10 Fantasy Writing Motivation Hacks to Finish Your Novel

We’ve all been there. One day, you’re deep in your fantasy world, crafting characters with tragic backstories and conjuring up epic battles… and then—BAM!—nothing.

The words stop flowing, your brain feels like an empty tavern, and your fantasy writing motivation has apparently packed its bags and skipped town.

Whether you’re a seasoned author or just starting out, a writing slump can feel like getting lost in an enchanted forest with no map.

But don’t panic—I’ve got a few tricks to help you break the curse and get your creative energy back.

1. Read well-rated fantasy books (or re-read an old favorite)

Sometimes the best way to get excited about writing again is to lose yourself in someone else’s fantasy world. Reading a great book can remind you why you fell in love with storytelling—and rekindle your fantasy writing motivation in the process.

If starting a new book or series feels overwhelming, go back to an old favorite—the book that first made you want to write fantasy. Rereading a beloved story can reignite that creative spark and give you fresh inspiration for your own world-building.

💡 Tip: Set aside 30 minutes to an hour a few times a week to read just for fun. No overanalyzing, no pressure—just let yourself get lost in a good story.

2. Set a writing schedule (and actually stick to it)

I know, I know—schedules aren’t exactly the sexiest topic. But if you're struggling with fantasy writing motivation, structure can be a lifesaver.

Pick a time each day (or a few times a week) when you sit down and just write. No scrolling, no overthinking, no “I’ll do it later.” Treat it like an appointment you can’t cancel.

💡 Tip: Start small. Even 20 minutes a day is enough to build momentum. Once you get into a routine, it'll feel less like a chore and more like second nature. This is what I did to get out of my writing slump, and I’ve now ramped up to 45 minutes a day, with longer bouts of writing on weekends.

3. Watch writing videos from pros

Sometimes, the best way to shake off a slump is to get advice from someone who's been there before. There are tons of amazing fantasy authors and writing coaches who share their insights on YouTube—covering everything from world-building to character arcs.

Hearing an expert break down story structure or brainstorming techniques can make writing feel fresh and exciting again.

📺 Jed Herne’s videos have worked for me, but there are tons of other pros out there with amazing (free) content on YouTube.

💡 Tip: Next time you’re feeling stuck, search for “fantasy writing tips” on YouTube and watch a few videos. Sometimes, hearing someone talk about writing is enough to get you excited about your own story again.

4. Use fantasy writing resources

Sometimes, a little structure is all you need to get unstuck. Fantasy writing resources—like prompts, worldbuilding templates, and magic system workbooks—can give you a fresh way to approach your story when you’re feeling lost.

If you’re staring at your screen, unsure where to go next, grab a workbook or a set of character development questions to jog your creativity.

🌟 Need a place to start? Check out my Complete Fantasy Writers’ Bundle (below)—packed with templates, prompts, and guides to keep you inspired and organized.

5. Skip ahead and write a scene you’re excited about

Who says you have to write in order? If you’re feeling stuck, jump ahead to a scene that excites you. Maybe it’s your protagonist’s big battle, a heartbreaking betrayal, a spicy scene 🌶️, or a snarky conversation between two rivals.

Writing something fun will reignite your fantasy writing motivation way faster than forcing yourself to slog through a scene that just isn’t working.

💡If your plot feels sluggish and you’re unsure about the order of your scenes, you can check out this post that teaches you how to use a beat sheet to structure your novel from A-Z.

6. Try writing sprints on YouTube

If motivation is your biggest struggle, writing sprints are a game changer. They’re short, timed writing sessions (usually 20-30 minutes) where you focus only on writing—no editing, no distractions.

The best part? There are tons of free writing sprint videos on YouTube to help you stay on track.

This fantasy-themed writing sprint is one of my all-time faves:

💡 Tip: Challenge yourself! Try to beat your previous word count with each sprint. You’ll be surprised how much you can write in just 25 minutes.

7. Set the mood

Sometimes, the right atmosphere makes all the difference. If your writing space feels boring, uninspiring, or just too normal, it’s time to set the scene.

