Quill&Steel Blog

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...

How to Plot a Fantasy Novel Like a Pro (Even If You're Just Starting)
Figuring out how to plot a fantasy novel can feel as overwhelming as standing at the edge of a magical forest, wondering which path to take. Do you dive in...

Ultimate Fantasy Worldbuilding Guide 2025
Worldbuilding is one of the most exciting parts of writing fantasy. It’s also one of the easiest places to get stuck. This fantasy worldbuilding guide is for writers who want...

How to Write Slow Burn Romance in Fantasy That Wrecks Readers
If you’re trying to figure out how to write slow burn romance, you know it’s not as simple as dragging out the first kiss. When I started weaving a slow...

Fantasy Fiction Writing Prompts & Tips for Beginners
Fantasy fiction writing prompts can be powerful tools—ones that might’ve gotten me unstuck a lot sooner. You see, when I first started writing my fantasy fiction novel, I spent eight...

How to Create Fantasy Creatures (with Free Template)
You’ve built your world. You’ve written your characters. But now you need magical creatures that feel like they belong. Not just background decoration, but living, breathing parts of your story....

How to Start Worldbuilding in 3 Clear Steps
You're trying to understand how to start worldbuilding, but figuring out where to begin feels overwhelming. Here's the good news: you don't have to build everything. You just have to...

19 Fantasy Romance Plot Ideas That Don't Feel Recycled
Fantasy romance plot ideas are easy to find but surprisingly hard to make work. You start with “enemies-to-lovers in a magical war,” and next thing you know, you’re drowning in...

Best Fantasy Story Structure for Your Novel (+ Free Template)
A good fantasy story structure is what keeps your epic tale from spiraling into chaos. One minute you’re writing about a rogue in a tavern, and the next you’ve built...