how to write fantasy
DESCRIPTION
A series of slides on how to write fantasy, by author Jodi McIsaac (The Thin Veil series). Given at the Calgary Public Library Writers' Weekend on Feb. 1, 2014.TRANSCRIPT
Writing Fantasy Jodi McIsaacCalgary Public Library Writers’ Weekend 2014www.jodimcisaac.com
What makes a book “fantasy”?
Fantasy subgenres
Sword and Sorcery
Urban
Paranormal Romance
Contemporary
Historical
Fairytale
Alternate History
Comic
Superhero
Juvenile
Mythic
Dark Fantasy
1. World-building
2. Characters
3. Magic systems
1. World-building
• Religion• Politics• Gender roles• Military• Economics
• Role of
science• Role of
magic• Natural laws• History• Education
1. World-building
• Borrow from existing mythologies/history
• Use a story bible or spreadsheet
• Don’t info-dump
2. Characters
Give them weaknesses
Avoid stereotypes
Make them easily distinguishable from each other
Pronounceable names
3. Magic systems
Hard magic (Kingkiller Chronicles, Superman)
Soft magic (LOTR, GoT)
Sanderson’s First Law of Magic: An author’s ability to solve conflict with magic is directly proportional to how
well the reader understands said magic.
3. Magic Systems
“Magic comes with a price, dearie.”
Cost
Limitations
3. Magic Systems
Questions to ask:
• How do people gain access to the magic?
• What can the magic do?
• What are the limitations of the magic?
• What are the costs for using magic?
• Can the magic be undone?
• What do you need to use the magic?
• How does magic make life worse for your characters?