Writing Fiction 1

Hello to everyone!

First off, you probably saw the title and were like, “But this is a website on Fantasy Reviews!”

Well, let me just say a few things.

You’ve got to understand how hard it is to write a book, when you read it. This gives a more open minded opinion. You can compare the book you’re reading to other books, and think about what would improve it.

When you write a book,  you need characters, a plot that captures the reader, a problem, encounters with other people, arguments and disagreements, a decision, a good title, etc, etc. If it’s fiction you’re writing, you’ve got your work cut out for you.

World building:

When you create a fantasy world, there are certain tools that make your work way easier.

-Pencils

-Paper

-Computer (Really, really, really useful!)

-Your brain (Even more useful than a computer!)

Not to be rude about the last one, but I’ve seen pre-generated ideas on certain websites and in a few books. (I personally don’t like these because customizing them takes a long time.)

Let me go through the steps.

Steps:

I usually start my book by introducing a major character. Before I type up my idea, I write it down on paper. (Yes, I know. Paper.) I create a simple profile for the character, usually something like this:

Name:

Age:

Birthday:

Height:

Gender: (Optional.)

Habits:

Hobbies:

Power(s):

Friends/Family:

I create a few main characters, and then I think about my plot. Usually, I have a rough idea. I might make a character meet another character, or discover another ‘world’. I sometimes write out the order of events in the way I want things to happen. Then, I’ll write a chapter or so. I try to go back and edit frequently.

I might create a few villains at this point. I’ll write a profile for them too.

Tip: When creating a villain, think about their motives. What do they want? How will they get it? I try not to make them too power hungry. (Cough, Voldemort, cough.)

First Sentence:

When I start the book, I want something that captures the reader, but is still descriptive. If you say something like this:

I watched.

Does it make you want to read more? Or is it irritating how you don’t know what’s happening? Saying something like this might have less suspense, but is more descriptive:

I watched as they dragged my mother away.

It’s better, I think. I wouldn’t add more to that.

I watched as the guards dragged my mother down the cobblestone road.

It’s kind of a mouthful. Phrasing it differently might help.

I watched as they dragged her down the street.

A simple sentence, a plot that seems interesting. Who are they, and what do they want with the main character’s mother? Or family, or simply the main character him/herself. What about the setting? Add that in after the first sentence.

I like to look up pictures and descriptions of places I’m writing about. If I’ve been there, I might need a reminder. If I’m creating an entirely different world, I might draw a map, or invent a language. Just look at J. R. R. Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings trilogy, and his other books. He invented Middle Earth, a history for it, fantasy creatures that live there, their languages, and even the flora and fauna that grow/live there.

I usually try to come up with a prophecy of some sort. I can’t really give any tips on that, since I have yet to use them in my book ideas. (I can’t seem to get the rhyming write! Get it? Write? Right?)

Conclusion:

Basically, I wrote all of that to help other writers out there with a few starter tips. I also wrote it for readers of this blog to enjoy.  🙂

I hope it gives you a good idea of making a plot and a few characters. I think that writing books helps me to understand how hard it is for authors to publish their books and create a great plot! I really enjoy sharing tips and ideas with others.

Remember to believe in unicorns!

 

-Unicornfantasybookreviews.com