Readers expect specific things from the books they consume. It is more than magic and villains.
What makes a fantasy story? Our first thought might be to answer ‘magic’ – potions, spells, mythical beasts. Yet fantasy contains multiple vital elements. This is genuinely a complicated genre to write in. While there aren’t hard-and-fast rules to follow, certain factors must be included to classify a story as ‘fantasy.’ Fantasy readers expect specific things from the books they consume. And no, we are not talking about familiar tropes like elves, dwarves, trolls, and dragons! We are referring to broader elements – general concepts within which you can be imaginative and inventive.
Let us take a look at the essential elements every fantasy novel needs.
1. A system of magic. A story must contain some magical system to be even considered a fantasy. A magic system refers to things that exist or occur in your story that do not or cannot live in the real world. Elements of sorcery, witchcraft, enchantment; fantastical creatures and the supernatural; advanced abilities or powers; anything with no basis in real-world logic or evidence can be considered ‘magic.’
This is where you can set your story apart from others in the genre. If your magic system is unique and imaginative or something readers haven’t seen before, your novel has a point of difference.
2. A sense of “Adventure.” Adventure in fantasy is typical, from bands of traveling and questing heroes to girls who fall down magical rabbit holes and many more.
Adventure in fantasy usually features another meaning of magic: “A quality of being delightful and beautiful in a way that is somehow remote from daily life.” Fantasy usually takes us to places that seem remote from daily life, full of discoveries, new joys, or dangers.
3. A well-developed setting. This is another vital element within fantasy and magic. When writing in this genre, your story takes place in a whole new world. To really immerse readers in your world, you must develop your setting thoughtfully and thoroughly.
4. A cast of complex characters. As with any given novel, the characters in fantasy fiction often get readers invested in the story. Your plot, setting, and magic system may intrigue and engage readers, but no matter if your readers do not care about the outcomes and their characters.
How many characters your story has is entirely up to you. Still, if you are writing a series like most fantasy writers, it is better to have a cast of several main characters and your auxiliary characters. This provides diversity and interest within the story, helping to sustain readers’ engagement over many books.
However, to encourage reader empathy and sharpen focus, you might consider having one ‘standout’ main character with whom your readers will experience most of the story. Alternatively, if your account is extra complicated and your cast of characters is especially large, you may want to have more than one of these main characters.
5. A central conflict. The vital key to every good story is conflict. This is true in fantasy fiction, where your characters often have higher stakes. Different conflicts are all critical, and it is essential to have an overarching central conflict within your fantasy series or novel.
And focus on exploring conflict organically. Consider the consequences of the characters’ actions and follow them on their natural course. All disputes must have a reasonable cause.
The magical and mystical book series of Brian Jay Nelson captures the essentials of writing good mystical and magical books. Branchviews book series-“The Unexpected Journey, The Epic Showdown, The Portal of Time and Stories From The Hidden World” narrates when paranormal writer Steven Spencer is supernaturally beckoned through his computer to visit a sprawling Connecticut estate, an investigative assignment turns into a life-changing experience. During the inquiry, mysterious spirits of the underworld are exposed. Before Steven can tell Loraine his life partner, she is summoned to the Branchview Estate.
There are many more elements of fantasy or magic, yet the above provides a basic overview of standard features. Think about power, adventure, settings, and conflict. Give place its intriguing character. And remember to allocate your reader reasons to wish, wonder, and marvel.
Alex Writes 