#10) Use the formula
There are many versions of 'the formula.' The formula is a list of things that a story must have; that the characters in the story must do; and the events that must happen. There are a few givens: The story must have a beginning, middle and an end. It would be kind of weird without those. In a lot of stories there will be a final scene just before the end in which much gets resolved. There is usually a conflict, challenge or problem facing the central character that they have to resolve. Often mentioned is the 'Heroic Journey' - the classic plot of myths and legends. Another version is the 'Eight Point Curve.' Following these formulas will create a solid and balanced story that draws the reader in. However, using the formula may also produce yet another version of the same old story:
Hero is living a quiet life. Something bad happens. Hero tries to ignore it and carry on. Something worse happens which the hero can't ignore. They can't go back to the quiet life, but fortunately someone pops up to tell them what to do. They set out on a great journey but, almost immediately, someone bad pops up to warn them off. Never mind, off on his adventure the hero goes. Of course it all goes pear shaped and the hero has to be rescued by someone unexpected. The hero is close to completing his quest but, at the final hurdle, breaks down and says: 'I can't go on.' Then, in a moment of self revelation, our hero realises where he's been going wrong, discovers the power to defeat the villain and probably blows up their secret undersea base. I'm sure we've all seen that movie. Hollywood loves the formula.
The art of writing good fiction is to use the elements of the formula without appearing to do so. The scene where the hero is warned off by the bad guy is a great scene. But why wait for it to come halfway through the story? Start the story there, or leave it until the hero is too deep to go back. Then reveal the scene as a flashback as the hero recalls his decision to ignore the warning.
Use the formula, but use it in ways it has never been used before.
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Tips for Fantasy Writers
خيال (فانتازيا)If you are new to fantasy writing than this will help you out a lot. read and see how much help you can get . recommended to all fantasy writers and new writers or even people who are planning on writing. enjoy.
