Fantasy is...
Whatever the hell you goddamn want it to be!
Here's a dictionary definition, fresh from the Google;
the faculty or activity of imagining impossible or improbable things.
In fantasy, the impossible is possible and the improbable is probable.
Fantasy has no limits. It allows you to think outside of the box and get those creative juices flowing. What is impossible in your fantasy world, may just be something that would otherwise be possible in the real world and/or vice versa. This is why it is my absolute favourite genre to write. Everything about a fantasy world, whether it is based on other fantasy worlds or not, is still completely original; there is no right or wrong, just awesomeness.
Is awesomeness even a word? Maybe not in the real world. But it could be in your fantasy world.
The question you should be asking yourself is; What are the subgenres of Fantasy?
According to the Wattpad Fantasy Forum, there are five main subgenres of the Fantasy Genre. I will describe what I think each of the subgenres mean:
Science Fantasy
This subgenre is for books/stories with a mix of the Science Fiction and Fantasy genres. So, when is a book a Science Fantasy book and not a Sci-Fi book? In a Sci-Fi book, the world is scientifically possible; think time travel, robots and technologically advanced worlds. Doctor Who is a great example of a Sci-Fi. In Science Fantasy, the world contains elements that may not be scientifically possible in the real world. For example, I would argue Star Wars is Science Fantasy; as there are some scientifically possible aspects, such as their advanced technology, weapons and robots, however, the concept of the force/telekinesis is not scientifically possible in the real world (I've majored in science for 6 years, fight me). In Science Fantasy, you create your own laws of physics. What was Isaac Newton talking about? Gravity can make you fly if you want it too, the laws of motion are completely inapplicable (and the people in your fantasy world can thank your fantasy lord that they don't need to learn about them).
Dark Fantasy/Fantasy Horror
This subgenre is for Fantasy books/stories with a dark twist. It normally surrounds more of the evil side of the story than the good side. Plots may include things such as violence, death and psychological damage. Although heroes can and are still included, it tends to end with corruption, an evil triumph, or a heroic triumph; but with an ultimate price to pay. Stephen King is a great Dark Fantasy author; The Green Mile is one of my favourites.
YA Fantasy
There's not really much to say about this subgenre. On Wattpad, it's a Fantasy book/story aimed at young adults (13-18 years of age). Think Teen Fiction, but in a Fantasy world.
Urban Fantasy
This is a Fantasy book/story with an Urban setting. Nothing high Fantasy; such as a kingdom or a completely different planet. Just something alternative to the world we live in; everyday life, but with a fantasy twist. I know that Wattpad has its own genre for vampires, but vampires are considered a fantasy species and are common in Urban Fantasy; the Vampire Academy species being an example. The TV series Charmed could also be considered Urban Fantasy. That being said, there are so many Urban Fantasy TV shows; True Blood, Lucifer, and Vampire Diaries to name a few.
Epic/High Fantasy
This is the subgenre that everyone first thinks of when they hear the word 'Fantasy'. This is some Game of Thrones and Lord of the Rings type shit. They are set in an alternative and original world/universe/galaxy with most, if not all, elements of the real world thrown out the window. This is the kind of fantasy genre you can just let your imagination run wild and throw in anything and everything (with reason, of course... or not, it's your world). Perhaps pigs can fly in your epic fantasy world? Perhaps people are born pink and green in your epic fantasy world? These books/stories normally revolve around one (or more) main protagonist and, according to Wikipedia,
The progress of the story leads to the character's learning the nature of the unknown forces against them, that they constitute a force with great power and malevolence
Which sounds about right to me.
Now that you have a bit of an idea what kind of fantasy subgenre you are aiming for, we can progress.
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A/N: at the end of all the chapters, I am going to put a little exercise/question for you guys to do in the comments as a way for you to interact and really take something away from reading this guide. I will leave an answer regarding my own fantasy book for you to use as an example. Don't forget to vote and share this guide with whoever may need it!
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Exercise 1:
What Fantasy subgenre do you think your book/story fits in?
My answer:
Epic/High Fantasy
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