Fantasy fiction is a genre that has captivated audiences for centuries. From J.R.R. Tolkien’s “The Lord of the Rings” to George R.R. Martin’s “A Song of Ice and Fire,” fantasy novels have proven to be some of the most successful and beloved books of all time. They are also among my favourites to read. If you’re an aspiring fantasy author looking to write a bestselling novel, there are a few key things to keep in mind as you craft your story.
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Develop a rich and detailed world. One of the hallmarks of fantasy fiction is the creation of a fully realized alternate world. This world should have its own history, culture, and rules. Therefore, it’s essential to take the time to build a rich and detailed world in which readers can fully immerse themselves. This includes creating unique and believable characters and developing a complex political and social landscape.
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Create a compelling and relatable protagonist. In order for readers to connect with your story, they need to be able to identify with the main character. This means creating a relatable protagonist with a clear goal or motivation. It’s also vital to ensure that the character has a clear arc throughout the story, growing and changing as they face challenges and overcome obstacles.
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Incorporate conflict and tension. A good story needs conflict and tension to keep readers engaged. This can be achieved through various means, including a powerful and menacing villain, a life-or-death situation, or a political struggle. The key is to create a sense of danger and uncertainty that keeps the reader on the edge of their seat.
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Use magic and mythology. Fantasy fiction often relies on magic and mythology to create a sense of wonder and imagination. This can take many forms, from a powerful sorcerer to a magical creature, to a powerful artifact. However, ensuring that any magic or mythology you incorporate into your story is consistent and believable within the world you’ve created is vital.
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Pay attention to pacing. The pacing of a fantasy novel is crucial to keeping readers engaged. A slow-moving story can quickly become tedious, while a fast-paced story can be overwhelming. Therefore, it’s critical to find a balance between the two, introducing new elements and twists to keep the story moving forward.
- Edit, revise, and polish. Writing a bestselling fantasy novel is not a one-time effort. It requires a lot of hard work, dedication, and patience. It’s important to take the time to edit, revise, and polish your story to make sure it’s the best it can be. You should seek feedback from beta readers and consider hiring a professional editor to help you refine your manuscript.
In conclusion, writing a bestselling fantasy fiction novel is a challenging task. However, with hard work, dedication, and a clear vision, you can create a story that will captivate readers for future generations. Remember to develop a rich and detailed world, create a compelling and relatable protagonist, incorporate conflict and tension, use magic and mythology, pay attention to pacing, and edit, revise, and polish your manuscript. With these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to writing a fantasy novel that readers worldwide will love.
Note: Bestselling independent fantasy fiction novelist P.L. Stuart will release his fourth book, A Lion’s Pride, in The Drowned Kingdom Saga later this spring, and I am so proud to be his editor! I can tell you that it is the best volume in the series so far, and he is a world-builder extraordinaire!