Due to the ambition and scope of a typical fantasy series, beginning the writing process can be especially difficult. Here are some <a href='https://masterclass.com/articles/spike-lees-writing-process' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://masterclass.com/articles/spike-lees-writing-process","linkCopy":"writing tips","category":"automated-link"}' automatic='true'>writing tips</a> to help you write your own fantasy series:
 
1. __Work within a specific subgenre__. Fantasy is a broad umbrella containing a number of specific subgenres. There’s epic fantasy, <a href='https://masterclass.com/articles/how-to-write-urban-fantasy-genre' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://masterclass.com/articles/how-to-write-urban-fantasy-genre","linkCopy":"urban fantasy","category":"automated-link"}' automatic='true'>urban fantasy</a>, dystopian science fiction, sword and sorcery, and dark fantasy—just to name a few. Each subgenre has its own set of rules, common storylines, and built-in audience, so it’s crucial to fully understand which subgenre you intend to operate within. Having a comprehensive grasp on the conventions of your subgenre will ensure that you leave your reader satisfied while also allowing you to upend tropes and subvert your audience’s expectations. For instance, George R.R. Martin’s bestseller *A Song of Ice and Fire* (the basis for the TV show *Game of Thrones*) has many of the hallmarks of high fantasy—such as a grand scale, epic battles, and a fantastical medieval-inspired setting. Yet the author also plays with genre conventions by rendering heroes with ambiguous moral compasses and eschewing the typical “chosen one” narrative. Before you begin the process of novel writing, you should fully understand your subgenre.
2. __Pay attention to worldbuilding__. Sometimes the first step in writing a fantasy novel or series is [developing your fantasy world](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-write-a-believable-world). This is not just the actual landscape that your characters will inhabit; worldbuilding also encompasses the tone of your story, its major preoccupations and themes, and the nature of its morality. Whether it’s Middle Earth in J.R.R. Tolkien’s *The Hobbit* and *The Lord of the Rings* trilogy or Hogwarts in J.K. Rowling’s *Harry Potter* series, the work of the best fantasy writers [is full of vivid description](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-write-vivid-descriptions-to-capture-your-readers)—the sounds, smells, and tastes of their fictional world. Don’t be afraid to borrow details from the real world or your own real-life experiences. Leaning on your personal experience and knowledge of things is one of the keys to crafting believable places in your fantasy novel.
3. __Settle on a point of view__. Before you begin writing fantasy fiction, you’ll want to determine [your narrative point of view](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/complete-guide-to-point-of-view-in-writing-definitions-and-examples). Most fantasy books are written in one of two styles: first-person, in which the narrator tells their story, or third-person, which is the author telling the tale. While the former can provide intimacy, it is also limited by the perceptive abilities of the main character, who is confined to report only what they would realistically know or think. Third-person can offer more flexibility—you can be everywhere, help your reader see everything, and switch between various characters’ stories. Fantasy authors should determine their point of view before they write their first book, since it will affect everything from character development to their own fantasy <a href='https://masterclass.com/articles/how-to-find-your-writing-style' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://masterclass.com/articles/how-to-find-your-writing-style","linkCopy":"writing style","category":"automated-link"}' automatic='true'>writing style</a>.
4. __Plot out your story__. Novels in the sci-fi and fantasy genres tend to be ambitious, complex, and epic in scale. That’s why it’s essential to determine the basic trajectory of your story before you begin writing. Some writers begin with a detailed outline in which they [plot out character arcs](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-write-a-captivating-character-arc), story beats, and the rules of their world and magic systems. Some find it helpful to write a series of standalone short stories first, which allows them to experiment with storytelling in compact doses before diving into a full series. Either way, if you’re attempting to write a fantasy series for the first time, you should make sure your roadmap is clear before diving in.
5. __Use tropes to your advantage__. There’s a reason why fantasy series [often follow the hero’s journey](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/writing-101-what-is-the-heros-journey) and conclude with good guys triumphing over evil. [Fantasy genre tropes](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-use-fantasy-tropes-effectively) are so resilient because they serve as the building blocks of a satisfying, emotionally compelling fantasy story. The most common fantasy tropes contain seeds of real-world struggles, relationships, and themes played out on the most epic scale imaginable. Don’t be afraid to creatively lean into tropes in your fantasy novel—as long as they are in the service of a story that is emotionally satisfying.

