Post #7: A Novice’s Fantasy Book To-Do List

This topic is going to be another one that people have disagreements over. Fantasy writing is definitely an art form, and no one should argue otherwise. A lot of writers, like Rowling, have a dislike for to-do lists, or simply don’t like using them. However, I do not work well that way. I’ve been in academics for a long time and I have always made use of to-do lists because they keep my work well organised. I’m able to track my progress and plan what my next steps should be, so I don’t see why I should work any differently when it comes to fantasy writing. Now, I’m not saying that this list is the best way to write a book, but this blog is about my journey and this is the to-do list that I came up with in order to help myself… and hopefully someone else.

1 – Concepts

The first step is to make a list of what you want to include in your book. This can be anything from cultures to geographical distinctions. When I recently did this step, I came up with a very long list… a hundred bullet points kind of list. A lot of beginners try and stuff to many concepts into one story, for example, I tried to merge a military concept with one about adventures, needless to say, it didn’t pan out. So, after making a list, try and narrow it down and match your concepts with others that work. And don’t discard the left overs, they can be the next book.

2 – Characters

The reason I put this step before world building is for one simple reason… it’s easier. Everyone interacts with and knows other people, it’s one of those unavoidable facts of life. Therefore, you know about characteristics and, more importantly, flaws. You can create characters by simply putting down their height, gender, age, occupation, and where they’re from, however, this does not mean this step is easy. Creating a believable and well-rounded character is something that a lot of writers struggle with. But, perfect people don’t exist, so we have to try.

3 – World Building

This is the hardest part for me. For some reason I cannot seem to draw a proper map that I’m happy with, but it is also probably the most important part… so it’s a problem. Having the world, you create, drawn on a piece of paper somehow makes it all seem real. It also enables you to map out your character’s path through the world. Where are they going? What are they going to see on the way there? But, once again, that’s not all there is to this step. You also need to decide about the laws that make your world different from reality. Is there magic? How does it work? And how easy is it to use? This is a big step and can take a writer a very long time to complete, so… good luck.

4 – History of the World

Your story cannot happen in a vacuum, at least it shouldn’t. You need to tell your reader, in way that isn’t boring, what happened before your plot’s occurrence. This will help to add depth to the world you imagine. Different writers go to different lengths when it comes to this step, Tolkien wrote a whole history book called the ‘Silmarrilion’ about his. Now, you cannot tell your reader the entire history of your world, it’s just not possible. But you as the writer need to know what that history is so you can create a story that makes sense.

5 – Plot Structure

It’s time to come up with your plot. This will be the driving force behind your creation. This will be what truly engages with your readers. This part is completely up to you as the writer, I cannot give guidance on this… so go be as creative as you possibly can be.

6 – How Does it All Start?

This is another part that even successful writers seem to agonize over. How does your story begin? With a witty one liner? A preface? A prologue? Or with your character waking up in the morning? The options are limitless, but it will be the first contact your reader has with your creation, so it’s important.

7 – The Ending

This part isn’t as urgent as the previous step, you can change your mind about how to end your story as your writing it. However, you still need to come up with an initial ending, just so your story has direction. Where is your story heading? And why? Answer that, and you have a book.

8 – First Chapter Plan

This is the last step before you actually start writing. You need to decide what’s going to happen in the first chapter. Once again, I can’t really help you with this as a writer, but a reader I can say that a prologue is probably the least creative way to begin a novel. Start and end with your character, since that’s what your book focuses on, or at least it should. Get creative with how you tell your story and your readers will thank you for the experience.

9 – Write First Chapter

It has begun, the process of actually writing the book that has dominated your thoughts and dreams for as long as you can remember. At this point, just focus on finishing the first chapter, don’t do anything else. Don’t even read what you’ve written, just write.

10 – Write Second Chapter

Go with the flow. Write the next chapter in a way that makes sense in regards to the first one. Once again, do not read what you have written. There will be plenty of time to read your own work and edit it after you’ve actually finished.

11 – Decide on the Style

Now is the time to read your work. This is going to be painful, there will be errors, you will have repeated yourself or used the same phrase too often. However, do not despair, this is why you write on a computer. Review what you have written and then rewrite both chapters, but write them in a different style. This will allow you to decide on a style that best suits your and your story.

12 – First Draft

This step is very similar to the ninth and tenth step, just longer… obviously. So, jump to it! Write your book.

13 – Print

After you have finished step twelve, it is time to edit. This is never fun, as every writer is their own worst critic. You will never be completely happy with what you do, it will only ever just be ‘good enough’. Take notes on your printed copy. The reason why it’s better to print your work off is because it stops you from deleting it out of pure unadulterated frustration.

14 – Edit / Rewrite

It is up to you which one you choose. Either way, do it on a computer… it’s easier. Just remember, it is never going to be perfect, but that’s okay… don’t beat yourself up over it.

15 – Finish

At some point, you have to stop, otherwise there’s no point. The book needs to be given over to the reader… it’s time to face the music. Either way, good job, you did it.

Conclusion

This is definitely not a definitive list. Feel free to go back and change anything you’ve done at any point in the process. This is just my general guideline when it comes to how I’m going to write my book. Everyone is going to approach this differently, that is what makes this a creative process. But, for those of us who need a list just to get us started, there it is.

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