a good fantasy story, learn from those who’ve written before you.

Many of them are only too happy to help fellow writers with their story crafting.

For all they know, you could be the next Rick Riordan or J.K. Rowling.

So, helping you write better stories is in everyone’s best interests. To that end, consider the following tips for writing a fantasy novel:

Become a voracious reader of fantasy novels — especially the kind you want to write.
Research the folklore and mythology related to any magical elements you want in your story.
Research potential markets and marketing strategies for your book based on genres that are currently selling well.
Choose the perspective and point of view for your story’s narrator.
Get into your fantasy characters’ heads.
Sketch out a timeline for your story’s events and key moments.
Get acquainted with every detail of the made-up world where your story happens.

As one of the ten key parts of your story , your plot is what gives your story its overall shape and direction.

To more clearly see how it does this, we can follow Gustav Freytag’s lead and break down your plot into the following five elements:

With fantasy plots, these elements often tie into the stages of the hero’s journey — a universal story structure based on Joseph Campbell’s monomyth.

It’s because the hero archetype resonates within the psyche of every individual that the most memorable and endearing stories follow this structure.

Check out this Authority Pub post for more information on the ten key parts of writing your story.

And read on to learn how to write one of your own.

How to Write A Fantasy Novel

The writer’s journey in writing a book is similar to the hero’s journey just mentioned.

Like the hero in your story, you’re going on a journey of your own — though at first there’s some reticence to go any deeper than your comfort level will allow.

At some point, though, like Bilbo as he listened to the dwarves’ song about the Lonely Mountains, you feel pulled out of your cozy bubble into a new and sometimes terrifying world.

And, like Bilbo, you find you have more courage in you than you thought you had.

Good thing, too. Writing an unforgettable story takes courage. No one breaks new ground when they don’t venture beyond what they know.

Outlining your fantasy novel will be similar to any outline you’ve created in the past — for other books or your English Lit class.

The key difference here is thinking ahead to determine whether or not your fantasy book will be a standalone or part of a trilogy or tetralogy.

If your book is standalone, you will need to compress the introduction of your characters and the fantasy world you create to fit into one book. So consider this when developing your outline.

For a series, you’ll have more time to unravel your characters and develop the magical world in which they reside.

You don’t have to outline all of your books initially, but if you choose a series, just be sure you leave enough action and character development for future books.

Try to think ahead about plot progression and the struggles your characters will face throughout the series.

Either way, your first book is the key to hooking readers into loving your characters and story and wanting more.

In your outline, be sure you include a cliffhanger at the end to ensure your readers can’t wait to buy the next book.

Getting started looks different for everyone. If you’re a plotter, you know that an outline helps you sort out your ideas so you can tackle the actual writing with a clearer head — one idea at a time.

See this Authority Pub post for more information on getting started with your novel.

If you’re a pantser, you might think outlines are “too stodgy” or that you won’t follow it anyway.

But even writing a bulleted list of the main things you want to happen in your story can help you write with a better sense of direction.

The following tips and questions can help you create an outline that comes to life even before you start writing your story:

Interview your fantasy characters. Get to know them at their deepest level so you can speak and act as they would.
Get clear on your character’s arcs. How will the events in this story change them?
Give old tropes a dash of something new . Think of how J.K. Rowling reinvented the witch’s broomstick.
Get clear on your story’s main events and defining moments.
Write a draft of the final chapter — detailing the outcome for each character.

Think of this step as simply jotting down the main elements of the plot or character that made you want to write this story in the first place.

You can also start with an elevator pitch. Tell me what will happen in your story in 30 seconds or less.

See if it makes sense to you when you articulate it out loud.

Then, nail down those critical details and leave the rest to your imagination.

How to Write A Fantasy Novel Step by Step

Once you’ve created your outline, follow these steps to write a fantasy novel your readers will tell all their friends about:

Interview them. Do some voice-journaling for them. Create character profiles.

Do whatever helps you get into their heads and make them real people to you.

The more they come to life for you, the more they’ll do the same for your reader.

The more real this world seems to you, the more easily your readers will step into and lose themselves in it.

Make it a place they won’t want to leave. And make every detail matter.

What made your characters and your world as they are now? What details from the past are essential to the story you’re telling.

Get clear on what happened in the past that created the reality of your story’s present.

Give them a problem and show how they recognize and deal with it. Show how it changes them. Show us what they want most and how far they’ll go to get it.

Show what’s at stake – what they could gain and what they have to lose.

How to Write Mind-Blowing Fantasy Fiction

Taught by: Campfire

A good fantasy tale needs more than just wizards and dragons. While every book needs great characters, a believable world, and a compelling story, there are many other elements that fantasy fans will look for in their next big read.

In this free 10-day course, you will be thrown headlong into the world of fantasy writing . With the help of bonus resources and plenty of cool examples, you will discover what it takes to craft a compelling fantasy story from the ground up.

What you'll learn in this course

When you sign you, you can expect to learn:

How to uncover the seed of a good story
Ways to build a world around your characters
About the two types of fantasy magic systems
Which POVs will best suit your story
All about your publishing options

There will also be practical tips that you can apply to your story straight away.

Brought to you by Campfire

Levi Johnson is a writer and content creator at Campfire . He creates educational content in hopes of making writing as accessible as possible for everyone, from newcomers to veterans. Follow his writing journey on his podcast Around the Campfire .

Adam Bassett is a UX/UI designer at Campfire and works on much of the content for Campfire Learn . Outside of his work, he's a Lead Game Designer at Smunchy Games, volunteers with Worldbuilding Magazine and Worldcasting Podcast, and likes to write or draw in his spare time.

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The 7 Fantasy Elements Every Novel Needs & Fantasy Subgenres Explained

March 7, 2022

The fantasy genre is broad, and many elements go into writing a great fantasy novel. From high fantasy to low, epic fantasy to dark fantasy, and science fiction to the supernatural, most fantasy books feature some common elements that make them such an exciting and immersive experience for the reader.

We have listed below some of the most common fantasy elements. So, whether you are an avid reader and want to know about what makes the genre so enjoyable, or you are a writer looking to dissect the genre so that you can write your first fantasy novel, create your immersive fantasy world, and share it with the real world, then read on. We have included in this article the elements of fantasy literature that make it so appealing. But first, let us get a better understanding of the fantasy genre as a whole.

What Is Fantasy?

Fantasy is one of the broadest genres of literature. There are many subgenres, which we will explore in greater detail later. It is also a genre accessible to all ages. There are fantasy books loved and adored by young children, while others are dark and heavy in their subject matter and are absolutely not suitable for children. Even those loved by children, such as the Harry Potter series, also have an extensive adult fan base.

The Oxford dictionary defines fantasy as ‘ imaginative fiction involving magic. ‘ In essence, the plot of a fantasy story cannot take place in the real world. It needs magical elements, rules, and laws that do not exist in our primary world for the action to occur. Here is a list of the common fantasy elements.

Fantasy Elements List:

In fantasy fiction, there is always some element of magic—a system of laws, dynamics, powers, or character abilities that are not found in the regular world (referred to in the fantasy genre as the ‘primary world’). In the fantasy world, the world of magic where the fantasy story takes place is referred to as the secondary world.

The magical element involved in the Harry Potter series is sorcery, wizardry, and witchcraft. Prophecy and resurrection feature heavily in George RR Martin’s Game of Thrones. In Patrick Rothfuss’ The Name of The Wind, characters use alchemical practices or energy manipulation.

The type of magic used in a fantasy world sets it apart from other books and novels in the genre. So, when it comes to writing fantasy, the more unique and original you write your magic system, who can use it, how it is used and how it can be used, as well as the consequences and outcomes of its use, the more likely you are to stand out and gather attention.

To enrich the story, magic often comes at a cost. Its energy must be sourced from somewhere, often with consequences. For example, in Lord of the Rings, the cost of wearing the One Ring and the invisibility that it grants is that the wearer’s whereabouts become known to the Dark Lord Sauron, who seeks the return of the ring, thus placing the wearer in danger. In the Harry Potter series, a wizard misuses magic, such as forbidden spells, putting their lives at risk.

2. Unique Setting

Since the setting of many fantasy novels is not the earth as we know it, the author must do some diligent, well-thought-out world-building. The readers enter the story with no knowledge of the world in which the story takes place, so it is the author’s job to depict that world in a way that makes it easy and accessible to imagine.

Fantasy writers spend a lot of time world-building—painting a picture of the magical world in the story. The world of a fantasy story takes time to create because it is different from the primary world and therefore must be portrayed in detail to the reader.

The essence and feel of a fantasy setting are crucial to the story and can be considered a character. For example, in the Harry Potter series, the infamous school of Hogwarts is described in great detail, with its surroundings and rich history playing a key role in the story. How the characters interact with the setting and the tradition and history of that setting help J.K Rowling immerse the reader in the world of Hogwarts.

If you are writing a fantasy novel, it is important to dedicate a generous amount of time to detail the setting and its components. What kind of weather features are in the setting? How about flora and fauna? The history of the world in which the characters live? Are there off-limits for certain characters? Do settings change throughout the book, or does it all occur in one place? What happens when the setting changes—do the same magic rules apply, or do characters enter different worlds that come with their own rules and dynamics?

3. A Heroic Adventure

Fantasy readers enjoy the genre because they can join the protagonist and their companions on a heroic adventure. The first chapter sets a path for the characters, including challenges and obstacles for the hero and his friends to overcome.

Even the word ‘adventure’ evokes a sense of excitement and novelty. The adventure itself is a fantasy literary device that helps the characters grow and the story progress. Frodo Baggins’ adventure introduces him to elves, dwarves, orcs, and new parts of the story’s setting that he would never have encountered had he not been called upon for this life-changing adventure.

The power of the adventure story arc is that, by its nature, it is never smooth. If a character were faced with a task and could easily complete the task without stress or challenge, there would not be a story. Adventures inevitably lead to risks, dangers, consequences of taking on a mission, life-changing experiences, realizations, and unforeseen events for the characters.

4. Power Structures or Hierarchies

The power structure, hierarchy, or governing authority in fantasy stories often reveals the ‘why’ behind the story in the first place. The protagonist , the hero of the story, is more often than not tasked with the arduous task of tackling the pre-existing power structure due to some form of corruption or imbalance of morality.

The best fantasy stories do not simply color the hero and the power structure black and white. Very often, the reason behind the corruption of power comes down to an individual’s personal story. A character introduced as a villain may later be revealed to be on their hero’s journey, perhaps of revenge or their own perceived injustices.

The better the story, the harder it is to tell the difference between what and who is right and wrong. Great fantasy villains are complex characters who do an admirable job at appealing to the compassion and empathy of the reader.

The power structures used in fantasy literature very often reflect the kind of power structure we experience in our world. A controversial example of a fantasy power structure features Philip Pullman’s The Golden Compass. Pullman received a lot of criticism from the church and its associates through his loose but undeniable reference to the church. Its questionable ethics and outright evils, characterized in the books as General Oblation Board, or Gobblers, a powerful authority with magical secrets who kidnap children for their pure energy.

5. Otherworldly Creatures

Dragons, talking polar bears, and shape-shifting spirits—where would fantasy novels be without them? Animals and otherworldly creatures are common in fantasy and often play key roles in the story. Most have magical powers that aid the hero on his journey. Fantasy creatures add an extra sense of wonder and awe to any story and are often an early century into the magical world for the protagonist, especially when that character has entered the secondary or fantasy world from the primary or normal world.

6. Relatable Themes

Though set in unique and magical worlds, fantasy novels share themes with all other forms of literature—good vs. evil, coming-of-age, political corruption. The same applies to fairy tales—the message of these stories is usually incredibly relevant and reflective of the world we live in, guided safely into the reader’s psyche through that fantastical nature of the context in which they are delivered.

7. Unique Language

The language of a fantasy world is as important as its setting, plot, and characters. Some fantasy novels use real languages only, but many incorporate created fictional languages. The use of fictional language in a fantasy novel helps the author immerse the reader in the world they have built.

Fantasy languages are typically crafted from a combination or adaptation of existing languages or those which have died out. Creating a fantasy language requires diligence and should not be taken lightly by a writer.

Popular examples of fictional language in fantasy are Dothraki—spoken by the Dothraki in George RR. Martin’s Game of Thrones and Elvish, the ancient language of the Elves in J.R.R Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings.

Fantasy novels with well-thought-out unique languages immerse the reader even deeper in the story. Since the story has unique settings, creatures, and laws of magic, it makes sense that a unique language would exist here too.

Subgenres of Fantasy

Fantasy is an incredibly rich and broad genre. There are so many fantasy subgenres that it is hard to create an exhaustive list, but some of the most popular include:

1. High Fantasy

High fantasy novels are set in a secondary world, a world separate from our own with its own rules, laws, and dynamics. They typically follow epic tales and heroic adventures with magic, sword and sorcery, and fantastical characters, settings, and creatures. The history and mythology of high fantasy novels are unique and offer a rich and immersive backstory in which the reader can get lost.

Popular high fantasy books include:

The Lord of the Rings Trilogy – J. R. R. Tolkien
A Game of Thrones (series) – George RR. Martin
The Kingkiller Chronicle – Patrick Rothfuss
The Way of Kings – Brandon Sanderson
Assassin’s Apprentice – Robin Hobb

2. Low Fantasy

Low fantasy is a subgenre of fantasy that typically takes place in the primary world—the world as we know it—but with magical elements only known by some characters. Protagonists in low fantasy often begin with no prior knowledge of the magic or the supernatural elements of the world they live in but stumble across them or are called upon to engage in some prophecy or fate.

Popular examples of low fantasy books include:

American Gods – Neil Gaiman
The Wind-up Bird Chronicle – Haruki Murakami
Stardust – Neil Gaiman
Cloud Atlas – David Mitchell
Djinn City – Saad Z. Hossain

3. Epic Fantasy

Epic fantasy is high fantasy to the extreme. Epic fantasy stories often take several books to cover. The world, settings, and fantasy characters in these stories are incredibly rich and dense and are conveyed to the reader through long narratives. The Lord of the Rings series and Game of Thrones are two examples of epic and high fantasy novels.

4. Dark Fantasy

Dark fantasy is also known as horror fantasy or supernatural. Typically, the subject matter in dark fantasy novels is frightening and, at times, disturbing. The protagonists are often anti-heroes. They are not necessarily the ‘good guys’, but the story follows their adventures and often has us on the main character’s side even when their morals are questionable.

What often redeems the protagonists of dark fantasy is that even though they typically have a broken moral compass, the other characters , creatures, and villains that the protagonist encounters are often more vile and evil. ‘Nice’ characters in dark fantasy exist, but to live in these words takes a tough skin, and without that, death and loss are imminent.

Popular dark fantasy books include:

The Elric Saga – Michael Moorcock
Prince of Thorns – Mark Lawrence
Game of Thrones – George RR. Martin

5. Arthurian Fantasy

Arthurian fantasies are based on the legend and world of King Arthur and the Middle Ages. Arthurian literature follows the tales of King Arthur and the knights of the round table on their heroic journeys. This type of fantasy novel focuses more on the magical elements of the Arthurian world, such as wizardry, sorcery, and mysticism.

Examples of Arthurian fantasy include:

The Once and Future King – T.H White
The Crystal Cave – Mary Stewart
The Winter King – Bernard Cornwell
The Colour of Dragons – R.A Salvatore & Erika Lewis
Legendborn – Tracy Deonn

6. Mythic Fantasy

Mythic fantasy is any fantasy story that incorporates mythological elements—gods, goddesses, and the awesome power of nature are key components of this fantasy subgenre. A single mythic fantasy story typically includes features of ancient religions and cultures, where one ancient culture and its mythologies are the main focus. The Celtic, Native American, Norse, and Japanese cultures and myths are popular in this subgenre.

Popular examples of mythic fantasy include:

The Lightning Thief – Rick Riordan
The Mists of Avalon – Marion Zimmer Bradley
Circe – Madeline Miller
The Sacred Band – Janet E. Morris

7. Historical Fantasy

Historical is a type of historical fiction that adds magical elements to real-world historical cultures and times, such as Ancient Egypt, the Middle Ages, or the cultures of the Ancient Celts. Historical fantasy lends itself to other subgenres, such as dark, high, epic, and Arthurian. It simply needs to root itself in a time in real history, from which place magical elements can be added to make it a fantasy story.

Popular examples of historical fantasy include:

The City of Grass – S.A Chakraborty
Outlander – Diana Gabaldon
Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell – Susanna Clarke
A Darker Shade of Magic – V.E Schwab
The Poppy War – R.F Kuang

8. Science Fantasy

Science fantasy is a hybrid of science fiction and fantasy. The subgenre is similar to sci-fi in that futuristic technology, where alien species are popular features. Still, there is no clear explanation of how the technology works, and elements of magic may be at play.

Popular examples of science fantasy include:

Red Sister – Mark Lawrence
The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy – Douglas J. Adams
Dune – Frank Herbert

If you are a budding fantasy writer, understanding the elements and subgenres of the fantasy genre will help you progress significantly. As with any genre, it is always wise to read as much as you can. Though fantasy novels are in their own universe, you do not need to reinvent the wheel to write one. By incorporating the elements outlined above, you can craft a fantasy novel that readers can completely immerse themselves in.

