Fantasy writing: the basics

Writing coach Jessica Page Morrell gives advice to budding fantasy writers

My first literary influences were fairy tales and those memorable characters - Cinderella, Rapunzel, Snow White, Sleeping Beauty, Hansel and Gretel. Fairy tales for grown ups are called fantasies and they provide readers with the ultimate in escapism. Not only is the reader leaving her troubles and everyday cares behind, she's leaving the real world behind too.

While children are easily pulled into a fantasy tale, adult readers need persuasive details to make sorcerers and sword fights seem real. Because this is the bottom line for fantasy - while it might be fantastical, it must have a sound basis of believability.

Genre fiction

Fantasies are a genre - with certain characteristics that identify it as one. In general, genre fiction is about characters with admirable qualities, although fantasy writers need to remember that these characters are not perfect. Genre fiction usually follows the expectations for its type - if it's a romance, the hero and heroine are going to fall in love, if it's a mystery, the criminal will usually be caught. Genre fiction requires a climax and wrap up - the ending is not left dangling, does not plods to a weighty conclusion that questions the nature of mankind.

Often genre fiction has a theme about justice running through it - good conquers evil is a frequent theme - and the outcome is usually a triumph of the good guys. Genre fiction also delivers emotions appropriate to the genre. A well-written fantasy will deliver tension, intrigue, narrow escapes, heroic battles and romance.

Finally, while genre fiction can explore intriguing or serious themes, it exists for entertainment. While it's wise to understand these characteristics, this does not suggest that genre fiction is formulaic.

What the industry wants

Once you have a solid grasp of the basics of the genre, you can start exploring the boundaries of fantasy writing. Editors are looking for fresh plots, unusual characters and new settings. Most fantasies have followed the Tolkien epic model, copied Robert Jordan's work or been influenced by Mary Stewart's Arthurian stories. Most fantasies have been set in Northern Europe in the Dark Ages, Middle Ages or a pre-industrial era.

Most works submitted to editors are complicated epic tales, with a cast of thousands and a battle to save the universe from evil. While a talented writer can bring new life to these traditional forms, there are indications that the industry is ready for fresh ideas.

And if fantasies are changing, surely there is room for tales set in North America, South America, Asia, the former Soviet Union? Surely there is room for Hispanic heroes or at least one who hails from Texas? There must be room for a heroine who is less than beautiful or a hero who limps, doubts and sometimes fails. And certainly there is room for a writer who has solid research, a firm grasp of history and can relay the daily details of life that will solidify the story.