Creative Writing for Fantasy Writers
Creative Writing demands a level of organization dictated by
the complexity of your plot line. I have heard that there are
only seven different plot lines, with thirty-six variations.
Yours could be unique but it will still need to follow the
fundamental rules if you are going to keep your readers for the
whole journey.
How To Map Your Plot
You must have all the information about: Who, Why, Where,
When and How, before you start.
Who. Know your characters. Decide what personality
traits they bring to the story. Know their history. Know what
motivates them, their favorite foods their deepest secret, their
first kiss, their worst nightmare.
Why are they in the situation of the story you are
writing? History and back story are vital. Even if you don't use
any of your ideas in the story, you must know why events are
unfolding and the reasons must be convincing. Fantasy plots
might not be in the realm of believability, but if they don't
convince the reader, you're wasting your time. So, the 'why'
everything happens is vital.
Where is your story set. Close your eyes, if you can't
see where the scene is happening, do more research. Find a
photo, film or dream until the dust is gritty and the wind
chills your blood. IF you can't imagine where your story is
taking place . . . don't expect your readers to follow you.
When, is pretty much covered by where. Set the time
line . . . then don't add modern slang to a period piece or
localized knowledge to a fantasy world. Keep your artifacts
accurate as far as possible. Don't have knight's nuking their
prey or off world wizard's chewing gum.