“Fantasy is escapist, and that is its glory. If a soldier is imprisoned by the enemy, don’t we consider it his duty to escape? If we value the freedom of mind and soul, if we’re partisans of liberty, then it’s our plain duty to escape, and to take as many people with us as we can!” J.R.R. Tolkien

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Genre Tips: How to Write Fantasy

Last fall, I asked you to tell me what topics you’d most like to see featured here on the site. One that was repeatedly mentioned was that of genre tips. I haven’t written much about genre before, in part because most of the tips and techniques I teach here are not genre-specific and can be directly applied or modified to fit any type of story. Also, I do not consider myself a genre expert. There are some genres I read hardly at all (such as horror) that I can’t comment on. There are other genres (such as romance) that are so specialized that their guidelines are often much more specific than for other genres. And there are, simply, many genres (such as mystery) that, although I may read or watch them, I do not personally write them and therefore don’t have a great depth of experience or knowledge about their inner workings.

That said, because genre is an inevitably important topic for writers to consider and because so many of you asked for my take, I thought it would be fun to go on a whirlwind tour of five major genres: Fantasy, Romance, Historical, Mystery, and Literary. In each installment, I will be looking at unique considerations for the Big Three— plot, character, and theme —as well as any other particular pitfalls or pointers I’ve gleaned from my own experience with these stories.

5 Tips for How to Write Fantasy

We begin with one of my personal favorite genres: fantasy. Three out of five of my published novels have some element of fantasy, and the WIP I am working on at the moment is my second full-blown fantasy. The genre is broad with many subgenres but always includes some fantastical element—something magical or foreign that does not exist in reality. This fantastical element may be inserted into our own world (as in subgenres I’ve personally explored, such as portal fantasy , dieselpunk , or gaslamp fantasy ). Or, more strictly, the entire world and premise may be based on a fantasy world. Classically, this fantasy world is often medieval in nature, but in recent decades fantasy worlds have become much more diverse in source inspiration.

Fantasy is a milieu genre, which means the genre trappings can provide the backdrop to many types of stories. For example, beats of a romance or mystery can take place within fantasy milieu. More traditionally, fantasy is known for its epic stories of quests and conquests in the style of myths and legends or archetypal journeys (such as the Hero’s Journey ). In this post, I will be primarily talking about this more traditional type of epic fantasy. Other fantasy subgenres will draw upon classic fantasy tropes, but will blend them with those of other genres.

Beginnings in Fantasy: Do You Need a Prologue?

Back in the day, it seemed like a prologue was almost a required trope for a fantasy novel. Mostly these prologues were used to explain some of the world lore or perhaps ancient backstory, in order to get readers up to speed with the rules and history of the story. I feel like we’re not seeing quite as many prologues these days, and on the whole I count this as a good thing, since fantasy stories often seemed particularly prone to all the pitfalls of a prologue .

The most common pitfall is the prologue functioning as a prettified (and sometimes not-so-prettified) info dump. In a huge fantasy story, sometimes there is no good way around this. But usually there are much more artful ways to share information . One thing to keep in mind is that the readership of fantasy has evolved greatly over the past 70 years or so. This is now a mainstream genre with highly familiar tropes. Readers understand they are entering a new world, and they know how to pick up cues about the setting and the world as they follow the characters around. They won’t need to have everything spelled out for them in the very beginning; doing so can, in fact, harm your story’s subtext .

That said, many successful prologues exist to hook readers into the story, rather than to exercise the author’s self-indulgence or insecurity about the world details. The same rules apply to prologues as to the beginning of any story , but the chief thing to keep in mind is that whenever you include a prologue, you are asking readers to begin your story twice , since they will have to start all over with the story’s “real” scenario in the first chapter. Just make sure you’ve hooked them in both the prologue and the first chapter.

For Example: The prologues in Patrick Rothfuss’s Kingkiller Chronicles function solely as hooks, showing readers the mysterious and compelling contrast between the teenage protagonist in the main part of the book and the legend he grows into.

Patrick Rothfuss Name of the Wind Wise Man's Fear Kingkiller Chronicles

The Kingkiller Chronicles series by Patrick Rothfuss (affiliate link)

Settings in Fantasy: Know Your Story World and Magic System

As a milieu genre, fantasy is all about the setting. When reading these stories, readers get to enjoy seeing something new (or at least familiar elements rearranged in unexpected ways). This is also what draws many writers to the genre. Certainly, it was what drew me. My first love was historical fiction, but I grew frustrated with the confines of “the facts” and moved over to fantasy where I could retain a historical aesthetic without the constraints.

However, just because the possibilities for your fantasy world are endless doesn’t mean you’re free to do anything. The best fantasy settings firmly ground themselves within their own realities. You may not be limited, but your story should be. Your fantasy’s geography, culture, and magic system (if appropriate) must all feel just as concrete to readers as would a well-researched story about, say, Paris or Tetzcoco. Don’t kid yourself: research for a fantasy story can be just as extensive as for a historical story.

The Magic System Blueprint by C.R. Rowenson (affiliate link)

More than that, fantasy settings and magic systems must be carefully planned to create a seamless aesthetic. Magic systems, in particular, often create symbolism, whether intentional or not, so consider what the final use of magic in your story’s Climax says about your story’s theme. Everything should pull together to create a seamless big picture.

Two fast tips for planning your fantasy world:

1. Use Patricia C. Wrede’s amazingly extensive “ Fantasy World-Building Questions ” to make sure you’re thinking through every part of your world.

2. To help with the research load later on, keep a running log of tidbits you run onto in your non-fantasy reading. For example, as an avid reader of history, I will often come across an anecdote or fact about historical life that I might be able to use later on to make my fantasy world feel more realistic and dimensional.

For Example: No modern writer is more well-known for his incredible worldbuilding than fantasy maestro Brandon Sanderson. The Climax of his Mistborn series couldn’t have happened at all without the existence of the world’s particular type of metal-based magic—making the overall effect feel seamless and integral.

The Mistborn Trilogy by Brandon Sanderson (affiliate link)

Story Structure in Fantasy: Watch Your Timing and Keep Tabs on What Happens Between Beats

One of the main questions I received about genre in general was: How does genre affect story structure? The short answer is it doesn’t. Classic story structure offers nothing more than the general shape of a story arc; the timing and the essence of the basic plot points can be applied to any genre. However, each genre then tightens itself up with even more specific beats.

New book coming in March!

In fantasy, perhaps more than any other type of story, those beats are often most aligned to that of the classic Hero’s Journey—or other archetypal journeys (such as the Maiden, Queen, King, Crone, and Mage.) I’ve talked about these beats extensively in my series on archetypal character arcs and in my upcoming book Writing Archetypal Character Arcs (coming in March!). These beats are not exclusive to the fantasy genre, but they are played out most literally in fantasy, since this genre often purposefully brings the symbolism of these archetypes to life on the page (e.g., a Dragon antagonist might be a literal dragon in a fantasy story).

One other major concept to be aware of when it comes to story structure in fantasy is the timing of the beats . Because fantasy stories are notoriously long, the timing of the story’s major structural turning points (which ideally divide the story into eight equal parts) doesn’t have to be as precise as in shorter stories. However, the potential pitfall here is that the extreme length between structural turning points, resulting from the long word count, can become tedious for readers.

Structuring Your Novel (Amazon affiliate link)

The rule here is simple: Just make sure the plot is actually moving (i.e., the story is changing) in each scene and chapter.

Far too many fantasies fill their word counts with characters moving about and perhaps even fighting, but nothing happens because nothing changes . A good way to trim your word count and/or tighten up structural timing is to examine each scene for whether or not it is progressing either the plot or the character’s arc in a meaningful way.

For Example: Several well-known fantasy stories come to mind as negative examples of stories that strained readers’ patience (or at least mine) with their uneven structural timing and lack of plot-moving events. I won’t list them all, since I don’t generally like calling out negative examples, but I did offer an extensive structural breakdown of one (ironically the sequel to one of my all-time favorite fantasy novels) here . You can find structural breakdowns of Fantasy Books and Fantasy Movies in the Story Structure Database .

Learn how to write fantasy stories by studying popular books and movies in the genre.

Characters in Fantasy: Choose Your Protagonist and Your Antagonist Carefully

Protagonists in fantasy are traditionally heroic, but can run the gamut as in any genre. Depending on the story’s stakes, the antagonist is usually a big bad, wielding a tremendous amount of tyrannical or even apocalyptic power. Characters are often purposefully archetypal in some way, but their humanity should never be taken for granted.

When I’m searching for a new fantasy to read, one of the first things I check is how dimensional the characters seem. Because fantasy is a genre that’s all about setting, some writers get sucked into the shiny glitziness of their world but end up with cardboard stock characters. As a reader, I am always turned off by this. I want to see characters of deep humanity moving through this exciting new world.

Less obvious but sneakily just as important is the antagonist. Antagonists can make or break the logic of a story’s plot. If the antagonist’s motive fails to make sense or support the scope of the stakes, the story will stutter, sometimes fatally. Choose your antagonist with care. You can start by examining what archetypal antagonist fits your protagonist’s arc. From there, make sure your antagonist’s motivation makes sense at every step of the plot. If the antagonist isn’t personally present with the protagonist for much of the conflict, you’ll want to make sure “antagonistic proxies” show up in a way that supports and does not diverge from the main conflict with the main antagonist.

For Example: One of my all-time favorite fantasy novels, Anthony Ryan’s Blood Song , earns that status mostly on the back of its incredibly well-realized protagonist. The book is somewhat unusual in the genre for focusing solely on its protagonist’s POV, but thanks to the depth of the character, it works stunningly.

Blood Song by Anthony Ryan (affiliate link)

Theme in Fantasy: Symbolism Is of Extra Importance

These days, fantasy has become so mainstream we accept its tropes as part of our own reality . However, the roots of fantasy are deeply symbolic. Seminal fantasy stories such as The Lord of the Rings drew directly from mythology and history to create fables that symbolized humanity’s actual structures. Other stories, such as The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe , took this principle even further as deliberate allegories.

The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien and The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis (affiliate links)

One of the most magnificent features of fantasy is its ability to access this potent symbolism—I call it a “hotline to the subconscious.” Not every fantasy story will necessarily dial up this hotline on purpose, but because the genre itself exists as a sort of “metaphor” for real life, it’s capacity for symbolism is almost unavoidable. If you can wield this power consciously, you can significantly up your story’s potential.

Writing Your Story’s Theme (Amazon affiliate link)

At its simplest, what this entails is simply choosing every piece of your story with intention: its setting, its historical influences, its magic system, its protagonist/antagonist/supporting cast and their respective character arcs , its imagery, etc. In short, everything . Make sure they are all part of a seamless whole.

For Example: The magic system you create should directly interact with the protagonist’s personal arc, as in the Harry Potter stories, in which the love and friendship Harry cultivates throughout the series becomes crucial to the magic needed to defeat the antagonist in the end.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 1 (2010), Warner Bros.

You can then take it all up a notch by purposefully choosing the metaphor you wish to convey through your story and crafting everything in the story to support that symbolism.

For Example: If the thematic premise you wish to explore is that of humans’ self-destructive relationship to nature, you might create a story such Hayao Miyazaki’s Princess Mononoke , in which every element is chosen for its deeper symbolism in relation to this premise.

Princess Mononoke (1997), Studio Ghibli.

What started as an often reviled genre “just for geeks” has become one of the most popular genres of our time. It combines its endless potential for imagination and innovation with deep roots in archetype and myth, creating the possibility for both exciting adventure and profound resonance. I hope these quick tips prove helpful as you spin fantasies of your own!

Stay Tuned: Next week, we’ll talk about how to write romance !

Wordplayers, tell me your opinions! Do you write (or perhaps just enjoy reading) fantasy? Do you have any further thoughts on how to write fantasy? Tell me in the comments!

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K.M. Weiland is the award-winning and internationally-published author of the acclaimed writing guides Outlining Your Novel , Structuring Your Novel , and Creating Character Arcs . A native of western Nebraska, she writes historical and fantasy novels and mentors authors on her award-winning website Helping Writers Become Authors.

I have a question about my recently-finished novel… it has medieval vibes, but it’s a fictional country, so it wouldn’t be considered historical fiction. But since there aren’t any mythical creatures or magic in it, I’m not sure that it could be called fantasy, either. Is there a way to figure that out?

Check out historical fantasy under the fantasy sub-genres.

I would call it a low-magic fantasy. Fantasy doesn’t inherently mean that there’s magical elements, just that it’s in a world other than our own.

Definitely still fantasy. If it doesn’t happen in reality, it’s speculative fiction of some sort and if it has a historical vibe (versus a futuristic vibe), it’s more likely to be fantasy than sci fi. As Todd mentioned, historical fantasy might be a good fit–although many of those stories happen within our actual history but with fantasy elements inserted (such as His Majesty’s Dragon by Naomi Novak).

Check if it’s a Ruritanian Romance, such as “The Princess Bride”. Those are adventure stories that take place in fictional countries in our world. In TPB: Humperdink is prince of “Florin” which is at war with “Gildur,” and they know about Spaniards, Australians, Sicilians, and have rules that you should “never get involved in a land war in Asia.”

Readers generally expect magic in a fantasy at the very least. Note that A Song of Ice and Fire is considered “low fantasy,” but you still have dragons and walkers and magic.

I wonder if you might not call it a folktale, which don’t require magic specifically. One of the early covers of TPB had a tagline that said it was “a hot fairy tale.”

“Adventures in Made-Up-Landia “? might be a series marker or such.

Is it historically accurate?

I write gene hybrids such as science fantasy, which differ from sub-genres. I enjoy writing about worlds in which science and fantasy work, or advanced science seems like magic, or extreme paranormal abilities appear magical. But the most fun is blending them all.

I identify with your ideas, Todd, as I, too, write science/fantasy hybrids. The challenges are unique in making that work, especially if one’s medieval style world has to deal with invaders from the stars, lol!

Yes, the best thing about speculative fiction is that the possibilities are limitless!

Good morning! So grateful for this series. Just attended a workshop that was supposed to be about writing mysteries but turned out to be Writing 101 (character development and plotting – nothing specific to mystery writing). One good thing – the presenter mentioned your website as a good place to learn about character arcs!

Mystery is probably my weakest genre of the five mentioned, but hopefully I can still bring something helpful to the post.

I’m writing a fantasy poem. Wondering what special guidelines may apply to that.

I’m not a poet myself, so I’m afraid I’m not able to offer my info on that.

Carol, Something you can do to make your poetry different (thus special) is the alliterative poem. JRR Tolkien wrote some of those, and they were part of mediaeval literature. Stress every second or third syllable in a line (it does not need to be consistent) and begin at least the first three stressed syllables with the *same* consonant sound within a given line.

Mind you, poets back then were happy to come close. So you could also just have an assonant poem, not a rhyming poem (Shakespeare wrote several of those).

Here are a few lines from King Sheave (J.R.R. Tolkein) to provide an example of alliterative verse.

“The ship came shining to the shore driven and strode upon the strand, till its stem rested on sand and shingle. The sun went down. The clouds overcame the cold heavens. In fear and wonder to the fallow water …”

I do suggest you read some of Tolkien’s poetry for inspiration (unless your Norse is good enough to read the Eddas — mine is not!!). I particularly like “The Homecoming of Beorhtnoth Beorhthelm’s Son” but not everybody realizes that the H is pronounced like the CH in loch or German ach. 🙂

Disclaimer — I do not consider myself a poet (only two poems published), so *do* take anything I say with some salt.

Remember flagon rhymes with dragon, and chalice with palace and you’re well on your way! 😉 Sorry, my inner Danny Kay got the better of me. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6zIWcCvQNqQ

Thank you for an overview of the fantasy genre that touches on the most salient points. I personally admire Brian Sanderson’s Stormlight Chronicles for its fabulous and original world building. In my own fantasy saga, I concentrate on my protagonist’s transformation into an archetypal hero, as he discovers he is the son of a God of Death. I like to explore the humanity (or lack thereof) of my characters and development is key. The challenge is enormous, however. I am grateful for your writing tips in your newsletter, K. M. Weiland.

Sounds fascinating!

First, this is a fantastic summary of a genre I deeply love. It was helpful to get this fly-over look at the genre while I’m in a season of desconstructing and reevalutating how to approach the stories I want to tell.

Second, is it March yet? I’ve been WAITING for this book!!!

Glad it was useful! And, yes, almost March! 😀 I haven’t set a for-sure release date yet for Writing Archetypal Character Arcs , but I’m looking at March 8th. Stay tuned for a big giveaway too!

My birthday is on March 2nd, so you should probably release right around then. 😉

A late birthday gift then. 😉

Sounds good to me! 😉

I’m thrilled to see this topic. I’m editing my first book for publication and will use this to tighten elements. I love to read fantasy and sci-fi and have for many (30+) years.I cut my teeth on Issac Asimov, Stephen R. Donaldson, Tad Williams, and Ursula K. Le Guin. Like others have mentioned, I also write a sci-fi fantasy combination but with a heavy lean toward fantasy. A long ago fantasy author I have been enjoying lately is Anne McCaffrey. She has several series I enjoy. Again, thank you for this. You always have great information and suggestions.

Yes, there is such a rich legacy in this genre!

I’m struggling with the new gender neutral fad. I am apposed to it since God made them male and female. The terms for male and female have been in existence since the world was formed. I don’t intend to change to this new fad in any of my novels. What are your thoughts?

You can do whatever you want with your own characters in your own book.

