This week I continue with my writing fantasy fiction series where I explore writing this genre in twelve steps. Check out my previous blog on DEVELOP YOUR FANTASY WORLD and CREATE RULES FOR YOUR KINGDOM
Obey Your World-Building Laws
Once you’ve made your rules, don’t break them. This is one hard and fast law to writing fantasy. Readers will call you out on it if you forget one of your own rules, unless it can be explained logically. For example, when my Defenders change from human to beast their clothes disappear and then reappear when they change back to human. But in other fantasy, shapeshifters must undress before the shift unless they wish to end up with shredded clothes, etc.
You may base your laws on a loved series you are very familiar with to aid in keeping to them. Or you might create a stunningly different world with unique magic. Either way, you’ll need a bible of some sort to keep track of your rules or face the wrath of your reader.
Outline your story.
This old chestnut. You may have heard of plotters and pantsers – words to describe writers who plot in detail and those who just ‘fly by the seat of their pants’. Of course, along with these writers lies every variation in between.
No matter where you sit on plotting ladder, some planning is needed even if it’s only writing your synopsis first and using that to refer back to. Whether plotting your book right down to the minutia or just generating a vague outline before you start your first draft, both are valid ways of keeping your story on track.
As I’ve written more books, I’ve used more in-depth outlines, especially for the later books in my series which were romantic fantasy ie fantasy plot with romantic sub plot. However, I still describe my writing style as pantser.
Now I think on it, writing draft would be easier with a detailed plot. However, I really like the idea of not knowing how the story gets from point A to Point B when I begin. Plus, I’m too impatient to start writing the stories once they make themselves known.
Please return next week for part 5 of writing fantasy fiction, when I’ll discuss perfecting character development and using real world themes.
