How to Write Fantasy: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners
How to write fantasy can feel overwhelming when you're staring at a blank page. Do you start with the world, the plot, or the magic system? How do you make it all feel real?
Whether you're writing epic quests, slow-burn romantasy, or something entirely your own, this guide will walk you through each step of the process—from idea to finished draft.
In this post, you'll learn how to come up with a story idea, build a believable world, develop flawed characters, structure your plot, and avoid the most common mistakes fantasy writers make.
Oh, and if you want a full, step-by-step guide with templates and examples, check out this free sample of my ebook on Fantasy Writing for Beginners.
What is fantasy writing?
Fantasy is the genre where imagination reigns supreme. It’s not bound by the rules of the real world, but it still needs to have rules—your rules. At its core, fantasy is about exploring the impossible and making it feel plausible.
Fantasy fiction often features:
Worlds that don’t exist (Middle-earth, Prythian, Westeros)
Magic systems with unique rules (think wands, spells, and bending elements)
Mythical creatures (dragons, elves, talking lions—you name it)
Epic conflicts (good vs. evil, survival, revenge, or reclaiming lost thrones)
But don’t get trapped by tropes. Fantasy is what you make it. Your story doesn’t need to have dragons or wizards; it just needs to transport readers somewhere extraordinary.
How to write fantasy in 8 steps
Starting a fantasy novel can feel like standing at the edge of a vast, uncharted world. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the sheer scope of possibilities.
But learning how to start writing a fantasy book doesn’t have to be daunting if you approach it step by step. Here’s how you can take your first steps into building your own magical world and writing a story that readers won’t be able to put down.
Step 1: Start with a "what if"
Many great fantasy stories begin with a simple yet compelling question: What if...?
These two words can unlock endless possibilities for your imagination.
For example:
What if the moon had always been a prison?
What if the sun never set on a particular kingdom, plunging its people into endless daylight?
What if your memories were someone else's spellwork?
Your "what if" is the seed of your story. Once you have your "what if," start exploring its implications.
How does this idea impact your world, your characters, and the plot? This foundational question can shape the direction of your entire novel.
Step 2: Know your audience and subgenre
Before you build your world or write a single scene, get clear on who you’re writing for. This will shape your pacing, tropes, tone, and even word count.
Ask yourself:
Are you writing for YA or adult fantasy readers?
Do you want slow-burn romantasy, dark epic war, or cozy witchy vibes?
Are your readers expecting a standalone or a series?
Then:
Read within your subgenre to see what’s been done (and how you can twist it).
Hang out in fantasy writing spaces (Discords, Reddit, TikTok comments) and see what readers are craving.
Example: Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros leans into romantasy tropes (dragon riders, academy training, enemies-to-lovers) with fast pacing and emotional stakes that match its BookTok-heavy audience.
Step 3: Begin worldbuilding (but don’t overdo it)
Worldbuilding is one of the most exciting aspects of learning how to write fantasy. Your world is the stage where your characters will live, fight, and grow.
Before you dive into writing, take some time to sketch out the basics:
Geography: Is your world a sprawling continent, an archipelago, or something entirely unique, like floating islands?
Culture and traditions: What are the beliefs, customs, and celebrations of the people who inhabit your world?
Politics and power structures: Who rules, and how do they maintain control? Are there rebellions, alliances, or ancient rivalries at play?
Magic and technology: Is your world steeped in ancient magic, or is it a blend of fantasy and futuristic tech?
But remember: do NOT overdo it. Flesh out the worldbuilding basics and whatever you need for the beginning of your story, and you can build as you go later on.
Step 4: Define your magic system (or lack thereof)
Magic is often the heartbeat of a fantasy novel, but if you’re wondering how to write fantasy that feels believable, it’s crucial to give your magic system structure and rules.
Even if your story doesn’t include magic, there’s likely something extraordinary about your world that will shape how it functions—be it advanced technology, mystical creatures, or otherworldly phenomena.
Ask yourself:
Who can use magic, and how is it accessed?
What are the limits of magic? (For example, can magic solve every problem, or does it come with risks and costs?)
