10 Easy Steps to Writing a Fantasy Novel | How I Wrote My Debut Novel

Looking at a physical book and thinking, how on earth did you get here, can feel a little overwhelming - even I look at my own and question where it even came from. But I have a super easy way of getting my mind working when creating the world, characters and plot my stories will be based around.

Here's Ten Easy Steps to Write a Fantasy Novel and begin building your story.

Step 1: Determine the Genre and Subgenre
The first step to writing a fantasy novel is to decide what type of fantasy you want to write. There are several subgenres within the fantasy genre, such as high fantasy, urban fantasy, dark fantasy, and more. This step is important because it will set the tone for the rest of your novel.

Prompt: Research different fantasy subgenres and decide which one you want to write.

Step 2: Create a Detailed World
The world your novel takes place in is a vital aspect of your story. Develop a detailed world that your characters will live in. Consider the history, geography, cultures, magic systems, and politics of your world. Your world will serve as a foundation for your story, so make it as unique and imaginative as possible.

Prompt: Create a map of your world and jot down any important details about its history, culture, and magic systems.

Step 3: Develop Your Characters
Your characters are the heart of your story. Develop your characters so that they are well-rounded and relatable. Consider their personalities, goals, strengths, weaknesses, and motivations. You should have a clear understanding of your main characters before you start writing.

Prompt: Create character profiles for your main characters, including their backstories and motivations. (There's some great journals to do this on Amazon too!)

Step 4: Outline Your Plot
Your plot should be carefully crafted and engaging. Outline the events that will occur in your story, including the inciting incident, rising action, climax, and resolution. Consider how your characters will develop throughout the story and how the plot will be resolved.

Step 5: Establish the Rules of Magic

If your fantasy novel involves magic, it's important to establish the rules of magic early on. Consider how magic works in your world, including its limitations, consequences, and how it affects your characters and their surroundings.

Prompt: Develop a magic system for your world, including the types of magic that exist and how it is used.

Step 6: Create a Unique Villain

A great villain can make or break a story. Create a unique and compelling villain that challenges your protagonist and adds tension to your plot. Consider the motivations, strengths, weaknesses, and backstory of your villain.

Prompt: Create a character profile for your villain, including their backstory and motivations.

Step 7: Write Engaging Dialogue

Dialogue is an essential component of any story. It helps to reveal character and advance the plot. Write dialogue that is engaging and reveals information about your characters and their motivations.

Prompt: Write a scene with dialogue between two of your main characters. Take into account the 'unspoken' words too.

Step 8: Create a Memorable Setting

Setting is an essential component of a story. Create a setting that is unique and memorable. Consider how the setting affects the story and how it is described.

Prompt: Write a scene that describes a key location in your story.

Step 9: Edit and Revise Your Work

Once you have written a draft of your novel, it's important to edit and revise your work. Read through your manuscript multiple times, looking for errors, inconsistencies, and areas where the story can be improved.

Prompt: Read through your manuscript and make a list of areas that need improvement.

Step 10: Publish Your Novel

Once you have completed your revisions, it's time to publish your novel. Consider self-publishing or submitting your manuscript to publishers or literary agents.

Prompt: Research publishing options and submit your manuscript to publishers or literary agents.

By following these ten steps, you can begin to draft a compelling and engaging fantasy novel!

--
Instagram - @JadeLeannexo
Tiktok @Jadeleanne_xo
Booktok @Jlrobinsonxo

0:00 Introduction
0:01 writing a fantasy book
2:02 DETERMINE THE GENRE AND SUBGENRE
3:30 DEVELOP YOUR
4:35 OUTLINE YOUR PLOT
8:19 CREATE A UNIQUE 'VILLAIN'
13:22 EDIT AND REVISE

[Iso]

I have many book ideas.
And with so many ideas constantly jumping around in my brain, it’s easy to get overwhelmed, exhausted, and burnt out.

So what I did was, I made a file, and I made separate folders in that file.
In each folder, I put one book idea.
Now, I have an organized list of books to write.

I’m currently focused on 3 major ideas.

[QueenPrism]

I struggle the most with make definitive decisions on what my characters are going to do. When and how it will start. There’s so many different ways it could go

[NaylaGC]

I’m starting a book on fantasy and this video has been pretty helpful

[nnennayaihejirikah]

in my baby stage of writing my fantasy novel and I LOVE your screenwriting background because I originally thought of my book as a show! This video was so helpful ❤ new sub! also might be re entering my fantasy era so added your book to my amazon list 😌

[nnennayaihejirikah]

Publishing video! Editing Stories! Here for it all ❤

[AlinaDiAngleo]

you do not know how much helpful this was. thank you soo much.

[hassanhaniya]

this video was extremely helpful, thanks a lot

[jessiewisternoff]

Loved this!! Most useful for me was the development of the fantasy world and making a map! So clever!!

[mpumelelolukhele]

This is so informative thanks so much ❤

[ThrivingWithKat]

This is great! I just came back to writing again and am working on my fantasy story! I would compare my writing to others, but after watching this I feel inspired to just write! 😊

[Y.u.]

This was so helpful, will def read your novel

[sacharymateo]

thank you so much for this video, I'm sure it will help me out a lot, you gained yourself a new sub

[eydbvny]

I have a couple of questions.
In the beginning one introduces the characters and the challenges they face. The end is them solving the challenges.
But it's the middle where they are figuring out the challenges. How do you keep that from turning into a "wash, rinse, repeat" scenario?
Second, how do you keep the story under your control? Occasionally the story takes on a life of its own and starts moving in a direction you don't want. How do you stop that from happening?

[Mystichaven-kisu]

Okay. I see where your coming from when you say “I’m not the best writer out there.” True your not. Your ONE of the BEST. Pretty useful stuff because we can use parts of your methods to make our own methods.

[annafoguena]

Thanks for sharing your tips. Truly for a long time I was planning to write a book. Just didn't know how to start. Maybe this video will give me a magic kick)))

[mariaeugeniacury]

Hey!! I love this video. You have got yourself a new subscriber. Would suggest timestamps, though.

[amarachioleka]

Yes!
You have no idea what will happen unless you know your characters

[amalidriss]

I would like to know more about traditional publishing.

[hayley]

I’ve been working on this book for 4 years! I’ve written stories and poems all of my life. But this book keeps me up at night and my characters speak to me, begging to be written. I have my characters written out, and the realms written out. But I struggle with creativity striking and realizing it doesn’t fit with the rest of the book.

[kyleegiancola]

Im still writing my first draft and i'm stuck on my middle. Having people read my book feels so far away I just want to finish my draft and get to the editing part but I think im just getting overwhelmed by how many things needs to happen and making sure i'm hitting all my plot beats.