Strange New Worlds: A Summary of the Key Components of Fantasy Writing
Fantasy has soared in popularity over the last century, with reports showing that fantasy and science fiction books generate over half a billion dollars in sales annually in the USA alone. But what is it about fantasy that captivates audiences?
And which fundamental elements should be incorporated into a writer's work to create a rich and detailed magical world? Let's get started.
But first let’s look at why fantasy fiction is such a beloved genre before we dive into crafting the perfect story.
· Fantasy provides an escape from reality, allowing us to immerse ourselves in imaginative worlds and recapture a sense of childlike wonder amidst the stresses of adulthood.
· It also serves as a tool for exploring complex political and societal issues on an abstract level.
· With limitless possibilities, fantasy pushes the boundaries of our imagination and presents impossible concepts in a believable way.
· And above all, it's just plain fun.
Fantasy storytelling involves much more than just imagination and entertainment. While those are certainly important components, crafting a truly captivating fantasy story requires skillful incorporation of four vital elements, each with its own unique challenges.
1. Creating Your World
World-building is a crucial - and challenging - aspect of fantasy writing. You are constructing an entirely new society, not just drawing maps or inventing fictional creatures. It requires delving deep into how this world operates, how one element affects many others, and convincing the reader that you have complete control over it all.
When crafting your world, consider each of these aspects in detail:
- Flora and fauna
- Climate and weather
- Urban planning and architecture
- Societal rules and laws
- Traditions, customs, and fashion
- Politics
- Economy and international relations
- Agriculture
- Daily life for regular citizens in your world
- Myths and religion
- Language
- Core values
As you explore each of these points, you'll see the interconnectedness between them. The state of the economy can affect an individual's daily life; a ruler's religious beliefs can influence architectural styles; societal values dictate how societal structures function.
As the author, you are in control, which means you should have extensive knowledge about every aspect of your world. In fact, most writers know far more than they reveal to readers.
2. In any good fantasy story, magic is a crucial element. Writers have endless options, from dragons to spells and supernatural abilities. However, it's important to create a believable magic system. As Oscar Wilde once said, "Man can believe the impossible, but man can never believe the improbable." Even though we're talking about magic, it still needs to have some logical basis. Keep these factors in mind while developing your magic system:
- Rules set the boundaries for how magic can be used (e.g. Harry Potter needing a wand to perform spells or Daenerys Targaryen being immune to boiling water)
- Limitations show that magic is not unlimited and requires skill to control (e.g. Harry having to study and practice spells, Daenerys training her dragons)
- Costs and dangers remind us that everything has consequences and balance (e.g. dark wizards losing their humanity, rulers causing destruction with their powers)
- Origins explain where magic comes from (e.g. special objects, chance manifestation in humans, certain plants)
Remember, even in a world of fantasy, your magic must still make sense and have rules.
3. No fantasy story is complete without its protagonist, and the same goes for creating characters in your own fantasy world.
Make sure to include these common archetypes found in many fantasy fiction narratives:
The Hero (Harry Potter)
The Rival (Malfoy)
The Villain (Voldemort)
The Protagonist's Sidekick or Friend Group (Hermione and Ron)
The Mentor (Dumbledore)
Love Interest (Cho and Ginny)
Jester/Comic Relief (Fred and George)
Pro Tip: Your main character serves as the lens through which readers explore your fantasy world.
If they are new to this magical realm, we can discover its rules and intricacies alongside them. However, if they are already familiar with it, be careful not to overwhelm readers with information dumps. Instead, gradually reveal details throughout the plot naturally.
4. Regardless of the type of fantasy story being told, there are certain elements that are essential to creating a compelling plot.
Whether it's about a sorceress, a geography teacher from Manchester, or a historical figure, all stories should follow a narrative structure consisting of:
· The initial setting (introducing the protagonist's world) and
· an inciting incident (an event that changes their circumstances and sets them on a new path).
· This is followed by rising action (as the hero learns to navigate their new reality and faces challenges),
· a climax (a pivotal moment or final battle),
· falling action (tying up loose ends), and
· resolution (wrapping up the story).
While the 5-point dramatic arc is commonly used, there are various other narrative arcs to choose from, such as the 8-sequence structure or the 15 beats described in "Save the Cat! Writes a Novel." Whichever structure you choose, the result should be a transformation for your hero as they embark on a journey filled with magic and fantastic elements.
In conclusion,
a successful fantasy story relies on the same fundamental building blocks as any other narrative: a well-crafted plot and fully developed characters who experience significant growth throughout the story.
However, what sets it apart is the intricacies of world-building and creating an interesting magic system, which can make writing a novel even more challenging. As a fantasy writer myself, I can honestly say that I wouldn't change it for anything. The joy of constructing an entirely new world and incorporating various magical elements makes writing in this genre so incredibly enjoyable.
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