Become a better writer with the [Masterclass Annual Membership](https://www.masterclass.com/). Gain access to exclusive video lessons taught by literary masters, including Neil Gaiman, David Baldacci, Joyce Carol Oates, Dan Brown, Margaret Atwood, and more.
Many authors dream of writing a successful fantasy series. The best fantasy sagas are distinguished by five key characteristics that aspiring writers can learn from. Whether it’s C.S. Lewis’s *The Chronicles of Narnia* or Stephen King’s *The Dark Tower*, a fantasy series can transport readers into unfamiliar worlds full of strong characters, epic battles, and high stakes. As you learn how to write a fantasy series, consider that the best ones reveal elements of the human condition that are both recognizable and universal.

Many authors dream of writing a successful fantasy series. The best fantasy sagas are distinguished by five key characteristics that aspiring writers can learn from. Whether it’s C.S. Lewis’s *The Chronicles of Narnia* or Stephen King’s *The Dark Tower*, a fantasy series can transport readers into unfamiliar worlds full of strong characters, epic battles, and high stakes. As you learn how to write a fantasy series, consider that the best ones reveal elements of the human condition that are both recognizable and universal.

How to Write a Fantasy Series: 5 Tips for Writing a Fantasy Saga

Due to the ambition and scope of a typical fantasy series, beginning the writing process can be especially difficult. Here are some <a href='https://masterclass.com/articles/spike-lees-writing-process' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://masterclass.com/articles/spike-lees-writing-process","linkCopy":"writing tips","category":"automated-link"}' automatic='true'>writing tips</a> to help you write your own fantasy series:<ol class="mc-m-4"><li class="mc-my-4"> 1. Work within a specific subgenre. Fantasy is a broad umbrella containing a number of specific subgenres. There’s epic fantasy, <a href='https://masterclass.com/articles/how-to-write-urban-fantasy-genre' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://masterclass.com/articles/how-to-write-urban-fantasy-genre","linkCopy":"urban fantasy","category":"automated-link"}' automatic='true'>urban fantasy</a>, dystopian science fiction, sword and sorcery, and dark fantasy—just to name a few. Each subgenre has its own set of rules, common storylines, and built-in audience, so it’s crucial to fully understand which subgenre you intend to operate within. Having a comprehensive grasp on the conventions of your subgenre will ensure that you leave your reader satisfied while also allowing you to upend tropes and subvert your audience’s expectations. For instance, George R.R. Martin’s bestseller A Song of Ice and Fire (the basis for the TV show Game of Thrones) has many of the hallmarks of high fantasy—such as a grand scale, epic battles, and a fantastical medieval-inspired setting. Yet the author also plays with genre conventions by rendering heroes with ambiguous moral compasses and eschewing the typical “chosen one” narrative. Before you begin the process of novel writing, you should fully understand your subgenre. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 2. Pay attention to worldbuilding. Sometimes the first step in writing a fantasy novel or series is <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-write-a-believable-world' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-write-a-believable-world","linkCopy":"developing your fantasy world","category":null}'>developing your fantasy world</a>. This is not just the actual landscape that your characters will inhabit; worldbuilding also encompasses the tone of your story, its major preoccupations and themes, and the nature of its morality. Whether it’s Middle Earth in J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings trilogy or Hogwarts in J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series, the work of the best fantasy writers <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-write-vivid-descriptions-to-capture-your-readers' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-write-vivid-descriptions-to-capture-your-readers","linkCopy":"is full of vivid description","category":null}'>is full of vivid description</a>—the sounds, smells, and tastes of their fictional world. Don’t be afraid to borrow details from the real world or your own real-life experiences. Leaning on your personal experience and knowledge of things is one of the keys to crafting believable places in your fantasy novel. