Fantasy Writing Advice for New Writers—11 Essential Tips
If you’re here, it’s because you want to start writing fantasy. And what an EPIC decision that is.
But there’s a lot to figure out and lots of mistakes to make (and learn from) along the way.
Fantasy writing advice usually starts with the basics: write consistently, read a lot, and don’t make your magic system so complicated that even you can’t explain it. Solid tips for sure—but there’s a lot more to it than that.
There’s worldbuilding, plotting, character depth, tension, emotional resonance, conflict, dialogue—and oh yeah, actually finishing the thing.
But don’t you worry. I’ve distilled all of that fantasy writing advice into this post so you can walk away with actionable tips you can start using right away.
Whether you're on your first draft or your fifteenth, this guide will help you write a novel (or short story) you won’t cringe at later.
• Read fantasy through a writers' lens to study worldbuilding, pacing, and character arcs.
• Start with a short story to test ideas and build confidence.
• Watch lectures from fantasy writers (like Brandon Sanderson) for expert advice.
• Write consistently—set goals and stick to a schedule.
• Worldbuild with purpose, not just for the sake of lore.
• Keep your story consistent—track rules and timelines.
• Focus on emotional stakes and character vulnerability.
• Include internal, external, and interpersonal conflict.
• Write dialogue that sounds natural and fits the character.
• Give characters flaws and real motivations.
• Know your genre’s word count expectations.
1. Read fantasy like your life depends on it
If you want to write fantasy, you need to read fantasy—a lot of it. The best way to understand what works (and what doesn’t) is to study the masters. Pay attention to pacing, worldbuilding, character arcs, and how authors weave magic into their stories. Some books to analyze:
Brandon Sanderson’s Mistborn series (for its intricate magic system and character depth)
Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings (for worldbuilding and lore)
Samantha Shannon’s The Priory of the Orange Tree (for epic fantasy with intricate politics, dragons, and complicated characters)
N.K. Jemisin’s The Broken Earth trilogy (for an immersive storytelling structure and unique magic system)
Sarah J. Maas’ Throne of Glass series (for a character-driven epic fantasy with political intrigue and hidden magic)
Pro tip: Don't just read passively—take notes. What made a particular scene emotional? How did an author reveal world details without an info dump? What’s making you turn the pages?
2. Learn from the best
If you haven’t already watched Brandon Sanderson’s lectures on writing, stop what you're doing and add them to your must-watch list. Sanderson’s insights on plot structure, worldbuilding, and the infamous laws of magic are absolute gold for any fantasy writer.
Here’s a quick takeaway from his laws of magic:
First Law: The reader’s understanding of magic determines how well it can solve problems in the story. If your characters use magic to resolve conflicts, your audience needs to understand how it works. Otherwise, it feels like a deus ex machina. This is where hard vs. soft magic systems come in:
Hard magic systems have clear rules and limitations, allowing readers to predict how magic is used.
Soft magic systems are mysterious and undefined (e.g., Gandalf in Lord of the Rings), meaning they create awe rather than solving problems directly.
Hybrid systems blend both approaches, offering some structure while maintaining an element of mystery.
Second Law: Limitations matter more than power. What your magic can't do is often more interesting than what it can. Strong limitations create tension, force characters to be resourceful, and keep the magic from feeling overpowered.
Third Law: Expand on what you have before adding something new. Instead of constantly introducing new magical abilities, explore the full implications of the magic system you’ve already created.
No matter what kind of magic system you create, it should serve a purpose and remain consistent throughout the novel. Readers will accept almost any rules—as long as you stick to them.
3. Start small: write a short story first
Before you dive into a 150,000-word epic, test the waters with a short story. This lets you experiment with voice, worldbuilding, and character development without the overwhelming pressure of finishing a full novel.
A well-crafted short story can later serve as a prologue, a character’s backstory, or a foundation for a larger series.
4. Write consistently and set a schedule
One of the biggest challenges for fantasy writers—especially those balancing writing with work, family, or other commitments—is writing consistently. Inspiration is great, but discipline is what finishes books. If you wait for the perfect moment or a wave of creativity, you’ll be waiting forever.
Here’s how to build a solid writing habit:
Set a word count goal – Whether it’s 200 words or 2,000, having a target keeps you moving forward.
