how to write fantasy
DESCRIPTION
A series of slides on how to write fantasy, by author Jodi McIsaac (The Thin Veil series). Given at the Calgary Public Library Writers' Weekend on Feb. 1, 2014.TRANSCRIPT
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Writing Fantasy Jodi McIsaacCalgary Public Library Writers’ Weekend 2014www.jodimcisaac.com
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What makes a book “fantasy”?
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Fantasy subgenres
Sword and Sorcery
Urban
Paranormal Romance
Contemporary
Historical
Fairytale
Alternate History
Comic
Superhero
Juvenile
Mythic
Dark Fantasy
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1. World-building
2. Characters
3. Magic systems
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1. World-building
• Religion• Politics• Gender roles• Military• Economics
• Role of
science• Role of
magic• Natural laws• History• Education
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1. World-building
• Borrow from existing mythologies/history
• Use a story bible or spreadsheet
• Don’t info-dump
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2. Characters
Give them weaknesses
Avoid stereotypes
Make them easily distinguishable from each other
Pronounceable names
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3. Magic systems
Hard magic (Kingkiller Chronicles, Superman)
Soft magic (LOTR, GoT)
Sanderson’s First Law of Magic: An author’s ability to solve conflict with magic is directly proportional to how
well the reader understands said magic.
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3. Magic Systems
“Magic comes with a price, dearie.”
Cost
Limitations
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3. Magic Systems
Questions to ask:
• How do people gain access to the magic?
• What can the magic do?
• What are the limitations of the magic?
• What are the costs for using magic?
• Can the magic be undone?
• What do you need to use the magic?
• How does magic make life worse for your characters?