Quill&Steel Blog

Notion vs. Obsidian for Worldbuilding and Fantasy Writing
Notion vs. Obsidian is one of the biggest debates among worldbuilders and fantasy writers who want to keep their worlds and stories organized. Both apps are powerful, but they approach...

How to Write Romantasy in 5 Steps (with Examples)
Knowing how to write romantasy isn't about sprinkling a dragon here and a passionate kiss there and calling it a day (although those can definitely be woven into your story)....

8 Ways to Avoid Info Dumps in Fantasy Worldbuilding
Every fantasy writer hits this wall sooner or later: you’ve built a sprawling, fascinating world, but how do you actually show it to readers without boring them to death? You...

How to Organize Worldbuilding for Fantasy Writers
Worldbuilding is thrilling, but it’s also a notorious time sink. You build kingdoms, invent languages, design religions, and suddenly realize you’ve spent three weeks on a trade system for a...

8 Magic System Mistakes New Fantasy Writers Make
A strong magic system can make your fantasy world unforgettable. A weak one can sink your story before it has a chance to shine. I’ve seen these magic system mistakes...

How to Create a Magic System That’s Unique (With Examples)
When it comes to fantasy writing, a well-crafted magic system can elevate your story, set your world apart, and keep readers hooked. But how do you create a magic system...

How a Discovery Writer Mapped Her Fantasy World With Notion
Cully’s fantasy series is the kind of saga that demands its own wiki: five corrupted kings, cults manipulating elemental magic, black markets, criminal underworlds, and nine original languages. She’s building...

6-Step Fantasy Scene Structure That Hooks Readers
Struggling with how to write fantasy scenes that actually move your story forward? You're not alone. Many fantasy writers create chapters where characters talk or travel, but nothing meaningful changes....

15 Best Free Tools for Fantasy Writers in 2025
Calling all fantasy writers (whether your quill is scarred from NaNoWriMo or you're brand new to the realm of world‑building): this post is your treasure chest. I’m diving deep into...