The Truth about Fantasy
For some strange reason many people are under the false impression that Fantasy is one of the easiest genres to write. I highly disagree with this, and I am also aware that this assumption is mainly from ignorance rather than purposeful condescension on the genre. So, I would like to clear up a few things and hopefully shed some light on why writing fantasy is quite the challenge to write.
Think about this. When someone writes modern romance, western, or historical, they are always writing about places that exist in the real world, places that have their own geographical formations, origins, and hierarchy that have already been crafted by others in time.
When you write fantasy, you are responsible for crafting your own unique world. A world that is set in a different time and space, with it's own maps and systems. You have to decide how the people in that world live and function, their defining characteristics, powers, etc. As you can see, this is a very big responsibility, and once you make the rules, you have to keep them.
The author who writes fantasy has to do a large amount of pre-writing work. Not only that, but just like a scientist, they have to perform multiple tests (usually short stories in their fantasy world) in order to see if they systems that they have invented will be consistent.
In a sentence: You are the author of the present, the past, and the future.
So, in essence, Fantasy is one of the most difficult genres that you could choose to write, but the possibilities are endless. Each genre has it's challenges and I am by no means trying to degrade romance, thriller, or mystery writers, but I just thought I would bring awareness to the often misconceived fantasy genre.
If you are considering writing fantasy, be prepared to give it your all. Many think fantasy is just writing out whatever pops into your imagination, but really, preparation and dedication are what is required. Don't be scared to spend a few weeks - or months - plotting out your imaginary world.
For it is only when you have a good foundation that you can explore endless possibilities.
~ Lydia R. Sherren