If you are thinking of writing your own fantasy novel, it is important that you have a set strategy. The fantasy genre is one of the most enjoyable genres that you could write; however, it could be a bit tricky if you are just starting out. Remember that there are already a lot of fantasy novels out there, and if you want your own fantasy novel to do well, you should have a set plan. Here are some great tips for writing a fantasy novel as a beginner.
1. Create a great cast of characters
A key aspect of writing a great fantasy novel is your cast of characters. Remember that your readers will see your story through your character’s eyes. When it comes to creating a great cast of characters, it is important that you take your time. Don’t just write your fantasy characters for the sake of writing them.
The main character and antagonist of your story are the two most important characters to write. The main character should be both unique and likeable. He or she must capture your reader’s imagination. When writing your antagonist, it is important that he or she is not too one-dimensional. Your villain must be complex and not entirely evil. You could even give your antagonist some charismatic traits to make him or her more likeable.
2. World building is key
When it comes to creating a great fantasy novel, it is important that you create a world that your cast of characters will inhabit. No matter how fascinating your cast of characters are, they still won’t make an impact if the world they inhabit is bland and boring.
Take the time to create a fantasy world that your readers will want to visit. Describe the flora and fauna. Draw a map and create villages, cities, and entire countries. When you go about building your world, it is important that you enjoy yourself and don’t rush it. Great writers such as J.R. Tolkien and J.K. Rowling did not rush the process. They took years to make their respective worlds, and the intricacy and beauty of these worlds are a testament to their hard work.
3. Establish cultures and histories in your story
Aside from building a world for your fantasy novel, you should also establish cultures and histories. If you take a look at great high fantasy book series such as The Lord of the Rings, the author J.R.R. Tolkien came up with entire cultures and thousands of years of history. This is one of the most intriguing things about fantasy novels, and many readers often get immersed in the story because of these elements.
4. Why not make up a language for your story?
If you are patient enough and have a bit of linguistic skill, you could also create a language for your fantasy story. This is a great way to get your readers more immersed in your story. Take note, however, that many other fantasy novels use made-up language as well. So you should try to make your fantasy language as unique and detailed as possible.
5. Think long term
When it comes to writing a fantasy novel, you should really think of writing a book series. It takes a great deal of time to establish a fantasy story because there are so many elements that you have to take into account. You need to establish characters, cultures, and entire histories in your book. This requires a lot of writing, and one book may not be able to contain your entire story. By writing a fantasy novel series, you’ll have more chances to expand your story.
6. Don’t use clichés
If you want your story to stand out from other fantasy novels, you should not rely on clichés. These are concepts that have been used so many times that readers have lost interest in them. If you are going to come up with a concept for your fantasy novel, you should brainstorm ideas and take your time. Try to come up with a fantasy concept that has never been used before. This may take time and a whole lot of brainstorming. However, if you could come up with a truly original fantasy novel idea, it would all be worth it.
7. Have fun
While writing a fantasy novel should be taken seriously, this does not mean that you should forget to have fun. Remember that the fantasy genre is one of the most enjoyable to write because it allows you to use your imagination freely and there are few restrictions on what you can write. So have fun with the whole process, and don’t put too much pressure on yourself.
Conclusion
When it comes to writing your own fantasy novel, it is important that you know what you are doing. Remember that there are already a lot of fantasy novels out there. With these tips, you’ll be able to write a noteworthy fantasy novel of your very own.