Questions tagged [fantasy]
Is the literary genre that deals with magic, magic creatures and imaginary worlds. This tag should be used for any questions relating to fantasy, including formatting, techniques and publishing.
566
questions
1
vote
1
answer
70
views
Is my plot too similar to "Harry Potter" or other fantasy genre books?
I'm working on a story in Hindi.
The protagonist is a fairy princess who was left in her maternal uncle's house because in her world (which is above clouds) she is loved by her maternal family, but ...
- 11
7
votes
5
answers
2k
views
How to not make my series repetitive?
I'm working on a fantasy book series of around 8 books, (might grow, might shrink, I don't know) about a girl who grew up in our world but gets sent by her parents to the fantasy school that they went ...
- 285
5
votes
3
answers
1k
views
Misleading readers on the motives/true personality of a character
My protagonist meets a Queen who is incredibly beautiful, acts very flirtatiously and is naive on most topics despite the fact she is a young adult. In short, she fulfils every stereotype of what a ...
- 772
3
votes
3
answers
139
views
Selling small scenes?
I absolutely love writing small scenes. Smaller than a complete chapter. Is there any website where I can sell them? I am all for selling copyright over to whoever wants to write a story off of them, ...
1
vote
3
answers
176
views
In my polytheistic world, how should I prevent people fighting over which god to worship? [closed]
Remember when I set the protagonist, Berta Newton (Issac Newton's incarnation into isekai), as an angel? As the accepted answerer aptly said, people will be interested in her magics themselves, rather ...
- 173
7
votes
3
answers
933
views
How can I fit a protagonist and his character arc to an existing world and plot?
I began my project with world-building. Afterward, I decided on the overarching plot, and now I'm trying to populate it with characters, starting with my protagonist. I've figured out his core driving ...
- 418
3
votes
5
answers
548
views
Is there another, more formal, word for 'ride' in this circumstance?
Imagine a man standing by the highway, asking for a ride. Not a free ride like in hitchhiking, but a paid one. Is there another term for 'ride' that would better suit the situation here?
Setting is a ...
- 141
1
vote
2
answers
162
views
How do I include a woman on her period in a Fantasy novel?
One thing I want to see more of in Fantasy exploration books is mentioning the necessity for 'emptying ones bowles' and women on their period - human reproductive systems will generally not change ...
- 772
0
votes
3
answers
106
views
Urban or Epic Fantasy? [closed]
I can't decide what I want to write about: Should I go with urban or epic fantasy? And what are the pros and cons of them?
- 11
0
votes
3
answers
181
views
How would you write a character turning invisible?
One of my characters in the story I'm writing has the power of invisibility. I was wondering how it would feel for her to turn invisible from her perspective.
- 1
2
votes
2
answers
124
views
How to describe my character using a power
My character has the ability to charm others. She can use her powers of charm to persuade others to do what she wants or daze them for a small period of time. Too much use of this power can drain her ...
- 21
13
votes
3
answers
5k
views
How do I properly present dialogue in a scene with two female characters?
When writing a conversation between two female characters, I found myself using their names over and over instead of using pronouns. If I use 'she' for both of them, it's confusing to read because it ...
- 131
3
votes
4
answers
1k
views
What language could I use to write spells or names of things in my fantasy novel?
I'm writing a fantasy novel and would like suggestions. I would like to write spells/incantations in a foreign language, preferably a dead language such as Anglo-Saxon. I also would need a translation ...
- 31
2
votes
3
answers
176
views
How do I write a story in which no one can understand each other?
I have this story I want to write where there's different species that each speak their own different language, but none of them can understand each other at all.
Then the main character comes and ...
3
votes
3
answers
228
views
Can I write a story based in a world without humans?
I have this world I'm building that I want to write a story on, but there's absolutely nothing human in the world.
It's entirely built around elemental creatures including the protagonist.
4
votes
2
answers
137
views
How do you create an emotional attachment to a character who never appears?
Main Question
My protagonist, Dannie, was taken from her home for 7 years. The story starts when she escapes and follows her journey home. Dannie discusses her home with her traveling companion, and ...
- 772
1
vote
3
answers
196
views
How to write symbolism into a story?
I'm writing a dark academia/Gothic romance. It's about this guy named Humphry who accidentally summons a ghost girl named Cal after a failed experiment. He at first is freaked out and wants nothing to ...
