The Living Myth: An Expert Guide to Writing Mythical Creatures That Breathe, Bleed, and Matter

By

Olivia Salter

Mythical creatures are not ornaments. They are not there to decorate your world, fill a bestiary, or serve as exotic obstacles for your protagonist to defeat.

That kind of creature—interchangeable, visually striking, narratively hollow—can be removed, replaced, or rewritten without consequence. A dragon becomes a demon. A demon becomes a shadow beast. The plot remains intact. The emotional experience remains unchanged. The reader forgets it the moment the scene ends.

Because nothing depended on it.

At their best, mythical creatures do not exist alongside the story. They exist as part of its spine.

They are embodied meaning—living symbols of fear, desire, history, power, and consequence.

They are:

• The grief a character refuses to face, given shape and voice
• The hunger for power, turned predatory and watching from the dark
• The weight of generational trauma, refusing to stay buried
• The lie a character tells themselves, made flesh—and impossible to outrun

A well-crafted creature does not simply appear. It reveals.

It reveals what your character is hiding.
It reveals what your world has normalized.
It reveals what cannot be escaped without transformation—or destruction.

This is why the question is never:

“What does the creature look like?”

The real questions are:

• Why does this creature exist in this world?
• Why does it appear in this story?
• Why does it matter to this character?

If you cannot answer those questions, the creature will remain external—something your protagonist fights instead of something that forces them to confront.

And confrontation is where story lives.

Because here is the truth most writers avoid:

A creature that only threatens the body creates tension.
A creature that threatens the self creates meaning.

If your protagonist can defeat the creature and walk away unchanged, then the creature was never powerful. It was only difficult.

But if encountering it alters how they see themselves—if it exposes something they can no longer deny—then the creature has done its real work.

This is the difference between spectacle and resonance.

Between something the reader watches…
and something the reader feels.

So if your creature can be removed from the story without changing its emotional core, it is not a creature.

It is a prop.

It is interchangeable.
Forgettable.
Disposable.

But when a creature is built from the emotional and thematic DNA of your story, removal becomes impossible.

Take it out—and the story collapses.

The plot loses its pressure.
The character loses their mirror.
The theme loses its form.

What remains may still function, but it will no longer matter.

And readers can feel that difference instantly.

They may not articulate it.
They may not name the absence.

But they will sense the hollow space where something inevitable should have been.

This guide is about eliminating that hollow space.

It will show you how to create mythical beings that:

• Are inseparable from your story’s emotional core
• Act as catalysts, not decorations
• Shape the world as much as the characters do
• And linger in the reader’s mind long after the final page

Because the goal is not to invent something strange.

The goal is to create something that feels like it had no choice but to exist.

Something that, once seen, cannot be unseen.

Something that doesn’t just inhabit your story—

…but haunts it.

1. Start with Meaning, Not Anatomy

Most beginner writers start with appearance:

“It has wings, horns, glowing eyes…”

Experienced writers start with what the creature represents.

Ask:

• What human fear does this creature embody?
• What desire does it tempt or punish?
• What truth does it expose?

A dragon is not just a dragon:

• It can be greed made flesh
• Power that corrupts
• Ancestral memory that refuses to die

A ghost is not just a ghost:

• It can be unresolved guilt
• History demanding recognition
• Love that cannot move on

Rule:
If you know what your creature means, its form will follow.

2. Build from Cultural and Emotional Roots

The most powerful mythical creatures feel like they existed before your story began.

To achieve this, ground them in:

• Cultural belief systems
• Geography
• Collective trauma or memory

Instead of inventing randomly, ask:

• Who believes in this creature?
• Who fears it—and why?
• Who benefits from its existence?

A creature in a swamp community might:

• Be tied to drowned histories
• Speak in inherited warnings
• Represent generational silence

A creature in an urban fantasy setting might:

• Feed on ambition
• Thrive in anonymity
• Reflect systemic power

Depth comes from context.

3. Give the Creature a Role in the Story’s Ecosystem

A strong creature is not isolated—it is part of a system.

Consider:

• What does it eat?
• What hunts it (if anything)?
• How does it affect the environment?
• How have humans adapted to it?

But go deeper:

• How does it shape economics?
• Religion?
• Social hierarchy?

Example: If a creature only appears during grief, entire rituals may form around mourning—not to heal, but to avoid summoning it.

Now the creature is no longer an event.
It is a force shaping behavior.

4. Replace “Powers” with “Costs”

Flat creatures have abilities.

Compelling creatures have rules and consequences.

Instead of:

• “It can shapeshift.”

Ask:

• What does shapeshifting cost?
• Memory?
• Identity?
• Physical pain?

Instead of:

• “It grants wishes.”

Ask:

• What does it take in return?
• Time?
• Years of your life?
• The thing you love most?

Power without cost is spectacle.
Power with cost is story.

5. Humanize Without Domesticating

Your goal is not to make the creature “relatable” in a shallow sense.

Your goal is to make it understandable—but not safe.

Give it:

• Motivation (even if alien)
• Desire (even if destructive)
• Logic (even if terrifying)

But resist:

• Turning it into a pet
• Explaining away its danger
• Making it emotionally convenient

The most haunting creatures are those where readers think:

I understand why it does this… but I still can’t stop it.

