Writing Fantasy Novels Tips ----------------------------------------------------From LoveToKnow Freelance-Writing Writing fantasy novels tips follows a path that leads

from Homer to Twain to Wel ls to Tolkien to Asimov and finally to Margaret Weis and Jim Butcher. Each of th ese authors wrote something fantastic and created a new layer to the annals of f antasy writing. --------------------------------------------------------------Writing Fantasy Novels Tips and Types ------------------------------------------------------------------------It is a mistake to believe that all fantasy is dungeons and dragons. While genre s are very subjective, fantasy is a genre related to mythology and to folklore. Fairy tales such as those written by the Brothers Grimm or the oral tales of the Trojan War that Homer told are all stories of fantasy. Understanding what fanta sy is and how fantasy may be defined is important for any author seeking to writ e a fantasy novel. Fantasy comes in many different shapes and sizes because it m ixes so well with other genres. Romantic Fantasy: Silhouette Nocturne The Silhouette Nocturne series is a romantic fantasy published by Harlequin. The series follows the paranormal romances of werewolves, vampires, spell casters a nd more. Every book contains a supernatural element, but it is not the supernatu ral alone that makes this series appealing. Fantasy Mystery: Bishop/SCU Series by Kay Hooper Kay Hooper, a long-time writer of romances, developed her fantasy FBI team of pa ranormal psychics. Led by the mysterious and driven Bishop, Hooper explores the fine line between good and evil as her psychics struggle to cope with their abil ities and with the challenges life throws at them. -----------------------------------------------------------------Youth Fantasy: Harry Potter No fantasy article could get by without mentioning J.K. Rowling s near revamping o f the genre with her boy wizard, Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and the conflict of He Who Must Not Be Named. She brought to life a wonderful vibran t world that appealed to children and adults alike. ------------------------------------------------------------------Creative Tips for Writing Fantasy ----------------------------------------------------------------What each of these different fantasy types has in common are rich worlds populat ed by equally rich characters. Too many amateur fantasy writers make the mistake in believing that in order to write fantasy one must create a complicated magic al system or rely heavily on fantasy elements such as paranormal activity, magic, shape shifting, vampirism, elves, hobbits, dwarves and more. The truth is, those are elements of the story, a good fantasy story is populated by rich characters that leap from the page and immerse the reader in the world. Fantasy tales may feature fairies in love with humans. Would anyone really care about Voldemort if not for Harry s personal sense of loss and grief over the death of his parents? Frodo and Samwise gave the quest to en

d the One Ring a dimension that involved the reader. The human element cannot be manufactured and emotional involvement, no matter how shallow it may seem, is f undamental to an author s success in the fantasy genre. ------------------------------------------------------------------Creating Characters ------------------------------------When creating a fantasy character, the first question to answer is not what powe r do they have, but what do they inspire? For example, say the name Clark Kent. He is a kind, devoted and loving son. He is a good friend. He s a sharp reporter. He s also the Man of Steel. He plays the lovable buffoon and he often gives up his own personal happiness to secure the world around him. He may be the most power ful man alive and indestructible, but those are not the human elements that read ers identify with. The characters need to be real. Every emotion they experience from desire to ter ror to hatred should be tangible. Characters do not just appear out of fairy dus t, they have pasts, families and friends. Relationships are critical because the y provide alternate viewpoints into a character s existence. The world, whether it s Middle Earth, Manhattan, Smallville or Little Whinging nee ds to be believable. Alien worlds require more explanation, but they have atmosp here, they have land, they have plant life and they have cultures and expectatio ns. Do not become mired in the details, all fiction requires organic storytellin g and that includes introduction to the world. ------------------------------------------------------------------Tips of the Trade ------------------------------Print these writing fantasy novel tips out and keep them posted near to where yo u do your writing. Review these tips periodically as you review your writing: * * * * * it. * Believe in your characters; believe in how they feel and how they think. * If they are not special beyond their powers or abilities, dig deeper. * Paranormal abilities, supernatural settings and inherent mythology should add to the story, not be the story. If you re still struggling with writing fantasy novels tips, spend more time readi ng this type of work. Fantasy can be found in every genre whether it s the fairy g odmother who really is a fairy or the mechanic who happens to be a gremlin. The best fantasy novels are the ones where the fantasy elements are organic and serv e to enhance the tale. The dialogue should always be natural to the characters. Don t use technical or jargon terms without explaining them Don t spend every paragraph on exposition. Show, don t tell. Know the world your writing about, but don t feel the need to over describe