Authors through the ages have found story inspiration in mythical creatures. From fauns and mermaids to the more unfamiliar, here is a mythical creatures list (with examples from books) to inspire your own fiction:
Tag: fantasy writing
The best fantasy series offer many lessons in building magical worlds and fantastical escapades. Read 7 lessons from series by Le Guin, Tolkien, Pratchett, Lewis and others:
What makes a fantasy story? Our first instinct might be to answer ‘magic’ – spells, mythical beasts, potions. Yet fantasy contains multiple key elements. Read the following simple breakdown of elements of the fantasy genre and tips to write magical, fantastical tales:
The fantasy genre endures for many reasons. It transports us to other worlds, stimulating the imagination. It draws on powerful archetypes and symbols. Read 7 tips for writing captivating high fantasy:
Writing a fantasy novel involves many considerations: Worldbuilding, avoiding clichés of the genre, using popular elements such as magic originally and more. These 34 must-visit fantasy writing resources will help you with every aspect from creating fantasy maps to naming your fantasy characters.
Creating fantasy worlds can be an excellent means for social critique because writers have the opportunity to imagine worlds that are entirely different from our own. This allows highlighting its quirks and issues through contrast and similarity. Here’s why it is important for writers to do so and how you can address issues you care about without resorting to ineffective polemic:
Fantasy novels are full of varied fantasy character types. Read about 5 popular types (and ways to avoid associated overdone tropes):
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5 classic fantasy books to read
Most lovers of fantasy fiction are well-acquainted with such classic works as J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, and Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland. But what are some of the lesser-known but important works of fantasy literature as well as some modern classics?
The difference between the fantasy and science fiction genres hasn’t always been an issue. However, there are a few key differences in the genres that can help us to separate one type of book from the other in the ‘science fiction vs fantasy’ debate.