8 Fantasy Writing Tips Every Aspiring Author Should Know
Whether you're just starting to write your first fantasy novel or you've already published a few books, the challenge remains the same: crafting a story so compelling and immersive that readers don’t want to leave your world.
Fantasy is all about transporting readers to another reality—and making it feel as real as their own.
This post is packed with fantasy writing tips to help you level up your writing game. Whether you’re stuck on worldbuilding, character development, or plotting, these actionable tips and examples will guide you toward creating a story your readers will love.
Start with a strong "what if?"
The best fantasy novels often stem from a single intriguing question. For example:
What if a magical ring held the power to destroy the world? (The Lord of the Rings)
What if a school existed to train young wizards? (Harry Potter)
What if gods walked among mortals but had their own agenda? (American Gods)
💡Tip: Write down a list of "what if" questions related to your world, characters, or magic system. Choose the one that excites you the most and build your story around it.
Build a believable fantasy world (without overwhelming readers)
Among the most valuable fantasy book writing tips is worldbuilding because your setting shapes your story as much as your characters do.But it's easy to fall into the trap of overloading readers with information.
Instead of front-loading your world’s history, reveal details naturally through your characters' actions, dialogue, and environment.
For example, instead of writing, “In the land of Eldoria, the Great War ended 300 years ago when the dragon king was defeated,” try showing it:
“The crumbling statues of dragon kings still haunted the valley, their weathered faces staring into nothingness.”
💡Tip: Focus on sensory details. What do characters hear, see, smell, or feel in this world? Sensory immersion is one of the easiest ways to make your world come alive.
Create complex, relatable characters
No matter how fascinating your world is, readers connect with stories through characters. Your heroes, villains, and everyone in between need to feel like real people with strengths, flaws, and goals.
The character trifecta: Goals, motivations, and flaws
Goal: What does your character want? (e.g., destroy an evil empire, protect their family, find redemption)
Motivation: Why do they want it? (e.g., revenge, love, survival)
Flaw: What internal conflict makes achieving their goal difficult? (e.g., fear, arrogance, a dark secret)
💡Tip: Write a paragraph for each of your main characters detailing their goal, motivation, and flaw. Bonus: Think about how these traits will evolve throughout the story.
Need help developing well-rounded characters? Grab my Fantasy Character Profile Building Template to map out your characters' backstories, goals, and arcs.
Craft a plot that keeps readers hooked
A gripping fantasy novel needs more than a cool world and memorable characters—it needs a strong plot. A good story often follows a clear structure, such as the three-act structure or the hero’s journey.
Quick breakdown of the hero's journey:
Ordinary world: Introduce your protagonist and their normal life.
Call to adventure: A challenge or event disrupts their routine.
Crossing the threshold: They leave the familiar behind and enter the unknown.
Trials and allies: They face challenges, meet friends, and encounter enemies.
Climactic battle: The stakes are at their highest.
Resolution: The hero returns changed by their journey.
✨ P.S. For even more insights into building intricate plots and magic systems, check out Brandon Sanderson’s fantasy writing lectures on YouTube:
Nail your magic system (and its rules)
Magic is the heart of many fantasy novels, but it can quickly derail your story if it lacks consistency. Whether you prefer a hard magic system (with clearly defined rules) or a soft one (more mystical and undefined), readers need to understand the stakes and limitations.
Example: In Mistborn, Brandon Sanderson’s Allomancy magic system has specific rules: characters ingest metals to gain powers, but each metal has unique properties and limitations.
💡Tip: Define the following for your magic system:
Source: Where does the magic come from?
Rules: What can and can’t magic do?
Cost: What price do characters pay for using magic?
Struggling to structure your magic system? My Magic System & Artifacts Workbook can help you create a unique, balanced system for your story.
Don't underestimate the power of maps
A well-designed map can serve as a storytelling tool, anchoring your readers in your world. Maps aren’t just for aesthetics—they can inspire your plot by showing how geography shapes your characters’ journey.
Here are some fantasy map building tools you can use that offer free tiers:
💡Tip: Use your map to create story opportunities. A treacherous mountain pass might be the perfect setting for an ambush. A sprawling desert could reflect your hero’s emotional turmoil.
Avoid common fantasy tropes (or give them a twist)
Tropes like "the chosen one" or "the wise old mentor" are staples of fantasy, but they can feel stale if used without a fresh spin. Instead of avoiding tropes altogether, challenge yourself to subvert or reimagine them.
Example: Instead of a wise, benevolent mentor, what if the mentor is selfish, unreliable, or secretly working against the protagonist?
💡Tip: List three fantasy tropes you love and brainstorm ways to flip them on their head. For example:
The chosen one: The "chosen one" refuses their destiny.
The evil overlord: The overlord genuinely believes they’re saving the world.
Engage readers with strong beginnings and endings
The opening of your story sets the tone and hooks readers, while the ending leaves a lasting impression. Spend extra time perfecting these. They’re one of the most impactful fantasy writing tips for keeping readers hooked until the very last page.
Tips for a strong beginning:
Start in the middle of the action (in medias res).
Introduce your protagonist in a way that makes readers care about them immediately.
Establish your world’s unique tone or feature (e.g., magic, culture, conflict).
Tips for a strong ending:
Resolve major conflicts (or set up a sequel).
Show how the characters have changed.
End with an emotional punch.
💡Tip: Rewrite your first and last chapters after finishing your draft. They’ll likely need tweaking once you know how your story unfolds.
Keep your readers turning pages
At its core, fantasy is about wonder and escapism.
Whether you’re diving into epic battles, quiet character moments, or intricate worldbuilding, the key is to keep readers immersed. Use these fantasy writing tips as a guide, but remember—your voice and imagination are what truly bring your story to life.
Want to take your writing even further? Explore my Fantasy Worldbuilding Workbook for step-by-step guidance on crafting unforgettable worlds, characters, and stories ⬇️.
Happy writing! ✨
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How do I balance description and action in my fantasy novel?
To keep readers engaged, weave descriptions into the action instead of pausing the story for long info dumps. For example, describe a character's tattered cloak as they sprint through the forest, or reveal the towering spires of a magical city as they approach it in awe.
Should I include multiple points of view in my fantasy story?
Multiple POVs can add depth and complexity to your story, but only use them if each perspective offers a unique voice and advances the plot. Ensure every POV character has their own distinct goals, motivations, and arcs to avoid confusing your readers.
How much research is needed when writing fantasy?
Even in a made-up world, research helps ground your story in reality. Look into things like medieval technology, weaponry, or cultural traditions to make your world more believable. Drawing from real-world influences can also inspire fresh ideas for your setting, magic, or societal structures.