We must obey God. Acts 5:29 God bless you

Great to see the announcement for your “upcoming book Writing Archetypal Character Arcs (coming in March!)”. Yes, I did read all of the posts covering the material therein, but sometimes it is much better to have it in one easily found place (I’ll be ordering it in paperback).

As a (usually) fantasy writer, I very much appreciated this week’s post. The more I can improve, the better. Having your words percolate through my subconscious will help me be a better author. I regularly try to help verbal presenters, but the same advice applies to both verbal and written: the best thing you can do is practice, practice, practice until what you have been taught becomes second nature. Restudying, rehearing, and relearning that which you were instructed ia a big part of that.

Thank you for making that easier. .

Thanks! I’m so happy to finally be releasing this book. It has been such a passion project for me.

As a fan of Lord of the Rings, and the Chronicles of Narnia, I do have a slight interest in fantasy. I can see that a gifted writer would have the ability to pull in some of us who aren’t willing to step through that fantasy door one hundred percent. I also love the Wizard of Oz and Alice in Wonderland. I think it would be an interesting challenge to see how many of us would wonder into your fantasy world.

These days, fantasy is a highly specialized genre that isn’t always accessible to readers who aren’t acclimatized to the genre. However, I do tend to think some of the best examples of fantasy remain those that are so archetypal they can reach even those who might not otherwise be interested in the tropes.

Thank you for doing this Katie. It’s as if you were reading my mind. There’s a lot of writing advice out there that is more directly applicable to thrillers and romance books. I write fantasy and had to chuckle when you talked about writing historical fiction. I definitely considered historical fiction. I don’t know that I’d say fantasy requires as much research as historical fiction (mess up the number of buttons on French Marshal’s vest and people are going to through the flag on you), but there is no comparison in terms of the amount of world building that’s required. I have a follow up question. I agree that you do not necessarily need a prolog in fantasy. But, I’m starting book two in what’s planned to be a two book series. I’m wondering if a synopsis of the previous story would be a good idea as this story starts about a month (which is 20 days in Tlalluum) after the first story. I feel like I’ve seen this before, but not often. What do you think?

Personally, I like it when fantasy books in a series offer a “What Came Before.” Sometimes a reader can be years between the readings, and it’s easy to forget the intricacies of what happened in the previous book.

I suppose part of me thinks that any fiction is fantasy in a way because we make up the characters – but I get your point about genres. I have written what I consider a full-on fantasy for Y/A which has been put in moth balls for a while. I would appreciate some advice on my current WIP which is set in a real place, but has a couple of women with ‘special’ talents i.e one is considered a wise woman (witch) and the other two have special abilities. Would this be considered fantasy? And what are the pitfalls of using a ‘real’ setting i.e. a particular named place. As with others commenting here I can never thank you enough for all the advice you offer so generously.

I agree with you! I’ve often that historical fiction is particularly fantastical in its own way.

Sounds like perhaps this would fit in the paranormal genre. I would class this as living under the wider umbrella of fantasy, but there are *so many* subgenres, it can be tricky to find the exact fit. For instance, I didn’t even know I was writing “gaslamp fantasy” (or that such a thing technically existed) until I’d finished writing my book Wayfarer and was researching keywords for its publication.

I couldn’t help but give a little chuckle at the many fantasy stories serve as negative examples where the plot does not move along and it’s filled with the characters just moving about their day. The sad part is that some of the biggest fantasy and paranormal fantasy bestsellers out there fit into this trope. And I still don’t understand it where people want to read just about the characters interacting with one another but little conflict or plot progress aside from sexual tension and introducing readers to the characters and what they eat every day and where they wander around in the castle etc.

Yes, I’ve stopped reading several fantasy authors who were once my favorites, just because their books keep exemplifying more and more of the negatives of the genre.

Hi KM! Thanks for some tips specifically focused on the fantasy genre! I’m planning to read some fantasy books from my library, and to pay special attention to characterization and how magic is integrated into theme. I have the opposite problem of the long epic saga with indeterminate plot beats. The seed of my inspiration tends to come form shorter forms such as fables, fairy tales, the short stories of writers like Kafka and Borges, and my own dreams and nightmares. Would you have any advice around filling out fantasy writing that comes from these types of inspirations?

As a matter of fact, one of the epiphanies I had that finally helped me get back into writing after a four-year bout of writer’s block was realizing that I wanted to tell a new idea in more of a fairy tale style than the customary epic fantasy style. I just splurged on a lovely volume of Grimm’s Fairy Tales and another of Celtic Folk Tales for “research” purposes. 😉

For me, the main difference is keeping the causality of the magic (or whatever fantasy element) much simpler. In a fairy tale, no one knows where the witch or the fairy or the devil gets their power–they just have it–which lets the story get on with the development of the magic’s impact on the characters.

Couple of notes: If I use a prologue my intention is to hook readers. My cyberpunk manuscript has a 132-word prologue, written in present tense, in which one of the POV characters is determined to find out who murdered her uncle and see justice done. Years ago a friend of mine came up with the idea of a novel titled “Sequel” with a prologue that simply stated, “Once upon a time they lived happily ever after.” Every so often I wonder what form that novel would take. Maybe someday….

Another thing that struck me is the mention of how long fantasy novels tend to be these days. Someone loaned me a book from a series by Robin Hobbs. A six-hundred page book. Story structure would put the ‘call to adventure’ at around page 100. Which it did. But those hundred pages were a drag to wade through. I stopped reading on page 101 and returned the book.

Anyway, great article. I shall now sally forth to “How the Antagonist Functions in Different Types of Character Arcs.”

I’m so glad you said that about prologues – I always find you just start to get into the story and like the character when the prologue ends and chapter one then begins with a whole new character and often a new time period and frankly a rather different world and you’re left thinking, but what about ‘so and so’ (the prologue character), what happened to them?

The one prologue I have in the five manuscripts I’ve worked on over the past several years is 132 words long. Chapter 1 starts off with a different POV character (the protagonist), but the POV character in the Prolog meets up with and hires the protagonist to solve the murder. Basically, the Prolog is the Hook. Roger Zelazny’s “Amber” Series ended up with 20+ pages of prolog just to fill in the back story from the previous books. Needless to say, I stopped buying those books.

I love this post ! It’s sometimes challenging the specific genre beats and other tips. I’d really love to see one on Sci-fi, specifically apocalyptic fiction! (pretty please, and thank you).

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“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. Fantasy tastes of habaneros and honey, cinnamon and cloves, rare red meat and wines as sweet as summer. Reality is beans and tofu, and ashes at the end.”

― George R.R. Martin

As a writer, it’s never a bad idea to study the genres you’re interested in writing. Besides reading your favorite authors for inspiration, it’s always beneficial to study the elements of story writing in order to be the best writer you can be. Studying the basics (or reviewing them) can help you plan your writing and even inspire you to try some new elements in your work.

And just in case you missed it, you can click here to learn about the elements of science fiction writing!

Before we get into the elements of fantasy writing, let’s discuss high or epic fantasy vs. low fantasy, as this is an important distinction to learn if you aren’t familiar with it.

Low fantasy: A work is considered low fantasy if magic intrudes upon an otherwise normal, realistic world and subsequently shocks its inhabitants. Low fantasy characters are usually less mythic in scope, as well, and more grounded in reality even if they possess magical powers. Cassandra Clare’s City of Bones is a great example of low fantasy, as the protagonist Clary is shattered when the Downworld intrudes upon her seemingly normal life in New York City, opening her eyes to the magic that existed right under her nose.
High or epic fantasy: Epic fantasy is considered epic for its grand themes and the focus on the hero’s journey, usually centering on one hero or a band of heroes. Magic lives here 24/7. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings is considered the first (and best) work of high fantasy, as it centers around a band of heroes on a quest to defeat a clearly defined evil with a clearly defined solution.

Now that you know the difference between high and low fantasy, let’s take a look at some of the most important elements to include in your fantasy writing. If you would like to learn about some of the different genres of fantasy before you get started writing, click here !

Magic system

What is fantasy without magic?? Magic is what makes fantasy … well … fantasy. It bends the natural laws of reality so your only limitation here is your imagination.

Your story or novel will need not just magic, but a magic system . A system of magic is a set of laws that govern how magic will be used in your fantastical world. Some questions to ask to help you plan your magic system:

How is the magical power generated? Where does it come from?
How will the magic be used throughout the narrative?
How will you explain how the magic works to your readers?

Read: Check out the various systems of magic in The Magicians series by Lev Grossman, such as fairy, wild, wellspring, and god magic, each with distinct powers.

Worldbuilding

The second most important aspect of fantasy writing is worldbuilding . Besides science fiction , fantasy has some of the best settings ever created in the history of literature. The world affects the character, and the character affects the world. You might even say the setting is like a character in and of itself.

This is where your best descriptive writing comes in. You want to show, not tell. Immerse your readers from the first sentence and make your world believable.

Establish the type of world you want, and describe its environment, culture, laws, the language, its history, and its inhabitants with such detail the reader wants to book an Airbnb right away. Think of Middle Earth, Narnia, and Wonderland for great examples of exquisite worldbuilding.

Read: Venture outside of Narnia and explore the Lone Islands, where the stars are alive and move at will in The Voyage of the Dawn Treader by C.S. Lewis

Complex characters

person in black knit cap and gray sweater

Let’s face it, without engaging, complex characters we hate to love and love to hate, reading fiction wouldn’t even be worth it. We come for the stories and stay for the characters.

High fantasy is known for its stark division between “good” and “evil” characters for the most part. But low fantasy allows you as a writer to confound your readers with morally gray characters that are more human than say, Gandalf and his moral righteousness or Sauron and his black, black soul.

Read: Study the character of Ser Jaime Lannister for one of the best complex character arcs in the A Song of Ice and Fire series by George R.R. Martin

Central conflict

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It goes without saying that every story or novel needs a conflict. Without it, our morally ambiguous characters would be twiddling their thumbs for 400 pages. Conflict is the driving force in any story, no matter if it’s in a book or on the screen.

Conflict goes beyond the outward tension that drives the story; it also refers to:

Inner conflicts within the characters themselves as they navigate the world around them
Conflicts between characters
Conflicts between the main character and a large-scale, external force

Read: Take a look at Bilbo’s inner and large-scale conflicts as he struggles with possessing the One Ring in The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien

System of government

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Even in fantasy, you still need some sort of established power structure, like a system of government. When you begin worldbuilding, ask yourself: who holds the power in this world? It might be a single ruler, such as Sauron in Middle Earth, or Jadis, the White Queen who ruled with a frozen iron fist Narnia. Or you might prefer a religious theocracy, like in Charlie Holmberg’s Numina series.

Once you decide, work from the top down to figure out the place your characters have within this system of government, and whether or not they intend to burn it down to ashes.

Read: Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo has a great concept for methods of both magical governments and “mundane” political systems.

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Expert Advice On How To Write Fantasy

Writing fantasy is arguably one of the hardest types of creative writing you can choose to do. What many people fail to appreciate is that in many cases you have to create a whole new setting as well as the core elements of the story.

I’ve been a fantasy author for around ten years now and I’ve experienced the headaches and frustrations that every writer goes through. To save you going through those same woes, I’ve put together this comprehensive guide to fantasy writing, as well as scores of supporting guides on specific subjects like creating a fantasy map and designing weapons and armor.

You can find lots of links to these resources below, but let’s begin with the basics.

What Is The Fantasy Genre?

The fantasy genre falls under the umbrella of speculative fiction. It concerns itself with stories that are often set in worlds unlike our own, though there may be similar references.

The fantasy genre is also associated with the likes of magic, dragons and other creatures, and swords and bows and arrows.

You can head here to see my comprehensive guide to the fantasy genre and its many sub genres , and I have a more thorough guide here on one of the most popular sub genres, high fantasy .

What Is Fantasy Writing?

Fantasy writing is the act of creating fictional stories that are distinguished by their unusual settings or magical elements.

It’s perhaps the secondary worlds that fantasy writers create that’s the most remarkable feature. Just look at Middle Earth from The Lord of the Rings, for example, or Westeros from Game of Thrones as another. These places feel as real and alive as our own. Readers don’t want to leave. They want to explore. Worldbuilding, therefore, plays a big role in fantasy writing.

Another key element to the fantasy genre are magic systems, or magical beasts, like dragons. So often we see wizards , witches, enchanted weapons and armor , or creatures like ents. All of these aspects help remove us from our own mundane world and transport us to new and exciting ones.

Is It Hard To Write Fantasy?

My honest answer to this is yes, it is hard to write fantasy. The reason for this is because you need to create even more elements of the story than what you would need to do if you were writing a romance or a crime novel, for example.

However, I would say that writing fantasy is also one of the most satisfying things to do. You’re given complete freedom to create every aspect of a fictional world. When it all comes together, it’s brilliant to read.

How Do You Create Magic Systems?

One of the defining parts of writing fantasy stories is the presence of magic systems. This is the structure we use to include magical elements in our stories. Sometimes they can be quite clearly defined with rules and limitations, which is known as a hard magic system. Other times a magic system may be vaguer, with the reader left to fill in the gaps.

A lot goes into creating a magic system, from the rules surrounding its use to the impact magic has on the wider world and its people. If you’d like to learn more about creating a magic system and the different types you could use, head here to check out my dedicated guide.

What Are The Best Books On Writing Fantasy?

It’s not easy to write a fantasy novel. In fact, it’s one of the toughest things you could do as a writer.

Not only do you have to create compelling characters and weave together intricate and epic plotlines, but you also have to create an entire world from scratch. That means new reference points, new cultural norms, natural laws… everything.

One of the best ways to improve your storytelling skills is to invest in some books. I’ve learned so many wonderful things from books on writing, penned by everyone from Stephen King to Margaret Atwood to Lajos Egri.

These books have taught me so much over the years. And the most useful bits of writing advice I’ve compiled into my very own book on fantasy writing—The Fantasy Writers’ Toolshed.

With over 150 5-star reviews on Amazon, A Fantasy Writers’ Handbook is the complete guide to writing fantasy, the book I always wanted to have at my side when I first set out writing fantasy stories.

Now it can be your guide.

You can get your copy below.

a fantasy writers' handbook - writing book

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Very useful. Helped me land my first book deal.” Jack Shannon, Fantasy Author

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Written in a friendly, uncluttered style, Billing has managed to accumulate and present a huge amount of useful information in a way that perhaps a favourite lecturer might do.” Readers’ Favourite

Writing Fantasy Short Stories

One of the best way you can get better at writing fantasy is to practice with short stories.

Stephen King in his book On Writing recommended that newer writers start out with short stories. Fantasy author George RR Martin echoes this too, and as a writer as well, I agree with them.

There’s a lot to learn when it comes to creative writing. Sometimes we can practice new techniques and methods on smaller, quicker projects like flash fiction and short fiction. This helps see if it works out for us and if it does, it’s a new skill to use for when it comes to tackling those bigger projects like novellas and novels.

If you’d like to learn more about writing fantasy short stories , I have a dedicated guide you can read here, complete with examples.

How To Start Writing A Fantasy Novel

For many people, it’s difficult to write a fantasy story. While it’s been suggested above that newer writers could try their hand with short stories first, more advanced writers or those keen on a longer project may dive in with a novel. However, writing a fantasy novel can be a whole different level of complexity.

Firstly, you have all of the standard elements of writing a story, plus the creation of a secondary world. Reference points will differ, and there’s the need to explain things to readers, but not in dull ways.

One of the best ways you can start writing a fantasy novel is to consider the setting. Bestselling fantasy author Adrian Tchaikovsky said in an interview with me on The Fantasy Writers’ Toolshed podcast that he always begins with the worldbuilding and asks one simple question: what if?

For example, when it came to writing his award-winning novel, Children In Time, he asked the question “what if?” about a species of spider that exists in our world: “What if they evolved to the same level as humans, and beyond?” And that was how he started his fantasy novel.

To learn more about how to write a fantasy novel , you can check out my dedicated guide here.

How To Make Up Fantasy Names For Writing

One of the trickiest parts of writing a fantasy story is coming up with names. Sometimes writers feel the need to make the name different in some way. However, those efforts can leave readers confused and frustrated at being unable to work out the pronunication.

In fantasy novels, the use of apostrophes in names was at one time quite prevalent, no doubt influenced by Robert Jordan and his use of them for his characters in The Wheel of Time series. It’s all good using apostrophes and other symbols; the trick is to make sure it’s clear to the reader.

If you’d like some help making up fantasy names for your writing, you can head here to check out my free fantasy name generator tool.

I also have a dedicated guide on names in fantasy here.

Fantasy Writing Tips And Guides

Below, I’ve included links to all of my dedicated guides on writing fantasy stories. You can everything here from advice on building fantasy worlds to posts designed to help inspire ideas for your stories, such as looking at the lives of medieval peasants and lords, to medieval archery and weapons.

