Fantasy Writing Critic, Review and Simplified Guide

A Simplified Fantasy Writing Guide for New Writers

This Fantasy Writing Guide is for you if you are:

   - A young or amateur writer planning to write a story in the fantasy genre

   - A seasoned author or writer trying to explore other genres like fantasy

   - A seasoned fantasy author/writer who wants another approach to this genre

   - Just curious about how a fantasy story differs from other genres

If you answered YES to any of the items above, then this mini-series is for you!

For the sake of young and amateur readers visiting here, we will start the lesson from scratch. But, just to be sure this is the genre you want to learn, here is a checklist of elements that make a Fantasy story. Make sure to include at least 2-3 of these elements to make your story a true fantasy one.

Let's Begin

So, you have decided to begin your fantasy story. You have an idea of a character, their special powers or wielded weapon, a (mis)adventure taking place in an unusual land, or a ferocious monster or villain. Now, as you start to draft your Prologue and Chapter 1, after 2-3 sentences, you might find yourself unable to proceed further. There's writer's block, a strike of laziness, or a feeling of being lost and unable to continue. That's when our guide can come in to help you.

OK, so you have confirmed that your story has the elements to make it a Fantasy Story, now, let's begin with our guide.

Writing fantasy can be an exhilarating adventure filled with boundless creativity and imagination. Whether you're just starting out or looking to explore a new genre, this comprehensive guide will help you navigate the essentials of fantasy writing. Here's a look at the top five suggestions to kickstart your journey:

1. Story Boarding

Visualizing Your Story: Discover methods to visualize and organize your plot, including storyboards, scene cards, and timelines.

Plot Out Key Scenes: Techniques for mapping out pivotal scenes and how they connect to the overall narrative.

Have an ending ready: It doesn't have to be a final ending. Create a draft or temporary ending to help you focus on where the story is leading. However, you can always modify or change the ending later, depending on the flow of your story.

Summary: Storyboarding acts as a visual blueprint for your narrative. It allows you to outline key scenes and pivotal plot points, giving you a clearer roadmap of how your story will unfold.

Sample Scenario: Picture a young hero named Mat Adam who discovers he can create blade shaped made of burning light torching from his clenched fist. You might create a storyboard that includes his initial discovery, his first encounter with using the light blade, the conflict with a villain who seeks to have Mat on the dark side, and ultimately his quest to save the trapped humans in this aether realm.

Stay tuned for a separate article diving deeper into the art of storyboarding!

2. Understanding the Hero's Journey

Understanding Plot Structure: Familiarize yourself with the character story circle.

Learn to develop central conflicts that drive your story and engage readers.

Pacing Your Story: Tips on how to keep your plot moving at a good pace and maintain reader interest.

Summary: The Hero's Journey is a timeless narrative framework that many successful stories follow. It comprises stages like the Call to Adventure, Trials, and Return, helping you construct a compelling narrative arc.

Sample Scenario: Mat Adam receives a mysterious message from a dream asking for his help, propelling him into his adventure. This moment marks the "Call to Adventure," setting the stage for his growth and the challenges ahead.

Watch for our detailed exploration of the Hero's Journey in an upcoming article!

3. Simple World Building

Creating a Unique Setting: Understand the basics of crafting a magical world, including geography, climate, and culture.

Developing Cultures and Societies: Learn to create diverse cultures, religions, and political systems that breathe life into your fantasy world

Summary: World building is the art of crafting the setting and rules of your fantasy universe. This includes geography, cultures, and the rich history that shapes your characters' lives.

Sample Scenario: Aia resides in a broken kingdom within the Crescent Island, where other creature such as dryad, elves and sprites resides. The kingdom once boasts lush forests and perilous mountains, where these creatures live, enriching your story's backdrop.

We'll soon publish a guide on how to create your own engaging worlds!

4. Create a Magic System

Building a Magic System: Explore different types of magic systems, their rules, and how they affect your world.

An aspiring fantasy writer needs to learn magic systems to create consistent and believable worlds, which enhances the reader's immersion. Therefore, a well-defined magic system also drives the plot and character development, adding depth and conflict to the story.

Summary: A well-defined magic system adds incredible depth to your story. Decide how magic operates, its limitations, and the consequences of its use. This clarity keeps your plot believable and captivating.

Sample Scenario: In the Crescest Island, magic is intertwined with natural elements. Aia discovers that her power to communicate with animals and sprites are tied to her emotional state—intense feelings can amplify her abilities but may also result in unforeseen consequences.

Look forward to a thorough discussion on developing unique magic systems!

5. Revising and Self-Editing

The Importance of Re-Reading: Techniques for revisiting and refining your manuscript.

Self-Editing Tips: How to identify common issues in your writing and address them effectively.

Using a Third Eye: Strategies for seeking feedback from others and incorporating constructive criticism.

Summary: Revising and self-editing are vital steps in polishing your narrative. This process involves reviewing your work for coherence, character development, and pacing, ensuring your story is clear and engaging.

Sample Scenario: After completing your first draft, review your character's journey. You might find or realize that some scenes feel rushed and character growth isn't as clear as intended. Through revision, you can deepen the character and the story.

Keep an eye out for tips on revising and self-editing in an upcoming article!

Conclusion

Each of these five suggestions serves as a foundational building block for your fantasy writing journey. In the following articles, we will delve deeper into each topic, providing practical advice and examples to help you craft your own fantastical tales. Whether you're a novice or an experienced writer venturing into new territory, this guide aims to inspire and educate. Happy writing!

Upcoming Articles Overview

Story Boarding: A Detailed Guide
Learn techniques for visualizing your story.

Understanding the Hero's Journey: A Closer Look
Explore each stage of the Hero's Journey with examples.

Simple World Building: Crafting Your Fantasy Realm
Discover methods for developing an immersive setting.

Create a Magic System: Rules of Enchantment
Understand how to design a magic system that enhances your story.

Revising and Self-Editing: Perfecting Your Prose
Gain insights into effective revision strategies.

Stay tuned for these articles as we embark on this magical writing journey together!