Novel Writing Skills

A Simple Guide To Fantasy Novel Writing




This simple guide covers the basics, examples, formulas, and ways to approach specific scenarios in your story. This guide will help you build immersive worlds, craft compelling characters, and structure a satisfying fantasy plot.

1. Basics of Writing a Fantasy Novel

A. Core Elements of Fantasy

  1. Worldbuilding:
  2. Create a rich, believable world with its own rules, cultures, history, and magic.

  3. Define how your world differs from or parallels reality.

  4. Magic or Supernatural Elements:

  5. Establish a unique magic system, including its rules, limitations, and consequences.

  6. Conflict:

  7. A central struggle drives the plot, whether it’s a battle between kingdoms, a personal quest, or a fight against a dark force.

  8. Protagonist’s Journey:

  9. Your main character (MC) should have clear goals, flaws, and a meaningful arc.

  10. Myth and Lore:

  11. Sprinkle legends, myths, and ancient history into your world to add depth.

B. Key Themes in Fantasy

  • Good vs. Evil: Classic theme, often with blurred moral lines.
  • Power and Corruption: How power is wielded and its consequences.
  • Identity and Belonging: Characters searching for their place in the world.
  • Destiny vs. Choice: Exploring fate and free will.

C. Subgenres of Fantasy

  • Epic/High Fantasy: Large-scale worlds, battles, and stakes (e.g., The Lord of the Rings).
  • Dark Fantasy: Blends fantasy with horror elements (e.g., The Witcher).
  • Urban Fantasy: Fantasy elements in a modern or urban setting (e.g., The Dresden Files).
  • Portal Fantasy: Characters enter another world (e.g., The Chronicles of Narnia).
  • Low Fantasy: Minimal magic, grounded in realism (e.g., A Song of Ice and Fire).

2. Fantasy Novel Formulas

A. Classic Hero’s Journey

Use Joseph Campbell’s Hero’s Journey as a blueprint for your plot.

| Stage | What Happens | Example (e.g., Harry Potter) |
|-----------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------|
| 1. Ordinary World | The protagonist’s normal life before the adventure begins. | Harry lives with the Dursleys. |
| 2. Call to Adventure | Something disrupts their world, forcing them to act. | Harry receives his Hogwarts letter.|
| 3. Refusal of the Call | The hero hesitates or doubts themselves. | Harry doubts he’s a wizard. |
| 4. Meeting the Mentor | They meet someone who guides or teaches them. | Hagrid introduces Harry to magic. |
| 5. Crossing the Threshold | The hero enters the new, unfamiliar world. | Harry boards the Hogwarts Express.|
| 6. Tests, Allies, Enemies | The hero faces challenges and builds relationships. | Harry makes friends and faces trials at Hogwarts. |
| 7. The Ordeal | The hero faces their greatest challenge yet. | Harry confronts Voldemort. |
| 8. Reward | The hero succeeds and gains something valuable. | Harry protects the Sorcerer’s Stone.|
| 9. Return to the Ordinary World | They return home, transformed by their journey. | Harry returns to the Dursleys, but he’s changed. |

B. The Fantasy Quest Formula

  1. The Goal: Define what the protagonist is trying to achieve (e.g., retrieve an artifact, stop a war, protect someone).
  2. The Party: Assemble a group of diverse allies with unique skills and personalities.
  3. Obstacles: Create a series of trials, riddles, or enemies that challenge the group.
  4. The Betrayal: Someone in the group or a trusted ally betrays the protagonist.
  5. The Climax: A high-stakes showdown (e.g., a battle, puzzle, or moral choice).
  6. The Aftermath: The protagonist reflects on how they’ve changed and the impact of their choices.

3. Specific Scenarios

A. Worldbuilding: Crafting a Unique Magic System

  1. Define the Rules:
  2. How does magic work (e.g., spells, rituals, innate abilities)?

  3. Who can use magic (e.g., anyone, only certain bloodlines)?

  4. Set Limitations:

  5. Does using magic drain the user’s energy?

  6. Are there consequences for overusing or abusing magic?

  7. Add Flavor:

  8. Create unique magical tools, like wands, crystals, or enchanted objects.
  9. Give magic a sensory element (e.g., casting smells like burning leaves).