How does magic affect society? (Is it a closely guarded secret, or does everyone wield it?)
Example: In Brandon Sanderson’s Mistborn, magic is fueled by ingesting metals. It’s strategic, rule-based, and tightly tied to class oppression and rebellion.
Step 5: Develop compelling characters
Fantasy may be full of extraordinary settings, but your characters are the heart of the story. Here’s how to make them unforgettable:
Give them flaws
Perfect heroes are boring. Readers connect with characters who struggle. Maybe your protagonist is impulsive, stubborn, or haunted by a tragic past. Flaws create depth and relatability.
Craft compelling motivations
Ask yourself: What does each character want, and why? A character driven by revenge will act very differently than one seeking redemption.
Build complex villains
Your antagonist should be more than just “evil for the sake of evil.” Give them a backstory, motivations, and perhaps even a few redeeming qualities. Think Loki from Thor—he’s mischievous, morally gray, and endlessly entertaining.
Step 6: Outline your plot
You don’t need a 30-page outline. But you do need to know:
What kicks your story off (inciting incident)
What escalates the tension (rising stakes)
What changes your character forever (climax)
How it ends (resolution)
Use any structure that helps you:
Save the Cat! (here’s a ready-made beat sheet template you can grab)
Three-Act structure
Or something custom
Also, make sure your story has subplots (romance, rivalry, secrets) that tie back into the main arc.
Step 7: Write
Literally what the header says. You have to start writing. Period.
Even if it’s a crappy first draft—it doesn’t matter. You’ll edit later.
Here’s how to survive drafting a fantasy novel:
Set a word count goal you can actually hit most days (e.g., 300–500 words)
Write at your best time of day (morning? night? lunch break?)
Use low-pressure rituals—tea, playlists, even a walk—to get into the zone
Don’t stop to edit. Just get the words down first
Use whatever rituals or hacks help you stay consistent. The finish line is real. You just have to keep walking.
Example: V.E. Schwab does her best writing in the mornings—after walking her dogs and making tea. Afternoons are for admin or editing, and she often returns to drafting for another hour at night. She's candid about struggling with distractions and shifting routines, but still manages to finish books by embracing her natural rhythms rather than forcing rigid structure.
Check out Schwab’s writing routine here.
Step 8: Revise with intention
Now the real work begins. Good editing means:
Cutting filler and tightening pacing
Making sure character arcs land
Ensuring magic/worldbuilding is consistent
Checking dialogue, tension, transitions
Use beta readers, critique partners and even professional editors (speaking from experience, the latter is super worth it, whether you’re going the trad publishing route or self-publishing).
P.S. Track changes in a master doc so you don’t lose your mind.
Common mistakes to avoid when learning how to write fantasy
Even the most epic idea can fall flat if it’s buried under too much lore, inconsistent rules, or cardboard characters. If you’re figuring out how to write fantasy for the first time (or the tenth), these are some of the biggest pitfalls to watch out for.
Worldbuilding before you know the story
It’s tempting to start with a 40-page history of the ancient dragon wars. But if your world isn’t tied to a compelling character and plot, it’s just noise.
Start with the story you want to tell, then build the parts of the world that matter most.
Naming overload
If your first chapter includes five characters, three nations, two deities, and a fictional food group, your reader will feel like they’ve been tossed into a fantasy dictionary.
Introduce names gradually and only when they matter. Use context to help them stick.
Breaking your own rules
If magic drains a user’s life in chapter three, it shouldn’t suddenly heal someone in chapter twenty—unless there's a damn good reason.
Internal logic is everything in fantasy. When you break a rule, it better cost something.
P.S. You should keep track of your magic rules, worldbuilding, characters, etc. in a worldbuilding bible if possible.
Flat characters
A beautiful, powerful, noble heroine who always does the right thing is the fastest way to lose a reader. Give your characters flaws, contradictions, and tough choices.
Even the “chosen one” is more interesting if they’re angry, impulsive, or unsure of themselves.
Overexplaining your world
You don’t need a monologue on the currency system, the religious structure of seven continents, and the life cycle of wyverns before your character leaves their village.
