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.
The Authors Handbook, including Plot Timeline templates, Character Profile Prompts, and Chapter Summaries for a smoother writing experience here amzn.to/3J9t4AC
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.
Prompt: Create an time of your plot, including the key events that will occur in each chapter. (My Authors Handbook has all of these included! amzn.to/3J9t4AC)
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!
Buy my Authors Handbook here: It has everything you need in order to get starter, including a timeline draft, character profiles, and chapter summaries! I earn a small royalty on these from amazon KDP! amzn.to/3TfqVIn
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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