6. Use the Creature as a Mirror for Character

A mythical creature should not only exist in the world—it should interact with your protagonist’s inner conflict.

Ask:

• What does this creature see in the protagonist?
• Why is this character uniquely vulnerable to it?
• What does the encounter force them to confront?

Examples:

• A creature that feeds on lies targets a character built on self-deception
• A creature that mimics lost loved ones targets someone who refuses to grieve
• A creature that offers power tempts someone desperate for control

The creature is not the conflict.
It reveals the conflict.

7. Control Revelation: Mystery Over Explanation

Do not explain everything.

Myth thrives in partial understanding.

Reveal your creature through:

• Fragments of folklore
• Contradictory accounts
• Physical aftermath (scars, ruins, disappearances)
• Sensory clues before visual confirmation

Let readers piece it together:

• A smell before a sight
• A pattern before a name
• A consequence before a cause

The unknown is where fear—and wonder—lives.

8. Design Encounters, Not Just Creatures

A creature becomes real through interaction.

Think in terms of scenes:

• First sign of presence
• First indirect consequence
• First direct encounter
• Escalation
• Transformation (of character or creature)

Each encounter should:

• Raise stakes
• Reveal new information
• Deepen emotional tension

Avoid:

• Repetitive attacks
• Static behavior
• Predictable outcomes

9. Let the Creature Change the World (Irreversibly)

A meaningful creature leaves a mark.

After its presence:

• Beliefs shift
• Relationships fracture
• Landscapes change
• The protagonist is no longer who they were

If everything resets after the creature is gone, the story loses weight.

Myth demands consequence.

10. Resist Familiarity—Twist the Expected

Readers know dragons, vampires, and werewolves.

Your job is not to discard them—but to reimagine their core meaning.

Ask:

• What if the vampire feeds on memory, not blood?
• What if the werewolf transformation is voluntary—and addictive?
• What if the dragon hoards secrets, not gold?

Innovation comes from:

• Changing the metaphor
• Altering the cost
• Reframing the relationship with humans

11. Language Matters: How You Describe the Creature

Avoid generic descriptors:

• “Terrifying”
• “Monstrous”
• “Unimaginable”

Instead:

• Use specific sensory detail
• Anchor description in character perception
• Let emotion shape observation

Example: Instead of:

“It was horrifying.”

Write:

“Its shadow moved before it did, like the room was trying to remember it before it arrived.”

Description should evoke, not label.

12. Decide: Is It a Monster, a God, or a Reflection?

Every mythical creature falls somewhere on a spectrum:

• Monster → Exists to threaten survival
• God → Exists to enforce meaning or order
• Reflection → Exists to expose internal truth

The most powerful creatures often blur these lines.

Knowing where your creature sits determines:

• Tone
• Stakes
• Resolution

Final Principle: The Creature Is the Story

A well-written mythical creature is not separate from your narrative.

It is:

• The theme given form
• The conflict given teeth
• The emotional truth made unavoidable

When done right, the reader doesn’t just see the creature.

They feel like it has always been there—waiting.

Final Reflection Exercise

Before finalizing your creature, answer this:

• What does it want?
• What does it cost?
• What does it reveal?
• What changes because it exists?

If you can answer all four, your creature is no longer imaginary.

It is inevitable.

Exercises: Creating Mythical Creatures That Matter

These exercises are designed to move you beyond surface-level invention and into meaning-driven creation—where your creature is inseparable from your story’s emotional core.

Take your time. The goal is not speed, but depth.

1. The “What Does It Mean?” Drill

Purpose: Shift from aesthetics to symbolism.

Step 1: Choose a core human emotion or truth:

• Grief
• Jealousy
• Loneliness
• Powerlessness
• Obsession
• Generational trauma

Step 2: Answer:

• If this emotion could take physical form, what would it do?
• Who would it seek out?
• What would trigger its appearance?

Step 3: Now—and only now—describe what it looks like.

Constraint:
You are not allowed to use common fantasy traits (no wings, horns, glowing eyes, etc.) unless they directly connect to the meaning.

2. The Irreplaceability Test

Purpose: Ensure your creature is essential, not decorative.

Write a short paragraph describing a scene where your creature appears.

Then answer:

• If I replace this creature with a different one, does the scene still work?
• If I remove the creature entirely, does the emotional impact remain?

Revision Task: Rewrite the creature so that:

• It directly targets the protagonist’s internal conflict
• The scene collapses without it

3. The Cost of Power Exercise

Purpose: Replace spectacle with consequence.

Choose one ability:

• Shape-shifting
• Mind-reading
• Immortality
• Granting wishes
• Invisibility

Now answer:

• What does using this power cost the creature?
• What does interacting with this power cost humans?

Write a 200–300 word scene where:

• A character encounters the creature
• The cost becomes undeniable
• Someone regrets the interaction

4. The Ecosystem Builder

Purpose: Ground your creature in a living world.

Answer the following:

• Where does this creature live—and why there?
• What does it consume (physically or emotionally)?
• What changes in the environment because of it?
• How have humans adapted to survive it?

Now go deeper:

• What myths or lies exist about it?
• Who benefits from those myths being believed?

Final Task:
Write a short “cultural artifact”:

• A warning told to children
• A prayer
• A piece of folklore
• A law

Let the creature’s presence shape the world indirectly.