0
votes
3
answers
245
views
Adult Fantasy with a protagonist like Arya Stark
I'm pitching an adult fantasy book with a young protagonist much like Arya Stark in temperament and capabilities, and I'm having difficulty setting that expectation with my comps. There are plenty of ...
- 692
0
votes
1
answer
134
views
Should Greek or Norse mythology be used?
When writing, what of these two mythologies should be used, in terms of quality and preservation of the original sources? (I am not listing other mythologies like Aztec, Mesopotamian, Caribbean, ...
user61297
5
votes
2
answers
694
views
Should I use 1st-person or 3rd-person perspective for an alien character alone in a post-apocalyptic world?
This has been a difficulty for me for a bit. I'm writing a story about an alien character alone in a post-apocalyptic world. Them being alone makes me think it'd be easier and better to chose 1st ...
2
votes
2
answers
153
views
Is the forbidden love story of an elf and prince overused?
I'm writing a short novel mostly for my own enjoyment, but I want to know if the elf and prince forbidden love has been beaten to death and if it would actually get any attention if it were to be ...
1
vote
2
answers
135
views
Can I just change the whole subplot for a new character?
I have a side character that I'm writing the POV of and their story just opened up so many possibilities for the story. I don't know what happens after this story, but so far it has all been rated E ...
- 11
4
votes
3
answers
248
views
Looking to include hijabi character in children's book about magic, would that go against muslim customs?
A friend and I have written and illustrated a children's story about a group of kid witches that includes a girl with a hijab. I have read that magic and witchcraft are taboo in Muslim faith, should ...
- 41
3
votes
5
answers
884
views
How to include multiple rare events in a story without it feeling contrived?
I'm working on a detailed plot outline for a fantasy story that revolves around three main characters, Liana, Celia, and Ander. Here's a brief overview:
Celia suffers from a condition called "...
0
votes
0
answers
95
views
It is legal to recreate Camp Half-Blood in my own writing? [duplicate]
"Camp Half-Blood" is the name of a location in a book series of the same name from the author Rick Riordan. It is legal to recreate this location in my own writing, even if the original ...
user60583
1
vote
2
answers
301
views
What are the rules for using mythological names in characters?
Are there any of such rules applicable to this case? For instance, if a story has various character groups, should all characters from one group be named after gods from a single mythology?
user60583
0
votes
2
answers
334
views
How can I describe characters based on real world races like "Asian" or "Indian" in a fantasy world?
In a fantasy world where things like Asia don’t exist how would you get the point across that a person may be a pale Asian person with straight black hair and blue eyes and a heart shaped face rather ...
- 103
0
votes
3
answers
627
views
What's the difference between a fantasy mystery novel and an adventure novel?
I'm setting out to write a mystery that is firmly rooted in the fantasy genre. The MC time travels to another historical era, where the MC has to solve a multi-faceted mystery (having both ...
- 11
1
vote
1
answer
97
views
What is the editing process for fantasy romance?
I currently trying to edit my first book, draft 1. It all feels overwhelming after I've written the notecards, replanned it a little to meet the change of plot line, and it all seems to not work like ...
- 13
1
vote
0
answers
62
views
Selectively mute character where language is a barrier
I have a mc that speaks only mandarin and is taken in by pirates that are mostly English speakers. He didn't speak much before being taken by them. So how would I write a character that is basically ...
- 11
1
vote
3
answers
217
views
Do I need to ask real locations' permission to use them in my story?
I have written a children's book about dragons and the things they do in Texas. Do I need to ask i.e. the Lubbock Arboretum if it's okay that I mention them in my story? So my question is: When do I ...
- 11
1
vote
2
answers
227
views
Question for "standalone with series potential" query
It's a 195k word epic fantasy. These next few passes will bring that down quite a bit, and I know there's wiggle room. Reddit constantly focuses on that despite that the debut epic fantasy 120k word ...
- 111
0
votes
2
answers
161
views
How to go about describing an anthro protagonist?
I'm working on a rewrite of a story of mine. One of the improvements I'm trying to make is avoiding the block of physical description text, and trying to use more show-don't-tell. So far, all I've ...
- 71
0
votes
1
answer
135
views
How can I make repetitive behaviour not be annoying?
I am working on a Y.A. fantasy novel. One of the things I like is using little things from real life as inspiration for characters and to group them together. As such, I had a group of villains that ...
