How to Write a Fantasy Novel for Tweens

From the fairy tales that were read to us when we were very young to the blockbuster bestselling Harry Potter novels, fantasy novels have been, and remain, one of the most popular fiction genres for tweens. Here are a few tips for creating your own fantasy novel.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Character. The first step toward writing an original story for tweens is gathering an original set of characters. These are your heroes and your villains, and they're likely fighting for the proverbial keys to the kingdom. Your main protagonist should be someone your readers can identify with.
2. Place. Consider what kind of fantasy world you want as the setting for your story. Crafting the world in which your story takes place requires a foundation of reality. Even in a fantasy novel. It must make sense to the reader. You have to create a world so rich and complete that every cog in the emotional and geographical landscape turns another cog. It must be a place that, even if your readers don’t want to live there, at least they’ll want to visit.
3. Story and plot. Ask yourself what compels readers to follow the character's story. Think what they offer in terms of emotional depth and background that we haven't yet seen in other stories. Determine familiar elements you can spin in their favor to make them appear tried and true, and at the same time fresh and exciting. Think of some ideas and write them down on paper.
4. Now get out your computer and start typing. A good way to start is to write the back cover summary of the novel you’re going to write. Then introduce the characters and their world in a few pages. Follow this with the main points of your outline. Sit back and read this. If it works for you, you’re ready to write your fantasy novel.

Tips & Warnings

• Research the literature that's come before you to make sure you're not treading well-worn ground. If you're going for something completely fantastical and otherworldly, start collecting material that seems similar in concept to your story. If you have a detailed, overarching quest with plenty of scattered details, pick up copies of popular fantasy books. Start asking yourself the question: "What can I do to differentiate my story from this classic?" The key to your story is to create something that fantasy readers have never seen before.