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How to start writing a Fantasy Novel
Just do it.
No, I know. It’s not that easy. And I get it; there are so many things to consider when you want to start writing a fantasy novel. It can be really intimidating, trying to get your story on the page. But it doesn’t have to be! I will give some quick tips to get you started TODAY!
1. Have a story… idea
Your story or idea won’t have to be perfect, and you don’t have to delay writing just because your story isn’t were you want it to be yet. And please, keep in mind that when you’re writing, there’s a 95% chance, things will change again. And yes, you’re allowed to change the story, AGAIN. There’s no one (yet/might never) who tells you what you can and can’t do. But it will help you tons if you already have the story pillars in your head. Otherwise you will be writing a story that goes nowhere, fast. The pillars can be very broad, it doesn’t have to be crystal clear.
2. Have your main character(s)
Your characters should remain consistent in your story. Again, they are allowed to change. But you shouldn’t leave yourself confused with the characters at the end – questioning over and over again when they’d gotten that personality crisis.
3. Have your world/settings
Not finished. But know the settings. It will take a lot of story to edit, if the world isn’t a little bit what you want it to be. Because, whenever you’re not writing about your characters – or characters to each other – it’s going to be about the story SET in said world, or about the world itself.
4. Quit doing research and start WRITING
The most critical and important things to write a story are there. So please, start writing. Stop doing research on how to write (like this post) and first get your story on the page. When the first draft is finished, get back to doing research on how to start editing your novel. But first, there should be something on the page to edit. I’m SO guilty of this – spending more time on researching, reading books on writing and creating an outline – that I rarely write. It is time to take action.
Keep in mind that you’re allowed to polish it as much as you like – later on. But starting to write the story will be so much easier, when you have put these three things in place beforehand.
Have fun writing that amazing book that’s living in your head!
Lots of Love,
Britt
