How To Become A Great Fantasy Fiction Writer

Summary

The article discusses the nuances of becoming a successful fantasy fiction writer, emphasizing creativity, character development, and the importance of feedback and perseverance over the pursuit of absolute originality.

Abstract

The article "How To Become A Great Fantasy Fiction Writer" delves into the challenges and misconceptions faced by fantasy authors. It argues that while originality is elusive, with many stories drawing from common themes, true value lies in the unique perspectives characters bring to familiar narratives. The author suggests that fantasy writing thrives on an active imagination and the joy of crafting detailed worlds, despite the daunting task of managing high word counts. Success in fantasy fiction is attributed to committing to one's story, seeking quality feedback, and the determination to finish the book. The article also touches on the iterative nature of writing, the flexibility of the publishing process, and the idea that creativity flourishes within established narrative templates, encouraging writers to embrace their unique voice rather than chase unattainable originality.

Opinions

Originality in storytelling is debated, with the author leaning towards the belief that it's the characters and their perspectives that make a story unique.
The author values creativity and the freedom fantasy genres offer, viewing world-building and the creation of magic systems as enjoyable challenges rather than burdens.
Success as a fantasy writer is not solely about talent and creativity but also about commitment to the story, obtaining constructive feedback, and the dedication to complete the writing process.
Quality feedback is crucial and often hard to find, but it's essential for understanding the blind spots in one's own writing.
The article suggests that the concept of a "finished" book is multifaceted, encompassing the story's completion, manuscript readiness, and the impact on readers, not just publication.
The author advocates for embracing established narrative templates as a foundation for creativity, rather than seeking complete originality.
There is an emphasis on the personal and creative satisfaction derived from writing, encouraging authors to focus on their unique contributions to the genre.
The publishing landscape is seen as more flexible now, allowing authors to maintain creative control and even revisit and rework previously published material.

How To Become A Great Fantasy Fiction Writer

In a dark world where arbitrary writing tips and tropes rain eternal, a race of modern Fantasy Authors battle to tell the most original story.

Fantasy writers love the genre because it gives us total freedom to write our imaginations.

I had a great discussion in one of the Discords I mod recently about originality.

My co-mod argued that the whole concept of originality is a farce. Everything came from something. Groundbreaking storytelling through the lens of the chicken or the egg, if you will.

My stance was more in the middle. I’ve always believed in the idea that there are a limited number of stories we can tell, but we can make them original. This is why I’m a character writer. To me, characters are how we create fresh perspectives amongst old formats.

But the more I ponder it, I begin to wonder if I have been conflating creativity with originality, and if we as writers have on a larger scale. How new is the idea we are touting? What is it that makes that idea valuable — is it the perceived originality?

Do Fantasy Writers Have It Harder?

I spend a lot of time talking to other writers, especially fantasy writers, and thinking about how much work goes into fantasy novels. Magic systems, world building, monarchies, multi-generational families, plants and animals made from scratch. Should I keep going?

Magic systems aside, all novels have some element of world building. Many stories include monarchies and family lines.

In truth, these vast challenges are what draw me, and many others, to writing fantasy; not what make it harder. Fantasy writing is a fantastic outlet for an overactive imagination like mine.

Sheer word count can make being a fantasy writer harder once you reach the editing process. Otherwise, we write fantasy for the joyful challenge it brings, not bragging rights.

Traits Of A Great Fantasy Author

Talent and creativity are a wonderful starting place. But we all know they are only two ingredients to being a successful fantasy writer. These two things mixed with many other elements is what leads us to write a good book.

(Note: For me, “success” does not equal “traditionally published.” I can elaborate on that in another article.)

A great fantasy writer does three things

They commit to their heart-story
They seek and receive quality feedback from writers and editors
They finish their book

Committing To Your Fantasy Story

I remember the first time I laid eyes on the physical copy of Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon. I hadn’t even read it yet, but the brick haunted me from the moment I saw it.

