How to write fantasy series: Do’s and don’ts

If you are an aspiring writer then fantasy is no new game for you. Of course, everyone would have heard about The Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, A Song of Ice and Fire, and all the other great fantasy novels that have been ruling the world of the Fantasy genre for decades now. But this world is not easy to create nor is it easy to just go with the flow.

The act of intense world-building is the backbone of any good story. In case of fantasy, the writer has the ability to transport the reader to any given point of time be it our universe or a new universe of their own, which in turn becomes reality to the reader.

It is no small feat and here are the Do’s and Don’ts while writing a fantasy Series.

DON’T JUST READ. RE-READ & DEVOUR

Before you even considering to write something. Read. Your knowledge is only as much as you know. So, read across genres. Soak in everything and anything you can. Reach out to the classics of the fantasy genre, and jot down notes about everything that catches your eye, be it characters, creatures , a timeline, or world-building. Observation is the key.

DO EXPLORE YOUR CHARACTERS

Character development is crucial to keeping the reader invested in the story. With strong character traits, the story is not just yours anymore but rather the character’s anecdote.

Make sure your characters are not flat-out nor very complex that you end up getting confused. Map out their physical traits, who and what they are, any special abilities they might possess, and their own values and beliefs with as many words as possible. It is important for the writer to paint a vivid picture of each character and how they would react in any given situation.

DON’T GO FOR A CLICHÉ SETTING

This is the genre where you can explore, try and include as much as you can. So, why settle for less? Avoid the cliché tropes at all costs. Take your time and explore your characters and the world deeply. Then play with them accordingly. Embrace diversity. It is your world, your rule. But your writing should be convincing for the readers to even believe such an insane world does exist. Maybe a world like Themyscira a World away from the Man’s World.

DO TRY REFRESHING PERSPECTIVES

The narration of the story has a huge impact on whether the reader finds the story interesting or not. So, first, you have to be very clear about whose point of view the story is going to be. Consider taking a fresh perspective that would hold the mystery till the right time. Or you could also have multiple perspectives depending on how your story unfolds.

DON’T RESTRICT YOURSELF

Develop the world as you get to know the characters. Don’t be rigid from the start while building your world. Your universe could be as big as you wish to be but don’t get lost in the process and lose your story. Take it slow, set out the rules, let the readers discover everything through the protagonist’s journey and explore the world along with them.

DO GIVE MEANINGFUL CHARACTER NAMES AND PLACES

Do a little research on different words from different languages. Pick something that is easy to pronounce and at the same time, is befitting of your characters. You can also differentiate different communities by their language, name, and titles. Coming up with the right name could even render the writer paralyzed. Challenge yourselves.

Last but not the least, never forget to strike the balance between world-building and character development. Enjoy the creative process and try to surprise yourself while discovering the new world along with your characters. Have an authentic voice to bring the world alive and let the tale do its magic.

BE BOLD, NEVER HOLD BACK, AND OWN IT

HAPPY WRITING!!

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