7 answers
daysie
Student
Lancaster, New Hampshire
1
Question
Asked
1908 views
Writing Advice?
What advice can I receive for writing a fantasy novel? I'm 9 chapters in and have written 39,786 words, but I feel I'm moving too quickly and have hit a bit of a roadblock.
7 answers
Irelis Rodriguez
Self published author
22
Answers
Tampa, Florida
Updated
Irelis’s Answer
I want to say that don’t worry about fixing the plot right away while writing the story, it can kill the vibe of the vivid imagination while you make changes of editing and formatting which was my biggest mistake of doing all that while writing the stories and the story was all over the place.
I suggest you keep writing it until you finished and revise it once your story is finished if you don’t like some part of the story, the reason why is that editing and formatting take a lot of times including going through back and forward with writing the story plot that feels unfinished work, which cause burnout and writer block.
My advice for writing a fantasy novel is to put yourself into reader or audience mindset and see what you want the character in the story to faced the challenges that they will overcome their obstacles and achieve their dreams or goals in the process of their journey of the adventure.
This will save a lot of time and energy to make the biggest effort to manage of writing the novel. Writing is a process, it takes a lot of dedication and patience with being a writer or author.
I suggest you keep writing it until you finished and revise it once your story is finished if you don’t like some part of the story, the reason why is that editing and formatting take a lot of times including going through back and forward with writing the story plot that feels unfinished work, which cause burnout and writer block.
My advice for writing a fantasy novel is to put yourself into reader or audience mindset and see what you want the character in the story to faced the challenges that they will overcome their obstacles and achieve their dreams or goals in the process of their journey of the adventure.
This will save a lot of time and energy to make the biggest effort to manage of writing the novel. Writing is a process, it takes a lot of dedication and patience with being a writer or author.
Jazmin Bailey
Currently unemployed
7
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Jazmin’s Answer
*It's always a good idea to know exactly where you want your story going beforehand. It's natural to want to change things but the characters end goal should already be in your mind. Where state do I want the characters and/or the world itself to be in by the end of the journey?
*Each chapter to the story should be specific. Is this chapter about getting to know character(s)? Is this chapter introduction to the conflict? Backstory? Character introspective? World building? If what you're writing isn't adding anything then just lose it entirely.
*Does the way you've written events in story feel like a natural progression? Or are you putting it here because you need the characters to be here for the sake of the plot?
*Try to get some outside opinions. Reach out to others or post a chapter online asking for feedback.
Hope these help you.
*Each chapter to the story should be specific. Is this chapter about getting to know character(s)? Is this chapter introduction to the conflict? Backstory? Character introspective? World building? If what you're writing isn't adding anything then just lose it entirely.
*Does the way you've written events in story feel like a natural progression? Or are you putting it here because you need the characters to be here for the sake of the plot?
*Try to get some outside opinions. Reach out to others or post a chapter online asking for feedback.
Hope these help you.
Joseph Aseo
88
Answers
Updated
Joseph’s Answer
A story is more than just words. It has a beginning, middle, and end. Events happen to each character that affect their choices throughout the story.
Ann-Marie Giglio
Freelance writer and author
14
Answers
Monterey, California
Updated
Ann-Marie’s Answer
Hi Daysie,
You may want to figure out what the block is about.
Are you tired and need a break?
Do you need inspiration? A walk through a gallery? A movie? Another novel?
Do you need feedback from someone you trust?
Or are you now overwhelmed by the project? Perhaps it’s time for structure.
If this is your first novel, you are teaching yourself how to do it and the hardest part is figuring out what works for you. Are you a “pantser” (one who writes freely making it up as you go along) or a “plotter” (one who lays out the structure before writing a word) or some combination of the two?
People here have made excellent suggestions. I would add maybe ask yourself what you are trying to say with this work and work towards it. Which characters are your allies in this effort ? Which are opposed? Are their voices clear?
It’s a lot to consider. Novels always are. It’s not easy but you’re in the boat. Just keep rowing!
You may want to figure out what the block is about.
Are you tired and need a break?
Do you need inspiration? A walk through a gallery? A movie? Another novel?
Do you need feedback from someone you trust?
Or are you now overwhelmed by the project? Perhaps it’s time for structure.
If this is your first novel, you are teaching yourself how to do it and the hardest part is figuring out what works for you. Are you a “pantser” (one who writes freely making it up as you go along) or a “plotter” (one who lays out the structure before writing a word) or some combination of the two?
People here have made excellent suggestions. I would add maybe ask yourself what you are trying to say with this work and work towards it. Which characters are your allies in this effort ? Which are opposed? Are their voices clear?
It’s a lot to consider. Novels always are. It’s not easy but you’re in the boat. Just keep rowing!