I need to write something massive, I thought.

I couldn’t let it go.

I started planning a 300k epic romance. Something with budding societies, a line of spirit-callers, in depth first-person narration, and a level of immersion I hope will match Priory. I found my muse and I’m almost done with the first draft. I felt that tiny spark and I went all in, and soon I’ll have a finished draft.

It’s so easy to get bogged down in what people say your story SHOULD be.

I’ve worried no one wants to read a slow burn that is THAT long, until I remember that my favorite book is a 1,100 page slow burn.

The only way you’re going to tell the most creative, unique story is by telling the one that is living in your heart.

Great Writing Doesn’t Happen In A Vacuum

Finding feedback on your writing isn’t hard.

Finding quality, honest, useful feedback on your writing IS hard.

But critique is an essential part of the writing process. What you’ve missed or misunderstood about your own story will astound you. This is especially true when word counts start escalating, as they often do in fantasy.

Another aspect of quality critique in fantasy is getting an alpha, beta, or developmental editor who understands the genre. You want your editors to be well-versed in tropes, but widely read enough to see the story from an unbiased, genre-less perspective.

Places to start getting feedback on your fantasy writing are Discord servers, Scribophile, or you can message me for a free consultation.

Figure out what your heart-story is, and then tell it through to the end.

What Does It Even Mean To “Finish A Book”?

This has always been a compelling question to me, as someone who will pull out a painting 8 years later and work it over.

People ask me all the time, “Have you finished your book?”

I’m not sure what they mean.

Is the story finished? Yes, it’s drafted, been beta read, and sensitivity read. There are no more major plot or character points to change.

Is the manuscript finished? No, it still needs a rewrite and copy edit pass before querying.

Does finished mean published? Or does it mean someone read your story and it touched their soul?

I recently heard of an author who is doing a complete rewrite and republishing of her first novel. I loved this concept. Her doing this speaks to the new flexibility of the fantasy novel writing world. Authors are no longer bound by old literary industry constraints. If you desire full creative control over your book, you can have it.

Just remember creative control doesn’t mean much unless you follow through. When I say finish your book, I’m referring to all of these definitions. Push your story to its fullest potential.

Creativity Vs. Originality for Fantasy Writers

I’m inclined to agree with my co-mod that originality… isn’t even really a thing!

There are dozens, hundreds, maybe even more authors who enlist creativity to retell the King Arthur myth in a fresh way. They use time travel, gender swaps, and new character perspectives to make something familiar feel new. But none of these are original. They cannot be, by definition. Yet we love them, and keep reading them.

An example of a fantasy narrative that tends more towards original would be something like A Taste of Honey by Kai Ashante Wilson. This high-fantasy novella takes place in an unfamiliar world with a unique setting and plot.

However, every single story comes from some kind of template. Whether the egg is hard boiled, scrambled, baked into cookies, or deviled, it’s still an egg, isn’t it?

Letting Go Of Originality So You Can Flourish As A Fantasy Writer

Rather than finding shame in this, we as writers should rejoice. These templates are not set in stone. They allow for infinite restructuring and play, stretching and cutting.

Once you stop wasting time trying to come up with the most unique and original idea ever, you can embrace the nuances, worlds, and characters that only YOU are capable of creating. When you let go of what you think your fantasy novel is supposed to be, it becomes everything it CAN be.

As writers, we love our favorite pens, notebooks, writing programs, and productivity apps. But at the end of the day, especially as a fantasy writer, your creativity is your greatest writing tool.

Don’t leave your creativity to be stifled. Crack the egg, and cook it your way.

☄. *. ⋆

If you read to the end, wow thank you! If there were any typos, sorry, it’s very chilly up here in the northeast and my fingers are cold!

Like any self-respecting writer, I have a newsletter known as Common Ink, and a little blog about Fighting For Writing I’m working on.

For social interaction, I lurk on both Tumblr and LinkedIn. See you there!

Borahae, much love, be well!

-Ari