Fantasy Writing: The Dos and Don'ts You Need to Know

Writing a fantasy novel is one of the most exciting creative adventures you can embark on. You’re not just telling a story—you’re building worlds, shaping magic, breathing life into new cultures, and guiding readers through realms that exist nowhere except in your imagination. But with that freedom comes its own set of challenges.

To help you craft a fantasy story that feels rich, immersive, and unforgettable, here are the essential dos and don’ts every fantasy writer should keep in mind.

Do:

✔ Build a Detailed, Consistent World

Fantasy lives or dies by its world-building. Take the time to develop the geography, history, cultures, traditions, belief systems, and political structures of your world. Once you establish the rules, stick to them. Consistency is what makes the impossible feel believable.

✔ Create Complex, Well-Rounded Characters

Even in a world of dragons and enchanted forests, readers want characters who feel real. Develop their motivations, fears, desires, and histories. And don’t shy away from diversity—different cultures, abilities, identities, and worldviews make your story richer and more resonant.

✔ Use Magic Thoughtfully and Creatively

Magic shouldn’t just be fireworks; it should serve the story. Define how it works, who can use it, the cost of using it, and how it affects your world. When magic has rules and consequences, it becomes dramatically powerful rather than a convenient cheat.

✔ Explore Meaningful Themes

Fantasy is more than escapism—it’s a mirror held up to the real world. Whether you’re exploring power, corruption, identity, trauma, destiny, or freedom, let your themes add depth and purpose to the story.

Don’t:

✗ Lean on Stereotypes and Clichés

Tropes like evil dark lords, ancient prophecies, and chosen ones can still work—but only if you bring something fresh to them. Reimagine, subvert, or deepen classic elements to make them your own.

✗ Neglect the World-Building

A fantasy world that feels thin or inconsistent pulls readers out of the story instantly. If you skip the foundations—ecosystems, cultures, languages, consequences—your story will feel hollow.

World-building doesn’t need to be overwhelming; it just needs to be intentional.

✗ Overuse Magic as a Plot Fix

If magic solves every conflict, removes every obstacle, or appears conveniently when needed, tension disappears. Give your magic limits. Make characters work for their victories.

✗ Forget Character Arcs

Even the most exciting plot loses impact without emotional investment. Readers follow people, not settings. Make sure your characters change, grow, struggle, fail, and triumph in believable ways.

Final Thoughts on Fantasy Writing

Writing fantasy is the art of bringing the extraordinary to life. By grounding your world in well-built logic, shaping characters your readers can connect with, and using magic responsibly and creatively, you set the foundation for a story that truly captivates.

Avoid clichés, weak world-building, or shallow character development, and you’ll be well on your way to crafting a fantasy novel that feels both fresh and unforgettable.

Whether you’re writing your first tale or refining a long-in-the-works epic, these guidelines will help you shape a world readers can lose themselves in—and a story they’ll carry with them long after the final page.