Writing Your Fantasy Story
Fantasy is a genre of fiction that falls into the realm of speculative fiction. You have magical elements in fantasy, typically including world-building consisting of supernatural and fictional elements. Mythology and folklore have inspired some fantasy stories, so the roots of many tales that we think are new have come from oral traditions. These then have become our most beloved fantasy literature.
In my opinion, the most crucial part of any narrative is the characters. So in working through writing your fantasy story, we will begin there. Because, without them, well, you don't have a story. I'd like you to take some time to meet your characters. Introduce yourself to them. Find out their names. What do they look like? What are their hobbies? What motivates them? What upsets them? Then find out about their history and what brought them into this story.
At the same time you're meeting your characters, you'll have to decide on what kind of fantasy their lives and experiences have moved them toward and the challenges they will face. Here are the types of fantasies that you can choose from:
• Epic: The term "epic" encapsulates it all. These stories are like The Lord of the Rings, so your setting will be a magical world with rules, physical laws, and an environment. It's all thought out and developed down to minor details like what the grass looks like or the substance that makes up the wings on your butterflies or any flying animal you want to create. Your hero will go on a journey of a grand scale. Whatever limits you put on your characters is the only thing that limits you in this world. It's fantasy. So, let your imagination have a huge party and discover what it comes up with.
• Low: This fantasy type is set in the real world and includes unexpected magical elements your character(s) will discover. The movie "Brigadoon" is an excellent example, as is the book Tuck Everlasting. Harry Potter may also be a perfect example as Harry begins in the real world and is surprised when he finds out what his destiny holds. The worlds of these fantasy stories are detailed, and as the author, you can let your imagination soar.
• Magical realism: Your characters will live in the real world, and they accept the fantastical elements within their everyday lives. Things like levitation, telekinesis, talking animals, ghosts, and other strange things appear as everyday occurrences. Books that fall into this genre include: Beloved by Toni Morrison, The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka, and the Percy Jackson books written by Rick Riordan
• Sword and sorcery: This genre includes sword-wielding heroes, as well as magic or witchcraft, and would be the genre you would read if you like dragons or magic. I've never read this genre, as far as I know. But "Conan the Barbarian" falls in this genre, and I saw that years ago. Also, if you caught "The Witcher" on Netflix, that, too, is a sword and sorcery fantasy.
• Dark fantasy: Combines fantasy and horror elements and is written to unnerve readers and frighten the bejeebers out of you. H. P. Lovecraft is the master in this genre.
• Fables. I wrote about fables last week, so check HERE for my blog about this fantasy genre.
• Fairy tales. I also wrote about fairy tales. So check HERE for that blog.
• Superheros: Who doesn't love superhero stories like DC and Marvel comics and movies? However, unlike Spiderman, who acquires special abilities through the spider bite, or Ironman, who gets his powers from his suit, these superheroes' powers are supernatural. See Ms. Marvel, Superman, Aquaman, Thor, etc.
Your next step is to outline your story. No, really, you need an outline because fantasy is a challenging genre to write. There are multiple threads inside your story that you may lose if you don't keep track of everything. Make a basic outline, then as you write, add to it, so nothing gets left out in the end. You'll need to tie everything up nicely and don't want to forget any detail. Fantasy stories can have multiple timelines and various plots, and your characters can overwhelm you if you don't keep track of them within the confines of an outline. J.K. Rowling did it, and you can do it, too.
Suggestions for starting your outline:
1. Set your main character in her real world. Set the opening scene that will introduce your readers to her personality. Bring in side characters, describe the setting, and introduce the theme.
a. Main character
b. Side characters
c. Setting
d. Theme
e. The fantasy genre plays a part in this, either in a big way (epic) or in a small way, depending on what kind of genre you choose to write.
2. Inciting incident: Bring your character out of their comfort zone and into their new world.
a. What is the problem?
b. What is the quest?
c. What is your character's primary goal (it may be different than the quest)
3. Your character settles into this new world.
a. What is happening?
b. Who does she meet?
c. She will have trials to overcome while she works toward her goal.
i. Trial 1:
ii. Trial 2:
d. How does she change to deal with and defeat the trials?
e. She can't deal with them all yet. She needs more information and more skills to do so.
4. More obstacles:
a. What is happening?
b. What kind of antagonist is tormenting her?
i. Trial 3:
c. How does she grow to defeat this?
5. What is the turning point at which she realizes she can conquer the bad guy?
a. What is happening?
b. Are there any twists or turns in the end?
c. What will she learn about herself when she conquers the bad guy?
6. Tie up all subplots:
a. Subplot tie up:
b. Subplot tie up:
c. Subplot tie up:
7. The main character has reached her goal.
a. Outcome from reaching goal 1:
b. Outcome from reaching goal 2:
c. Outcome from reaching goal 3:
8. Ending
These are only suggestions, and this is just a basic outline for any story, not just fantasy. Not all parts of your tale will fall into all these categories, so choose what works for you and discard the rest.
Good luck! And enjoy writing your fantasy story! Remember that your imagination is everything you let it be!
Writing Competition March 2023
We are having a writing competition in March!
Entries are accepted throughout February and March.
Submission guidelines:
Word count: Up to 3,000 words
Genre: creative non-fiction, cozy mysteries, science fiction, fantasy, fables
Due date: March 26, 2023
Prize: Publication of the winning piece on this website as well as 10% off developmental editing services.
Please submit entries to: herwordshipllc.awebber@gmail.com or amyjwebber13@gmail.com
If you have any family or friends who would be interested in entering our writing competition, please forward this email to them.
Thank you!
Enjoy!
And keep on writing!