A Lordly Life (the life of lords during medieval times) – Many fantasy stories have lords, barons, kings, queens and dukes. If you’d like to learn more about what their lives was like so you can enrich your stories with details, head here
A Guide To Creating Fantasy Armor – We all love a character who wears a magical piece of armor. In this guide, you can find tips and advice on making your own armor, as well as exmaples of the best pieces from the genre.
Cool Fantasy Weapons : Inspiration For Creating Your Own – This comprhensive guide offers a breakdown of some of the coolest fantasy weapons around, all to help give you an idea of how to make your own.
120 Fantasy Writing Prompts – If you’d like a hand coming up with ideas for your fantasy stories, head here to find a big list of prompts for each sub genre.
A Guide To Fantasy Weapons – Just like armor, weapons also play a huge part in the fantasy genre. In this detailed guide, you can find advice on designing your own, as well as inspiration from medieval times.
How To Make A Fantasy Castle – Castles also play a huge part in the fantasy genre, often serving as the setting for many indoor scenes. In this gudie you can learn all about them.
A Guide To Archery In Fantasy – Archers are some of the most memorable characters in the fantasy genre. In this guide, you can learn how to create your own, as well as learning the fundamentals of using a bow and arrow.
The Lives Of Peasants In The Middle Ages – If you’d like to learn more about what the lives were like or ordinary folk in the medieval period, head here.
The Benefits Of Joining A Fantasy Writing Community – Joining a writing community can provide scores of benefits that could help in your career. This guide has links to lots of different groups you could join.
A Guide To Medieval Fantasy Castles – For inspiration for medieval-style fantasy castles, head here.
Killer Diseases of the Middle Ages – If you’d like to brush up on your knowledge of deadly diseases in the medieval period, head here.
A Guide Siege Warfare – To learn more about sieges and what it was like to be involved, head here
A Guide To Fantasy Knights – These famous warriors from the medieval period dominate the fantasy genre with their impressive prowess with sword and shield. You can learn all about medieval knights and how you can apply that to your fantasy stories here.
Writing Fight Scenes – When it comes to writing fantasy stories, there is often a fight or battle scene at some point. In this guide, you can learn all about the best practices for writing them.

If you have any question about the fantasy writing tips and advice found on this page or site, please get in touch.

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The Fundamental Elements of Fantasy Writing

Fantasy, as a genre, has long captivated the human imagination. At its core, it presents a tapestry of worlds where the impossible becomes reality, and the boundaries of our understanding are endlessly expanded. Through dragons soaring over medieval castles, enchanted forests whispering ancient secrets, or wizards battling with spells, fantasy offers an escape, a bridge to realms beyond our own.

However, it's not just the allure of magic or mythical creatures that defines it. Crafting a compelling fantasy narrative requires a deep understanding of its intricate elements. Each component, whether it be the worldbuilding, the rules of magic, or the very characters that navigate these realms, serves as a thread in this tapestry. Recognizing and mastering these elements is pivotal, not just for maintaining the genre's integrity but for weaving stories that resonate, inspire, and transport readers to places they've only ever dreamed of.

Historical context

Genres and subgenres, designing your fantasy settings, building your magic system, crafting your fantasy characters, incorporating themes and morals, establishing your quest narrative, integrating conflicts and tensions, the role of prophecy and fate, drawing inspiration for fantasy storytelling.

The roots of fantasy literature stretch far into the annals of human history, with ancient myths, legends, and folktales serving as its earliest predecessors. Long before the written word, oral traditions from cultures worldwide spun tales of gods, heroes, and fantastical creatures, each shaping their society's understanding of the world and human nature.

The transition from oral to written tradition saw these tales immortalized in ancient texts. Works like Homer's The Odyssey with its cyclops and sirens, the Indian epics Mahabharata and Ramayana teeming with divine interventions, and the Norse sagas with gods and giants—all showcase fantasy elements that are still celebrated today.

Fast forward to the medieval period, and works such as Beowulf or the Arthurian legends, exemplified by Sir Thomas Malory's Le Morte d'Arthur , continued to uphold the genre's growth. Here, honor-bound knights battled dragons and sought holy relics, further embedding fantastical tales in the cultural fabric.

However, it was during the 19th and 20th centuries that fantasy truly blossomed as a distinct literary genre. The likes of George MacDonald's The Princess and the Goblin and William Morris's fantastical romances laid early foundations. Yet, it was J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings in the mid-20th century that catapulted modern fantasy to unprecedented heights. His intricate worldbuilding and profound depth set a benchmark for the genre.

Post-Tolkien, fantasy has exploded into a myriad of subgenres, from the magical realism of Gabriel García Márquez to the urban fantasy worlds of Neil Gaiman . As society evolves, so too does fantasy, reflecting our deepest fears, desires, and questions.

Today, fantasy literature stands not just as escapism but as a mirror to humanity, a testament to the boundless creativity of the human psyche, and a celebration of the unknown and the wondrous.

Choosing your fantasy subgenre

Beginning the process of crafting a fantasy story is much like preparing for an adventurous journey. The first, and often pivotal, decision is selecting the right subgenre or even a blend of subgenres. This choice not only sets the tone and backdrop for the narrative but also helps in tailoring the tale to resonate with a specific audience. Familiarity with the diverse array of fantasy subgenres can empower a writer to seamlessly weave their envisioned world and characters into a captivating story. Here are some of the most popular fantasy subgenres to consider:

Alternate History: For fantasy writers keen on intertwining the factual and the fantastical, the alternate history subgenre offers a canvas to reimagine real historical events with a magical twist. Set within actual periods of history, these tales weave "what if" scenarios where significant moments pivot on elements of magic or fantasy. By introducing magical interventions or fantastical outcomes that diverge from the established historical record, writers can craft unique narratives that blend the richness of the past with the boundless imagination of fantasy. However, it's essential to differentiate between stories where magic merely exists in the background, which fall under the historical fantasy subgenre, and those where magic actively reshapes history, which are genuine alternate histories.

Children's Story: A delightful realm for fantasy writers targeting a younger audience, the children's story subgenre often centers around young protagonists navigating a world imbued with magic and wonder. Essential to these tales are fantastical beings that both aid and challenge the hero, creating a dynamic backdrop for imparting valuable life lessons. Themes commonly touched upon include overcoming obstacles, the importance of teamwork, seeking guidance from elders, and confronting one's fears. While tailored for a readership younger than young adult, these narratives should still possess depth and dimension, ensuring that the enchanting elements serve not just to captivate, but also to educate and inspire.

Comedy: In the comedy subgenre, fantasy meets humor, blending the enchantment of magical worlds with the levity of humor. For fantasy writers, this presents an opportunity to explore the lighter side of mythical realms, employing wit, satire, and comedic scenarios that both celebrate and poke fun at traditional fantasy elements. As you craft stories within this domain, embrace the playful and the whimsical, allowing humor to guide your narrative choices. By doing so, you can create tales that not only captivate but also evoke hearty laughter, making the magical journey all the more memorable.

Contemporary Fantasy: The contemporary fantasy subgenre breathes life into the familiar settings of our modern world by interweaving magical elements, creating a blend of the everyday with the fantastical. Distinct from the low fantasy subgenre, which introduces magic as a disruption in any historical context, contemporary fantasy seamlessly integrates magic into the rhythm of modern life. Writers in this domain often delve into narratives where magic coexists and interacts with modern technology, urban environments, and contemporary issues, offering a fresh perspective on the world we think we know.

Dark Fantasy: Navigating the shadowy border between fantasy and horror, dark fantasy beckons writers to craft narratives where magic is infused with a sense of foreboding and menace. It's a realm where traditional fantastical elements adopt a more sinister tone, with malevolent creatures, unsettling landscapes, and morally complex characters. As a fantasy writer, venturing into dark fantasy allows for the exploration of more mature, somber themes, challenging both the characters within the story and the readers themselves with chilling atmospheres and morally grey decisions.

Fairy Tale: For writers inspired by timeless tales, the fairy tale subgenre offers an opportunity to re-envision classic narratives in innovative ways. Drawing from stories like those of the Brothers Grimm , this subgenre encourages a fresh take on beloved motifs, introducing imaginative twists or deeper character explorations. As you craft within this realm, consider how an age-old tale might be reshaped with modern sensibilities, reimagining familiar elements to surprise and captivate today's readers while paying homage to the enchanting essence of traditional fairy tales.

Fantasy of Manners: A keen eye for societal intricacies is essential when delving into the fantasy of manners subgenre. Here, the worldbuilding emphasizes the delicate dance of social stratification, class dynamics, and intricate etiquettes reminiscent of Regency or Victorian eras. While magic might be subtle or even absent, the drama and conflicts often arise from social conventions and interpersonal relations. Writers are invited to weave tales that blend the charm of a bygone era with the fantastical, where wit, romance, and societal expectations become central plot drivers.

Heroic: Embarking on the heroic subgenre invites writers to craft tales of unassuming protagonists thrust into epic challenges. These characters, often emerging from humble origins, face daunting odds and are propelled on quests that test their mettle and moral fiber. Drawing inspiration from timeless tropes of the Hero's Journey , writers weave narratives where destiny, hidden legacies, and moral dilemmas intertwine, culminating in climactic battles against great evils. The heroic subgenre is a canvas for tales of perseverance, discovery, and the transformative power of bravery.

High Fantasy: Venturing into the realm of high fantasy, writers craft expansive narratives set in otherworldly realms abundant with magic and fantastical creatures. As opposed to the low fantasy subgenre, where magic is often out of place in the familiar world, high fantasy is defined by its complete immersion in an alternate universe distinct from our everyday reality. This subgenre demands meticulous worldbuilding governed by its own consistent rules and intricate lore. As a cornerstone for epic tales that pivot around monumental, world-altering events, high fantasy encourages writers to imagine battles between formidable evils and valiant heroes, ensuring that the secondary world's authenticity and depth captivate readers from start to finish.

Historical: Historical fantasy invites writers to weave tales rooted in real historical settings, enriched by subtle strands of magic concealed from the world at large. Unlike alternate history, where the infusion of magic reshapes known events, historical fantasy maintains the integrity of the historical timeline, integrating the fantastical in a way that doesn't overtly change recorded events. This subgenre presents a unique challenge: to harmoniously blend the authentic nuances of a bygone era with unobtrusive magic, offering readers an immersive journey through familiar yet enchantingly altered times of yore.

Low Fantasy: Low fantasy beckons writers to tell stories where the ordinary and the magical collide right within our recognizable world. Distinct from the high fantasy subgenre, with its vast secondary worlds and overarching epic narratives, low fantasy anchors its plots in familiar settings, with magic acting as a disruptive force against our everyday norms. Crafting a low fantasy story challenges the writer to strike a balance, grounding the narrative in reality while threading it with elements that challenge our understanding of the mundane. This contrast with the grand landscapes and clear delineations of high fantasy offers a more intimate exploration of how the fantastical intersects with daily life.

Magical Realism: For those seeking to blend the ethereal with the everyday, magical realism offers a canvas that paints the extraordinary as utterly commonplace. While akin to low fantasy in its juxtaposition of the magical with the mundane, magical realism diverges in its approach. In this subgenre, the fantastical is woven so seamlessly into the fabric of reality that it's accepted without question by the characters within the story. As opposed to the low fantasy subgenre, where magic is foreign to everyday life and often met with disbelief or wonder, magical realism portrays magic as a natural and unremarkable facet of daily existence. Writers of magical realism are encouraged to delve deep into the subtleties, allowing magic to dance in the peripheries of the narrative, lending the world an otherworldly aura while remaining deeply rooted in everyday experiences.

Mythic: For writers captivated by ancient legends, deities, and the profound tales that have shaped civilizations, the mythic subgenre beckons. Drawing from the wellspring of age-old myths, folklore, and cultural legends, mythic fantasy breathes new life into these time-tested tales, inviting writers to reimagine, reinvent, or retell them with a modern touch or personal twist. Stories in this subgenre are characterized by their expansive lore, offering an immediate depth and resonance by tapping into stories that have captured human imagination for millennia. Fantasy writers who venture into the mythic realm have the unique opportunity to converse with the past, creating narratives that bridge the ancient with the contemporary, the familiar with the fresh.

Superhero: In a world that often cries out for saviors, the superhero subgenre offers writers a chance to explore the dynamics of power, responsibility, and the human spirit. Rooted in larger-than-life characters endowed with unique abilities or exceptional skills, these stories blend elements of fantasy with modern-day settings, often examining the dichotomy between the hero and their alter ego. While capes and masks are emblematic, the superhero narrative digs deeper, probing the moral complexities and personal challenges faced by these champions. Fantasy writers are given the canvas to delve into the ramifications of superhuman feats in a world grounded in reality, pondering the age-old question: What truly makes a hero?

Sword and Sorcery: For those who yearn for tales of swashbuckling heroes, nefarious villains, and arcane magics, the sword and sorcery subgenre beckons. Often more gritty and personal in scale than the grand, world-altering narratives of the high fantasy subgenre, sword and sorcery focuses on the individual adventures of protagonists as they navigate treacherous landscapes filled with danger and intrigue. Whereas high fantasy tends to dwell on epic quests and the battle between good and evil on a massive scale, sword and sorcery dives into morally ambiguous territories, emphasizing fast-paced action and personal stakes. It's a realm where the might of the blade meets the power of the spell, all set against a backdrop of complex and vibrant cultures.

Urban Fantasy: Blending a familiar cityscape with a lurking, magical underbelly, urban fantasy places fantastical elements within the bustling heart of a city. While sharing a kinship with the contemporary subgenre in its use of current-day milieus, urban fantasy distinctly heightens the presence of the supernatural, weaving it seamlessly into the urban setting. In relation to the low fantasy subgrene, where magic is an anomaly or foreign to everyday life, urban fantasy often positions the magical as a hidden, yet integral part of the urban environment. Here, you'll find werewolves in alleyways, fae in nightclubs, and wizards in apartments, making the subgenre a thrilling exploration of the familiar merged with the fantastic. A noir aesthetic often underpins urban fantasy stories, where supernatural creatures navigate the shadowy corners of the city, entangled in mysteries and power struggles that often mirror the gritty, complex moral dilemmas emblematic of classic crime drama tales.

Young Adult: Young adult fantasy zeroes in on the tumultuous years of adolescence, presenting protagonists typically between the ages of 13 and 18. These stories resonate with themes of self-discovery, first loves, moral quandaries, and the journey from childhood to adulthood. While the fantasy elements can range from high fantasy worlds to contemporary urban settings with a touch of magic, the unifying aspect of YA fantasy is its focus on the emotional and psychological growth of its young characters. Writers of this subgenre are tasked with balancing the richness of their fantastical worlds with the genuine, relatable experiences of teen protagonists, ensuring that both the adventure and the coming-of-age elements captivate their target audience.

The world of fantasy is vast and varied, offering a multitude of landscapes for writers to explore. Choosing the right subgenre, or even blending several, provides a guiding light, illuminating the path of the narrative.

Primary differences between fantasy and science fiction genres

It's crucial to establish a clear distinction between fantasy and science fiction. While both genres transport readers beyond the mundane, they operate on different foundational principles, drawing from distinct wellsprings of inspiration. Understanding these nuances is essential, as it not only enriches our appreciation of each genre but also helps us navigate their unique landscapes with a discerning eye.

At first glance, fantasy and science fiction may appear quite similar. Yet, upon closer examination, the underpinnings of each genre reveal distinct differences that set them apart in theme, origin, and execution.

Fantasy: Rooted in the impossible, fantasy often introduces elements that defy the known laws of nature, physics, and reality. Magic, mythical creatures, and divine interventions are standard fare. Fantasy draws from ancient myths, legends, and human imagination, often without a need for explanation.
Science Fiction: While also stepping beyond the bounds of the present, science fiction projects scenarios that might be plausible based on scientific understanding or speculation. It extrapolates from existing knowledge to envision the future or alternate realities, focusing on technological advancements, space exploration, and societal evolution.
Fantasy: Typically set in worlds entirely of the author's creation or a magical version of our own, these settings might have their own unique laws, histories, and geographies. The medieval realm with castles and forests is a classic, though by no means exclusive, backdrop.
Science Fiction: Often set in the future or in outer space, it might also portray alternate histories or parallel universes. Technological and sociological aspects play a crucial role in shaping these settings.
Fantasy: Central themes often revolve around good versus evil, heroism, magic, destiny, and quests. The struggle is often moral or spiritual, emphasizing internal growth and the importance of choice.
Science Fiction: Predominantly concerned with the impact of scientific advancements on individuals and societies. Themes might include the implications of artificial intelligence, the challenges of interstellar travel, or the ethical quandaries posed by genetic engineering.
Fantasy: Conflicts often arise from the misuse of magic, ancient curses, mythical creatures, or struggles between light and darkness.
Science Fiction: The source of tension frequently lies in technological or scientific advancements and their implications. It might also delve into conflicts between different species or the challenges of colonizing new worlds.
Fantasy: While it can offer commentary on real-world issues, fantasy primarily serves as a reflective tool, exploring timeless human struggles, values, and desires through allegory and metaphor.
Science Fiction: Has a predictive quality, warning of potential futures or illustrating the consequences of current trajectories in science, technology, or society.

In essence, while both genres encourage readers to stretch their imaginations beyond the confines of the known, fantasy often delves into the realms of the magical and the ancient, while science fiction contemplates the possibilities and perils of the future. Both, however, provide invaluable insights into the human condition, each through its unique lens.