5. The Mirror Exercise

Purpose: Tie the creature to character.

Create a protagonist with:

• A hidden fear
• A lie they believe about themselves
• A past wound

Now answer:

• Why does this creature target them?
• What does it see in them that others don’t?

Write a confrontation scene where:

• The creature does not just attack
• It reveals something the character doesn’t want to face

6. The Mystery Layering Drill

Purpose: Build intrigue through partial revelation.

Write three short passages (100–150 words each):

Passage 1: Aftermath

• Show only what the creature leaves behind

Passage 2: Rumor

• A secondhand account (incomplete or contradictory)

Passage 3: Encounter

• A direct but limited interaction (no full explanation)

Constraint:
Do not fully describe the creature in any of the three passages.

Let the reader assemble it.

7. The Transformation Test

Purpose: Ensure lasting consequence.

Write a before-and-after snapshot of your protagonist:

Before Encounter:

• What do they believe?
• How do they see themselves?

After Encounter:

• What belief has been shattered?
• What has changed—internally or externally?

Critical Question: Could this transformation happen without the creature?

If yes, revise the creature’s role until the answer is no.

8. The Subversion Exercise

Purpose: Avoid cliché while preserving meaning.

Choose a familiar creature:

• Vampire
• Werewolf
• Dragon
• Ghost

Now rewrite it by changing:

• What it feeds on
• What it wants
• What it represents

Example Prompts:

• A vampire that feeds on memory instead of blood
• A ghost that haunts the living who refuse to remember
• A dragon that hoards secrets instead of gold

Write a 300-word scene that reveals this new interpretation naturally.

9. The Language Precision Drill

Purpose: Strengthen description.

Write a paragraph describing your creature without using:

• “Scary”
• “Terrifying”
• “Monster”
• “Creature”
• “Beast”

Focus on:

• Sensory detail
• Movement
• Atmosphere
• Character perception

Goal:
Make the reader feel something without being told what to feel.

10. The Inevitability Question (Final Test)

Purpose: Confirm narrative necessity.

Answer these four questions:

• What does this creature want?
• What does it cost?
• What does it reveal?
• What changes because it exists?

Now write one final paragraph:

This creature could only exist in this story because…

If your answer feels vague or interchangeable, go back.

Refine until the creature feels like a natural consequence of your world, your theme, and your character.

Closing Challenge

Combine Exercises 1, 5, and 6:

Create a mythical creature that:

• Embodies a specific emotional truth
• Targets a specific character wound
• Is revealed through layered mystery

Then write a 500–800 word scene where:

• The encounter forces emotional confrontation
• The creature cannot be separated from the meaning
• The reader leaves with more questions than answers

Remember:
You are not inventing something strange.

You are uncovering something inevitable.

And inevitability is what turns imagination into myth.

Closing Thought: What Lingers After the Creature Is Gone

A mythical creature is not defined by how it enters a story—but by what remains after it leaves.

The broken belief.
The altered world.
The version of the character that can no longer return to who they were before.

That is the true measure of its power.

Because readers do not carry creatures with them simply because they were vivid or frightening. They carry them because those creatures meant something—because they touched a nerve the story refused to numb.

The best mythical beings do not just exist in forests, shadows, or distant realms.

They exist in:

• The things we avoid naming
• The truths we bury
• The desires we pretend we don’t have

And when you write them well, your reader doesn’t just encounter the creature—

They recognize it.

Maybe not consciously.
Maybe not immediately.

But somewhere beneath the surface, there is a quiet, unsettling realization:

This isn’t just fantasy.
This is something real… wearing a different face.

That is when your creature stops being invented and starts becoming inevitable.

So don’t aim to create something impressive.

Create something that feels like it was always there—waiting in the dark corners of your story, shaped by its fears, its history, its wounds—until the moment it had no choice but to step forward.

And once it does…

Make sure it leaves a mark that cannot be undone.

Also see:

• The Writer's Guide to Mythical Creatures (Writing Fantasy)

Writing Fantasy: The Art of Storytelling in the Realm of Fantasy Literature

 

Writing Fantasy: The Art of Storytelling in the Realm of Fantasy Literature

by Olivia Salter

 

The art of storytelling in the realm of fantasy literature involves a delicate balance of world-building, character development, and plot twists. Writers strive to create rich and immersive worlds that capture the imagination of readers, populate these worlds with complex and relatable characters, and craft narratives filled with unexpected twists and turns that keep readers engaged until the very end. However, navigating these aspects can be a daunting task for any storytellers. To better understand how writers approach these challenges, let's explore the world of fantasy literature through the lens of three beloved fantasy books: “The Lord of the Rings” by J. R. R. Tolkien, “A Song of Ice and Fire” by George R. R. Martin, and “Harry Potter” by J. K. Rowling.

World-building:

One of the hallmarks of great fantasy literature is its ability to transport readers to other worlds filled with magic, wonder, and adventure. In “The Lord of the Rings,” J. R. R. Tolkien masterfully creates the world of Middle-earth, complete with its own rich history, languages, cultures, and mythologies. Tolkien's attention to detail and world-building expertise immerse readers in a fully realized fantasy realm that feels both familiar and fantastic.