Weave in details naturally through your characters’ experiences and dialogue, not through exposition dumps.
Motivational tips: How to write fantasy
Staying motivated is the key to finishing your story. If you’re wondering how to write fantasy while keeping the momentum going, here are some quick tips to help:
Set small, achievable goals
Don’t try to conquer your entire novel in one sitting. Instead, break it into manageable pieces. Aim to write 500 words a day, finish one scene per week, or even outline a single chapter. Small wins add up over time and keep you feeling accomplished.
Create a writing routine
Consistency is your best friend. Whether you write in the early mornings, during lunch breaks, or late at night, find a time that works for you and make it a habit. Protect this time fiercely—it’s your space to let creativity flow.
Related post: 10 Fantasy Writing Motivation Hacks to Finish Your Novel
Use tools to stay organized and efficient
Writing software can make a huge difference when tackling a large project like a fantasy novel.
Scrivener: Great for organizing your notes, outlines, and drafts all in one place. Its corkboard and binder features are great for plotting complex stories.
ProWriting Aid: A powerful tool for editing and improving your prose. It checks grammar, style, and readability, helping you polish your story as you go.
Notion Worldbuilding & Story Planning System: A complete database where you can track your worldbuilding, magic systems, character profiles, plot, writing progress, and more—all in once place.
For a more detailed list, check out 6 Best Worldbuilding Software for Fantasy Writers
Embrace the mess
Your first draft doesn’t need to be perfect. But it does need to exist. Allow yourself to write without overthinking every word. You can always refine, polish, and edit later. Give yourself permission to create freely, knowing that revision is where the magic happens.
Find a fantasy writing community
Writing doesn’t have to be a solitary journey. Join online writing communities (list below) or local groups to connect with others who share your passion. Sharing your work, trading feedback, and celebrating milestones together can reignite your motivation.
Some online fantasy writing communities you can check out:
Reddit’s fantasy writing community
Spark inspiration when you're stuck
Even the best writers hit creative blocks. When you’re struggling to move forward, a spark of inspiration can make all the difference.
Check out these fantasy writing prompts to get your creativity flowing. These prompts are perfect for brainstorming new ideas, developing characters, or exploring untapped aspects of your world.
Ready to write your fantasy novel (for real this time)?
If this guide gave you clarity, the next step is taking action. The Fantasy Writing for Beginners eBook walks you through the entire process, step by step.
From finding your “what if?” to building a story-worthy world, crafting flawed characters, and actually finishing your draft, it’s packed with the same advice you’ve just read (in more detail), plus examples and exercises to help you do the thing.
Frequently asked questions about how to write fantasy
How long should a fantasy novel be?
Fantasy novels are usually longer than other genres to make room for worldbuilding and complex plots. A good benchmark is 90,000–120,000 words for adult fantasy, or 70,000–100,000 for YA. Epic fantasy often goes beyond 120,000.
Do I have to create a map for my fantasy world?
Not necessarily, but maps can be a great tool for keeping your world consistent. They help you visualize geography, track your characters’ journeys, and give readers a sense of place. Even a simple hand-drawn map can go a long way in grounding your story.
Should my fantasy story include a prologue?
Prologues can work well in fantasy, especially if you want to introduce key backstory or set up an event that shapes the world or plot. However, avoid using a prologue as an info-dump. If it doesn’t enhance the story or hook readers, consider starting with your main narrative instead.
Do I need to follow traditional fantasy tropes?
Not at all! While classic tropes like "the chosen one" or "the ancient prophecy" can be great starting points, don’t feel boxed in by tradition. Readers love fresh takes on familiar ideas, so put your own spin on the tropes or subvert them entirely. The key is to make your story uniquely yours while still delivering the sense of wonder and adventure that fantasy fans crave.
How to write fantasy romance?
To write fantasy romance, start by developing both the romantic arc and the fantasy world so they’re deeply connected. The setting should shape the relationship, and the relationship should raise the stakes of the plot. Build tension, use tropes with intention (like enemies to lovers or forbidden love), and make sure your characters have individual goals outside the romance. For a full breakdown, check out this guide on how to write romantasy.
