Writing a fantasy book can be an enjoyable and rewarding activity. However, it will also require a significant amount of time and hard work to perfect. It is not an activity that can be completed overnight. Furthermore, a fantasy writing project should not be started until the writer has considered several factors. Preparing beforehand will ensure that the project goes as smoothly as possible. It will also allow the writer to develop a good piece of work, hopefully of professional quality.
Get Inspiration
Often the hardest part about writing is getting the initial spark of inspiration. Luckily there are many fantasy books worth reading in order to boost creativity. Many of the best authors of the genre have looked at novels from the past for this reason. Reading books on the creative writing process might also be a useful thing to do. Some writers like to carry notepads with them so they can jot down any ideas that come to them. Going through past notebooks may help to inspire them in the future.
Develop a Unique Voice
One of the worst things a writer can do is create a derivative or overly generic piece of work. In order to establish themselves, they need to offer something unique and new. This can include the way they tell a story or the story itself. Experimenting with the format will allow writers to develop a new and distinctive voice. For instance, Ransom Riggs mixes prose with images.
Learn Good Time Management
Writing an entire book can be very time-consuming. Authors will have to create a schedule and stick to it if they want to meet a deadline. Ideally, they should write at least a small amount each day. For example, the historian Erik Larson writes a single page a day and then stops so that he does not overwork. Other authors, such as Stephen King prefer to write in binge sessions.
Establish a Clear Setting
Creating a fantasy world gives writers a high degree of creative freedom. They are limited only by their imagination. It is important to make the world of the story interesting so that readers get sucked into it. The writer George R.R. Martin likes to create maps for his stories to take place in. This helps him set the geography clearly.
Understand the Characters
The readers will have to follow the characters as they go on their journey. A good character will seem like a real person with complex emotions and motivations. Even more importantly, they will be engaging enough for readers to want to know what happens to them. The characterisation is a crucial part of creative writing.
Keep a Sense Of Pace
One issue with long prose is that it can quickly become boring. Pacing out the story well will prevent this from happening. Once the setting has been established a sense of conflict and threat needs to appear in the story. Mystery is also a useful tool for keeping the pages flowing.
Follow Fictional World Rules
The best fantasy writers will create consistent worlds. They will establish rules and stick to them. For instance, in Game Of Thrones magic spells can be performed using fire. Whereas in Harry Potter, the characters use wands instead. Sticking to set rules will make the fantasy world seem more believable.