Here’s how to create the ultimate fantasy writing vibe:

• Light a candle or use dim lighting for ambiance

• Play a fireplace or medieval tavern soundscape on YouTube

• Put on a fantasy playlist

• Make a cozy drink—tea, coffee, or hot cocoa

• Surround yourself with books or fantasy artwork for inspiration

🎧 Here's a Fantasy Writing Playlist I put together in case you’re interested. There’s a link to Spotify in there, too.

8. Create a mood board or playlist for your story

Sometimes, writing motivation doesn’t come from words—it comes from vibes.

Build a Pinterest mood board filled with landscapes, character aesthetics, and fantasy creatures that fit your story. Or, create a playlist with songs that capture the tone of your world.

Immersing yourself in your setting visually or musically can pull you right back into the heart of your story.

💡 Tip: Set aside 30 minutes to craft your playlist or mood board before a writing session. Use it as a way to ease into your world and feel your story before writing.

9. Get an accountability partner

Let’s be real—sometimes, we’re our own worst enemy when it comes to staying on track. That’s where an accountability partner comes in.

Find a fellow writer (or even a supportive friend, which is what I prefer) who will check in on your progress and push you to reach your writing goals. Whether it's a daily word count, finishing a chapter, or just showing up to write, having someone to report to makes it way harder to procrastinate.

How it works:

• Set a clear, achievable writing goal (e.g., “Write 500 words a day” or “Finish Chapter 10 by Sunday”).

• Find a writing buddy (or friend) who will hold you accountable.

• Check in daily or weekly—through texts, calls, or even a shared spreadsheet.

• Offer mutual support—celebrate wins, troubleshoot roadblocks, and keep each other motivated.

💡 Tip: If you don’t know any writers personally, join an online community (like Reddit’s r/fantasywriters, Discord writing servers, etc.) and find a partner there!

10. Put your phone out of reach

We all know the struggle—you sit down to write, and suddenly, you’re just checking one notification… which turns into 30 minutes of scrolling. Next thing you know, you’re watching a video about medieval bread-making instead of actually writing your fantasy novel.

If your phone is constantly pulling you away, remove the temptation:

• Put it on a high shelf—somewhere annoying to reach.

• Give it to a friend, partner, or roommate for an hour.

• Use apps like Forest or Freedom to block distractions.

• Turn on Do Not Disturb—so notifications don’t break your focus.

The goal? Make writing the easiest option. If picking up your phone requires effort, you’re way more likely to stay in the flow.

💡 Tip: Set a timer for 30-60 minutes and commit to zero phone-checking until it’s up. You’ll be amazed how much you can get done without the constant pings!

Final takeaways: How to keep the momentum going

Losing your fantasy writing motivation isn’t a forever curse. It’s just a temporary spell that can be broken with the right strategy.

✔️ Read fantasy books to get inspired
✔️ Stick to a consistent writing schedule
✔️ Watch writing videos from pros for expert advice
✔️ Use writing tools and resources when you’re feeling lost
✔️ Skip ahead to scenes you want to write
✔️ Try writing sprints to boost productivity
✔️ Set the mood with ambiance, music, and lighting
✔️ Get an accountability partner
✔️ Put your phone away to avoid distractions

And most importantly—keep going. Your story is worth telling.

🔥 Need help staying on track? Grab the Complete Fantasy Writers’ Bundle for prompts, templates, and tools to guide you from first draft to final masterpiece.

Happy writing!

---

Frequently asked questions about fantasy writing motivation (FAQ)

How do I stay motivated to write a long fantasy novel?
Stop stressing about the whole book and take it one scene at a time. Think of it like leveling up in a game—you don’t fight the final boss first. Set small, doable goals (like 500 words a day or finishing one chapter a week), and celebrate every win, no matter how small.

What should I do if I lose interest in my fantasy story?
Take a step back and ask yourself: What made me excited about this story in the first place? If it’s feeling stale, shake things up! Add an unexpected plot twist, introduce a chaotic side character, or even write a wild "what if" scene just for fun. Sometimes, you just need to stir the pot to bring back the magic.

How do I make writing feel fun again?
Make it an experience. Change your writing spot, light a candle, put on an epic fantasy playlist—basically, set the mood like you’re about to write the next great saga. Or, try a writing challenge—word sprints, fanfic-style scenes, or even switching POVs just for fun. The less pressure you put on it, the more enjoyable it becomes.