Similarly, George R. R. Martin's “A Song of Ice and Fire” series introduces readers to the gritty and complex world of Westeros, where noble houses vie for power, dark forces threaten the realm, and political intrigue abounds. Martin's meticulous world-building creates a vivid and immersive setting that feels both real and fantastic, drawing readers into a web of alliances, betrayals, and epic battles.

J. K. Rowling's “Harry Potter” series takes readers to the magical world of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, where students learn spells, brew potions, and battle dark wizards. Rowling's world-building combines whimsy and wonder with a deep mythology that captivates readers of all ages, inviting them to explore a world where magic is real and anything is possible.

To navigate the challenges of world-building, storytellers must pay attention to every detail, from geography and history to culture and magic systems. By creating a cohesive and immersive world that feels alive and authentic, writers can transport readers to fantastic realms that spark their imagination and keep them coming back for more.

Character Development:

Great fantasy literature is populated with memorable and multidimensional characters who undergo growth, change, and transformation throughout the story. In “The Lord of the Rings,” Tolkien's characters, such as Frodo, Aragorn, and Gandalf, are not only iconic but also deeply human, grappling with themes of heroism, friendship, sacrifice, and power. Tolkien's skillful character development creates a cast of characters that feel real and relatable, drawing readers into their epic journey to save Middle-earth.

Similarly, George R. R. Martin's “A Song of Ice and Fire” series is renowned for its complex and morally ambiguous characters, such as Jon Snow, Daenerys Targaryen, and Tyrion Lannister, who navigate a treacherous political landscape filled with intrigue, betrayal, and conflict. Martin's character development challenges readers' preconceptions about good and evil, heroism and villainy, creating a cast of characters who defy easy categorization and keep readers guessing.

J. K. Rowling's “Harry Potter” series follows the journey of the boy wizard Harry Potter as he discovers his magical abilities, battles dark forces, and learns the true meaning of friendship and courage. Rowling's character development shines through in her diverse cast of characters, from the brave Hermione Granger to the conflicted Severus Snape, each of whom undergoes growth, change, and redemption throughout the series.

To navigate the challenges of character development, storytellers must create characters who are complex, flawed, and relatable, with their own goals, motivations, and conflicts. By allowing characters to evolve and grow organically within the story, writers can create emotionally resonant narratives that draw readers into the lives and struggles of the characters they love.

Plot Twists:

Plot twists are an essential element of fantasy literature, injecting tension, surprise, and excitement into the narrative. In “The Lord of the Rings,” Tolkien keeps readers on the edge of their seats with unexpected twists and turns, such as Gandalf's fall in Moria, the betrayal of Saruman, and the ultimate destruction of the One Ring. Tolkien's masterful use of plot twists adds depth and complexity to the story, keeping readers engaged and invested in the fate of Middle-earth.

In “A Song of Ice and Fire,” George R. R. Martin is known for his shocking plot twists, from the sudden deaths of major characters to the unexpected betrayals and alliances that change the course of the story. Martin's willingness to subvert genre conventions and defy reader expectations creates a sense of unpredictability and suspense that keeps readers guessing until the very end.

J. K. Rowling's “Harry Potter” series is filled with surprising plot twists, from the revelation of Harry's true destiny to the identity of the Half-Blood Prince and the final showdown with Lord Voldemort. Rowling's skillful use of foreshadowing and misdirection sets up these twists in a way that feels earned and satisfying, adding layers of complexity and intrigue to the story.

To navigate the challenges of crafting compelling plot twists, storytellers must strike a balance between surprise and plausibility, setting up clues and hints throughout the story that lead to a satisfying payoff. By planting seeds of deception and misdirection, writers can keep readers guessing and engaged, creating a sense of suspense and anticipation that drives the narrative forward.

In conclusion, the art of storytelling in fantasy literature is a delicate dance between world-building, character development, and plot twists. By immersing readers in rich and immersive worlds, creating memorable and multidimensional characters, and crafting narratives filled with unexpected twists and turns, writers can captivate readers and take them on epic journeys beyond their wildest imaginations. By studying the works of beloved fantasy authors like J. R. R. Tolkien, George R. R. Martin, and J. K. Rowling, aspiring storytellers can learn valuable lessons on how to navigate the daunting challenges of crafting compelling and unforgettable tales of magic, adventure, and wonder.

Also see:

• FREE Fantasy Writing Summit
  

ProWritingAid Presents: Fantasy Writers’ Week 2024 April 22-26, 2024

 

ProWritingAid Presents: Fantasy Writers’ Week 2024

 

April 22-26, 2024

 

Can't make it live? No problem! All sessions will be available for replay after the event, but you must still register to view them.

Details: Fantasy Writers' Week is free for all to attend, Monday-Thursday, with Friday being for Premium and Premium Pro users only.

 

Registration page link: Fantasy Writers' Week

 

Hey Fellow Writers!

Do you want to write a bestselling fantasy novel?

Then you won’t want to miss what ProWritingAid has in store for you this April!

Our friends at ProWritingAid are excited to announce the return of Fantasy Writers’ Week, five days jam-packed with events specifically designed for Fantasy writers.

Best part?

You can register for FREE!

Monday-Thursday’s events are entirely FREE for all to attend, with Friday being Premium Day for Premium and Premium Pro subscribers of ProWritingAid.

