So, you want to write fantasy. Maybe you’ve got a world brimming with dragons and dark magic in your head, or maybe you just love the idea of crafting stories with sword-swinging heroes and ancient prophecies. Either way—welcome! You’re in the right place.
Writing fantasy is a wild and wondrous ride. It’s also a genre that demands a bit of everything: immersive worldbuilding, layered conflict, and a whole lot of imagination. For beginners, it can feel overwhelming—but don’t worry. I’ve pulled together some of the best tips and tricks to help you get started (and keep going) without losing your spark.
Let’s break it all down.
1. Build Habits That Fuel Your Writing Fire
Write something—anything—every day. That might be a snippet of dialogue, a weird dream you had, or a messy scene draft. The goal isn’t perfection. It’s momentum. Writing is like a muscle—the more you work it, the stronger (and braver) it gets.
Read like a writer. Binge your favorite fantasy novels, sure—but also read outside your comfort zone. Read books you love and books you hate. Ask yourself: Why does this character annoy me? Why can’t I put this book down? That’s how you sharpen your instincts.
Use prompts to spark ideas. Try mashing up two wild concepts like “a bard with no tongue” + “a kingdom made of glass.” Or just open ChatGPT and type: “Give me a fantasy writing prompt with a twist.” Instant inspiration!
Study the craft. Watch a YouTube breakdown of your favorite show’s plot twists. Read a book on story structure. Do a beat sheet of The Witcher or Six of Crows. You don’t need a degree in storytelling—you just need to stay curious.
2. Get Cozy with the Genre
Dissect stories you love. Seriously, pick apart the structure. Where’s the inciting incident? When does the main character fail spectacularly? What exactly makes the ending satisfying? This is like fantasy boot camp—and it works.
Explore fantasy subgenres. High fantasy, urban fantasy, cozy fantasy, grimdark, romantasy—you name it. Each has its own flavor, tropes, and reader expectations. Figure out what you love, and then find your twist.
Fanfiction is your friend. Writing fanfic gets a bad rap, but it’s one of the best ways to practice storytelling without the pressure of building an entire world from scratch. Plus, it’s fun. And fun matters.
3. Worldbuilding Without Getting Lost in the Lore
Fantasy writers LOVE building worlds (guilty). But here’s the thing: if you spend six months designing an elvish calendar and zero time writing your plot… you’ve got a lore problem.
Start small and relevant. What does the reader need to know to follow the story? Build that first. You can always add more detail as you go.
Show your world through scenes. Don’t info-dump pages of history. Instead, let the reader feel your world through action and senses. Like: "Bioluminescent fungi flickered beneath his boots, alerting the guards in the canopy above.” Way better than “The forest was magical.”
Sketch a map. Even if it’s ugly. It helps you keep track of where stuff is, how long travel takes, and why your villain’s fortress is next to a volcano.
Tie your world to your story. Maybe rivers define kingdoms. Maybe magic only works during eclipses. Let your setting shape the conflict—it’ll feel more alive that way.
4. Characters Are Everything
Fantasy is nothing without characters we care about. Here's how to make yours unforgettable:
Give them goals. What does your character want? Revenge? Freedom? A magical chicken leg that grants wishes? Whatever it is, make it clear—and give them a reason that matters.
Make them flawed. Perfect characters are boring. A fearless knight with crippling guilt? A powerful mage who’s socially awkward? Yes, please. Flaws = relatability.
Plan their arc. Your character should grow or change. Think Bilbo Baggins: starts off terrified of everything, ends up outsmarting a dragon. That’s character gold.
Add conflict. Make your characters fight for what they want. And when they almost get it? Rip it away. Then give them a new obstacle. Repeat.
Tropes aren’t the enemy. Tropes become clichés when they’re lazy. Use them—but twist them. That “Chosen One” prophecy? Maybe it’s fake. That noble quest? Maybe it’s all a distraction.
5. Plotting, Pantsing, and Getting to The End
Whether you outline your entire novel or write by the seat of your pants, here’s the rule: just keep writing.
Outlines help. Even a rough one. Know your beginning, a few key turning points, and your ending. Then explore the path between.
Your first draft won’t be perfect—and that’s okay. Don’t rewrite the first chapter seventeen times. Power through. You can (and will) fix it later.
Finish first, polish later. You can't edit a blank page. Get the bones of the story down—then start layering in better dialogue, deeper emotions, cleaner structure.
Take breaks. If you hit a wall, go for a walk, listen to music, or read someone else’s work. Let your brain breathe.
Feedback is gold. Find a writing group or beta reader who’ll be honest and encouraging. You’ll be amazed what fresh eyes can catch.
6. Stay Inspired and Keep Learning
Writing can feel isolating, but it doesn’t have to be.
Find your writing tribe. Join online forums. Follow writers on social media. Join a critique group. Community makes the difference between giving up and pushing forward.
Keep leveling up. Read craft books. Watch author interviews. Take free workshops. Follow your favorite authors online—they often drop amazing advice.
7. Tools and Trends to Watch
Let’s talk about what’s hot (and helpful) in the writing world right now:
AI Tools like ChatGPT. Use it for brainstorming prompts, outlining chapters, or playing with dialogue ideas. Just don’t let it write your story. Your voice is irreplaceable.
Diversity matters. Today’s fantasy readers want authentic, inclusive worlds. Think about culture, identity, language, and power dynamics. Write with respect—and do your research.
Subgenre trends. Cozy fantasy is thriving. So is hopepunk. Climate fantasy is rising fast. And “romantasy”? It’s having a moment. Blend genres, get creative, and experiment.
Social media = marketing magic. Platforms like TikTok (hello, BookTok) have turned unknown authors into bestsellers. You don’t have to be everywhere—but consider building a small author presence now.
Final Words (But Not The Last)
Writing fantasy is a journey. Some days it’ll feel like you’re slaying dragons. Other days, like you’re the dragon who accidentally lit their own manuscript on fire.
But every word you write matters. Every character you create, every plot twist you drop, every magical mushroom forest you build—it’s all part of becoming the storyteller only you can be.
So, write bravely. Rewrite ruthlessly. And above all, don’t give up.
Your fantasy story is waiting. Go write it.
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