- 28
1
vote
1
answer
233
views
How to keep an original fiction from becoming fan fiction with world-hopping?
I've got an original fiction I'm writing with the concept of a multiverse where every story written or drawn in one version of modern earth generates attached universes. Everything from anime to ...
1
vote
3
answers
169
views
Just made an exposition chapter and I'm worried
I'm currently working on a fantasy novel.
Storyline wise I'm just about to charge into the second arc of the story, much more intense and action focused than the previous world building arc.
I'm ...
- 28
1
vote
2
answers
114
views
Is it realistic to hide in a tree in the mountain? [closed]
I'm writing a short story set in a medieval-like fantasy kingdom. At some point a group of people are passing through a forested low mountain area when they are attacked by hooded people, there is a ...
- 233
16
votes
4
answers
5k
views
Is omniscient observer POV really dead?
I am in the midst of reworking my latest manuscript into a shape that someone might be inclined to publish. To help me along I hired a professional editor and writer, whose comments and suggestions, ...
- 160
-1
votes
1
answer
135
views
How can I put a short-term LGBTQ romance in a restricted environment?
In my epic fantasy tale, there is a small romantic sideplot. When the main group reaches a kingdom for work, the deutertagonist, while starting off as bitter, begins to develop feelings for the ...
- 505
8
votes
9
answers
4k
views
How do you prevent yourself from neglecting scientific accuracy in a sci-fi-fantasy story without telling?
In a sci-fi setting, I was told it was important to follow scientific principles to some extent. Neglecting these principles can create confusion and disbelief among readers or viewers.
For example, ...
user36239
1
vote
5
answers
315
views
How to write character names in mystery novel where they are supposed to have their mind erased?
I'm writing a story about 5 characters without any recollection of their past and their journey to get their memories back.
I want to reveal their identity at the end of the story and I am struggling ...
- 11
3
votes
1
answer
143
views
Making the story's change in tone feel natural
I am writing an epic fantasy story for a videogame I will make in the future. In the first half, it has a lot of edgy and dark humor, but the tone feels arcadey when it comes to killing random npcs.
...
- 505
2
votes
2
answers
404
views
Having Real-World Gods in a High Fantasy Setting
In my fantasy world, there are various religions and beliefs. To not get too obsessed with the worldbuilding (it is already pretty thick and heavy,) I was thinking of, in terms of their religions, ...
- 505
2
votes
2
answers
255
views
Can I make an irredeemable character likeable?
In my fantasy epic, the protagonist is a destined chosen one who will defeat the dark lord (at least that is what the sorcerer propaganda says.) About 3/4 into the story, he eventually meets the ...
- 505
1
vote
4
answers
160
views
How do I balance a strong narrative and the option of multiple choices?
I am currently writing a story for an RPG I will make. For this RPG, it is supposed to be a sandbox and open-world game. It also gives the player multiple choices and pathways as they play, giving it ...
- 505
2
votes
1
answer
88
views
How should I write a nonlinear book where chapters are dedicated to characters as they are introduced to the main character?
I'm writing a book called People are Strange, and the new direction I've taken with it is non-linear. I'm going to focus on a character (Sonya) who comes to a town in the middle of a string of ...
- 115
-3
votes
3
answers
233
views
How can I further develop this warrior fantasy story of mine? [closed]
My fantasy story is about an 18-year old knight who was trained from 5-years old to 18-years old as a knight. He is an expert when it comes to using a two-handed double-edged longsword as a weapon. He ...
1
vote
2
answers
295
views
What if I have a story with some characters from another story by a different author and don't want to be copyrighted?
I am writing a story with some of Rick Riordan's Percy Jackson characters in it like, Percy, Annabeth, Grover,Leo, Hazel, Piper, Jason, and much more other characters in his story. I wanted to make a &...
- 11
1
vote
3
answers
1k
views
Use of racial slurs in a fantasy setting
I was thinking of making the characters use racial slurs, because there's no way that in a fantasy setting people are progressive and respect people of every group, but I wasn't sure what would be ...
user36239
1
vote
0
answers
41
views
I need more obstacles for my characters to reach the goal. Any ideas? [closed]
I have a group of characters hunting for a precious item.
I want my characters to have problems reaching the item, problems that come in the way before they can get to it. I can give an example. ...
- 11