The Ghostwriter’s Guide to Fantasy: Tips and Tricks
By the title, you must already know what we will talk about today. If you are a big fantasy lover just like me, you will enjoy this blog.
Let’s face it! Fantasy literature has a unique allure that attracts the audience to think about magic, mythical creatures, and unknown lands. Whether it is reading a book about dragons or elves, fantasy novels allow you to dive deep into your imagination and cook up your stories. While some love reading this genre, others enjoy creating some awe-inspiring, creative stories that can blow readers’ minds and make them think outside of the box.
Writing a fantasy novel can be exciting and attract opportunities. It is equally challenging. You can’t simply write what already exists. Instead, it’s all about creating a whole new world from the start till the end. Also, be it an enchanting setup, strong-willed characters, or full of evil villains, everything must be top-notch.
Hence, many ghostwriters struggle to create. But not anymore as I am here with some exciting tips. Yup! That’s right! Being a huge fantasy sucker, I wrote my novel which taught me some incredible things along the way. Well, that’s what I will share with you guys. So, come on! Stop scrolling and read the blog! It’s going to be one heck of an interesting thriller.
Writing Your First Fantasy Novel: Some Friendly Advice
Do you have some incredible fantasy novel ideas beyond the same old boring concepts? Well, I am sure you must be quite excited to get your work on paper. However, hold on! It’s not that easy! Instead, to ensure that your book becomes a masterpiece, you have to master the art of writing. That’s right! Hence, stop whatever you are doing and give these tips a read once. I am sure they will help you with your ideas. Let’s go!
1. Get Some Inspiration from Other Novels
Yup! While surely you must have some compelling ideas. But there is no harm in reading other fantasy novels to get some inspiration. It will help you find some ideas for plot twists, characters, and themes.
Think of the electrifying novel that left you aching for more such good stories. Now, question yourself what led to such a masterpiece. And how can you create one? Writing a fantasy is like putting a puzzle together until all the pieces fit perfectly. Hence, re-read some of your favourite novels and keep an eye for the unique aspects. Trust me! It will help a lot.
2. Understand Your Target Audience
You’d be surprised to know how many sub-genres exist in fantasy literature. From historical fantasy to magic, grim dark, mediaeval superheroes, paranormal, etc. Hence, as a ghostwriter before you start writing, understanding who your audience is vital. These are the questions you should ask yourself.
- Am I writing for young adults, adults, or children?
- What’s the subgenre of my book?
- Is it from the above category or something else?
Understanding your audience can help you come up with some incredible ideas. Moreover, it can help you learn what’s selling more and how to make it a bestseller. Now, come on! Let’s move to the next point!
3. World building Your Fantasy Novel
For those who don’t know what world building is, it’s a huge element while writing a fantasy novel. It is not only about creating a theme where your book will take place. Instead, it’s developing a whole new world with main characters, supervillains, history, customs, culture, and religion.
When writing a fantasy novel, you should create an immersive place where the readers can get lost and develop their imagination. As a ghostwriter, here is the world-building you need to do. It includes:
- Drawing maps
- Determining how your book will start
- Developing different creatures and characters
- Rise and fall of heroes or villains.
It’s okay if you don’t have a plot ready. You can always start from the basics. From dual worlds to urban fantasy, there are many worlds to explore. Hence, determine the ones that feel like they fit your storyline. Moreover, reading books like Harry Potter, The Chronicles of Nirvana, etc, take help from these books. See how they transition. Also, if you are having trouble with world building, many ghostwriters for hire can help you with your stories. Hence, consider seeking guidance from them. Now, come on! Let’s move to the next point!
4. It’s Time for Fun Character Building
Here’s where the fun part starts now. Let’s face it! What’s a fantasy novel without some interesting and stirring characters that can make you either fall in love or hate them? Whether writing for a mediaeval historical fantasy or creating a chick-lit novel set in New York, creating characters with the same human traits is important. Why? Well, it will help your audience resonate with them.
Most readers, including me, love the “hero’s transition from the timid boy to the one who can fight with villains and save his kingdom”. However, why always write for the chosen ones that already have powers? How about making it unique? Wondering how?
Well, you can add a protagonist who accidentally got the superpowers. Now they navigate how to survive with it while hiding their abilities and fighting bad people.
Also, your hero doesn’t need to be perfect. Instead, make them flawed. From supporting cast to scene-stealing side characters, magical companions, etc, you can explore many ideas.
5. Choose A POV
Yup! The next step is to choose a pov for your fantasy novel. Ask yourself if the book will be narrated by a third person, have a single pov, or multiple ones. While all of them can help you craft a compelling story, I would suggest going for the protagonist’s pov. It will help you explore the magic of realms as they do. It will make the fantasy novel more enchanting.
6. Develop a Plot
Now that you have your characters and storyline in mind, it’s time for developing a plot. Be clichéd while creating the outline. Your book must be divided into different sections. They include:
- Beginning (Introducing the characters)
- Middle (Telling how the hero and other characters navigate through their problems)
- End (Effective solution or leaving it as a cliffhanger if you want to write a sequel)
If you are having any problem understanding the plot, study different books. Additionally, learn how they introduce the characters and transition from there.
Also, while developing a plot, creating a full-fledged outline can help you. That’s what expert writers like C.S. Lewis and J.K Rowling do.
7. Write and Edit
Phew! It’s finally time for you to start writing your fantasy novel. Create a first draft using the outline you created. And once done, take a break for a few days and come back for editing. You must refine your thrilling fantasy novel to perfection, ensuring no plot holes, irrelevant information, grammatical errors, etc. You can also hire ghostwriter fantasy novel for editing and revising. Ask them to provide feedback to know if your work is ready to be published. Duplicate your manuscript to use it to ensure everything is perfect. Furthermore, once you have finished your novel, you can get it tested by beta readers. Hence, having their raw options can enhance your plot and ideas.
Wrapping Up!
You have reached the end of the guide! For all those aspiring authors or ghostwriters looking to craft their first fantasy novel, it will be a thrilling yet challenging ride. Trust me! I have gone through the same thing. But fret not! Here are some writing tips that helped me create my first novel to make it a hit. So, what are you waiting for? Follow these tricks and let the world be inspired by your spectacular stories.