As a Fantasy lover and writer, the latest season of Game of Thrones reminded me of a few important things. If you’re a fan of the show/books, no worries – there won’t be any spoilers here.
I’m not discussing the show itself, but something I thought was important when you create Fantasy. And I was reminded of it while watching the last season of GoT.
Here is what the TV Show, Game Of Thrones, reminded me as a Fantasy Writer:
World building is an essential aspect in Fantasy, the fundamentals, and not only in Fantasy. The world created is as important as the story itself. As a reader, we need to believe in this world because ultimately, we’re bound to travel. Throughout the book, we will explore places and cultures, and we also get to know more about its people.
Harry Potter’s world created Hogwarts and much more. It’s not real, yet people believe in it and enjoy losing themselves in this world. I’m the first to say that I would have loved going to Hogwarts despite the creatures roaming free in the nearby forest. The same goes for Lord of the Ring or Game of Thrones.
As a reader, when I board on a new adventure, I have some expectations. It’s important that the boat you’ll use while reading won’t capsize, leaving you bitter.
After all, writing is far from being easy. Things can quickly go wrong with Fantasy if you neglect certain things. If you do, you only ensure the end of your story.
What are the things that can destroy your Fantasy novel?
Credibility
This world must be credible, and to do so, you need some rules. When I refer to GoT, a few things made me cringe despite my absolute love for the books and show.
Example: You can’t have a regular animal or a person cross an entire continent overnight. Not unless you have established rules in your story like a portal device or ability to travel through space. That will make a character travel across oceans and lands more credible.
Another example on a different level: Don’t make a girl in high heels outrun a well-known fast dinosaur in a muddy forest in the middle of the night. I mean, “Come on!!”
The same way if a person dies, you can make that person come back. Why not? But have a plausible explanation for it. Your imagination is only your limit, but when you create a world, it is up to the author to make it real. And to do so, you need ground rules.
As a reader, and I know I’m not the only one, you need to give me some realism if you want me to relate or even fear for a character’s safety. If not, you just lose me right on the spot.
Consistency
Consistency is another thing that is vital to me. Every detail matters. If it doesn’t help the story move forward, don’t add it.
Example: If in chapter one, it takes two weeks to get from A to B, then I want to see the character take two weeks to get back from B to A, 15 chapters later – unless you have an explanation to cut it short like a dragon, a flying monkey, or ability to cross world or bend time and space that will make sense in your story.
Same goes if you turn right to a manufacturing area, and then later, at the same place when you turn right, you’re in a clearing.
These are a few examples, but what else can you think of?
World building is important, so make sure to take time to build it properly before you write your story. Use pictures, maps, or anything that will make it real. Read as much as you can in your genre to make sure you know what to do. Consider the time (room left in a book), and imagine yourself there. Some things are easier to overlook than others, but a clear picture of the world you created will mean accuracy in your writing.
Thanks for reading! I’m a Fantasy writer who loves books beyond words, and I’d love to hear about you. Connect with me on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.
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