Writing fantasy does not mean stringing beautiful words together, but constructing worlds, conflicts, and characters that can bear the weight of the story. Good fantasy arises from **structure, consistency, and human logic**. Inspiration is necessary, but without craftsmanship, it remains ineffective. This guide summarizes key principles that provide orientation for both beginners and experienced authors.
1. Worldbuilding: The World That Works
Worldbuilding is not collecting exotic ideas, but building a framework for action. A world must be experienced, not just mentioned. Continents, peoples, gods, and history only have value if they influence characters and plot.
Backgrounds should preferably be conveyed through dialogue, narrated conversations, and action. Mistakes do not arise from size or variety, but from meaninglessness and contradictions. Every rule must apply.
2. Magic as a Limited Tool
Magic is not a cure-all. It needs **limits, costs, and restricted access**. It may exacerbate problems, but not solve them conveniently. A good magic system is subtle and part of the world order: controlled, feared, or forbidden. Magic gains depth when it creates risk, not security.
3. Characters as Acting Humans
Figures are not created as symbols, but as people with **motivation, weaknesses, and goals**. A character is not defined by feelings, but by decisions. Development shows itself through action, not explanation. Consistency is key: those who kill, change. Rank and function determine possibilities.
4. Antagonists with Depth
An antagonist is not "evil," but acts out of **their own interests**. Depth arises from personality, motivation, and consistent action. The reader must be able to understand why the antagonist acts this way, even if they reject it. Fallibility is crucial: antagonists make mistakes and are under pressure themselves.
5. Realistic Conflicts
Fantasy conflicts arise from **human motives**: envy, fear, ambition, protection. Monsters are not the cause, but tools. Every conflict needs a **material core**. Multiple perspectives are mandatory: every side believes itself justified. Conflicts leave marks.
6. Plot Development Step by Step
Plot arises from **decisions**. First core conflict, then trigger, then chain of actions with consequences. Turning points change the situation permanently. Opposing forces remain active. Rhythm is crucial: phases of pressure alternate with short phases of rest. In the end, every plotline needs a result and visible changes.
7. Series Planning with Beginning and End
A fantasy series needs known fixed points: **beginning and end**. The middle section is planned via content points. Each volume has its own key events and its own result. Shorter books (400–500 pages) allow for realistic publication cycles and keep the readership engaged.
8. Dialogue as Decision in Words
Dialogues arise from **closeness to characters**. Purpose is crucial: information, conflict, decision. Every character speaks from their function. **Silence** is part of it. What is said must have consequences. Dialogues stand within action: march, preparation, interrogation, escape.
9. Avoiding Clichés
Cliché is not the familiar element, but the **predictable behavior**. Clichés arise from moral simplicity, magic as a solution, or stereotypical peoples. Depth arises through reasons, gray areas, and mistakes. The familiar becomes credible when it remains logical and human.
10. Writing Routine and Blocks
Routine is protection against stagnation. Short blocks pass. Longer ones need attention. Blocks often arise not from a lack of ideas, but from problems with phrasing. **Emotional reactivation** (music, movies, conversations) can help. It is important to accept blocks as part of the process.
11. Reader Engagement
Readers bond with **worlds that live** and **characters that act**. Tension arises from consequence. Readers want to experience: fear, hope, loss. Reader engagement also happens outside the book through openness, respect, and listening.
12. Presentation and Website
Your own website is the only controllable **anchor point**. It must be professional: clear book pages, covers, order, author introduction, additional material. Quality is decisive: texts, images, design. Few places, kept clean, are better than many half-hearted channels.
Final Thought
Fantasy does not arise from inspiration alone. It arises from structure, consistency, and human logic. Worlds must work, characters must act, conflicts must cost. Readers sense passion, but they stay for clarity and development.
For beginners this means: learn, organize, write. For pros it means: deepen, sharpen, remain consistent.
Fantasy is not a dream. It is another reality with rules. Whoever takes these rules seriously creates worlds in which readers not only read, but live.