Primary differences between fantasy and horror genres

Fantasy and horror are two genres that often intertwine. Both genres often delve into realms, beings, or phenomena that exist outside the boundaries of our familiar reality. However, these genres spring from different wells of human imagination and it is important to understand what distinguishes them from each other. Below are some of the fundamental differences that separate them:

Fantasy: At its heart, fantasy aims to transport readers to otherworldly realms, introducing them to magic, mythical creatures, and quests. It's rooted in the idea of escape and discovery.
Horror: Horror's primary goal is to elicit fear and unease. It delves into the unknown and the terrifying, playing on readers' deepest fears and anxieties.
Fantasy: Fantasy often involves intricate worldbuilding where magic or supernatural elements are integral. These worlds can have their own rules, histories, cultures, and races.
Horror: While horror can also have extensive worldbuilding, it tends to focus more on atmosphere, creating a setting where the unknown or malevolent force can thrive.
Fantasy: Themes in fantasy often revolve around heroism, questing, morality, and the battle between good and evil.
Horror: Themes in horror are centered around vulnerability, mortality, the unknown, and the uncontrollable aspects of existence.
Fantasy: Characters in fantasy often embark on journeys of growth, discovery, and overcoming seemingly insurmountable obstacles.
Horror: Characters in horror may undergo transformations too, but they often face dire consequences, psychological trauma, or even doom.
Fantasy: Fantasy stories frequently culminate in resolution, where good triumphs over evil, or the hero completes their quest.
Horror: While horror can have happy endings, they are often ambiguous, leaving the reader with lingering questions or unease.

While fantasy and horror may sometimes overlap in their exploration of the unknown and their use of supernatural elements, they serve distinct narrative purposes. Fantasy often transports readers to otherworldly realms, invoking wonder and adventure. Horror, on the other hand, seeks to elicit fear and unease, often grounding its terrors in the familiar. Recognizing these fundamental differences can help writers craft stories that truly resonate within their chosen genre, ensuring that their tales captivate readers in the intended manner.

The significance of worldbuilding in fantasy literature

In fantasy, worldbuilding is more than just a creative exercise—it's the foundation upon which entire narratives are constructed. To step into a fantasy novel is to immerse oneself in a realm governed by its own unique laws, geography, cultures, and histories. This meticulous crafting of a fictional universe does more than simply provide a backdrop for characters and plot; it shapes the very essence of the narrative, influencing character motivations, cultural clashes, and the underpinnings of conflict.

Worldbuilding in fantasy and science fiction writing

A successful fantasy world is one that feels as real and as tangible as our own, despite its often otherworldly nature. It becomes a living, breathing entity, ensnaring readers with its richness and depth. Characters don't just inhabit this world; they are products of it, shaped by its landscapes, its politics, its myths, and its legends.

Moreover, worldbuilding is a tool for authors to delve into complex themes, reflecting societal issues, human nature, and philosophical musings. Through the lens of an alternative universe, authors can magnify and dissect aspects of reality, offering fresh perspectives.

Whether it's the ethereal beauty of Rivendell , the bustling streets of King's Landing , or the haunted depths of the Forbidden Forest , each setting is a testament to the power of worldbuilding. It not only captures the imagination but anchors the fantastical, lending credibility to the incredible and breathing life into the very pages of the book.

Different types of settings

The realm of fantasy is vast, and the settings within it can vary immensely . Here's a list of fantasy setting examples:

Alternate Worlds: These settings are entirely separate from our own reality and often come with their own unique histories, geographies, and cultures. Unlike our world, these places might have different physical or natural laws. Their detachment from the known allows authors the freedom to craft from scratch, whether that's continents floating in the sky or cities beneath the sea. J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle-earth is a classic example of such a setting.
Magical Realms within the Mundane: Set in our recognizable world, these settings feature pockets of magic or otherworldly realms hidden from the common eye. It could be a magical school concealed behind a train platform, an enchanted forest, or a secret society of witches and wizards living among us. The allure here lies in the idea that magic and wonder might lurk just around the corner in our everyday lives, as seen in J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series .
Historical Fantasy Settings: While rooted in real historical periods, these settings introduce magical or fantastical elements to the mix. Perhaps dragons took part in medieval wars, or ancient Rome had a hidden academy for sorcerers. The blending of real history with fantastical additions offers readers a fresh perspective on times gone by.
Urban Landscapes: Modern cities become the backdrop for magical occurrences in these settings. Skyscrapers might house fairy realms, or subway tunnels could hide portals to other dimensions. The charm of these settings is the juxtaposition of the modern and mundane with the ancient and magical. Urban fantasy brings enchantment to the city streets we know so well.
Post-Apocalyptic Worlds: After some great calamity, the remnants of civilization are infused with fantastical elements. Maybe the apocalypse was caused by magic gone awry, or perhaps ancient creatures have returned to reclaim the earth. These settings often explore themes of survival, rebirth, and the juxtaposition of ruin with wonder.

In answering the broader question: What makes a setting a "fantasy" setting? At its core, fantasy settings introduce elements that are not possible according to the known laws of our universe. While magic is the most obvious of these elements, it's not the sole qualifier. Fantastical creatures, altered physical laws, or the presence of mythological elements can all contribute. Essentially, anything that introduces a sense of wonder, impossibility, or the otherworldly can transform a setting into a place of fantasy.

Crafting unique rules and physical laws for your fantasy world

A defining hallmark of a compelling fantasy world is not just its landscapes or cultures, but the very rules and physical laws that govern it. These aren't mere details; they are the underpinning structures that provide depth, consistency, and believability to the fantastical.

In our own world, we are bound by gravity, time flows in one direction, and magic is the stuff of legends. However, in a fantasy realm, these constants can be reshaped, subverted, or enhanced. Perhaps in your world, time is a tangible fabric that can be woven and unwoven, or maybe islands float, suspended in a sky of endless twilight.

Purpose and Implications: Begin by understanding why you're introducing a specific rule or law. Is it to create challenges for your protagonist? To shape the culture or history of the world? Every rule should serve a narrative purpose and come with its own set of implications.
Consistency is Key: Once established, it's essential that these rules and laws remain consistent. An inconsistent world can break the suspension of disbelief for the reader. It's alright for a character to not fully understand the laws of their world (after all, do we?), but the world itself should operate on a steady set of principles.
Interaction with Characters: Consider how inhabitants of your world might interact with or be affected by these unique laws. Can they harness them? Are they oppressed by them? Such interactions can provide a wealth of plot points and character development opportunities.
Origins and Evolution: Think about the origins of these rules. Were they set in place by ancient gods? Are they the result of some past cataclysm? How have they evolved? An understanding of their origin can add layers of depth to the world's history and mythos.
Balance and Checks: Introducing powerful elements or laws can risk making characters or situations feel overpowered. It's often beneficial to include checks and balances—a cost, a limitation, or a vulnerability. This can add tension and challenge to the narrative.

By crafting distinct rules and physical laws, writers set the parameters for their fantasy realm, guiding the flow of the narrative and shaping the destinies of their characters. These guidelines become the very heartbeat of the world, distinguishing it from others and making it uniquely unforgettable.

The role of magic in fantasy stories

In the realm of fantasy, magic serves as a vital pulse that breathes life into the core of the narrative. This ethereal force, often intertwined with the fabric of the fantasy world, brings an element of the unexplained, the powerful, and the wondrous. But magic is not just about casting spells or summoning creatures. It symbolizes the struggles and triumphs of characters, provides a lens to explore societal dynamics, and poses philosophical questions about power, responsibility, and the nature of reality itself.

A well-crafted magic system can elevate a fantasy tale, adding layers of depth and intrigue. It becomes a character in its own right, with its own set of rules, limitations, and consequences. The choices a writer makes in defining these rules can influence the pacing of the story, the challenges the characters face, and the broader world's dynamics.

For instance, is magic a common force that everyone can tap into, or is it rare and feared? Does it require extensive training or a particular lineage? Is it sourced from ancient artifacts, nature, deities, or sheer will? Answering these questions not only shapes the magic system itself but also informs the societal structures, historical events, and cultural nuances of the world.

In essence, the role of magic in fantasy stories transcends mere spectacle. Magic is a literary tool that, when wielded with care and creativity, can deepen the narrative, illuminate themes, and enthrall readers, beckoning them into worlds where the impossible becomes possible.

Hard magic vs. soft magic systems

Magic can manifest in diverse forms, primarily classified into two categories: Hard Magic and Soft Magic systems.

Hard Magic: Hard Magic systems operate with clearly defined rules and principles, similar to the way natural laws work in our reality. This meticulous framework dictates how magic can be used, its limitations, and often the cost associated with wielding it. The predictability of such systems allows readers to understand magic's workings, and in many cases, anticipate its use in problem-solving or conflict scenarios. Brandon Sanderson's Mistborn series serves as an exemplary representation of this, where specific metals grant distinct powers when consumed.
Soft Magic: On the opposite spectrum lies Soft Magic systems, which revel in ambiguity and mystery. The workings of the magic are less defined, often unpredictable, and its boundaries are fluid. Such systems imbue the narrative with a sense of wonder, where the inexplicable can occur, and the limits of possibility are consistently expanded. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings showcases this, where magic is omnipresent yet its workings remain largely enigmatic.

Both approaches, whether structured or elusive, have their unique strengths. Hard Magic grounds the fantasy in a framework of logic, allowing for intricate plot developments and strategic battles of wit. Soft Magic, in contrast, elevates the sense of wonder and the ethereal, reminding readers of the vastness and mystery of the unknown.

In crafting a fantasy narrative, the choice between implementing a hard or soft magic system is not merely a stylistic one, but deeply tied to the story's underlying themes and the emotional journey intended for the reader.

For stories aiming to challenge characters through logical problem-solving, strategizing, or intricate planning, a hard magic system shines. Its defined rules become puzzles to be deciphered, and its limitations can serve as compelling obstacles. Here, the reader gains satisfaction not just from the use of magic, but from understanding its intricacies and predicting its application. They become, in a sense, co-strategists with the protagonists, reveling in the thrill of overcoming challenges through wits and knowledge.

Conversely, when a narrative seeks to evoke awe, wonder, and a sense of the vast unknown, soft magic becomes the perfect tool. It's less about understanding and more about feeling. In worlds governed by soft magic, readers are frequently invited to marvel at the unexpected and the unexplained, relishing moments of pure enchantment. This form of magic can also introduce elements of faith, destiny, and larger-than-life forces at play, allowing for a more introspective and philosophical exploration.

Thus, while hard magic tantalizes with its complexity and structured allure, soft magic mesmerizes with its unpredictability and depth. The decision between the two, therefore, should be rooted in the heart of the story's message and the emotional tapestry the author wishes to weave for their audience.

Considerations when creating a magic system

Designing a magic system is akin to building the foundation of a house; its strength and clarity can determine the integrity of the entire narrative. While there's no single formula for constructing the perfect magic system, there are crucial considerations that can guide writers in crafting something both unique and compelling.

Rules: Every magic system should have a set of governing rules. These are the guidelines that dictate how magic operates, ensuring consistency within the narrative. Whether it's a chant, a gesture, or a combination of ingredients, defining the method of invocation helps establish clarity. Moreover, having set rules allows readers to anticipate and even solve challenges alongside the characters, enhancing engagement.
Limitations: Magic without constraints can quickly render a story devoid of tension. If characters can simply wave a wand to resolve any challenge, stakes diminish. Limitations could be intrinsic, such as magic depleting one's energy, or extrinsic, like societal laws against particular uses of magic. By setting bounds, writers ensure that their characters face meaningful obstacles, fostering growth and development.
Costs: Every power should come at a price. This principle adds depth to a magic system, compelling users to think twice before wielding their abilities. The cost could be physical, like fatigue or aging; emotional, such as experiencing another's pain; or even moral, forcing characters into ethical dilemmas. By introducing a cost, stories gain layers of conflict, both external and internal.
Sources: Understanding where magic originates is vital for worldbuilding. Is it a gift from the gods, harnessed from nature, or perhaps drawn from ancient relics? The source not only provides a backdrop for the magic system but can also influence cultural practices, societal structures, and historical events within the story's world. For example, if magic is derived from crystals, nations might wage wars over crystal-rich lands.

In summation, a well-crafted magic system is not merely about spells and enchantments but delving deep into the mechanics that make the fantastical plausible. By carefully considering rules, limitations, costs, and sources, writers can ensure their magic system is not only consistent but also resonates with depth, conflict, and wonder.

Archetypal roles in fantasy

In the heart of fantasy lie its characters , the driving force behind epic quests, formidable challenges, and the emotional highs and lows that engross readers. Characters often fit into timeless archetypes, embodying roles that resonate across cultures and eras. Let's explore some of the most influential archetypes in fantasy:

The Hero: At the heart of countless fantasy narratives, the hero emerges as a beacon of hope, growth, and transformation. Often starting from humble or ordinary beginnings, they are thrust into a world larger than their own, beckoned by a call to adventure. Whether by fate, destiny, or sheer will, the hero embarks on a perilous journey, facing both external adversaries and internal conflicts. Through trials and tribulations, they evolve, harnessing newfound strengths and abilities. This archetype, epitomized by characters like Frodo Baggins and Harry Potter , symbolizes the universal quest for purpose, identity, and the battle between good and evil.