During Fantasy Writers’ Week, you’ll attend live sessions with bestselling and award-winning authors including Jenna Moreci, Z.S. Diamanti, and Marvellous Michael Anson, as well as software demos, craft and editing workshops, and networking events to help you create spell-binding fantasy writing!

Fantasy Writers’ Week kicks off on April 22nd and runs until April 26th. If you can't make it live, don't worry! The sessions will be available via replay, so you can sign up anyway and watch the sessions at your convenience.

You can learn more, see all the session names, and register for this free event here: Fantasy Writers' Week

We hope you check it out, and look forward to seeing you there!!!

Full Event Schedule and Details Marketing Your Fantasy Novel

April 22 (10:00 AM EDT / 3:00 PM UK)

Presented by Sue Campbell

One of the toughest, but most necessary, parts of being an author is tackling your own marketing. Too often, writers rely on tactics without having an underlying strategy and flail around like they've just landed in another realm.

Book marketing and mindset coach Sue Campbell of Pages & Platforms will help you understand the foundation of every good book marketing plan. Sue works with award winning and best selling authors, traditionally published and self-published, to help them build an engaged audience, spread their message and sell more books.

IN THIS FREE WEBINAR, YOU WILL LEARN:

Why marketing your book using a slapdash playbook of tactics from the internet is likely to fail

Your number one book marketing goal

The foundational 4-part book marketing strategy that will actually grow your audience of fantasy readers

Essentials of Writing Fantasy

April 22 (12:00 PM EDT / 5:00 PM UK)

Presented by Anne Hawley and Rachelle Ramirez of Pages & Platforms

In this webinar, you will learn how to build, evaluate, and improve your fantasy story using four tools: marketing categories, Story Types, essential story elements, and worldbuilding. By the end of our time together you‘ll be able to evoke empathy for your characters, create tension and excitement, provide emotional satisfaction for your intended reader, convey a thoughtful takeaway, and meet reader expectations for the type of story you’re telling.

World-Changing Worldbuilding: How to Use Your World to Challenge the Status Quo

April 22 (2:00 PM EDT / 7:00 PM UK)

Presented by Dani Abernathy

Fantasy has a superpower that other genres don’t, and it’s worldbuilding. In fantastic worlds, readers encounter difficult topics in ways that don’t feel threatening. A purposeful world, challenges difficult ideas like racism and transphobia without raising the defensiveness that comes through realistic stories and straightforward conversations. In this workshop, you’ll discover how your worldbuilding is tied to you, gain valuable tools for creating your world, and find the courage to use your novel to make the world a better place, one reader at a time.

The Fantasy Writer's Guide to Effective Story Editing

April 22 (4:00 PM EDT / 9:00 PM UK)

Presented by Kristina Stanley

Are you dreaming of publishing your fantasy novel? A story edit will help you turn your draft into a novel readers love. Kristina Stanley, CEO of Fictionary, will take you through a 9-step process to self-edit your novel. You’ll get a peek inside the Fictionary software and see an edit in progress. You’ll leave this session with actionable advice you can immediately apply to your book. She’ll also leave you with 3 tips on how to turn your fantasy novel into a series.

Building Diverse Worlds – Using Historical Events and Cultural Nuances in Fantasy Worldbuilding

April 22 (6:00 PM EDT / 11:00 PM UK)

Presented by Kyle Cisco

This presentation gives a deep dive into Worldbuilding by using events throughout history and examples of how political groups and nations deal with one another to build a more realistic fantasy world. It also provides a look into utilizing different cultural examples to populate those worlds with a diverse set of people to reflect the diverse world we live in. By using these real-world references to flesh out the details, you can make your worlds more tangible and believable.

Writing Compelling Fantasy Antagonists: The Art of Creating Multi-Dimensional Villains

April 23 (10:00 AM EDT / 3:00 PM UK)

Presented by Dana Pittman

Do you want your fantasy story to resonate with readers long after they've turned the last page? Join us for "Writing Compelling Fantasy Antagonists," where we'll delve into the art of crafting villains that are more than just obstacles for your heroes. Discover how to create nuanced, multi-dimensional antagonists that challenge your protagonists, drive your plot, and add depth to your fantasy world. Join us and learn the secrets to making your villains memorable and your story unforgettable.

Presentation by World Anvil

April 23 (12:00 PM EDT / 5:00 PM UK)

Presented by Janet Forbes & Dimitris Havlidis of World Anvil

More information coming soon.

Bringing Order to Creative Chaos: Project Management for Writers

April 23 (2:00 PM EDT / 7:00 PM UK)

Presented by Kerry Savage

Writing a book is a massive, complex undertaking. It is easy to get bogged down in the many different tasks and elements and miss something or get frustrated. Applying project management techniques can help writers get and stay organized, set and meet writing goals, and be motivated and accountable to themselves throughout the process, from planning to pitching.

In this session, we will walk through how to plan a book project from start to finish. We’ll cover SMART goals, creating a project roadmap to track progress, and how building a plan helps keep your creative energies focused. We’ll normalize the rollercoaster of the creative process and talk about how to get your book project across the finish line!