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 3. Settle on a point of view. Before you begin writing fantasy fiction, you’ll want to determine <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/complete-guide-to-point-of-view-in-writing-definitions-and-examples' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/complete-guide-to-point-of-view-in-writing-definitions-and-examples","linkCopy":"your narrative point of view","category":null}'>your narrative point of view</a>. Most fantasy books are written in one of two styles: first-person, in which the narrator tells their story, or third-person, which is the author telling the tale. While the former can provide intimacy, it is also limited by the perceptive abilities of the main character, who is confined to report only what they would realistically know or think. Third-person can offer more flexibility—you can be everywhere, help your reader see everything, and switch between various characters’ stories. Fantasy authors should determine their point of view before they write their first book, since it will affect everything from character development to their own fantasy <a href='https://masterclass.com/articles/how-to-find-your-writing-style' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://masterclass.com/articles/how-to-find-your-writing-style","linkCopy":"writing style","category":"automated-link"}' automatic='true'>writing style</a>. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 4. Plot out your story. Novels in the sci-fi and fantasy genres tend to be ambitious, complex, and epic in scale. That’s why it’s essential to determine the basic trajectory of your story before you begin writing. Some writers begin with a detailed outline in which they <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-write-a-captivating-character-arc' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-write-a-captivating-character-arc","linkCopy":"plot out character arcs","category":null}'>plot out character arcs</a>, story beats, and the rules of their world and magic systems. Some find it helpful to write a series of standalone short stories first, which allows them to experiment with storytelling in compact doses before diving into a full series. Either way, if you’re attempting to write a fantasy series for the first time, you should make sure your roadmap is clear before diving in. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 5. Use tropes to your advantage. There’s a reason why fantasy series <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/writing-101-what-is-the-heros-journey' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/writing-101-what-is-the-heros-journey","linkCopy":"often follow the hero’s journey","category":null}'>often follow the hero’s journey</a> and conclude with good guys triumphing over evil. <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-use-fantasy-tropes-effectively' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-use-fantasy-tropes-effectively","linkCopy":"Fantasy genre tropes","category":null}'>Fantasy genre tropes</a> are so resilient because they serve as the building blocks of a satisfying, emotionally compelling fantasy story. The most common fantasy tropes contain seeds of real-world struggles, relationships, and themes played out on the most epic scale imaginable. Don’t be afraid to creatively lean into tropes in your fantasy novel—as long as they are in the service of a story that is emotionally satisfying. </li></ol>

5 Tips for Writing a Fantasy Series

Become a better writer with the <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/","linkCopy":"Masterclass Annual Membership","category":null}'>Masterclass Annual Membership</a>. Gain access to exclusive video lessons taught by literary masters, including Neil Gaiman, David Baldacci, Joyce Carol Oates, Dan Brown, Margaret Atwood, and more.

Want to Learn More About Writing?

Many authors dream of writing a successful fantasy series. The best fantasy sagas are distinguished by five key characteristics that aspiring writers can learn from. Whether it’s C.S. Lewis’s The Chronicles of Narnia or Stephen King’s The Dark Tower, a fantasy series can transport readers into unfamiliar worlds full of strong characters, epic battles, and high stakes. As you learn how to write a fantasy series, consider that the best ones reveal elements of the human condition that are both recognizable and universal.

Many authors dream of writing a successful fantasy series. The best fantasy sagas are distinguished by five key characteristics that aspiring writers can learn from. Whether it’s C.S. Lewis’s The Chronicles of Narnia or Stephen King’s The Dark Tower, a fantasy series can transport readers into unfamiliar worlds full of strong characters, epic battles, and high stakes. As you learn how to write a fantasy series, consider that the best ones reveal elements of the human condition that are both recognizable and universal.
