Master the Art of Writing Fantasy with These 5 Tips
Table of Contents:
- Introduction
- The Fear of Failure
- Five Amateur Writing Mistakes to Avoid
3.1 Main Characters Without a Concrete Emotional Want
3.2 Lack of Perspectives in Your World
3.3 Don't Settle on Your First Ideas
3.4 Don't Info Dump
3.5 Keep Raising the Stakes
- The Role of World Building in Fantasy Writing
- Character Building in Fantasy Writing
- Magic Systems in Fantasy Writing
- The Power of Word Choice
- Introducing Story Sorcery: A Fantasy Writing Course
- Conclusion
Five Amateur Writing Mistakes to Avoid
Are you a passionate nerd of storytelling techniques? Do you have magical fantasy ideas that you're ready to unleash and finally write that book? If you're struggling to start, it's likely due to a fear of failure. But fear not, as I am here to help you avoid some common pitfalls that most newbies fall prey to. By dodging these amateur writing mistakes, you'll gain a boost of confidence as you get your work out there.
1. Main Characters Without a Concrete Emotional Want
Creating engaging characters is essential in fantasy writing. However, it's all too easy to make them mere chess pieces that propel the plot forward. To avoid this, your main characters must have concrete emotional desires. These desires should be basic, human motivations, such as wealth, love, or meaning. The purpose of the emotional want is to make it tangible and trackable for both the characters and the audience. By giving your characters concrete goals, you'll create tension and a sense of progress as they move closer or further away from achieving their desires.
2. Lack of Perspectives in Your World
When building your fantasy world, you probably started with a fascinating "what if" scenario to set it apart from our own reality. But beyond the initial concept, you need to consider how this world affects the whole population. Think about the types of people who would thrive or struggle in this world and how they would react to its unique elements. Consider the best ways to navigate the setting, the comedic aspects, and the potential for dramatic shifts. By incorporating diverse perspectives, your world will become richer and more authentic.
3. Don't Settle on Your First Ideas
As you embark on the journey of world-building, you'll come up with numerous unique ideas. While it's tempting to settle on the first impulse, challenge yourself to develop your own personal perspective. Add your twist to give the audience something they've never seen before. Don't be afraid to push the boundaries and think outside the box. By doing so, you'll create a fantasy world that is fresh, original, and captivating.
4. Don't Info Dump
Once you've created a detailed and intricate world, it's natural to want to share every little detail with your audience. However, be cautious of info-dumping. It's important to remember that the audience only needs to know enough detail to understand the specific conflict happening at the moment. Bombarding them with unnecessary information will only overwhelm and distract them from the main storyline. Strike a balance by providing enough background information to grasp the imminent conflict, but refrain from overwhelming them with excessive details.
5. Keep Raising the Stakes
An exciting incident early on in the story serves as the call to adventure for your main character. However, it's crucial not to forget that once the stakes are raised, you must continue to escalate the tension throughout the story. The problem the character faces should either be worse or more personal than they initially thought. By constantly raising the stakes, you keep the audience engaged and emotionally invested in the outcome. Without continual escalation, the story loses its grip and fails to captivate the readers.
This is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to fantasy writing. World-building, character development, magic systems, and word choice also play significant roles in creating a compelling fantasy story. If you're truly passionate about improving your fantasy writing skills, consider joining our Story Sorcery writing course. It offers a comprehensive journey through the entire process of crafting a fantasy story, from foundational principles to scene-based methods. Our four-week interactive course is designed to empower you to create fantastical worlds that will leave your audience spellbound.
Don't let your story ideas remain trapped in your head. Embark on the adventure of writing fantasy and join our Story Sorcery course today. Simply click the link below to begin your registration and unleash your imagination. I can't wait to read the mesmerizing fantasy journeys you have in store. See you there!
Highlights:
- Five amateur writing mistakes to avoid in fantasy writing
- Importance of giving main characters concrete emotional goals
- Incorporating diverse perspectives in fantasy world-building
- Challenge yourself and don't settle for your first ideas
- Information dumping pitfalls and the importance of balanced storytelling
- Continuously raising the stakes to maintain audience engagement
- The role of world-building, character development, magic systems, and word choice in fantasy writing
- Introduction to Story Sorcery: A comprehensive writing course for fantasy enthusiasts
FAQ:
Q: How can I avoid amateur writing mistakes in fantasy writing?
A: Be mindful of giving your main characters concrete emotional goals, incorporating diverse perspectives, challenging your ideas, and avoiding excessive information dumping. Continuously raise the stakes to maintain reader engagement.
Q: What is the role of world-building in fantasy writing?
A: World-building creates the foundation for your fantasy story. It involves creating a unique and detailed setting that affects the characters and plot in significant ways.
Q: Why is character development important in fantasy writing?
A: Engaging and well-developed characters are essential in drawing readers into the story. They drive the plot forward and make the fantasy world relatable and immersive.
Q: What is the significance of magic systems in fantasy writing?
A: Magic systems add depth and intrigue to the fantasy world. They help create rules and limitations for magical abilities, ensuring consistency and believability in the story.
Q: How does word choice impact fantasy writing?
A: Carefully chosen words can enhance the atmosphere, evoke emotions, and bring the fantasy world to life. Word choice plays a pivotal role in creating a vivid and immersive reading experience.
Q: What does the Story Sorcery writing course offer?
A: Story Sorcery is a four-week interactive writing course that guides you through the entire process of creating a fantasy story. It covers foundational principles, scene-based methods, and provides resources and exercises to help you develop your fantasy writing skills.