Write at the same time every day – Your brain thrives on routine. Even 30 minutes at the same time each day builds momentum.
Use a writing tracker – Mark your progress in a spreadsheet or app like Notion or Scrivener. Seeing your daily progress is motivating. (P.S. my Notion worldbuilding template has one built in).
Set realistic deadlines – “Write a novel” is overwhelming, but “Write 10,000 words this month” is doable.
Give yourself permission to write badly – The first draft doesn’t have to be perfect. You can’t edit a blank page.
Building a schedule isn’t just about writing more—it’s about training your brain to show up when it’s time to work. The more you write, the easier it becomes.
5. Plan your worldbuilding and magic system (but don’t let it control you)
Worldbuilding is the backbone of fantasy, but it can also become a black hole of procrastination. While it’s fun to sketch maps and develop 500 years of lore, none of it matters if you don’t have a story that engages readers.
To make worldbuilding easier, I created an All-in-One Notion Worldbuilding Template that helps fantasy writers organize their worlds without getting lost in unnecessary details.
Some worldbuilding essentials:
Geography & culture: How do landscapes shape civilizations?
Magic & technology: What are the rules and limits?
History & politics: What past events shaped the current world?
Language & traditions: How do people communicate? What do they believe?
And so much more.
6. Make sure your story stays consistent
Nothing frustrates readers more than plot holes and inconsistencies. If you establish that your hero can only cast three spells a day, don’t suddenly let them fire off twenty in the climax. Keep a story bible to track rules, timelines, and character arcs.
If you’re struggling with plotting, seek out fantasy writing advice from experienced authors or fantasy editors (plenty on YouTube), and learn structured plotting methods like the infamous Save the Cat Beat Sheet.
7. Focus on emotional resonance
Fantasy is full of epic battles, ancient prophecies, and magical artifacts—but the real reason readers fall in love with a story is the emotional connection they feel with the characters.
How do you make sure your fantasy novel hits readers in the heart?
Show vulnerability – A fearless hero is boring. A hero who’s terrified but fights anyway? That’s compelling.
Use deep POV (Point of View) – Instead of saying, She was nervous, her clenching her fists or biting her lip.
Make emotions drive decisions – A character should react based on their fears, desires, and past experiences—not just because the plot says so.
Let relationships evolve naturally – Whether it’s friendship, romance, or rivalry, don’t force it. Let characters clash, bond, and change over time.
Example:
Instead of: She felt devastated when her mentor died.
Try: Her knees buckled, and she clutched the bloodstained cloak against her chest. She whispered his name, but no answer came. The world had never felt so quiet.
Emotion makes a story stick. Readers won’t just remember what happened—they’ll remember how it made them feel.
8. Build compelling conflict
Conflict is the heart of every story. Without it, your characters are just wandering through a pretty setting. Conflict drives tension, stakes, and character growth—and it doesn’t always have to be a sword fight.
There are different types of conflict to explore:
External conflict – A looming war, a rival kingdom, a ticking clock.
Internal conflict – Doubt, fear, guilt, or a moral dilemma that eats away at the protagonist.
Interpersonal conflict – Friends, lovers, or allies with clashing goals or philosophies.
The best fantasy writing advice when it comes to conflict? Make it personal. The stakes should matter deeply to your protagonist—not just because the world is at risk, but because something specific to them is on the line.
9. Make your dialogue believable
Fantasy dialogue is tricky. You want it to sound immersive and fitting for your world—but you also don’t want it to be stiff, overcomplicated, or Shakespearean (unless that’s intentional).
Tips for writing strong dialogue:
Give each character a distinct voice – A rogue, a noble, and a scholar shouldn’t sound the same.
Keep it snappy – Long-winded speeches slow the pacing. Cut unnecessary words.
Use subtext – What’s left unsaid is just as important as what’s spoken.
Read it aloud – If it sounds awkward when spoken, rewrite it.
When it comes to crafting believable dialogue, one of the best pieces of fantasy writing advice is to let your characters’ personalities and backgrounds shape how they speak. A battle-hardened mercenary isn’t going to talk like an aristocratic court mage.
Keep their dialogue true to who they are.
