From J.K Rowling’s Harry Potter to the popular game Skyrim, fantasy is one of the top genres ruling the literary market. Fantasy is often depicted as this grand story filled with action, adventure, romance, drama, ect. In fact, some fantasies are so intricate that readers can’t help but be immersed in a world that the author has painted.

But while fantasy is a popular genre to write, there are times when we can’t help but go a bit overboard with the flowery prose, or write flat, uninteresting characters that have absolutely nothing to do with the story, or have interesting characters, but a conflict that makes absolutely no sense for the characters involved. As such, below are a few tips to keep in mind when you start writing fantasy.

Describe the World You’re In
If your fantasy includes a new world or society, you have to be able to describe it in a way that helps the reader understand just why it’s important. For example, in The City of Dreams by Hailey Griffiths, Griffiths describes a kingdom that the protagonist is trapped in, as well as the different political and social climate within that country. It helps us know who to root for in the book, and makes it easier for us to care about them, just enough to want to know what happens to them in the end.

Describe the Creatures You’re Interacting With
In Cassandra Clare’s The Mortal Instruments series, there were a variety of different creatures that the main protagonist interacted with, as well as different conflicts these creatures have with one another, making for some interesting, even humorous, moments. In Erin Stevens’s Breakwater, the heroine has to familiarize herself with siren culture, as well as understand just how different they are from humankind. Regardless of whether or not the characters get along with them, these creatures make up an important part of your book in a way that makes the reader more curious.

Describe the Conflicts
Of course, with any character, or creature that you don’t know or don’t understand, there’s bound to be many misunderstandings that have come from not being human. Not only does it make your story more dramatic, but it could also add to the overall plot. These conflicts are often the driving point of the story, whether they be internal or external. Even so, this isn’t necessarily just for fantasy writers; it can apply to any genre.

Fantasy is a genre that’s made its mark on the world. Not only has it carved a place in readers' hearts, but it's also captivated audiences with its imaginative qualities. With its wide, descriptive flair, and its intricate story lines, practically anyone can write fantasy as long as they have a vision and a goal. Even so, be sure to help the reader understand just what’s going on in your world, the kind of world your character is in, and remember to give them a story that would help satisfy their curiosity.