Questions To Ask When Writing A Fantasy Novel

2025-06-10 11:46:51 136

3 Answers

Yaretzi
Yaretzi
2025-06-12 07:41:56
I always ask: does my story subvert or celebrate classic archetypes? 'The Lies of Locke Lamora' takes the thief trope and elevates it with Venetian-inspired heists, while 'Circe' reimagines a mythological villain into a feminist icon. I also interrogate my protagonist’s flaws—a perfect hero is boring. Kaladin from 'Stormlight Archive' resonates because his depression isn’t just a backstory detail; it actively hinders his growth.

Worldbuilding questions matter too. How does climate affect culture in your realm? 'The Wheel of Time' showcases desert-dwelling Aiel valuing water as sacred, while coastal cultures in 'Earthsea' treat sailing as spiritual. Even food worldbuilding can dazzle—remember the buttery delicacies in 'Redwall' that made generations of readers hungry?

Finally, I consider theme. Is my story actually about power like 'Game of Thrones', or forgiveness like 'The Goblin Emperor'? Theme shapes everything from dialogue to plot structure. My current manuscript revolves around ‘sacrifice’, so every magical pact and political alliance echoes that idea.
Ellie
Ellie
2025-06-14 09:03:51
the biggest question I always ask is: what makes my magic system unique? Too many stories rely on tired tropes like elemental magic or chosen ones. When writing 'The Clockwork Phoenix', I obsessed over creating magic that felt fresh—where spells were powered by memories, making wizards both powerful and tragic figures. You also need to consider how magic affects society. Does it create a rigid class system like in 'Mistborn', or is it a chaotic force that reshapes geography like in 'The Broken Earth' trilogy?

Another crucial question is about cultural depth. Fantasy isn’t just about dragons and swords; it’s about making readers believe in your world’s history. I spend weeks developing folklore, dialects, and even culinary traditions. For example, in my current project, I designed a religion where sailors worship constellations that change based on seasons, influencing their navigation rituals. Small details like this make worlds breathe.
Yara
Yara
2025-06-16 05:52:36
Writing fantasy isn’t just about escaping reality—it’s about reflecting it through a fantastical lens. One question I constantly wrestle with is: how do my fictional conflicts mirror real human struggles? 'The Poppy War' works because its war isn’t just about good vs evil; it’s about colonialism, trauma, and the cost of power. Similarly, I ask myself how fantastical elements can amplify emotional truths. When reading 'The Name of the Wind', Kvothe’s poverty hits harder because the magical university’s tuition system feels painfully real.

Another vital consideration is pacing your reveals. Info-dumping lore is the quickest way to lose readers. I study how 'Gideon the Ninth' gradually unveils its necromantic universe through character interactions rather than textbooks. You also need to decide how much mystery to preserve—Brandon Sanderson’s laws of magic teach us that overly mysterious magic frustrates readers when it solves plot holes.

Lastly, I obsess over voice. A medieval fantasy shouldn’t read like a Wikipedia article. Patrick Rothfuss nails this in 'The Kingkiller Chronicle', where descriptions feel lyrical yet lived-in. I keep a journal for each protagonist, writing mundane entries until their voice feels as natural as my own.
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