5 Tips for Fantasy Writing
5 Tips for Fantasy Writing
Writing fantasy is a great way to let your creative imagination shine through in every word. There are truly no limits to the worlds you can create and the situations you can bring to life. That being said, fantasy writers make mistakes from time to time.
The best fantasy stories include everything from well-developed magic systems to complex characters and descriptive, dream-like settings. Putting these elements together with conflict, classism, and even a little bit of chaos can create an unbelievable story. However, with so many moving parts it can sometimes seem overwhelming to create a fantasy story readers will enjoy.
Take a deep breath and don’t let those worries cloud your creativity. We’ve got five tips for fantasy writing that will keep you inspired, organized, and well-versed in the world of fantasy.
1. Do Your Research
The great thing about fantasy writing is that you can build new worlds and essentially make your own rules when it comes to magic systems. However, there needs to be some thread of reality in your story or people won’t be able to connect with it.
If you’re writing about the Middle Ages, for example, you’ll want to look up what was happening during that era. There may not have really been dragons and wizards, but research for your fantasy novel can help you develop the right background for your plot and characters. It will significantly help with world-building and make it easier for readers to get lost in that world.
2. Stay Inspired
The idea of creating a world and characters enveloped in magic is exciting, but that doesn’t mean fantasy writers don’t hit creative ruts.
You can help to combat those creative blocks by working in a space that sparks creativity. Most writers have home offices, and you can customize yours to fit your needs and keep your creative juices flowing. Be intentional with your design for a small office, choosing essentials that will inspire your work. Some ideas to encourage that inspiration include:
- Colorful furniture;
- Artwork related to your writing;
- Adequate lighting (as much natural light as possible);
- Pictures of locations that inspire you.
Even if you only have a tiny space, there’s no reason it should stifle your creativity. When you use your imagination, your office can start to feel a lot like your own personal castle.
3. Brainstorm
Having an inspirational setting is only half the battle. When you’re trying to come up with a good fantasy story, you’ve got to reach deep within your imagination to bring worlds and characters to life. Brainstorming can help.
Consider taking inspiration from the real world — and even your personal life — to create a new world enveloped in magic and whimsy.
Brainstorming allows you to write down ideas freely as they come to you. If you’re starting to feel like you’re in a rut, get out of your office and go somewhere. Head to a local park or cafe and people-watch for a while, jotting things down in a small notebook. You might be surprised by what comes to you and how you can take elements of reality and turn them into something fantastical.
4. Know the Elements of Fantasy
We briefly touched on what every fantasy story needs to be engaging and fun. However, keeping those elements in mind (and in front of you) throughout your writing can help to ensure your story keeps the attention of the reader and doesn’t leave them with any plot holes or one-dimensional characters. The essential elements of fantasy writing include:
- A magic system;
- A well-developed world/setting;
- Complex characters;
- A central conflict;
- A power structure.
By focusing on these components throughout your writing, you’ll stay relatively grounded. That makes it easier to create a story that is magical but easy to understand.
5. Try Mind Mapping
Brainstorming and mind mapping are similar. However, a mind map often uses visuals to keep information organized and structured.
Let’s face it — there’s a lot to remember in fantasy settings! If you’re building different worlds, creating complex characters, and trying to remember the rules of a specific power system, you’ll want to keep things as organized as possible.
Mind mapping using visual planning is an easy way to keep things clear and concise. Creating a flowchart can help you visualize family trees for different characters or dive into a specific biography or land history. Having these visuals in front of you while you write will help you keep going forward without having to reread and research your own characters and story.
The most important rule of fantasy writing is to have fun. When you enjoy the worlds and characters you’re building, your readers will, too. Keep these tips in mind no matter what stage of writing you’re in and let your imagination do the rest.
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