10. Give your characters depth
Readers don’t just fall in love with stories—they fall in love with characters. If your protagonist is flat or predictable, no amount of worldbuilding or epic battles will save the story.
The most compelling characters feel real, with strengths, weaknesses, personal stakes, and emotions that drive their actions.
Think about the characters that have stuck with you long after reading. Were they perfect heroes who always made the right choices? Probably not.
Flaws and internal struggles make characters more relatable and engaging. A noble warrior is fine—but a noble warrior who’s secretly terrified of failure? That’s compelling.
Ways to add depth to your characters:
Give them a clear motivation – What does your character want more than anything? Survival? Revenge? Redemption? Love?
Give them flaws – No one likes a perfect hero. Even the bravest knight should have doubts, weaknesses, or blind spots.
Show internal conflict – Maybe your hero’s duty clashes with their personal desires. Maybe they have a dark past they can’t outrun.
Make them grow – Static characters are boring. How does your character change throughout the story? What lessons do they learn?
Develop unique relationships – Friendships, rivalries, and romances help reveal different sides of your characters.
Example of a flat character vs. a complex one:
Flat: The warrior is strong and fearless. She’s the best fighter in her clan, never hesitates in battle, and always knows what to do.
Complex: The warrior is a skilled fighter, but every battle leaves her questioning if she’s becoming the very thing she once feared. She fights because she has to, not because she loves it. She hides the toll the violence takes on her by putting on a fearless front, but when she’s alone, the weight of her actions keeps her up at night. She struggles with balancing duty and her own fading sense of self.
See the difference? The second version gives us layers—a character who struggles with expectations and wrestles with inner conflict.
11. Think about the length of your fantasy novel
Fantasy books tend to be longer than other genres, but the ideal length depends on the audience.
Young Adult (YA) Fantasy: 70,000 - 100,000 words
Shorter, fast-paced, and often character-driven.
Adult Fantasy (Standalone): 100,000 - 150,000 words
More complex worldbuilding and themes.
Epic Fantasy (Series): 150,000 - 300,000+ words
Expansive worldbuilding, multiple POVs, and intricate plots.
Should you worry about length?
If you’re just starting, don’t stress too much about word count—focus on telling a great story. But if you’re planning to publish traditionally, knowing industry expectations can help.
Key takeaways
Fantasy writing is part art, part craft, and sometimes just wrestling with your own self-doubt. But if you stick with it, stay disciplined, and use smart fantasy writing advice like this (if I do say so myself), you’ll be well on your way to writing a novel you’re actually proud of.
Read widely – Learn from the best and analyze what makes great fantasy work. Study how authors handle worldbuilding, pacing, and character depth.
Plan, but don’t overplan – Worldbuilding and plotting are important, but don’t let them stop you from actually writing your story.
Write consistently – Set a schedule and stick to it. Even a little progress each day builds momentum.
Make your characters deep and flawed – Readers connect with multidimensional characters who have both strengths and internal struggles.
Conflict drives the story – Every scene should have tension, whether it’s external (war, rivalries) or internal (doubt, guilt).
Show, don’t tell – Use deep POV and vivid details to immerse your readers in the world and emotions of your characters.
Dialogue should be natural – Each character should have a distinct voice that reflects their background, personality, and role in the world.
Want the most in-depth fantasy writing resource that’ll help you stay on track?
Frequently asked questions about fantasy writing advice
How do I avoid clichés in fantasy writing?
Clichés aren’t always bad—but relying on them without adding a fresh spin can make your story feel predictable. Ask yourself: What if? What if the chosen one failed? What if the evil overlord was actually trying to save the world? Take classic tropes and twist them to make them your own.
Should I write my fantasy novel as a standalone or a series?
That depends on your story scope. If your world and characters can stand on their own without needing a sequel, a standalone might be the way to go. But if your plot has multiple arcs, evolving conflicts, and a vast world, a series might be a better fit. Either way, every book should feel complete on its own, even if it's part of a bigger story.
How do I write compelling villains in fantasy?
A mustache-twirling villain who’s evil just for the sake of it? Snooze. The best villains believe they’re the hero of their own story. Give them depth, motivation, and personal stakes. Maybe they’re trying to save someone they love. Maybe they’ve been burned before and truly think their way is the only way. Make your villain someone readers can understand—even if they don’t agree with them.