A Touch of Lightning: A Beginner’s View of Writing Fantasy Stories
In the craft of writing fantasy stories, a touch of lightning is all the author needs to spark their imagination and ignite a world of fresh ideas. It is that sudden flash of inspiration that illuminates the dark recesses where the best ideas lurk, bringing to life intricate landscapes and complex characters.
This electric surge of creativity is the lifeblood of fantasy storytelling, where the impossible becomes possible, transforming the mundane world into one brimming with magic, myth, and legend. Just as lightning can reveal a landscape in stark relief, the fantasy writer’s touch can unveil the wonders of new worlds, inviting readers to step into the extraordinary and experience the thrill of adventure that lies at the heart of every tale.
As a new fantasy author, I am hunting for a storm.
Let’s be clear though, the brief ignition of ideas is just the start; no one wakes up in the morning with a complete world in their head. At least, no one that I know. Instead, writers find inspiration in the myths and legends of old, the natural world around them, and the depths of their own dreams and experiences. J.R.R. Tolkien, for instance, drew from Norse and Celtic mythologies, weaving ancient folklore into the rich tapestry of Middle-earth. J. K. Rowling has cited her fascination with alchemy and the symbolism of owls as key inspirations for the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. By nurturing this vital spark, writers can breathe life into places that exist beyond the boundaries of the everyday.
World-building is where the true alchemy of fantasy takes place. Authors craft intricate, immersive settings — complete with detailed geographies, rich cultural traditions, and innovative uses of magic. Whether it’s a dry, desert marketplace or a gritty night time cityscape crackling with enchantments, meticulous world-building shapes the most captivating fantasy stories. They have their own sense of reality.
Readers must be able to envision the strange, vivid, and wondrous lands they’re exploring. From the soaring spires of a magical city to the dark, foreboding forests teeming with mysterious creatures. Underlying this vivid world-building is a keen attention to detail and a deep understanding of how distinct elements — climate, resources, social structures — shape the contours of a fantasy realm. Accomplished authors like Brandon Sanderson and N. K. Jemisin have showed masterful world-building, crafting intricate magic systems and diverse societies that feel authentic.
However, no matter how detailed the fantasy realm is, the characters bring the stories to life. Great fantasy protagonists embody universal human qualities — courage, wisdom, compassion — while also possessing the unique traits and abilities that make them exceptional. Whether it’s the reluctant hero, the wise wizard, or the cunning trickster, these characters must grapple with profound challenges and personal growth that resonate with readers on an emotional level. When done well, these characters will walk off the page and into our lives.
Take Frodo Baggins from Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings, for instance — a humble hobbit thrust into a grand, world-shaping quest, burdened by the terrible power of the One Ring. Or consider Harry Potter, the orphaned, mistreated boy who discovers his true calling as a powerful young wizard. These characters capture our imaginations because they are relatable, flawed, and human, even as they navigate fantastical landscapes and wield extraordinary abilities. Skilled fantasy writers understand it is through the trials and transformations of their protagonists that readers become immersed in the story.
Language and storytelling underpin everything. Fantasy authors must be masters of their craft, using vivid descriptions, evocative dialogue, and rich symbolism to immerse the reader in their imagined worlds. The narrative structures and plot devices employed in fantasy tales — the epic quest, the magical item, the climactic battle — have developed and evolved over centuries. When wielded correctly, they have the power to captivate and transport.
Consider the opening lines of The Fellowship of the Ring: “In a hole in the ground there lived a hobbit.” With just a few simple words, Tolkien sets the stage for an unforgettable journey, evoking a sense of wonder and curiosity that draws the reader in. Or reflect upon the lyrical prose of Neil Gaiman’s Stardust, where the author’s command of language paints a picture of a land that feels at once familiar and otherworldly. The true magic of fantasy lies in the writer’s ability to craft a narrative that feels seamless, effortless, and spellbinding. Lightning in a bottle.
As I embark on my journey as a fantasy writer, I am in awe of the sheer artistry and innovation wielded by the genre’s greats. With each turn of the page, I’m reminded of the boundless potential of the human imagination — and the transformative power it contains. A great fantasy story unlocks the wonders of the mind, granting the freedom to explore deep and meaningful subjects.
Fantasy readers seek to be transported, to experience the thrill of the impossible made real. It is the responsibility of all fantasy authors to harness the full power of language, world-building, and character development to create those transportive experiences. Each new story must kindle that first spark and let it grow into a brilliant flame that illuminates the limitless realms of the imagination.
That is the road I am on as I set out on an epic quest to craft and share worlds of unlimited potential. I’m standing here on the edge of the storm, umbrella unfurled, waiting for that spark, for that touch of lightning.