The Mentor: An essential guide, the mentor emerges as a beacon of wisdom, experience, and guidance, shepherding the hero through the uncertain landscapes of their journey. These figures, often seasoned by age and experience, offer the hero crucial knowledge, tools, or skills, preparing them for the challenges ahead. Beyond their instructive role, mentors often serve as moral compasses, exemplifying virtues and values. Characters like Gandalf and Albus Dumbledore epitomize this role, standing as both teachers and protectors. While their presence is reassuring, they often step back, allowing the hero to make pivotal choices and grow, ensuring that the journey remains the hero's own.
The Ally: Steadfast companions in the hero's narrative, allies provide invaluable support, camaraderie, and strength as they navigate the treacherous paths of their quest. While they might not share the limelight like the central protagonist, their roles are pivotal, often complementing the hero's strengths or compensating for their weaknesses. These characters create moments of heartfelt connection, displaying loyalty, bravery, and sacrifice, reminding both the hero and the audience of the significance of friendship and unity. Figures such as Samwise Gamgee and Hermione Granger exemplify this archetype, not just as sidekicks, but as integral threads that enrich the fabric of the tale. Through thick and thin, their presence amplifies the emotional depth of the journey, offering comfort in the face of adversity.
The Chosen One: The "chosen one" archetype in fantasy literature denotes a character who, often due to prophecy or fate, is selected for a grand purpose, setting them apart from others. They may originate from modest or mysterious beginnings, only to find themselves at the crux of world-altering events. This mantle of destiny, while offering them unparalleled significance, also brings with it immense challenges, both external and internal. A classic example can be found in King Arthur , a young boy who, unaware of his royal lineage, pulls the enchanted sword Excalibur from the stone, signifying his destined role as a great monarch. As with many "chosen ones," Arthur's journey is as much about personal discovery and growth as it is about fulfilling a prophesized role.
The Guardian: In fantasy narratives, the guardian serves as a formidable obstacle or gatekeeper, testing the mettle, wisdom, or determination of our heroes before they can proceed on their quests. These characters don't always bear malice; their primary function is to challenge, pushing protagonists to grow or reconsider their paths. For instance, in the legend of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight , the Green Knight serves as a guardian, presenting Sir Gawain with a daunting challenge that tests his chivalry and honor. These encounters with guardians are essential for a hero's development, often revealing hidden strengths or imparting crucial insights.
The Herald: Within the realms of fantasy, the herald is a harbinger of change, a character or event that signals the initiation of a grand adventure or a major shift in the protagonist's life. They are the catalysts, ushering in challenges, transformations, or newfound awareness. In the Arthurian legends, the arrival of the mysterious Lady of the Lake , offering Excalibur to a young Arthur, can be seen as a heraldic moment, marking the beginning of his destined rule and the many challenges that lie ahead. The herald's presence, whether it's an individual or an event, sets the stage and often forces the central character out of their comfort zone, propelling them into the unknown.
The Shapeshifter: The embodiment of fluidity and unpredictability, the shapeshifter's loyalties, appearance, or behaviors can change, casting doubt and uncertainty in the narrative. Morgana le Fay from Arthurian legends is a prime example; as a sorceress with the ability to change forms, her allegiances are often uncertain, keeping both Arthur and the reader on their toes. Shapeshifters blur the lines between ally and enemy, trust and deception. Their mutable nature can serve as a mirror to the protagonist's internal struggles or as a test of their judgment and discernment. Through these characters, authors weave layers of complexity and moral ambiguity into their tales, enriching the story's depth and suspense.
The Warrior: Steeled for battle and championing honor, the warrior stands as a bulwark against chaos and evil in many fantasy tales. With unmatched prowess in combat and a code often steeped in chivalry or duty, they take up arms to defend the innocent and uphold noble causes. Characters like Eowyn from The Lord of the Rings , who defies societal norms to protect her homeland, or Catti-brie from R.A. Salvatore's The Legend of Drizzt series , exemplify the unwavering spirit and martial expertise that define this enduring archetype.
The Trickster: Reveling in chaos and wit, the trickster is a master of subversion, often challenging established norms and playfully defying expectations in fantasy realms. Their actions, though sometimes seemingly whimsical or mischievous, can unveil profound truths or disrupt the status quo, driving narrative twists and turns. Puck from Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream , with his playful interference in mortal affairs, or the clever and elusive Reynard the Fox from medieval European folklore, both encapsulate the essence of the trickster, intertwining amusement with deeper thematic insights.
The Seer: Cloaked in enigma and foresight, the seer is a beacon of wisdom and prophecy in many fantasy tales, their visions often guiding or cautioning key figures about impending events or the course of their quests. With a deep connection to the unknown, they possess an ethereal knowledge that sets them apart from others. Characters such as the mystical Pythia , the ancient Oracle of Delphi, or the Crones of Skellige from The Witcher series , exemplify the seer's role, shaping narratives by providing cryptic clues, warnings, or revelations that protagonists must decipher to navigate their fates.
The Mage: Standing as a formidable figure of arcane prowess, the mage wields magic with an authority that often surpasses common practitioners of the mystic arts. Their mastery over spells, rituals, and ancient secrets imbues them with a distinct aura of reverence and awe. Unlike mentors who guide with wisdom, mages are notable for the raw power they command. From the enigmatic Merlin , guiding Arthurian legend with both foresight and spellcraft, to the sorceresses of the Witcher series like Yennefer of Vengerberg , who balance political savvy with potent magical abilities, the mage's role is a testament to the profound impact and allure of unrestrained magical mastery in a fantasy narrative.
The Temptress: The temptress archetype weaves a web of allure and seduction, often becoming an obstacle for the protagonist on their journey. Their enchantment, whether through beauty, power, or promises, can lead the hero astray, diverting them from their righteous path. Characters like Circe , who ensnared Odysseus and his crew in Homer's The Odyssey , the enchanting sirens whose melodies lured sailors to their doom, or Melisandre from George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire series , who uses her mysterious powers and charms to manipulate kings and warriors, exemplify this tantalizing figure, offering both danger and desire in equal measure.
The Loyal Retainer: The loyal retainer serves with unwavering dedication, often sacrificing personal desires and safety for the well-being of those they serve. Their loyalty becomes a cornerstone in many tales, providing emotional grounding and stability amidst the chaos of epic quests. These characters frequently stand by the hero's side, shielding them from harm and offering counsel in moments of doubt. Podrick Payne , the devoted assistant to Tyrion Lannister in George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire , epitomizes this archetype, symbolizing the enduring bonds of loyalty and trust that can form even in the most tumultuous of fantasy realms.
The Rogue: Dwelling on the peripheries of society and morality, the rogue archetype represents a character who dances to their own rhythm, often defying conventional norms and laws. Operating in a gray area, they might be thieves with a heart of gold, mercenaries who choose sides based on personal codes rather than allegiance, or wanderers who flit in and out of the narrative's central events. The wily and resourceful Kvothe from Patrick Rothfuss' The Kingkiller Chronicle series or the cunning and charismatic Locke Lamora from Scott Lynch's The Lies of Locke Lamora exemplify the rogue, weaving depth, unpredictability, and a distinct charm into the fabric of their tales.
The Healer: The healer archetype in fantasy represents the soothing touch and nurturing spirit crucial in tumultuous adventures, mending both body and soul. They serve as critical pillars of support, their skills often extending beyond mere medicine to encompass profound, mystical arts or divine grace. An excellent example can be found in the character of Polgara in David Eddings' The Belgariad series . As a sorceress and a caretaker, Polgara employs both her vast magical abilities and her deep knowledge of herbs and traditional healing methods to care for the protagonists throughout their journey, ensuring that they're always ready to face the next challenge.
The Outcast: The outcast archetype in fantasy literature embodies the complexities of solitude, rejection, and often a unique perspective on the societies they've been estranged from. Driven away or self-exiled due to their differences, these characters possess an introspective wisdom or a distinctive set of abilities that set them apart. Elric of Melniboné , from Michael Moorcock's series , stands as a prime example. As the last emperor of a declining empire, his albinism and reliance on the soul-drinking sword, Stormbringer , set him apart from his people, making him a wanderer and an outsider. Through the eyes of the outcast, readers gain insight into the deeper flaws and intricacies of the fantasy world around them.
The Orphan: The orphan archetype in fantasy resonates deeply with the themes of loneliness, resilience, and self-discovery. Bereft of family ties and the warmth of kinship, these characters often embark on quests not just of external adventure, but also of internal identity-seeking. Their journeys often lead to the realization of hidden potentials and strengths previously unknown. A prime example is FitzChivalry Farseer from Robin Hobb's Farseer trilogy . Born as the bastard son of royalty and left in the care of the palace, Fitz navigates the intrigues of court while dealing with abandonment, forming bonds with animals through a forbidden magic, and finding his purpose. Through the orphan, fantasy stories explore the profound human longing for connection and belonging amidst adversity.
The Monster: The monster archetype, steeped in the darkness of fantasy lore, often serves as a manifestation of our deepest fears and anxieties . These creatures, be they hideous beasts or misunderstood entities, represent challenges to overcome or mysteries to be unraveled. Their very existence tests the mettle of heroes, challenging their courage, wits, and moral compass. In Beowulf , the ancient epic poem, Grendel is a prime example of this archetype. Emerging from the shadowy marshlands, he terrorizes the Danes, becoming a symbol of unstoppable malevolence until Beowulf confronts him. Through the monster, fantasy tales compel readers to face the unknown and question the boundaries between good, evil, and the gray areas in between.
The Damsel: The damsel archetype, a staple in many fantasy narratives, signifies vulnerability and the occasional need for rescue. In tales of yore, the distress of the damsel often serves as the impetus driving the hero to embark upon a perilous quest. A notable example is Isolde, an iconic figure in Arthurian legends, whose love for Tristan leads to tragic consequences and countless challenges. Modern tales, however, have begun to reinvent this archetype, presenting damsels who are not just passive recipients of rescue but are active participants in their destinies, proving that strength can be found even in perceived weakness. Through the damsel, stories are woven around themes of love, courage, and resilience against daunting odds.

In fantasy literature, these archetypes can serve as starting points. Yet, they're flexible, allowing writers to innovate, subvert, and re-envision them in captivating ways, crafting tales that stand the test of time.

The significance of character growth in fantasy narratives

Fantasy literature, with its vast landscapes and magical realms, captivates readers not just through its wondrous settings, but primarily through its characters' heartfelt journeys. At the core of these tales is the concept of the character arc —a transformational journey a character undertakes, shaped by challenges, experiences, and personal growth. This arc offers more than just a series of events; it showcases a character's evolution, making them more relatable and human, even in the most fantastical settings.

Character growth in fantasy narratives serves as the bridge between the reader and the imaginative world. While the settings might be alien, the emotions, struggles, and growth are innately human. Whether it's a young sorcerer grappling with newfound powers, a queen learning the intricacies of leadership, or a warrior facing moral dilemmas, these arcs make the narrative relatable. They echo real-life struggles of growth, self-discovery, and maturity, amplifying the stakes of the character's journey, making their victories more triumphant and their defeats more poignant.

Moreover, a well-crafted character arc enriches the fantasy narrative by adding layers of depth and complexity. Characters are not static; they reflect the story's changing dynamics, reacting, adapting, and growing. This dynamism ensures that readers remain invested in the story, rooting for characters, hoping for their success, or anticipating their next move. In essence, while the allure of fantasy might be its otherworldliness, it is the growth and transformation of its characters that make it truly unforgettable.

Describing your fantasy characters

Creating a fantasy character goes beyond mere physical description; it's about breathing life into them, making them relatable, and ensuring they play their part in moving the narrative forward. One of the most effective methods for this is the show, don't tell principle. Instead of simply stating, "Kael was tall with raven-black hair," you could describe a scene where he had to duck to avoid banging his head on a low doorframe, or where the sunlight caught the inky strands of his hair as he stood guard. Such methods not only provide a visual picture but also integrate the character into the story's world seamlessly.

Yet, while descriptive details can be vivid and enriching, they can also be a pitfall. There's a term, purple prose , that denotes overwrought, flowery language that tries too hard to be evocative. While it's tempting to describe a character's eyes as "deep cerulean pools, shimmering with the mysteries of ages past," such descriptions can be jarring and pull the reader out of the story. It's essential to find a balance, using evocative language sparingly and effectively.

Furthermore, character description shouldn't halt the momentum of your story. If you spend three paragraphs detailing every scar, every freckle, and the exact shade of your character's eyes, you risk losing the reader's engagement. Instead, sprinkle these details organically throughout the narrative. For example, a character's battle-scar could be mentioned in passing during a tense standoff, adding depth to the scene without diverting from the main action.

It's also crucial for character descriptions to sound natural. Avoid exhaustive lists of attributes; instead, think about how you'd notice people in real life. Perhaps you first see their posture, the way they move, or a particular feature that stands out. Take inspiration from those around you. The way your neighbor's eyes crinkle when they laugh, or how a friend constantly tucks their hair behind an ear—these observations can lead to authentic, appealing character descriptions.

In sum, when crafting your fantasy character, blend description with action, ensure the narrative flow remains uninterrupted, and lean on real-world observations to create characters that captivate and resonate.

Iconic mythical creatures

Fantasy literature is a treasure trove of mythical beings , each serving varying narrative purposes. These creatures, be they menacing or benign, offer a rich tapestry of lore and legend that authors draw upon to infuse their stories with wonder, danger, and mystery. Here's a list of mythical creatures that have captured the imagination of readers for generations:

Dragons: Majestic winged reptiles often associated with power, wisdom, and sometimes destruction.
Elves: Graceful, immortal beings linked to nature, magic, and artistry.
Dwarves: Stout underground dwellers renowned for their craftsmanship.
Mermaids/Mermen: Half-human, half-fish beings of the oceans.
Unicorns: Horned horses symbolizing innocence.
Griffins: Creatures combining an eagle's features with a lion's body.
Trolls: Brutish creatures of mountains and caves.
Phoenix: Birds reborn from their ashes, symbolizing renewal.
Banshees: Irish spirits with wails foretelling death.
Minotaurs: Part-man, part-bull beings linked to labyrinths.
Chimeras: Creatures with mixed animal parts, symbolizing unpredictability.
Nymphs: Spirits associated with various elements of nature.
Werewolves: Humans transforming into wolves, symbolizing duality.
Gorgons: Women with snake hair, known for their petrifying gaze.
Sirens: Bird-women who lured sailors with enchanting music.
Basilisks: Deadly reptiles causing death with a glance or breath.
Harpies: Swift bird-women known for tormenting evildoers.
Fauns and Satyrs: Half-human, half-goat beings linked to revelry.
Kelpies: Shape-shifting spirits luring victims into water.
Manticores: Dangerous creatures with lion bodies and venomous tails.
Centaurs: Half-human, half-horse beings known for their warrior prowess.
Hydras: Multi-headed serpents that regenerate heads when cut off.
Will-o'-the-wisps: Mysterious lights leading travelers astray.
Sprites: Tiny fairy-like creatures associated with nature.
Djinn or Genies: Magical beings granting wishes, often with a twist.

Mythical creatures, embedded deep within our collective consciousness, are not mere constructs of fantasy. More than just elements of wonder or terror, they often serve as powerful allegories for human emotions, desires, and flaws. Representing the full spectrum of virtues and vices, creatures like the noble unicorn or the treacherous siren can reflect humanity's purity or its seductive dark side.

Beyond personal traits, these beings also embody nature's enigmatic forces — the untamed wilderness, the mysteries of the deep, or the vastness of the sky. For instance, dragons, in their majestic flight, can signify both the grandeur of nature and its uncontrollable might.

Additionally, some creatures delve into the realm of the unknown, challenging our understanding and perception of reality. Entities like the shape-shifting kelpies or elusive will-o'-the-wisps tease the boundaries of belief and skepticism, urging both characters and readers to question what is real. By weaving these complex symbols into their narratives, fantasy tales acquire richer layers of meaning, resonating deeply with the human experience and our innate desire to understand the world around us.

Common themes explored in fantasy

Fantasy literature, while often set in worlds vastly different from our own, mirrors the human experience by exploring universal themes and morals. These thematic undercurrents grant the genre its profound resonance, reaching readers' hearts and minds across cultures and ages.

Good vs. Evil: At the core of many fantasy narratives lies the eternal struggle between good and evil. Whether it's manifested through a dark lord's quest for power or a simple villager's battle against malevolent forces, this theme delves into the intrinsic moral choices individuals face and the broader cosmic balance.
Redemption: A central motif in many tales, redemption underscores the belief that individuals can change for the better. Characters who've made grave mistakes or followed dark paths, like fallen knights or wayward wizards, often find opportunities to redeem themselves, illuminating the power of second chances and the capacity for personal growth.
Prophecy: The idea of destiny and preordained events is a recurring thread in fantasy. Prophecies often serve as catalysts for the narrative, guiding or challenging protagonists in their quests. This theme raises questions about free will, fate, and the potential to alter one's destined path.
Heroism: Fantasy is replete with tales of ordinary individuals rising to face extraordinary challenges. The concept of heroism, both in its grand displays and quieter moments, emphasizes the potential within everyone to act with bravery and integrity.
Nature vs. Technology: In worlds where ancient forests coexist with emerging industrial cities, the tension between nature and technology is palpable. This theme delves into the potential harmony or discord between organic life and man-made advancements.
Transformation: Whether through magical curses, rites of passage, or personal introspection, characters in fantasy often undergo significant transformations. These metamorphoses symbolize growth, acceptance, and the mutable essence of identity.
Sacrifice: Be it for love, duty, or the greater good, the act of sacrifice stands as a testament to a character's values and priorities. Such moments, often poignant and heart-wrenching, underscore the costs and rewards of selflessness.
Power and Responsibility: Possession of great power, be it magical or political, comes with its own set of challenges. This theme explores the ethical use of power and the consequences of its misuse.

While these themes are common, it's the myriad of ways in which they're explored, subverted, or combined that gives each fantasy story its unique flavor and depth. Through these motifs, fantasy not only captivates but also fosters reflection on the complexities of the human soul and society.

The use of allegory and symbolism in fantasy to convey deeper messages

Fantasy literature, with its expansive worlds and imaginative settings, offers a canvas unlike any other for the exploration of complex themes and ideas. Central to this exploration are allegory and symbolism, two literary devices that transform straightforward narratives into rich tapestries of layered meaning. While readers embark on adventures with mythical creatures and magical landscapes, they simultaneously engage with profound reflections on society, ethics, and the human psyche.

Allegory operates by using characters, events, or settings as stand-ins for larger ideas or principles. Within fantasy, this means that a quest to destroy a cursed ring isn't just a gripping tale of heroism; it can also represent the struggle against insidious corruption and the price of power. Similarly, a forbidden forest might not just be a dangerous terrain our protagonists must navigate, but an allegorical representation of the unknown—those parts of ourselves we fear or don't understand.

Symbolism, on the other hand, infuses objects, characters, or events with additional meaning. In fantasy, a sword might be more than a weapon; it could symbolize justice, or a character's lineage and inherited duty. A phoenix rising from its ashes is not merely a magical bird's life cycle but a powerful symbol of rebirth, renewal, and the cyclical nature of life and death. Through symbolism, mundane elements within the story are elevated, carrying weighty implications that prompt readers to dig deeper and interpret their broader significance.

The beauty of using allegory and symbolism in fantasy lies in the genre's inherent flexibility. Freed from the confines of realism, authors can mold their worlds to perfectly suit their thematic intentions, ensuring that every element, from the grandest kingdoms to the smallest magical trinkets, serves a dual purpose. The story enthralls readers on the surface while simultaneously prompting deeper introspection on the underlying themes.

In conclusion, while fantasy is often celebrated for its escapism, its true power might reside in its ability to make readers confront real-world issues and truths. Through the deft use of allegory and symbolism, fantasy authors challenge their audience to look beyond the overt narrative, to recognize the mirrored reflections of our world and its complexities. This multi-layered approach ensures that fantasy remains not just a diversion, but a genre rich in thought, philosophy, and insight.

Components of a classic quest

The narrative arc is a fundamental concept in storytelling, providing a framework that dictates the pacing and progression of the plot. It shapes the journey of the characters and the unfolding of events, guiding readers through the emotional and thematic crescendos of a tale. Broadly speaking, the narrative arc encompasses exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution.

Perfecting Your Plot: How to Structure a Narrative

The narrative arc can be applied to a wide variety of stories and has several subsets that fit different genres. When it comes to fantasy, the primary narrative arc structure subset that is used is the quest narrative. Rooted in the age-old traditions of myths and legends, the quest narrative is a story where the protagonist embarks on a journey or mission, driven by a purpose greater than themselves. While this quest structure adheres to the general pattern of the narrative arc, it comes with its own unique set of stages that define its progression. The components of a classic quest narrative are:

The Call to Adventure: The protagonist is invited or compelled to embark on a journey. This call often disrupts the status quo and sets the story in motion.
Trials and Challenges: As the hero progresses, they face a series of obstacles that test their resolve, skills, and wit.
Allies and Enemies: Along the way, the protagonist encounters friends who aid their quest and foes who seek to thwart them. These interactions enrich the story, adding depth and complexity to the narrative.
The Climax: This is the pivotal moment of the quest, where the stakes are highest. The protagonist confronts the main challenge or antagonist, and the outcome of this confrontation dictates the story's direction.
The Return: After achieving (or perhaps failing) their quest, the hero returns to their original world, often transformed in some significant way, carrying with them the lessons, experiences, and rewards of their journey.

While the narrative arc lays the foundational structure for storytelling, the quest narrative refines it with a distinct pattern of stages tailored to tales of adventure and discovery. By understanding these structures, we gain insight into the timeless appeal of stories that resonate with our innate desire for exploration, challenge, and transformation.

