A few questions about writing a fantasy novel?

Question

So I've hit a few inevitable bumps in my writing, and I'd mean a whole lot if someone could help me out on the following points:

1. The novel takes place in a different world, and as such has different races, fauna, etc. How would I describe the appearance one of these without it boring the reader?

2. My main character has had a rather rueful past, and it just sounds like a sob story when I put it on paper. How would I avoid that, but still keep all of the original information?

3. I don't actually have complete plot yet. Any suggestions on where I could look to get ideas?

Any answers to these questions would be very greatly appreciated!

Answer 1

1. Here's a great tutorial on how to do great descriptions as opposed to mediocre descriptions: http://www.elfwood.com/farp/thewriting/sitsdecept/sitsdecept.html

2. You could have it so the main character doesn't like to talk about it at first, but he reveals details a little at a time as other characters earn his trust.

3. Some people say looking at pictures helps. http://www.elfwood.com

Answer 2

Sword guidance sounds like it would take some months to earnings the person-friendly strikes. And that doesn't advise you're good at combating yet. could take yet another few years to expert it. Archery with a well-known bow isn't very confusing in case you have the main suitable coach, a pair months and that they'd shoot nicely (with someone-friendly bow and sight purely, no stabiliser or the different further upload-ons). yet assume everyone gaining knowledge of archery to return domicile with a badly bruised left forearm. I;'m undecided approximately older stule-bows, yet i'm rather particular it is the comparable.

Answer 3

1. Have you read A Wrinkle In Time by Madeline L'Engle? She does a beautiful job of this. Read it, even though its a 'kids' book, its still wonderfully written and enjoyable.

2. Give it some mystery. In reality, no one spills their guts to someone they're just meeting.(think of the reader as someone they just met, even if the reader is never acknowledged, its a great tool.) Hint at it at the beginning, then build, then reveal at the climax.

3. Read, read, read. And research. Those are the best tips I can give.

Answer 4

Seriously take a look at some other books. J.K. Rowland does an amazing Job at describing things like that. Also take a look at lord of the rings. I "read" the audiobooks. Jim Dale does an awsome job reading the HP series.

2. try some oppsites Contradict some of it.

3. see 1.

Answer 5

I would create a parallel earth. I was inspired to say that because recently scientists have spotted some kind of activity in the universe that they believe could create a new earth. You could have the following situations for your character: death of a spouse, estranged parents, a government that wants to keep him on a tight leash, etc.

Answer 6

#1.

Read one of several novels by Larry Niven. He is the most original creator of aliens I have ever read.

Personal Favorite "The Mote In God's Eye." (with Jerry Pournelle)

Answer 7

Well, I would love to help but it if you don't even have a complete plot and outline, everything will be messed up. You should get a writers manual and follow the steps there.

Answer 8

I think you could benefit from the articles on Holly Lisle's website. She's a bestselling fantasy writer who has a plethora of helpful tips for those of us just starting out.