How To Start Planning A Book Series

April 23 (4:00 PM EDT/ 9:00 PM UK)

Presented by Savannah Gilbo

Want to write a multi-book series? In this presentation, Savannah will talk through what makes certain book series successful, while others are not—including how to avoid the biggest mistakes she sees writers make when crafting a series. She’ll also talk through 5 steps to start planning your book series, including how to craft a cohesive message and story world across your books and how to map out your plot points and character arcs across books as well.
Networking Session

April 23 (6:00 PM EDT / 11 PM UK)

During this networking session, you will have the opportunity to meet other people in the fantasy writing community through speed dating. We will be sending you into breakout rooms in groups of 4 or 5.

World Anvil Demo

April 24 (10:00 AM EDT / 3:00 PM UK)

Presented by Janet Forbes & Dimitris Havlidis

See an in-depth walkthrough of the World Anvil software with co-founders, Janet Forbes and Dimitris Havlidis.
Writing Crossroads: How Four Big Decisions Shape Your Story

April 24 (12:00 PM EDT / 5:00 PM UK)

Presented by Lewis Jorstad

Which is more important when writing a novel: page-turning plots or engaging characters? Believe it or not, neither can exist without the other! In this workshop, Lewis Jorstad will guide you through the four key turning points of every successful story, and how each one is tied to an active decision your hero makes. By the end of this class, you'll not only have a deeper understanding of your novel, but an actionable plan for adding these turning points to your next draft.
The 3 Keys to Enchant Readers for Meaningful Impact

April 24 (2:00 PM EDT / 7:00 PM UK)


Presented by Gina Kammer


Learn how to have a lasting impact on readers by discovering the 3 kEys to Reader Enchantment (not a typo, just a corny mnemonic!). These keys are based in the brain science of how readers experience a story and what immerses them page after page. Through guided steps, you will put three of the hardest-hitting exercises for each key into practice.

This workshop is perfect for authors who want their stories to better connect with and enchant readers. Do you have something you really want to share with readers and at least inspire a few who need your story? You’re exactly the kind of passionate creative who will benefit from knowing the “whys” behind craft advice, and when and how to implement such advice in your story. You don’t want to miss this session if you want to unlock your novel's fullest potential.

Making Magic with Reader Magnets

April 24 (4PM EDT / 9PM UK)


Presented by Z.S. Diamanti

If you've done much research on selling books, you've likely noticed a vast general consensus that an author newsletter is a must! Reader magnets are what get readers to subscribe to your newsletter. Seems simple enough, but what are reader magnets, really? What do they look like? How do you make them? What do you do with them after you make them? What should they do? Maybe you've even tried to make some, but they don't seem to be doing what you hoped they would. In this presentation, award-winning fantasy author, Z.S. Diamanti, demystifies what he considers to be one of the three foundational pillars for author growth. Let's make magic with reader magnets.
A Guide to Writing Romantasy

April 24 (6:00 PM EDT / 11 PM UK)


Presented by Jenna Moreci


Interested in tackling one of the most popular genres in our current literary landscape? This workshop will teach you all about romantasy: What it is, how it’s structured, how it differs from fantasy and romance, and how to appeal to your target audience while also honoring your passion. If you want to craft a swoon-worthy “ship” and thrust them into a fantastic world, this workshop is for you..

How to Use Technology to Make Your Editing Process Simple and Efficient

April 25 (10:00 AM EDT / 3:00 PM UK)

Presented by Hayley Millliman

Join ProWritingAid's Director of Community Engagement, Hayley Milliman, on a deep-dive into making your editing process easier with ProWritingAid.



Beyond the Fantasy Archetype: Creating Memorable Characters

April 25 (12:00 PM EDT / 5:00 PM UK)


Presented by Julie Artz




What do the first ancient playwrights, Carl Jung, and Dungeons and Dragons have in common? They all understood the power of character archetypes. Join author, editor, and book coach Julie Artz as she explores how writers can not only use the classic fantasy character archetypes to maximize tension on the page, but move beyond them to create fresh, resonant characters in their fiction. In addition to the helpful tips provided in the lecture, participants will also receive Julie's bonus Fantasy Archetype Checklist to keep on hand as they craft their characters.



Social Media Magic: Reveal Your Fantasy Writer Archetype

April 25 (2:00 PM EDT / 7:00 PM UK)

Presented by Lara Ferrari

Lara Ferrari is an author marketing specialist on a quest to help you attract readers and sell more books without any of the usual social media awkwardness. Join her for this Fantasy-focused workshop as she introduces us to 12 author archetypes, each with their own spell-binding strategies for crafting connections with readers and building a legion of fans (before your book is even published). Tune in to discover whether you’re an Alchemist, a Changeling, a Dark Wizard or something else entirely…



Beyond Burnout: How to Stay in Love with Writing & Build a Sustainable Author Career

April 25 (4:00 PM EDT / 9:00 PM UK)


Presented by Isabel Sterling

Writers work for years—if not decades—to break into publishing, but once they get there, many find themselves trapped in a cycle of hustle and burnout. Writing stops being fun. Anxiety skyrockets. Every new publishing milestone brings another layer of imposter syndrome. In Beyond Burnout: How to Stay in Love with Writing & Build a Sustainable Author Career, traditionally published author and master certified coach Isabel Sterling breaks down the root cause of author burnout and provides actionable steps that every author can take to burnout-proof their career.



