How to: Build Your Fantasy World

14. What NOT to do

I've told you everything I think you should do.

Now, here are the things I think you shouldn't do.

Use inapplicable phrases

By this, I mean, there's no point in making your character say 'oh my God' when you have already established that there is no God in your fantasy world. Do not make your character mention anything computer-based if technology doesn't exist in your world. If your characters have never head of something; they're not going to bring it up in conversation.

Don't forget about infrastructure

It's all great building such an amazing fantasy world. But, don't forget people's basic survival needs; food, clothing, drink. You need to think about both your society and your economy; you got a whole world to govern here. Do you really think they eat burger and chips in a kingdom that floats on a cloud in the sky?

Don't forget what's happening

Don't forget that you chose to set your story now. You could have set your book 10 years ago or 10 years in the future, but why is hell breaking loose in your book now? Don't get lost in your own world (pun intended) and completely throw yourself away from the storyline. Your characters have a job to do.

Introduce OP abilities

Creating an overpowered ability isn't necessarily a bad thing; especially if you have an incredibly strong villain (f you have a villain, that is). I guess, what I really mean is, you can't introduce OP abilities and not think about how it affects everyone else in the world. If your world is fairly new and people are still coming to terms with their abilities; I doubt they will use them for good all the time. Curiosity would get the better of them.

There's honestly not a lot of things you can do wrong in a fantasy book, it is your own creation; you dictate what is right and what is wrong. Just remember to keep asking yourself that 'what if' question and to always consider cause and effect.

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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 14:

What do the characters in your fantasy world eat?

My answer:

There are no large animals such as cows or sheep to collect meat from. The only animals are small animals; such as rabbit, duck, chicken and geese. There is, however, a lot of fish. They would also grow a lot of fruit and veg; most of which grows by itself in public places where the inhabitants can go and collect what they need. They would also eat dragon meat - however, there are many people who refuse to eat it and will live on a dragon-free diet.