Juanita Joubert
I am a writer, financial accountant, social media manager, and publisher
25
Answers
Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
Updated
Juanita’s Answer
Hi there
I agree with what all the other professionals have already said here. What I usually do when I hit a block is go back and read what I have already written without making changes. Take this time to read and make notes of the things you would like to add to your story to flesh it out a bit more or even what you want your plot and characters to do next. It sounds like you already have a wonderful idea in mind and that is the first step to becoming a great writer and a successful author, now you just need to see it through. Keep going and keep reading. If you don't want to read what you have written yet, then take a day or two to read a book from your favorite author or read something in the same genre as what you are writing about. This will get your creative juices flowing again and the words will start to flow again.
I also agree with the comment about using AI, but please, please, please do not use AI to write your book. It has been proven that AI will plagiarize your work and that could land you in some hot water. Rather ask AI what it thinks you can add to your story next by asking it questions about your plot and characters up until you have hit your block. AI is a great tool but should be used sparingly and with extreme caution.
I am positive that you will write a fantastic book and if you ever need someone to help you or guide you please feel free to send me a message and I will help you with guidance so you can get this done.
Good luck with your novel.
I agree with what all the other professionals have already said here. What I usually do when I hit a block is go back and read what I have already written without making changes. Take this time to read and make notes of the things you would like to add to your story to flesh it out a bit more or even what you want your plot and characters to do next. It sounds like you already have a wonderful idea in mind and that is the first step to becoming a great writer and a successful author, now you just need to see it through. Keep going and keep reading. If you don't want to read what you have written yet, then take a day or two to read a book from your favorite author or read something in the same genre as what you are writing about. This will get your creative juices flowing again and the words will start to flow again.
I also agree with the comment about using AI, but please, please, please do not use AI to write your book. It has been proven that AI will plagiarize your work and that could land you in some hot water. Rather ask AI what it thinks you can add to your story next by asking it questions about your plot and characters up until you have hit your block. AI is a great tool but should be used sparingly and with extreme caution.
I am positive that you will write a fantastic book and if you ever need someone to help you or guide you please feel free to send me a message and I will help you with guidance so you can get this done.
Good luck with your novel.
Ben Baker
Publishing
2
Answers
Texas City, Texas
Updated
Ben’s Answer
Writing advice can come from many places, but I’ve learned that the most useful tips usually come after finishing a rough draft. Getting feedback from other writers helps you see patterns you might miss on your own. Reading your work out loud also reveals weak spots. At one point, I decided to work with a professional editor, and the outside perspective really helped me understand my strengths and improve clarity without changing my voice.
Tom Tate
Copywriter
14
Answers
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Updated
Tom’s Answer
Sounds like a touch of writer's block... something all writers experience. Everyone responds differently to the dreaded "block," and advice abounds on breaking through. If you have been keeping track of story ideas, read through them, check off the ones you've used, and think about weaving others into your storyline. If you are not keeping an idea book, I highly recommend it. I have a nice, pocket-sized Moleskine book where I keep my ideas and refer to it as needed.
Another approach is to go through your book and jot down notes on the different story arcs. Nothing elaborate, just use it to map out what has happened in each arc so far, then think about what the characters would do next. That can get you going again.
Should you use AI to help break the blockade? If used carefully, it can help. That is a big document, so you'd need to chunk it up and feed it to the AI of your choice, one or two chapters at a time. The prompt should be something like this:
"I want you to read through a book I am writing and do two things: 1) identify and outline the story arcs, 2) suggest two to three ways I can advance each arc. I will upload my content in several pieces, so read each one and let me know when you are ready for the next chunk. Do not act on my prompt's two requests until I tell you I have finished uploading my book. Is this prompt clear, or do you need additional detail?"
See what the output is, and if that helps you break your writer's block. You could ask the AI for a draft you could edit, but I urge you to tread cautiously here. You don't want to replace your style and voice with that of the AI.
Good luck!
Another approach is to go through your book and jot down notes on the different story arcs. Nothing elaborate, just use it to map out what has happened in each arc so far, then think about what the characters would do next. That can get you going again.
Should you use AI to help break the blockade? If used carefully, it can help. That is a big document, so you'd need to chunk it up and feed it to the AI of your choice, one or two chapters at a time. The prompt should be something like this:
"I want you to read through a book I am writing and do two things: 1) identify and outline the story arcs, 2) suggest two to three ways I can advance each arc. I will upload my content in several pieces, so read each one and let me know when you are ready for the next chunk. Do not act on my prompt's two requests until I tell you I have finished uploading my book. Is this prompt clear, or do you need additional detail?"
See what the output is, and if that helps you break your writer's block. You could ask the AI for a draft you could edit, but I urge you to tread cautiously here. You don't want to replace your style and voice with that of the AI.
Good luck!
Delete Comment
Flag Comment