The significance of quests, journeys, and adventures in fantasy

As previously stated, at the heart of many fantasy narratives lies the quest—a journey undertaken by characters to achieve a specific, often monumental, goal. From seeking out a lost artifact to embarking on a perilous mission to save a realm, these adventures shape characters, influence the fate of worlds, and encapsulate the essence of fantasy literature.

The significance of the quest narrative can be understood on multiple levels. On a basic plot level, the quest provides direction and momentum, driving the story forward. It establishes clear objectives, introduces challenges, and offers the promise of a resolution. As characters traverse vast landscapes, confront adversaries, and forge alliances, the reader is pulled into an unfolding drama that promises both external and internal discovery.

Beyond plot mechanics, the journey taken during a quest is emblematic of personal growth and transformation. As characters face physical challenges, they also grapple with internal conflicts, from doubts about their worthiness to moral dilemmas that test their values. The journey, with all its trials, becomes a crucible for character development. It isn't merely about reaching a destination or securing an object; it's about who the characters become in the process.

Quests also mirror the human desire for purpose and meaning. Just as characters in fantasy search for lost kingdoms or magical artifacts, readers in the real world seek purpose, adventure, and a sense of belonging. The quest narrative taps into this universal yearning, offering a vicarious fulfillment through the characters' adventures. In navigating their fantastical worlds, they offer insights into our own journeys, reminding us of the resilience, courage, and determination required to overcome obstacles.

While the quest narrative in fantasy offers thrilling adventures and epic showdowns, its true significance lies deeper. It is a reflection of our own human journey—filled with challenges, growth, discoveries, and the perpetual search for meaning.

Internal vs. external conflicts

Fantasy tales, filled with grand quests and mystical realms, thrive on conflicts that capture the reader's imagination . At the heart of these stories lie two primary forms of struggles: the external battles against dark sorcerers and mythical beasts, and the internal torment of heroes grappling with their own nature. Both types of conflicts serve as powerful tools for driving the narrative and enriching the fantastical world.

External Conflicts: Fantasy worlds come alive with their grandiose battles, treacherous quests, and formidable adversaries. The external conflicts present clear and imminent dangers: the siege of Helm's Deep in Tolkien's Middle-Earth, the White Walkers descending upon Westeros , or Voldemort's dark ascent to power in the Wizarding World. These challenges force characters into action, demanding bravery, cunning, and resilience, while also shaping the broader arcs of the fantasy narrative.
Internal Conflicts: In fantasy stories, heroes often face daunting inner struggles as profound as the external threats they combat. Consider Eragon , the Dragon Rider, who grapples with the weight of destiny and the moral implications of his newfound powers. Or take Frodo Baggins , entrusted with the One Ring, battling not just the treacherous journey to Mount Doom but also the Ring's corrupting influence. These internal conflicts, from fears to ethical quandaries, breathe depth into characters, making them relatable, despite the fantastical settings.

The most captivating fantasy tales masterfully intertwine internal and external conflicts. Take Arya Stark from A Song of Ice and Fire . On one hand, she faces tangible threats, navigating a war-torn Westeros and seeking vengeance against those who wronged her family. Simultaneously, she wrestles with her identity, torn between her noble heritage and her thirst for revenge. As Arya trains with the Faceless Men, these internal and external struggles blur, culminating in a journey that's both a physical quest and a voyage of self-discovery.

By juxtaposing grand battles with profound introspective struggles, writers can craft tales that are thrilling in their scale and poignant in their portrayal of the human spirit. Such stories don't just transport readers to new realms but also shed light on the timeless battles we all face, both within and without.

The balance of power: struggles for control over magic, kingdoms, or relics

In the realm of fantasy, the power dynamic is a central element that often propels the narrative, infusing it with tension, stakes, and a sense of urgency. The balance of power, or the quest to achieve it, can manifest in myriad forms, each resonating with certain timeless human desires and fears.

Magic, for instance, is a cornerstone of many fantasy tales. Whether it's a coveted ability, a guarded secret, or a force that's been lost to time, control over magic can elevate one's status, render them unstoppable, or doom them to a tragic fate.

Kingdoms, on the other hand, symbolize vast territories, populations, and resources. The struggle for a throne, as seen in George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire , is not just about the seat of power but also about the ideologies, alliances, and betrayals that come with it. Every claimant to the throne has their vision for the realm, and their battles, both overt and covert, reflect deeper societal and philosophical conflicts.

Relics, like Excalibur or the Holy Grail , carry both tangible and symbolic power. They might grant invincibility, eternal life, or validate one's rightful place as a leader. The hunt for such artifacts, as well as the challenges and moral dilemmas faced by those who seek them, introduces multifaceted layers of conflict. These relics can serve as a catalyst for both internal and external struggles, challenging characters' values, loyalties, and purposes.

In summary, the balance of power in fantasy settings, whether through magic, kingdoms, or relics, offers a vast playground for writers. These struggles not only shape the world and plot but also deeply influence character development, alliances, and rivalries, making them essential tools in crafting a compelling fantasy narrative.

Personal growth and discovery as central conflicts

The most resonant fantasy stories often center around personal growth and discovery. Such internal journeys stand in stark contrast to the epic battles and kingdom politics more overtly showcased in the genre. These introspective paths often revolve around:

Identity Discovery: Characters uncovering their true origins, roles, or destinies. This can be seen in tales where protagonists learn of their royal lineage, latent magical abilities, or other secret identities. For instance, in J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone , Harry discovers his heritage as a wizard and gradually uncovers his destined role in the larger magical world.
Emotional Evolution: Characters grappling with their emotions and changing over time. They might overcome deep-seated fears, grapple with love in unexpected places, or reconcile with past traumas. This is evident in Robin Hobb's Realm of the Elderlings series , where Fitz's journey is as much about navigating his complex feelings as it is about the political intrigues of the Six Duchies.
Moral Dilemmas: Personal growth often requires characters to confront moral challenges. They might need to decide between personal gain and the greater good, or between loyalty to loved ones and loyalty to a higher cause. A compelling example is Vin from Brandon Sanderson's Mistborn , who grapples with trust issues and the weight of responsibility as she discovers her powers and navigates a rebellion against a tyrannical ruler.
Gaining Wisdom: This entails more than just acquiring knowledge. Characters learn from their experiences, often the hard way, and apply these lessons as they face subsequent challenges. In Ursula K. Le Guin's Earthsea series , Ged's journey from reckless youth to wise Archmage is a profound exploration of the costs and rewards of personal growth.

In essence, while external conflicts offer the adrenaline and thrill in fantasy tales, it's the internal journeys of personal growth and discovery that provide depth and soul. These elements render characters relatable and human, even in the most fantastical of worlds. They remind readers that the path to understanding oneself is as adventurous and challenging as any quest to vanquish dark lords or dragons.

The allure of destiny in fantasy narratives

Destiny's pull is a timeless theme that transcends genres, but its place in fantasy literature is particularly profound. The intertwining of prophecy and fate has been a cornerstone of many beloved tales, captivating readers and weaving a thread of inevitability through intricate plots. Here's an exploration of its significance:

Mysterious Prophecies: Often, a cryptic prediction sets the stage for the unfolding events in a story. These prophecies, whether delivered by seers, found in ancient scrolls, or whispered by enchanted beings, provide both a roadmap and a riddle. The allure lies in watching characters interpret, fight against, or embrace these predictions. In T.H. White's The Once and Future King , the legend of King Arthur is intertwined with prophecies foretelling his rise, his challenges, and ultimately his downfall, adding layers of intrigue and anticipation to the narrative.
Characters Bound by Fate: Protagonists and even antagonists might be chosen ones, either celebrated or cursed by destiny. This predetermined path often becomes both a blessing and a burden, leading to internal conflicts and external challenges. Think of Rand al'Thor from Robert Jordan's The Wheel of Time series – marked by prophecy, he grapples with the weight of expectation and the dire consequences of his foretold actions.
Challenging Predestination: Not all characters accept their fates willingly. Many stories revolve around individuals or groups attempting to defy what's been foreordained. This rebellion against destiny can drive compelling narratives, as characters wrest control of their futures, sometimes with unforeseen repercussions. An example can be found in Philip Pullman's His Dark Materials series , where Lyra Belacqua's attempts to thwart a foreseen betrayal lead to complex moral dilemmas.
The Inescapability of Fate: While some tales champion the triumph of free will over destiny, others lean into the inexorable grip of fate. In these narratives, events seem to conspire to bring about a foretold outcome, regardless of the characters' actions. The tragedies of Greek mythology, such as the tale of Oedipus , exemplify this concept, reminding readers of the ancient belief in the unyielding power of destiny.

In fantasy, the dance between prophecy and free will, destiny and choice, creates a rich mosaic of possibilities. It taps into deep-rooted human fascinations with the future and our place within the grander scheme.

The challenges and tensions created by prophecies

Prophecies often stand as formidable elements, casting shadows over characters' paths and decisions. These preordained revelations, whether they hint at hope, doom, or transformation, introduce a set of unique challenges and tensions that can deeply influence a narrative.

For characters entwined with a prophecy, the very knowledge of a foretold future can be burdensome. The weight of expectation can be overwhelming, especially if the prophecy suggests a significant role or responsibility for an individual. This can lead to self-doubt, fear, and even a rebellious urge to defy what has been foretold.

Moreover, prophecies, with their often cryptic and ambiguous wording, can lead to misinterpretations. Characters might act based on their understanding or belief in a prophecy, only to realize that their actions have inadvertently brought about the very outcome they sought to prevent. This can introduce tragic irony into a story, as well-intentioned actions lead to unintended consequences.

Additionally, the existence of a known prophecy can ripple out, affecting not just an individual but entire communities, kingdoms, or races. Conflicting interests can arise when different factions seek to ensure or hinder the prophecy's fulfillment. This can lead to political maneuvering, battles, and betrayals, all spurred by the prophecy's looming presence.

Furthermore, the uncertainty surrounding the timing and exact nature of a prophecy's fulfillment can create a constant undercurrent of tension. Characters, unsure of when a prophecy might come to pass, may live in a state of heightened alertness or anxiety, forever on the lookout for signs or omens.

In summary, prophecies in fantasy narratives act as powerful tools, introducing layers of complexity, moral quandaries, and a myriad of emotional and physical challenges. Their presence ensures characters are not only battling their present circumstances but also wrestling with the looming specter of a foretold future.

In the boundless realm of fantasy, finding inspiration can sometimes feel overwhelming due to the sheer number of possibilities. However, there are numerous methods and sources to tap into to spark creativity and breathe life into your tales. Here are some avenues to consider:

Writing Prompts: Simple prompts or scenarios can be the seeds that grow into sprawling epics. Websites, books, and apps dedicated to writing prompts can give you a starting point, challenging you to craft a story around a single idea or phrase.
Real-world Mythologies and Folklore: Delving into the myths, legends, and folktales of various cultures can offer a treasure trove of ideas. From gods and heroes to monsters and moral tales, these stories have captured human imagination for millennia and can be adapted or reinterpreted in countless ways.
Artificial Intelligence: Utilizing AI tools, like chatbots or predictive text engines , can result in unexpected and often intriguing story ideas. Pose questions, ask for scenarios, or even co-write with AI to explore uncharted territories in narrative creation.
Dreams and Personal Experiences: Our subconscious minds are incredibly creative. Recording dreams or drawing upon personal life experiences can lead to unique and emotionally resonant tales.
Historical Events and Figures: History is filled with fascinating events, conflicts, and personalities. By adding a fantastical twist to real historical events or reimagining historical figures in a fantasy setting, you can craft stories that blend the familiar with the fantastical.
Nature and Landscapes: Simply taking a walk in nature, observing its beauty, oddities, and mysteries, can inspire fantastical settings, creatures, and adventures. The natural world is full of wonders that can be amplified in a fantasy context.
Books, Movies, and Other Media: Consuming a wide variety of media , even outside the fantasy genre, can lead to inspiration. Themes, character dynamics, or even single scenes can spark ideas for entirely new tales.
Personal Interests and Hobbies: Whether you're into astronomy, medieval reenactments, or rare plants, your personal interests can be a source of deep and detailed inspiration . Integrating your passions into your stories can add authenticity and depth.
Role-playing Games (RPGs): Engaging in RPGs , whether tabletop or digital, can be a wonderful way to collaboratively build and explore new worlds, characters, and narratives.

Exploring these methods and sources can provide a solid foundation for fantasy storytelling. Remember, the key is to remain open, curious, and willing to merge the known with the unknown to conjure tales that captivate and transport readers.

Writing fantasy provides a boundless realm for creativity. Delving into different subgenres, examining conflicts, and utilizing themes like prophecy and fate enables writers to sculpt unique worlds and characters. The draw of fantasy lies in its capacity to transform the mundane into the magical, and to take readers on journeys to places only limited by imagination.

Drawing inspiration from various sources, including traditional mythologies, writing prompts, and even real-world events, can serve as a rich soil from which vibrant stories can grow. This synthesis of influence and imagination can make for compelling and memorable tales, giving life to the writer's unique vision.

Remember, too, the significance of balance in fantasy writing. While grand narratives and epic adventures can carry a story, the details of personal struggle, internal conflicts, and character development often provide the depth that resonates with readers. The best fantasy not only transports its audience but reflects essential truths about the human experience.

In conclusion, the realm of fantasy writing is vast and filled with opportunity. By understanding its many facets, seeking inspiration, and paying careful attention to both the grand and subtle aspects of storytelling, writers can craft works that captivate, inspire, and endure. Whether you are a novice or seasoned writer, may you find joy and fulfillment in your fantastical endeavors.

Header image by Cosmic Timetraveler .

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Writing a fantasy novel: 34 must-visit websites

Writing a fantasy novel involves many considerations: Worldbuilding, avoiding clichés of the genre, using popular elements such as magic originally and more. These 34 must-visit fantasy writing resources will help you with every aspect from creating fantasy maps to naming your fantasy characters.

Post author By Jordan
17 Comments on Writing a fantasy novel: 34 must-visit websites

Writing a fantasy novel - 34 must-visit websites

General advice on worldbuilding

Many fantasy writers working on their first (or even second or third) novels struggle with worldbuilding. If you’re wondering how to create a believable fantasy world, one that avoids clichés and provides readers with enough detail to keep them enthralled, these links and resources provide excellent advice:

The Worldbuilding Stack Exchange is a website similar to Quora (where users ask the community questions and the most helpful replies are upvoted). Yet the focus of the website is on worldbuilding for fiction writers. Writers share and get knowledge about culture, science and other real-world elements that go into fantasy and science fiction.

World Building Academy , a site that has the tagline ‘create worlds, change lives’, provides plenty of helpful worldbuilding advice.

In this post for the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America, Patricia C. Wrede lists useful questions you should ask yourself while planning and fleshing out your fictional fantasy world. Wrede’s questions cover important elements such as history, climate and the inhabitants of your fantasy universe.

James Whitbrook at Io9 shares advice on overdone clichés of fantasy writing to avoid in your worldbuilding.

Chuck Wendig’s ’25 things you should know about worldbuilding’ contains great tips. Here’s one: ‘Don’t describe every family crest, guild sigil, hairstyle, nipple clamp, or blade of grass in the world.’ It’s good advice to make sure your worldbuilding serves your story rather than brings in irrelevant information.

In this interview , fantasy and SF writer Laurence MacNaughton did for MileHiCon in Colorado, the writer shares some useful fantasy worldbuilding advice. His cardinal rule? ‘If you make something up, it needs to play directly into the story.’ This is a point both he and Wendig emphasize.

In this essay , one of the great masters of fantasy and science fiction shares insights into writing believable fantasy worlds. Ursula le Guin, famous author of the Earthsea Trilogy, says ‘Fantasy, which creates a world, must be strictly coherent to its own terms, or it loses all plausibility. The rules that govern how things work in the imagined world cannot be changed during the story.’

Margaret Atwood shares some insights into how she creates fictional worlds in this blog post by Joe Berkowitz. Her insights relate to her speculative fiction, but also apply to fantasy writing. She suggests, for example, that you can borrow animal or human behaviours in the real world and use them slightly altered to form the basis of another world, its people and fictional creatures.

In The Paris Review’s short memorial piece on the passing of Sir Terry Pratchett, the literary journal shares some of his best advice for worldbuilding effectively. One piece of advice: Don’t be overwrought in your inventions. As Pratchett says: ‘It only takes a tweak to make the whole world new.’

What’s in a name? Create imaginative names for your fantasy world

Your fantasy characters might have names typical of a town or nation in your fantasy world (for example the hobbits in The Lord of the Rings have names such as Frodo and Bilbo and Sam while the elves have more regal names such as Arwen). They might have common names we find in everyday life if your fantasy world exists in parallel to our own. Examples: Harry Potter, Lucy and Susan in C.S. Lewis’ Narnia books. Whether you want to give your characters mythical or everyday names, these resources will help you:

‘What’s in a Name?’ is an A to Z of names in J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter fantasy series and their origins. Rowling is a master of creating memorable names, and this will give you some insight into how you can find inspiration for your own fantasy characters’ names.

If you want to find fantasy names for characters or mythical creatures quickly, Fantasy Name Generators offers tools to find names for classic fantasy races such as dwarves and elves as well as generators for place names. Need a Germanic dwarf name or a mythical-sounding name for a dragon or other fantastical creature? Find an exact match or use the results as phonetic guidelines for creating your own.