Networking

April 25 (6:00 PM EDT / 11:00 PM UK)


Presented by ProWritingAid

During this networking session, you will be placed into small break-out rooms to collaborate on building your own fantasy world.



Workshop: Adding Depth to Your Fantasy World

April 26 (10:00 AM EDT / 3:00 PM UK)

Presented by Hayley Millliman

Join us for an interactive workshop designed to elevate your storytelling to new heights! In "Adding Depth to Your Fantasy World," we'll delve into the secrets of creating rich and believable worlds that will mesmerize readers and bring your stories to life.
Exclusive Q&A with Story Editing Expert Kristina Stanley

April 26 (12:00 PM EDT / 5:00 PM UK)

Presented by Kristina Stanley, CEO of Fictionary

Kristina Stanley is an award-winning author, professional editor, and creator of the StoryCoach Story Editing Certification. She has spent the last decade designing a practical story editing process that any writer or editor can use to make sure that the plot, characters, structure, and settings are as impactful as possible.


From building captivating characters to weaving seamless plots and infusing your writing with emotion, Kristina is here to help. Bring your burning questions and editing dilemmas for personalized guidance and expert insights that will transform your manuscripts..

Pitch to Query Perfect

April 26 (2:00 PM EDT / 7:00 PM UK)

Presented by Marvellous Michael Anson

Join our interactive workshop to master the art of crafting compelling query letters. This session offers hands-on learning with live critiques of your queries. Discover the key elements that make your pitch stand out and learn how to effectively communicate your book's essence to literary agents or publishers. Whether you're a seasoned writer or just starting, this workshop provides invaluable insights and personalized feedback to enhance your query letter writing skills. Don't miss this opportunity to fine-tune your pitches and increase your chances of getting noticed in the competitive world of publishing.


Networking

April 26 (6:00 PM EDT / 11:00 PM UK)


Presented by ProWritingAid

During this networking session, you will be placed into small break-out rooms to get to know each other and discuss your takeaways from the week.

Speaker Bios

Sue Campbell has helped hundreds of writers, from newbies to bestsellers, transform their inhibitive mindset around marketing and realize their full potential as authors. Her clients have exponentially increased their email lists and book sales, landed articles in prestigious publications such as The New York Times, done guest spots on popular podcasts and more.

Anne Hawley is a certified developmental editor of literary, historical, and fantasy fiction, and is the author of Restraint, a novel of forbidden love in Regency England. She was the producer and writer of the popular Story Grid Roundtable Podcast, and currently teaches and develops writing courses at Pages and Platforms..

Rachelle Ramirez is a certified developmental editor, who helps fiction and nonfiction writers structure and finish their projects. She is a co-creator of the Story Path course and numerous writing masterclasses. She is a co-host of The Happily Ever Author Club at Pages and Platforms and the author of the forthcoming book, The ADHD Writer: From Frustrated to Focused to Finished. You can learn more about Rachelle Ramirez and her editing services at Rachelle Ramirez.com.

Dani Abernathy is an Enneagram Teacher and book coach who helps novelists write the stories they need to tell so their readers can feel seen and can see others. Specializing in fantasy, soft sci-fi, and YA, Dani merges how story works with how people work, creating books that help readers have more empathy for themselves and others. Through her Rooted Writers Mentorship, she helps novelists embrace, plan, and write books they're proud of. Dani is a Capricorn, INFJ, and Enneagram Type 4 who believes that stories can change the world, one reader at a time.

Combining her degree in computer mathematics with her success as a best-selling, award winning author and fiction editor, Kristina Stanley is the creator and CEO of Fictionary, creative editing software for fiction writers and editors. She is a Fictionary Certified StoryCoach. Her novels include the Stone Mountain Mystery series and Look the Other Way. She is the author of The Author's Guide to Selling Books to Non-Bookstores, and she's also a passionate guide dog trainer and hiker.

Kyle Cisco is a Story Grid Certified Editor from Winter Springs, Florida. He is a disabled Air Force Veteran, utilizing his discipline and attention to detail as an aircraft mechanic to check the structural integrity of your story. He is a writer working on a flintlock fantasy thriller series and horror story anthology. He has three kids, three dogs, a wife that supports his dream of editing books, and a love of reading that can never be sated. As an editor he specializes in helping Fantasy authors in bringing their world to life through compelling worldbuilding and his vast knowledge of history.

Dana Pittman is a USA Today and Amazon Bestselling romance and paranormal romance author, Certified Developmental Editor, and the Chief Storyteller with Danja Tales, a boutique romance developmental editing company in Houston, Texas. She specializes in romances (contemporary, steamy, billionaire, etc), paranormal romance, fantasy, suspense/thrillers, and plotting. And she'd love to chat with you about YOUR novel.

Janet Forbes (she/her) is a published fantasy author, game developer and (secretly) a velociraptor, and has been building worlds since she was knee-high to an orc. In 2017 she co-founded World Anvil (https://www.worldanvil.com), the award-winning worldbuilding, writing and tabletop RPG platform which boasts a community of almost 2 million users. As a writer, Janet has published short fiction in several collections, was the lead author of The Dark Crystal RPG (2021), has also written for Infinite Black, Kobold Press, Penny Dragon Games and Tidebreaker, and is notorious for sneaking dinosaurs into every IP she works on.

