How to Write Fantasy
Some say that science fiction and fantasy are the most difficult genres to write. This'll make it a bit easier.
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Things You'll Need
- A love of reading AND writing. Absolutely mandatory.
- Imagination and creativity. If you don't have it, pick another genre.
- Basic knowledge of spelling, grammar, and writing in general.
- A few pencil or many, MANY pens.
- Several notebooks with lined paper: some that fit in your pocket or purse and some with standard-size sheets.
- A word processor (preferably a standard personal computer)
- A library card
Instructions
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1
Learn about the kinds of fantasy stories or books you'd like to write. Read them. Read interviews with your favorite authors.
What parts of these stories excite you? What parts annoy you?
What (slightly unusual) words do you see in almost every book? Make a habit of using these words yourself.
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Get inspired. Always keep paper and a writing utensil nearby. Write down every fragment of an idea. Find a spot that speaks to you and go there whenever possible, just scribbling down whatever comes to you.
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Try to write every day. It doesn't have to be an organized journal. Just note whatever stands out to you.
For example, if you saw a guy with a strange deformity, what else did you notice about him? What was his body language and facial expression communicating?
Take bits of these things from your life and put them into your story. The fantasy genre requires much detail, and if it is something you've experienced, you can describe it in such a way that it rings true to the reader.
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Who is your main character? Have a name for him/her. This character should be complex, with both strengths and weaknesses, and a history that makes sense. The reader should have a reason to like him/her.
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Put all these ideas together. Put the ones that don't make sense in this context aside but DON'T destroy them! Do not be overly concerned with grammar, spelling, formatting, etc. Just write/type your story as it comes to you.
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Tips & Warnings
Edit your story ONLY when you are finished or are completely stuck.
Other ideas for those with writer's block: Watch movies, plays, or attend any other artsy event. Go to websites with art/writing you enjoy. (http://elfwood.lysator.liu.se/elfwood.pike has sci-fi/fantasy art and stories.) Go to a site with many random generators for names, plot events, or even writing prompts. (Writingfix.com, SeventhSanctum.com)
Learn about ancient mythology, magical folklore, urban legends, etc. These stories may provide inspiration for your own, or figures that become characters/creatures in it.
Most authors suggest recording your story on tape and playing it back during the editing process. If you don't have a voice recorder, at least read it aloud. This lets you know if the words SOUND right, which is invaluable.
Get involved with any local opportunities to meet established authors, especially ones that write the kinds of books you are interested in.
DON'T let other people read your work if you are attached to it. If they don't like it, you may find yourself unable to write any more.
Computer spell-checkers are useful but will NOT find every mistake. Edit your work yourself multiple times.
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Comments
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MrKnight
Oct 09, 2008
This article is flea-fiction. If you're going to write fantasy, don't ever rely on convention. Orks, dwarves and swords have been done to death. Unless you've got a really unique take on an old legend or myth, I suggest dumping as much of the Tolkien-derivative prose as you can, and starting with something entirely new. Pick a point in the history of our world that isn't just feudalism. Crusades, rennisance, early 19th century, or even further back, and then find ways to interlock that with only your core ideas. New things will spring of it. Don't, for the love of god, write another Eragon. Be creative. Defy cliche. My book is currently undergoing type-setting.