Make sure that your chosen names don’t have unwanted connotations. This guide over at Obsidian Bookshelf provides a number of useful pointers on naming characters in fantasy writing.

In this article from 2010 , Imogen Russell Williams provides sound advice on naming characters. Says Williams, ‘Names with too evident meanings, which alert you early to a character’s nature à la Dickens, are a mixed blessing — it’s hard to take someone seriously if he’s called Mr Badcrook.’

Andre Cruz offers practical tips on choosing characters’ names that could apply to any genre, not only fantasy protagonists or villains. One suggestion: write down any important themes in your book and then use a baby name website to see if you can find any first names that carry relevant (but subtle) connotations. The name ‘Judith’, for example, derives from Hebrew and means ‘she will be praised’ – a fitting name for triumphant heroine.

Writing a fantasy world: Physical details

The physical details of your fictional fantasy world are important for creating an immersive sense of place different from the reader’s own. Think of the greenness of the shire compared to the desolate, post-industrial wasteland where Sauron resides in The Lord of the Rings . Thinking about the physical details of your world means thinking not only about the layout of the land but how the land itself looks and works. This includes landscape, fauna and flora as well as geography – where is each setting in your story in relation to other towns or lands?

Let fantasy landscapes inspire you : Deviant Art, the online community of artists, has many beautiful fantasy landscape images that can help you imagine own settings. Simply looking through fantastical images and noting down any geological or visual elements you like can help you form a clearer idea of your fantasy novel’s locations.

Something as small as having a definite sense of climate can make your fantasy world real. For example, in a tropical climate temperatures are hotter and there is more humidity. If your fantasy world is a lush tropical region, this will affect how characters dress, where they build their lodgings and more.

Michael James Liljenberg discusses the geological and botanical side of creating a fantasy or SF world. As he says ‘the physical world you build for your story will affect the civilizations and characters in both subtle and dramatic ways’. He includes a useful bullet list of questions to ask yourself when creating a fantasy map.

Speaking of maps, the David Rumsey Cartography Associates’ map collection includes over 30 000 images of historical maps. These maps can provide inspiration for map illustrations that give readers an immediate feel for your fantasy world. With this online tool, you can even overlay historical maps and contemporary ones to see how geology, borders and land features have shifted.

Writing a fantasy novel: Government

Decide how social structure and governance in your fantasy world will work. Kingdoms featuring monarchies are one of the most popular forms of social order in fantasy writing (as in George R.R. Martin’s Song of Ice and Fire series). You might want to take another approach if you’d like your novel to be particularly original. Rationality Wiki explains each type of government, and many descriptions link to pages that give more detailed history and explanations, type by type.

In his piece ‘Worldbuilding: Creating Fictional Cultures’ , fantasy author J.S. Morin shares some useful tips on creating society and culture for your fantasy fiction. Morin suggests ‘loosely basing your government on something that has been tried out on Earth (successfully or not)’. This will help you avoid over-complicating the politics of your world with a whole new system invented from scratch.

Fantasy and SF writer Jill Williamson lists and describes the many types of government you can use for your fantasy writing. She asks useful questions you can ask of your world : ‘Who controls the food and water? The weapons? If there is a disease, who controls the medicine?’

Creating your fantasy culture

Creating whole new cultures for your fantasy story can be tricky. Madeleine Bauman’s blog post looks at Greek mythology and how different Gods had different associations and purposes. Reading stories from ancient global mythologies can give you a good idea of how to invent your own belief system when you start writing a fantasy novel.

This concise document outlines the basic structure of cultural practices – for example, cultural practices are things that ‘represent the knowledge of what to do and where’ for a particular culture. Etiquette around eating or sharing food or following a particular rite of passage for coming of age are all cultural practices. If your fantasy world shows different peoples living in different geographic regions, think about how their cultural practices might differ and what implications this might have for tension or story development.

Alyssa Hollingsworth shares ten useful questions to ask about your fantasy world’s culture . How do you make your world seem as real as our own. Our world that has seen many changing tides of events? As Hollingsworth puts it, ask yourself: ‘How did this culture come into being? How has it changed between then and the start of the novel?’

Mind your language: Creating other words

Many fantasy writers have added to the richness of their novels by inventing languages that are specific to particular tribes or nationalities. A group in your fantasy novel might have particular idioms or proverbs, or styles of greeting. These resources will help you think about language in your fantasy writing and how you can use it to add a sense of era or to underline important aspects of your fantasy culture (for example, a warrior-like people might have a very different way of greeting one another to a more peaceful civilization). Here are some useful resources for using language creatively:

Roberta Osborn provides detailed advice on using fictional languages in fantasy writing. Her advice includes keeping a list of all the words you invent so you can remember spellings and keep track on how many you’ve used and their meanings. She also recommends making your made-up words resemble as much as possible words with similar meanings in real-world language, so that the sound fits the sense to readers’ ears. Avoid ‘blorpspargs’ and ‘glipflorps’ (unless parodying technical language or word invention in your genre).

If you want to get technical and make up an entire language of your own, the Language Construction Kit is a useful free resource. Do keep in mind that you mustn’t let the fun of invention distract you from getting stuck into actually writing and finishing your novel .

Creating fantasy animals

Besides the people that populate your fantasy world, you might want to include fantastical creatures that add biodiversity (and a dose of magic or exoticism). Remember that many mythical creatures are clichés. Dragons feature in many fantasy worlds. Think about how you can make fantasy creatures your own. For example, in the Harry Potter books. J.K. Rowling has a dragon guard the vault of a powerful family in the wizard bank Gringotts, combining an ancient mythical creature with a modern setting in an original manner.

This list of mythical creatures can inspire you. It provides explanations on the origins and history of many magical or otherworldly creatures.

Springhole offers useful tips on writing fantasy fiction that includes animals . One tip: ask yourself what environmental and ecological impact your creature might make.

Another website that lists and describes mythical creatures lets you sort creatures by appearance (size and similarity to real-world animals), as well as culture of origin (such as Greek or Mayan).

Ashley Lange at Elfwood provides a handy guide to creating realistic fantasy animals and creatures. One useful tip: Identify your non-human fantasy species’ purpose (do your animals serve as guides/guardians/environmental hazards/food sources or any combination of the above?)

Resources for (re)inventing magic for your fantasy novel

Mages, witches, wizards and more: Magic has been a core feature of many famous fantasy novels. In C.S. Lewis’ Narnia series, a child puts a magical ring on her finger and finds herself in a wood between worlds. In the Lord of the Rings the wizard Gandalf carries a staff that he uses to channel his magical powers. J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter books update the wands and wizards format, splicing spells and incantations with a modern-day, non-magical world. These resources give advice on how to write fantasy fiction that uses some form of magic:

Magic in your fantasy fiction should follow a system that obeys its own internal logic. This impressive table by Io9 describes the workings of magic systems in over 20 famous novels and series. This can provide helpful inspiration when you create your own magic system.

Philip Martin’s guide to using magic in your fantasy story includes helpful tips such as making sure that your magic system explicitly drives the action of your story. This will make sure your magic doesn’t distract from your novel’s key themes and events.

Writer Holly Lisle wrote this practical list of tips for writing magic into your fantasy novel. One good piece of advice: Don’t make it too easy. Another: Everything comes from something – your magic system will be harder to believe if it’s too convenient and doesn’t have explicable origins.

What resources have you found helpful in writing fantasy fiction? Share any relevant and helpful ones in the comments.

Images from here and here

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Tags Article round-up , fantasy writing , writing resources

Jordan is a writer, editor, community manager and product developer. He received his BA Honours in English Literature and his undergraduate in English Literature and Music from the University of Cape Town.

17 replies on “Writing a fantasy novel: 34 must-visit websites”

Awesome post! Thanks for sharing 10 Questions to Ask When You Create a Fictional Culture.

Thank you! It’s a pleasure, Alyssa. Always good to find practical writing advice being shared.

Bookmarking for later! Love the lists of resources you periodically post. Incredibly helpful.

Thanks, Ben! Glad you find some use in them 🙂

This is exactly what I was looking for 🙂 I came up with a story about a King and a girl from a village and suddenly I find myself structuring the whole world around them. Thanks for putting all these resources together!

It’s a pleasure, Liz! Really glad you found this helpful. Do join our ‘fantasy writers’ group on Now Novel if you’d like to get writing feedback from some other fantasy enthusiasts. Best of luck with the book, too.

I still think this is one of the best tools to help you avoid falling into the same old tropes and clichés. http://www.rinkworks.com/fnovel/

‘Do you not realize how much gold actually weighs?’ Thanks for this, will share on Twitter.

Hi Bridget! Great list of resources.

Hi Martin – fantastic post. Will share it on social.

Thanks so much, Bridget!

Thank you very much!

My pleasure, Andrew. Glad you found some utility here.

Great post, thanks. I will also like to recommend the Worldbuilding Magazine, it has become an awesome resource.

This article is very useful. It’s really helpful for me! Thank you for sharing this information.

Thank you so much for your article) So much useful information I haven’t seen! This is truly epic. Let me make a small contribution too, please: 1) for a name to be meaningful and still have a natural sound, you can look up the meanings of real names (the biggest library with meanings of each here https://babynames.com/ ) Sometimes I take any real name and change a few letters (e.g. from Adélie to Akmélie). 2) but sometimes I use the generator https://instausername.com/character-name-generator – it has an interesting feature that it uses artificial intelligence and sometimes the names are very exciting. 3) I always try to make a drawing or at least the avatar to complete the character, because the visual part is very important and can help the reader better recognize the hero. If you are also bad at drawing it would probably be helpful https://charactercreator.org/

Thanks again for your article! Now my stories will be better

Hi Bridget, thank you for reading our blog and for your very helpful additions! Good luck with your next story.

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Step-by-step guide on how to write a fantasy novel, along with expert
70+ Fantasy Writing Prompts (+ Free Printable)
Use these fantasy writing prompts to create your next fantasy story
Fantasy Writing Unit of Study
Creating a Fantasy World: Magical Powers (Infographic)
Best Fantasy Writing Prompts: Spark Your Imagination

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Urban Fantasy Writing Prompt #urban #fantasywriting #motivation
Ultimate Guide to Writing Fantasy Stories for Film and Book
Just Write Your Special Silver-Haired Character Already
Discover Publishing Opportunities in Speculative Fiction with Horror Tree
Fantasy Writing Vlog: reboot
What is Fantasy?

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Elements of Fantasy: Writing a More Magical Story
Find fantasy writing prompts on the cost of magic, primary and secondary worlds and more with 200 and counting fantasy starters.. 2. Adventure. Adventure in fantasy is common, from bands of travelling, questing heroes (like Frodo and friends in Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings) to girls who fall down magical rabbit holes (Alice in Wonderland).. Adventure in fantasy often features another ...
Fantasy Writing Secrets: 10 Power Techniques to Enchant Your Readers
Understanding these basic elements forms the first step in your journey of mastering the craft of fantasy writing. First, fantasy writing requires imaginative plot development. Here, it is crucial to deviate from the conventional 'hero-defeats-villain' narrative and explore unconventional plotlines.
How to Write a Great Fantasy Novel
5 Tips for Writing a Fantasy Novel. To close out, I'm going to leave you with my top five tips for writing a fantasy novel: Read a lot, and read widely. Don't just reread your favorite fantasy authors, no matter how brilliant they are. All are different, and often many fall into the same patterns with sentence and story structure.
How to Write a Fantasy Novel (+ Worldbuilding Template)
Read all the fantasy you can. 2. Build your book's fantasy world. 3. Create series-worthy characters. 4. Plot a story that comments on the real world. 5. Write a draft full of compelling detail.
How to Write Fantasy Novels: 10 Tips for Writing Fantasy
Fantasy writing can transport readers to a vast array of fictional realities—from primitive lands ruled by dragons, to familiar spaces cohabitated by superheroes, to futuristic visions where aliens vie for supremacy among the stars. Common to all fantasy, though, is the act of intensive worldbuilding. Without the guardrails of scientific or societal laws, authors are free to invent any sort ...
How to Write Fantasy: The Ultimate Guide
Step 2: Roughly sketch out the story. This can be images, scene ideas, snippets of dialogue or description - whatever you have so far. Write it all down, gather images representing the ideas, hold it all in your head. Do whatever you need to do lay out all your ideas so far for examination.
The Ultimate Guide To Writing A Fantasy Novel
The Ultimate Guide To Writing A Fantasy Novel. August 14, 2022 by Barrie Davenport. You just finished reading a fantasy series that has left you reeling. You're satisfied with the way things turned out, but the thought of saying goodbye to those characters just hurts. You want to keep the magic going.
Fantasy Writing Tips: How to Create Your Own Out-of-This-World Story
With these elements in mind, here are 5 important fantasy writing tips: 1. Read, read, read! One of the most important things to do before you start to write is to read books from your genre. Explore different types of books in the fantasy genre, as well as those catering to different age groups.
How to Write Mind-Blowing Fantasy Fiction
A good fantasy tale needs more than just wizards and dragons. While every book needs great characters, a believable world, and a compelling story, there are many other elements that fantasy fans will look for in their next big read.. In this free 10-day course, you will be thrown headlong into the world of fantasy writing.With the help of bonus resources and plenty of cool examples, you will ...
5 Essential Elements Every Fantasy Novel Needs
We're referring to much broader elements - general concepts within which you can be as inventive and imaginative as you like. So without further ado, let's take a look at the five essential elements every fantasy novel needs. 1. A magic system. This is the element that sets fantasy fiction apart from other genres.
How To Write Fantasy: A Guide To Enthralling Your Readers
Writing fantasy means creating creatures, worlds, names, words and magical elements that don't already exist in reality, not to mention conducting a ton of research. For that reason alone, this genre takes a lot longer to write and tends to be a lot chunkier. ... Whether your book features humans, supernatural entities, or mythical creatures ...
A Great Framework for Plotting a Fantasy Novel
The 10 steps I'm using to outline my fantasy novel. Photo by Rob Mulally on Unsplash. "The essence of plot structure is: struggle — therefore, conflict — therefore, climax. A struggle implies two opposing forces in conflict, and it implies a climax. The climax is the central point of the story, where the conflict is resolved.".
A Fantasy Writers' Handbook
A Fantasy Writers' Handbook covers aspects of writing that rarely feature in other books, such as how to write battle scenes, how to build new and original worlds, and provides guides to medieval weaponry and life to help inspire your stories. Also included are immensely helpful resources, like lists of publishers and lists of online writing ...
The 7 Fantasy Elements Every Novel Needs & Fantasy Subgenres Explained
6. Mythic Fantasy. Mythic fantasy is any fantasy story that incorporates mythological elements—gods, goddesses, and the awesome power of nature are key components of this fantasy subgenre. A single mythic fantasy story typically includes features of ancient religions and cultures, where one ancient culture and its mythologies are the main focus.
Genre Tips: How to Write Fantasy
Two fast tips for planning your fantasy world: 1. Use Patricia C. Wrede's amazingly extensive " Fantasy World-Building Questions " to make sure you're thinking through every part of your world. 2. To help with the research load later on, keep a running log of tidbits you run onto in your non-fantasy reading.
How to Write a Fantasy World That Works for Readers
How to Write a Fantasy World That Works for Readers. Fantasy worldbuilding is the process of creating a fictional world replete with core characters, overlapping storylines, detailed settings, and fantastical elements that set the world apart from our own. A clear, detailed fantasy world will help readers invest in the characters that inhabit it.
Fictionate.me: The Elements of Fantasy Writing
The Elements of Fantasy Writing. "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. Fantasy tastes of habaneros and honey, cinnamon and cloves, rare red meat and wines as sweet as summer. Reality is beans and tofu, and ashes at the ...
How to Write Fantasy Novels: 5 Tips for Writing Fantasy
How to Write Fantasy Novels: 5 Tips for Writing Fantasy. Untethered from scientific and societal laws, and limited only by their imaginations, fantasy authors explore themes by creating their own worlds, where dragons battle in the skies, alien diplomats try to maintain peace between planets, and strange creatures cohabitate Earth with humans.
Writing Fantasy: Learn How To Write A Bestselling Novel
Fantasy writing is the act of creating fictional stories that are distinguished by their unusual settings or magical elements. It's perhaps the secondary worlds that fantasy writers create that's the most remarkable feature. Just look at Middle Earth from The Lord of the Rings, for example, or Westeros from Game of Thrones as another. ...
The Fundamental Elements of Fantasy Writing
Fantasy, as a genre, has long captivated the human imagination. At its core, it presents a tapestry of worlds where the impossible becomes reality, and the boundaries of our understanding are endlessly expanded. Through dragons soaring over medieval castles, enchanted forests whispering ancient secrets, or wizards battling with spells, fantasy offers an escape, a bridge to realms beyond our ...
Writing a Fantasy Novel
Writing a fantasy novel: 34 must-visit websites. Writing a fantasy novel involves many considerations: Worldbuilding, avoiding clichés of the genre, using popular elements such as magic originally and more. These 34 must-visit fantasy writing resources will help you with every aspect from creating fantasy maps to naming your fantasy characters.
What Is the Fantasy Genre? History of Fantasy and ...
For many readers, literary fiction provides desperately needed escapism so they can endure the difficulties of everyday life. Even when conjured characters inhabit a recognizable world and speak to the human condition, fictional stories can pull readers out of their own heads. This effect is even more pronounced in the fantasy genre. Untethered from scientific and societal laws, and limited ...