Dimitris Havlidis (he/him) has been building settings for 30 years, and has made more epic, sandbox worlds than he’s had hot dinners. He holds degrees in Computing, Social Psychology (always useful for tormenting characters) and Graphic Design, and worked as a CTO for some of the top agencies in the UK. He left the corporate world to focus on World Anvil, which is now his life's work. With his wife Janet Forbes, he developed the groundbreaking Agile Worldbuilding Method, and has given talks and seminars at some of the biggest conventions in the world on worldbuilding and game mastery. He loves cheese, lemon pies and top hats.

A voracious reader of all kinds of fiction (and sometimes memoir and non-fiction), Kerry Savage (she/her) is an Author Accelerator certified book coach who works with novelists from the planning stages through revision, helping writers get their best book ready for the world. She is also a J-school grad and former project manager, as well as being hard at work on her first novel (a work of historical fiction based on the life of a real badass female pirate). She serves as a volunteer mentor for the Women’s Fiction Writers Association (WFWA) and Sisters in Crime (SinC). She loves good wine, cheese, and trying to keep her succulents alive.

Savannah Gilbo is a certified developmental editor and book coach who helps fiction authors write, edit, and publish stories that work. She’s also the host of the top-rated Fiction Writing Made Easy Podcast, where she delivers weekly episodes full of simple, actionable, and step-by-step strategies that you can implement in your writing right away. When she’s not busy crafting her own stories, you can find Savannah curled up with a good book, a cozy blanket, and her three furry partners in crime.

As Director of Community at ProWritingAid, Hayley Milliman focuses on building engaging, helpful learning content for the millions of users who rely on ProWritingAid to make their writing clear and effective. Hayley has a robust writing portfolio and has written for dozens of publications on topics related to education, marketing strategy, history, entrepreneurship, and more.

Lewis Jorstad is a book coach and editor who helps passionate fiction writers master their craft and find their readers at The Novel Smithy. When he isn't helping students or writing books of his own, you can find him babying his houseplants and baking far too many homemade bagels.

Book coach and editor Gina Kammer uses brain science hacks to take science fiction and fantasy authors through each step of the novel-writing process to create stories that enchant readers. Gina combines her background in teaching college writing and literature with her insights as a former in-house editor to mentor authors through craft instruction and the publishing industry. With over a decade of professional story-dragon experience, she coaches authors at inkybookwyrm.com so they know exactly which next steps to take on their journeys to publication.

Z.S. Diamanti is the award-winning author of the Stone & Sky series, an epic fantasy adventure and the result of his love for fun and fantastic stories. His short works have been published in magazines, literary journals, newspapers, and books. He went to college for a very long time and has far too many pieces of paper on his wall. He is a USAF veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom and worked in ministry for over 10 years before pursuing creative endeavors full-time. He and his wife reside in Colorado with their four children where they enjoy hikes, camping, and tabletop games.

Jenna Moreci is a bestselling dark fantasy romance and writing craft author, as well as a YouTube sensation with hundreds of thousands of subscribers. Her first installment in The Savior’s Series, The Savior’s Champion, was voted one of the Best Books of All Time by Book Depository. Born and raised in Silicon Valley, Jenna spends her free time snuggling up with her charming partner and their tiny dog, Buttercup.

Julie Artz helps writers who dream of a life spent telling stories that matter slay their doubt demons so they can send their work out into the world with confidence. An active member of the writing community, she has volunteered for SCBWI, TeenPit, and Pitch Wars and is a member of EFA, the Authors Guild, and AWP. A social and environmental justice minded story geek, Julie lives in an enchanted forest outside of Seattle, Washington, with her husband, two strong-willed teenagers, and a couple of naughty furry familiars.

Lara Ferrari is an Instagram marketing specialist who's helped over 100 authors grow an engaged community of readers online (and helped them have fun doing it!). After a passion for marketing landed her a career in copywriting and a love of books led to developmental editing, Lara eventually managed to combine both areas of expertise and find her true purpose. After successfully using Instagram to build her own business, she now channels all her energy into helping authors charm the social media algorithms and share their stories with the readers who will love them most.

Isabel Sterling is a master certified coach and the founder of The Confident Author Academy, where she helps novelists create sustainable, burnout-free authors careers. A traditionally published author herself, Isabel writes twisty paranormal thrillers about magical queer girls who find love after heartbreak. Her novels include These Witches Don’t Burn, This Coven Won’t Break, and The Coldest Touch.

Marvellous Michael Anson has been writing for over a decade and has self-published a thriller, His Dark Reflection, to critical acclaim. She was shortlisted for the Futureworlds Prize in 2023, winning mentorship from a top UK editor. Her debut fantasy novel, FIRSTBORN OF THE SUN was shortlisted for the 2022 Jericho Writers Friday Night Live Competition and the 2022 Kit De Waal Bursary, was longlisted for the 2023 REVPIT competition, and won the 2023 Jericho Writers’ Self Edit Course Bursary. In addition, Marve is a filmmaker who wrote and produced an award-winning short film in 2016 and is a recipient of the 2017 AFRIFF Film School Scholarship Program. She works as a technology consultant during the day and a storyteller at night. She is a member of the Society of Authors, Alliance of Independent Authors and the British Fantasy Society. She is represented by Keia Lupo, Bindery Agency. 

 

Fantasy Writers' Week