Example: A World Where Magic Shortens Your Lifespan

  • Only those desperate enough to sacrifice their future wield magic. Protagonist must decide if saving the kingdom is worth trading years of their life.

B. Crafting a Villain with Depth

  1. Their Goal: What do they want, and why?

  2. A villain fighting for their people’s survival might seem cruel but believes their actions are justified.

  3. Their Flaws: What blinds them to their mistakes?

  4. Hubris, obsession, or fear of failure can make them relatable.

  5. Their Connection to the Protagonist:

  6. Did they mentor the protagonist in the past? Are they family? Former friends?

Example:

  • The villain is the protagonist’s estranged sibling, who wields forbidden magic to reclaim the throne they believe is rightfully theirs.

C. Crafting a Reluctant Hero

  1. Why Are They Reluctant?
  2. Fear, self-doubt, or lack of interest in the larger conflict.
  3. What Changes Their Mind?
  4. Personal stakes (e.g., a loved one in danger) or a moral realization.
  5. How Do They Prove Themselves?
  6. Through small victories that build their confidence and resolve.

Example:

  • A shy librarian is forced into a magical conflict after accidentally releasing an ancient curse from a forbidden book.

D. Building a Fantasy World’s History

  1. Create a Timeline: Outline key historical events, such as wars, alliances, or cataclysms.
  2. Add Depth with Myths: Develop legends and stories passed down through generations.
  3. Hint at Lost Civilizations: Add mystery by referencing ancient ruins or forgotten technology.

Example:

  • Thousands of years ago, a great empire was destroyed by a magical catastrophe. Now, the protagonist must uncover its secrets to prevent history from repeating.

4. Example Plot Skeleton

Title: The Shattered Crown
1. Protagonist: A blacksmith’s apprentice, Leona, who unknowingly carries royal blood.
2. Call to Adventure: The kingdom falls under siege, and an ancient sword hidden in Leona’s workshop calls to her.
3. Reluctance: Leona refuses to believe she’s special until her mentor is killed defending her.
4. The Quest: She gathers allies to retrieve the lost shards of the crown to restore balance.
5. Betrayal: A trusted ally reveals they’ve been working for the enemy.
6. Climactic Battle: Leona must wield the sword and confront the villain, who is revealed to be her long-lost brother.
7. Resolution: Leona unites the kingdom but chooses to return to her humble life, changed forever.

5. Quick Writing Templates

A. Character Profile

| Name | |
|---------------------|-----------------------------------------|
| Role | Protagonist/Antagonist/Ally |
| Backstory | Brief overview of their past |
| Strengths | Skills, traits, or abilities |
| Flaws | Weaknesses, insecurities, or fears |
| Motivations | What drives them? |
| Key Relationships | Their bonds with others |

B. Fantasy World Template

| Element | Details |
|---------------------|-----------------------------------------|
| Magic System | Rules, limits, and unique features |
| Geography | Maps, terrains, and notable landmarks |
| Political System| Kingdoms, alliances, rulers, conflicts |
| Cultural Details| Festivals, rituals, dress, food |
| History and Lore| Myths, ancient events, famous heroes |

C. Scene Structure

| Scene Element | Details |
|---------------------|-----------------------------------------|
| Purpose | Why is this scene important? |
| Conflict | Internal, external, or relational? |
| World Details | How does the setting enrich the story? |
| Ending Hook | How does this scene propel the plot? |

6. Tips for Writing Fantasy

  1. Avoid Info Dumps: Weave worldbuilding into the story organically.
  2. **

Make the Stakes Personal: Even in epic battles, focus on the emotional stakes for your characters.
3. Create Unique Cultures: Avoid clichés—add fresh twists to fantasy tropes.
4. Write What Excites You: If you’re passionate about a particular theme or idea, lean into it!

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