A comprehensive collection of fantasy writing advice.
“VERY useful book. Helped me to land my own book deal.”
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Jack Shannon, Author
“Written in a friendly, uncluttered style, Billing has managed to accumulate and present a huge amount of useful information in a way that perhaps a favourite lecturer might do.”
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Readers’ Favorite
“An ideal, accessible source for tips and advice and practical resources for the aspiring fantasy author.”
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Steph Warren, Vine Voice Amazon reader
Have you always wanted to know how to write a fantasy novel?
But has something stopped you? Perhaps you’re concerned about worldbuilding? Or maybe you feel like you don’t know enough about characters and plotting.
Fear no more! A Fantasy Writers’ Handbook is the answer to all of your fantasy writing problems.
Fantasy Writing Advice Direct From Bestselling Authors
A Fantasy Writers’ Handbook was created with fantasy writers in mind. When I first began my writing career, I looked high and low for a book like this. One that was packed with fantasy writing advice from some of the greatest writers in the field.
After years of studying what these writers had to say about how to write fantasy, I decided to compile my notes and research into the book that I always wanted.
Featuring fantasy writing advice from Brandon Sanderson, Lajos Egri, Stephen King, Robin Hobb, JK Rowling, JRR Tolkien and many more, the book covers every aspect of storytelling, from characterization and plotting to premise, theme and prose.
What makes it stand out, however, is the wide range of topics related to the fantasy genre. Examples include worldbuilding, how to make a fantasy map, naming fantasy characters (see my fantasy name generator too), and races in the genre.
Also included are chapters that provide lots of useful information on the likes of medieval swords, archery and armor, all designed to help inspire your writing and empower it with rich detail.
A Book That Gives More Than Just Fantasy Writing Advice
One of the things I wanted to do with A Fantasy Writers’ Handbook, which a lot of books offering fantasy writing advice don’t do, is offer insights on getting published.
Many books stop at the storytelling side, but that’s often half the battle. So I have a whole section called “what to do when the writing is done”, which gives advice on editing, finding publishers, including writing tools like lists of fantasy novel publishers and fantasy magazines for short stories.
There’s also guidance on writing cover letters, finding book reviewers, and ways to help you grow your following.
For this reason, the Handbook is more than just a book of fantasy writing advice.
About A Fantasy Writers’ Handbook
A Fantasy Writers’ Handbook provides comprehensive writing advice, writing tips and writing guidance on the craft of storytelling, all with the aim of showing you the essentials of how to write a fantasy novel or fantasy story.
Reference is made throughout to writing tips, writing advice and examples offered by some of the greatest writers of the fantasy genre, including George RR Martin, JRR Tolkien, Brandon Sanderson, Patrick Rothfuss, Joe Abercrombie and Robin Hobb.
Advice is also drawn from more of the world’s finest writers and editors, such as Lajos Egri, Sol Stein, Ernest Hemingway, Noah Lukeman and Henrik Ibsen.
A Fantasy Writers’ Handbook covers aspects of writing that rarely feature in other books, such as how to write battle scenes, how to build new and original worlds, and provides guides to medieval weaponry and life to help inspire your stories. Also included are immensely helpful resources, like lists of publishers and lists of online writing groups.
At times, the focus shifts away from the technical elements of writing and considers philosophies and thoughts on writing, such as ways to help you maintain focus, how to defeat procrastination and methods of battling the demons of doubt that forever loom over a writers’ shoulders.
It goes a step further than conventional books offering fantasy writing advice. The book also covers in detail considerations that come after you’ve finished writing, such as building a website, formatting, finding beta readers, and getting published. It also guides writers through blogging and writing cover letters.
By the end of the book, you’ll know how to write fantasy novels and how to write fantasy stories with confidence. You’ll also know what you need to do to create and build your author platform and how to get published. This book is also ideal for more experienced writers looking for fresh angles and perspectives, as well as being a mine of inspiration for their writing.
Praise For A Fantasy Writers’ Handbook
Winner of the Readers’ Favorite 5 Stars Award
“What a fantastic read! I thoroughly enjoyed this book, it’s really well structured, informative and engaging and for those who enjoy writing and want to hone the craft it’s an incredible tool to have in your arsenal, full of techniques and theories to help inform your writing. Enjoyed the fascinating addition of the surveys in discussing the opinions of writers in terms of “the rules”. Some real gems of insight and lots of humour along the way. A fun guide and a good time!” Emma Bolland
“There’s so much insight into writing fantasy contained within these pages. I’ve been a follower of Billing’s blog for a while now because his articles have impressed me time and again, and his book is just how I hoped–full of gems and his signature humour.” Sara
“The sections are well thought out, research is explained, shared and credited and overall is written in a way that is straightforward and makes sense. Whilst reading I have made notes to apply to my own work in progress and will be referring to this handbook many times in the future. Having been fortunate enough to be provided with an advance copy in exchange for a review, I will definitely be ordering a hard copy to have on my bookshelf for instant referral. I would encourage all aspiring writers to do the same.” Chris
“Richie Billing has found a way to communicate a vast amount of information in a way that is easy to understand.” — Eric Wirsing.
Check out more reviews on Goodreads by clicking here.
Why Did I Write A Fantasy Writers’ Handbook?
They say to write the book you want to read. When I first started writing fiction, with nothing but ideas and enthusiasm and ignorance of the elements of storytelling, this is the book I would have wanted by my side – a complete guide on how to write a fantasy novel.
Over the years I’ve spent countless hours studying the craft of writing and practising and honing that craft. I’ve learned many lessons, often in the harshest of ways, and the product of those lessons is this book: a guide to everything I’ve learned about writing, the fantasy genre, and the things that come when the writing is finished, if indeed it ever is.
The aim is to save you the long hours I’ve spent trawling through textbooks, sitting through lectures, seminars, workshops and scouring the web for every useful little morsel that can be found. It’s by no means a complete guide, but it’ll set you on the right path. It’s a complete compendium of fantasy writing advice.
In the pages that follow you’ll find guidance on aspects of writing I find rarely feature in other books, and at times the focus will shift away from the technical elements and consider the philosophies behind writing, ways to help you maintain focus, and methods of battling the demons of doubt that forever loom over our shoulders.
We’ll look at the thriving genre of fantasy, the many facets that make it what it is, before turning to the histories of our world that so often inspire fantasy tales.
Lastly, this book will look at the things that come after you’ve finished your story—formatting, peer reviewing, finding publishers—and other things the contemporary writer can do to enhance their careers, such as making and maintaining a website, blogging, and promoting your work.
By the end, you’ll have a sound foundation upon which to build and the tools to venture out alone with courage and confidence. To help you reach that point, all you need is a commitment to work hard and the determination to overcome the challenges ahead.
Read Teaser Chapters On How To Write A Fantasy Novel
Below, you can find some sample chapters from A Fantasy Writers’ Handbook, as well as seeing a sneak peek of the contents pages.
Click here to read A Fantasy Writers’ Handbook Teaser Chapter on writing dialogue
Click here to read A Fantasy Writers’ Handbook Teaser Chapter on how to create suspense
Click here to read A Fantasy Writers’ Handbook Teaser Chapter on character development ‘The Wheels of Change’
I hope you find my book of fantasy writing advice useful. If you’d like more help and support, head hear to learn all about our Discord writing group which you can join today. And if you have any questions, please head over to my contact page and drop me a message.
Most nights you can find him up into the wee hours scribbling away or watching the NBA.
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