How to Write Fantasy by Rebecca Seaton

 

How to Write Fantasy by Rebecca Seaton

 

Who

Your main character will take your reader through the world you’ve built. He or she will drive the quest. They usually have strong powers but also significant weaknesses and have to learn to deal with both. Fortunately, they are likely to be ably supported by a close friend or friends, a love interest and a wise mentor. Unfortunately, they will also be plagued by enemies, often under the direction or their nemesis. Some characters can be fluid, like the jealous friend who betrays the hero.

                                                                  

                                                              It's all about my main character!

What

There has to be a quest! Often it is to find, destroy or use a magical artefact. Be careful! It is easy to get caught up in the back story of your mysterious relic(s) and lose control of plot and direction of characters. I think this is holding me back in my WIP, where I’ve got bogged down in detail and multiple artefacts. The quest is only interesting if it means something to your character (s).

Why

Just as your family and friends know what you’re passionate about, we must know what matters to our protagonist and antagonist. Why do they need to reach the new world/find the relic/destroy the ring? It must make a difference to them and the world around them or they have no reason to suffer what you’re going to put them through…

How

A fantasy writer loves to inflict trouble on their MC! Essentially, most quests revolve around a need in the world (attacked by an internal/external enemy, evil unleashed etc) which can only be solved in a specific way. The hero(ine) is called to this purpose but rejects it (it seems terrifying and they seem ill-prepared) until circumstances force them to prioritise the need. They are then supported in reaching their goal by their mentor and allies, suffering losses on the way until a ‘crunch-time’ battle where they are forced to make the ultimate sacrifice. This could be being prepared to actually die or to give up something valuable to them. The sacrifice proves the release for what they need to defeat the enemy and win the day. Of course it is much more interesting than that. Your quest, world building and characters will shape each other, threads running together in the tapestry of your novel. As a Christian, I find it interesting how themes of sacrifice and serving a greater good are essential elements of fantasy. My own work also includes a focus on redemption which I never initially intended but now naturally lean into. I’m endlessly fascinated by the ways people can realise their mistakes and be brought back.

 

                                                       Use nature to inspire new worlds.

I hope you enjoy writing fantasy and maybe reflecting, through it, on your own journey.

 

 

 

Rebecca writes fantasy novels, magazine articles and the occasional play. She had her first novel, A Silent Song, published through Pen to Print’s Book Challenge competition and is currently working on the second book of a new trilogy.