Tips For Writing Fantasy

What To Do

Outline or No Outline?

Some writers need an outline, other don't use them because the story changes too much during the writing process. However, a basic outline can keep the story on target and provide guidance as to where the plot is headed.

Are you a writer who doesn't have an idea of what the story is about other than a scene or two? Then you can't outline. If that's the case, start writing. Get initial ideas on paper. This helps to stimulate imagination as characters and the fantasy world take on life. When scenes spur ideas jot them on a separate piece of paper. I recommend a notebook to keep your ideas together. At the end of your writing time, transfer new ideas to an electronic file for easy access. If you're looking for guidance in this process, Pumping Your Muse by Donna Sundblad not only offers guidance as to using a notebook to pull your ideas together, but also provides prompts to initiate new ideas and exercises to help connect plot threads into a timeline.

If you have an idea for a plot, however basic, write it down. Don't worry about details until they gel; allow your writing to carry you through the storyline as it blossoms. It's as much fun as reading a novel-or more because you can make changes in the plot when a new idea emerges. Characters and worlds offer input as they interact within your imagination. This input changes the original story line so that many outlines created before the story started, don't resemble the finished novel.

Don't worry about developing a complete outline before writing the first words of your novel. Instead start writing. Let the world and characters evolve. Make notes and as the story and plot develop, start your outline, but keep it flexible enough to incorporate new ideas.

Add ingredients to your novel daily by developing the writing habit and your developing outline will lead the way. Write, write, write. That's the first step in writing a fantasy novel.