How to Write a Fantasy Novel for Beginners
Writing a fantasy novel can be both thrilling and, let’s be honest, overwhelming. With so many possibilities, where do you even begin? Don’t worry; you’re not alone.
This guide on how to write a fantasy novel for beginners will help you navigate the magical process of crafting your first fantasy story, step by step.
Whether you’re new to writing or just dipping your toes into the fantasy genre, this guide is tailored for beginners. We’ll cover actionable tips and relatable examples to guide you.
Ready to bring your world to life? Let’s dive in!
How to write a fantasy novel for beginners
Start with a core idea that excites you
At the heart of every fantasy novel is an idea that sparks excitement—a “what if” question that refuses to leave you alone. Maybe it’s a world where people bond with mythical creatures or a hero who can manipulate time but pays a steep price.
Imagine this: A young apprentice discovers their magic doesn’t come from a mystical lineage but from an ancient curse placed on their family. What do they do with that power?
💡Tip: Spend 15 minutes brainstorming ideas you’re passionate about. Don’t overthink it. Write down anything that excites you—no matter how wild it seems. Your idea doesn’t have to be perfect; it just has to get you writing.
Build a world your readers will want to explore
Fantasy novels thrive on rich, immersive worlds. Whether it’s a sprawling kingdom, a hidden magical society, or an alien planet, your setting should feel alive and believable.
Questions to consider:
What’s the geography like? Are there forests, deserts, floating cities?
What’s the culture? Do your characters have unique traditions, myths, or holidays?
How does magic work? Is it rare, common, or forbidden?
💡Tip: Use my Fantasy Worldbuilding Workbook to map out your setting in detail. It includes sections on geography, magic systems, societies, and more to ensure your world feels consistent and engaging.
Develop characters readers will care about
A compelling protagonist is the heart of your story. Readers need someone to root for, even if they’re an anti-hero or deeply flawed.
Example: Frodo Baggins is small and unassuming, yet he carries the fate of Middle-earth on his shoulders. What makes him relatable isn’t his strength but his perseverance.
Tips for crafting great characters:
Give them goals: What do they want more than anything?
Add flaws: Perfect characters are boring. Maybe your hero is impulsive, or your villain has a tragic past.
Create backstories: Even a quick paragraph about their past can help you understand their motivations.
Craft a plot that keeps readers turning pages
The plot is your story’s skeleton. It doesn’t have to be overly complicated—start simple and build as you go.
A basic plot structure for beginners:
Introduction: Set the stage. Introduce your world and main character.
Inciting Incident: What event pushes your hero out of their comfort zone?
Rising Action: Introduce obstacles, allies, and enemies.
Climax: The big showdown. This is where everything comes to a head.
Resolution: Tie up loose ends (or leave a few for a sequel).
💡Tip: Outline your story using this structure before you start writing. Even a loose roadmap can save you from wandering aimlessly through your plot.
Use themes to give your story depth
Themes are the deeper messages or questions your story explores. They’re what stick with readers long after they’ve finished the book.
Examples of themes in fantasy:
Good vs. evil: Think Harry Potter.
Power and corruption: Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas.
Identity and belonging: A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas.
💡Tip: Identify one or two themes you’d like to explore in your novel. They don’t have to be profound; they just need to resonate with you.
Create a magic system that feels unique
Magic is at the core of many fantasy novels, and creating a believable magic system can set your story apart. Whether it’s subtle, like the whisper of ancient spells, or dramatic, like powerful fire-wielders, your magic needs rules.
Key questions to build your magic system:
What are the limits? Magic shouldn’t solve every problem. Can it only be used under certain conditions or at great personal cost?
How does magic work? Is it innate, learned, or bestowed by a higher power? Does it rely on spells, artifacts, or energy sources?
What are the consequences? Magic should come with a price. Overusing it might cause physical pain, madness, or even death.
💡Tip: When learning how to write a fantasy novel for beginners, outline the rules and limitations of your magic system early. This will help you avoid inconsistencies and keep your magic believable throughout your story.
Balance description and action
When learning how to write a fantasy novel for beginners, it’s important to balance description and action to keep your readers immersed.
Fantasy writers often fall into the trap of overloading readers with worldbuilding details. While it’s important to describe your setting, don’t let it slow down the story.
Here’s an example from my own (work-in-progress) fantasy novel:
Instead of writing, “It was hot and the market was noisy and crowded,” I wrote, “The heat was a living thing. It pressed down on my shoulders as vendors shouted over one another, their voices grating like sandpaper against my ears.”
See the difference?
💡Tip: Show your world through your characters’ actions and experiences rather than long blocks of description.
Revise, revise, revise
Your first draft will never be perfect—and that’s okay. The magic happens in revision.
Tips for revising your draft:
Take a break: Step away from your manuscript for a week or two before revisiting it.
Read aloud: Hearing your words can help you catch awkward phrasing or repetitive sentences.
Get feedback: Join a writing group or share your draft with trusted readers like Reedsy, Reddit’s fantasy community, Scribophile, or Critique Circle.
Explore writing resources for beginners
If you’re looking for more in-depth guidance on how to write a fantasy novel for beginners, check out these fantastic resources:
FREE writing resources for beginners
ShaelinWrites (YouTube): Shaelin offers practical advice on character creation, plotting, and writing consistently.
Jed Herne (YouTube): Jed provides tips on storytelling techniques, worldbuilding, and improving your writing craft.
Brandon Sanderson’s Lectures (YouTube): Sanderson’s BYU lectures are a goldmine for understanding plot structure, pacing, and creating magic systems.
Abbie Emmons (YouTube): Abbie focuses on story structure, character arcs, and creating emotional depth in your writing.
PAID writing resource for beginners
N.K. Jemisin’s masterclass: Learn from one of the greatest fantasy authors of our time. Jemisin’s Masterclass dives into worldbuilding, character development, and crafting compelling narratives.
Oh, and obviously a few of my own (free) blog posts:
Dark Fantasy Writing Prompts, if you're stuck on your premise or need a boost of creativity
Fantasy Worldbuilding Guide to walk you through building an immersive setting for your fantasy story.
These resources are perfect for beginners who want actionable advice and inspiration to elevate their writing.
Ready to start writing the next great fantasy novel?
Figuring out how to write a fantasy novel for beginners might feel daunting, but with the right tools and mindset, it’s an adventure worth taking.
Remember: Your story doesn’t have to be perfect—it just has to be yours.
If you’re ready to dive deeper into worldbuilding, grab my Fantasy Worldbuilding Workbook today and start building the foundation of your magical universe ⬇️
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How long should a fantasy novel be?
Most fantasy novels range between 80,000 to 120,000 words. For beginners, aiming for the lower end can make the writing process more manageable while still delivering a satisfying story.
Do I need to include dragons or other mythical creatures?
Not necessarily! While dragons and magical beasts are iconic in fantasy, your story doesn’t need them to stand out. Focus on what excites you—unique settings, magic systems, or character conflicts can be just as compelling.
How do I deal with writer’s block?
Step away for a while and come back with fresh eyes. Try freewriting a random scene or exploring a character’s backstory to reignite your creativity. Progress doesn’t always have to be linear.
