How to Write an Epic Fantasy Novel: 3 Essential Tips for Aspiring Authors

How to Write an Epic Fantasy Novel: 3 Essential Tips for Aspiring Authors

Writing an epic fantasy novel is both exhilarating and overwhelming. When you’re crafting entire worlds, magic systems, and deep character arcs, it’s easy to get stuck in perfectionism. But here’s the truth: your story won’t come to life if it only exists in your head. So, let’s break it down with three simple but essential tips that helped shape Arys—and will help you too.

✅ 1. Just Write—Even If It Doesn’t Make Sense Yet

Struggling to get past Chapter One of your epic fantasy? You’re not alone. Most aspiring authors overthink the beginning, but you don’t need to have everything figured out to start writing. Passion is your fuel, so get your ideas onto the page in any format that works—messy drafts, bullet points, voice memos, scattered scenes. Don’t wait for perfection; it will come later in the editing process. The key is to capture your inspiration before it fades. Momentum is everything.

Think of your first draft as clay. It doesn’t have to be perfect—it just needs to exist so you can mold it into something great.

Example:

When I started Arys, I had a vivid scene in my head—a pivotal confrontation between Arys and Elborix. I wrote it before I had even outlined the rest of the book. That scene helped me understand their dynamic and ultimately shaped the entire story. If I had waited to “figure everything out,” I might never have written it at all.

✍️ Action Tip:

Set a timer for 15 minutes and write whatever comes to mind about your story—no editing, no second-guessing.
Focus on dialogue or an emotionally charged moment to bypass overthinking.

Troubleshooting Tip: If you don’t know where to start, begin with dialogue. Characters’ voices often lead you naturally into a scene.

🚫 Common Mistakes to Avoid:

Overthinking the first chapter—just start anywhere you feel inspired.
Getting lost in world-building before starting the plot.
Thinking every draft has to be “good” right away.

✅ 2. You Don’t Have to Write in Order

Forget the idea that you have to write your novel from Chapter 1 to The End in a straight line. If you feel inspired to write a dramatic battle scene or a heart-wrenching character moment from the middle of your book, do it!

A roadmap (outline) helps, but it doesn’t mean you have to follow a strict path. Writing out of order can actually make your process faster and more organic. You can always go back and fill in gaps later.

In Arys, I wrote key emotional scenes first and then worked outward to build the narrative around them. This kept me excited and engaged in the process!

Example:

One day, I had a surge of inspiration for a climactic fight scene, so I wrote it immediately, even though I hadn’t yet drafted the buildup. When I later filled in the preceding chapters, I had a clear target to write toward, making the entire section flow more naturally.

✍️ Action Tip:

Write the scene that’s most exciting to you right now—it doesn’t matter where it fits.
Use placeholders like [INSERT FIGHT SCENE HERE] to fill gaps later.

Helpful Tool: Try Scrivener to keep track of scattered scenes and organize them later!

👉 Why Scrivener Works for Fantasy Writers:

Write out of order – Drag-and-drop scenes so you’re not locked into a linear path.
Outline with a corkboard – Organize characters, world-building, and plotlines visually.
Keep research and notes in one place – No more switching between documents!
Export directly to .epub, .mobi, and .pdf – Makes self-publishing easy.
Focus mode – Eliminate distractions while writing.

🚫 Common Mistakes to Avoid:

Forcing yourself to write in order.
Getting stuck because you’re missing a transition scene.
Letting one unfinished scene derail your momentum.

✅ 3. Take Care of Yourself—Set a Timer for Breaks

Epic fantasy is immersive. You’ll find yourself lost in your world for hours, forgetting to eat, drink water, or step outside. While passion is great, burnout isn’t.

Set timers to remind yourself to:

Drink water and stay hydrated.
Take breaks to stretch and rest your eyes.
Go for a walk to reset your mind and get fresh inspiration.
Talk to your humans and seek inspiration!

Your best ideas will come when your brain is rested and recharged.

Example:

During intense writing sprints, I use the Pomodoro Technique—writing for 25-50 minutes, then taking a 5-10 minute break. This keeps me focused while preventing exhaustion.

✍️ Action Tip:

Set a timer for 25 minutes and commit to a writing sprint. Afterward, take a 5-minute break.
Try listening to a fantasy soundtrack during your break to stay inspired.

🚫 Common Mistakes to Avoid:

Ignoring hunger and fatigue—this leads to burnout.
Pushing through creative blocks instead of taking breaks.
Thinking more hours = more output (it doesn’t).

💬 Reflection Question:

What’s your biggest struggle with writing right now? Is it starting the draft, sticking to an outline, or managing burnout? Drop a comment below—I’d love to hear your thoughts!

⭐ Final Thoughts

Writing an epic fantasy novel is a marathon, not a sprint. Let yourself write freely, skip around your story as needed, and take care of your creative energy. If you stay consistent and allow your imagination to flow, your world will take shape in ways you never expected.

🔎 Summary of Key Tips:

✅ Just start—capture the inspiration before it fades.
✅ Write out of order—focus on what excites you most.
✅ Take breaks—rested minds create better stories.

📌 Bonus Tip: Pin this post so you can revisit it whenever you need motivation!

📖 Want more writing advice? Check out my post on World-Building Essentials.

🚀 Ready to bring your fantasy novel to life? Let’s go!

E. Hope Grove