Writing a children's fantasy novel can be one of the most magical experiences for any writer. But creating a world that unleashes your imagination whilst capturing the imagination of young readers is not for the feint hearted. Whether you're new to the genre or an experienced author looking to dive into children's fantasy, this guide will offer practical tips on how to write a children's fantasy novel that stands out on the shelf.
What We'll Cover In This Article
What is Fantasy Fiction?
Before diving in and writing your fantasy fiction novel, it is important you fully understand the genre. Fantasy fiction is defined by its incorporation of magical elements and fantastical creatures. It transports readers to realms where the impossible becomes possible, creating a sense of wonder and escapism.
Popular Subgenres Of Fantasy
There are many subgenres of fantasy to consider. This includes;
High Fantasy: This is set in entirely fictional worlds, for example The Lord of the Rings. No aspect of this series contains modern elements.
Urban Fantasy: Blends magical elements with modern settings (e.g., The Dresden Files).
Dark Fantasy: This subgenre is of course not child friendly as it Incorporates horror elements alongside fantasy and so we will not be focusing on this subgenre.
The Message
In the fantasy fiction genre, most novels have a message, whether it’s about friendship, courage, or personal growth, there is usually something children can take away from a book. However, it is not advised to make the message too obvious to your reader, or they could lose interest. It is better to weave it naturally into the characters' experiences and decisions, allowing your reader to realise these lessons as they go along.
What Are The Best Children's Fantasy Novels Of All Time?
Whilst many people have their own favourites, there are fantasy novels that have shown to be extremely popular worldwide and among many generations. Here are just some examples;
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory first published in 1964. Enjoyed for 60 years, with a recent release of the novel Wonka, this is a testament to its success.
The Harry Potter Series, first published in 1997. This series took the world by storm. 8 books later, we are still enjoying these books and visiting the Harry Potter studios.
The Chronicles of Narnia first published in 1950. A fantasy world of magic, mythical beasts and talking animals, made into a film in 2005.
James and the Giant Peach published in 1961. A popular Roald Dahl fantasy with enormous talking insects and evil aunts! This became a film in 1996.
How To Build Your Own Unique Fantasy World
In children’s fantasy, the world you create is just as important as the characters who inhabit it. Fantasy novels like Harry Potter or The Chronicles of Narnia, demonstrate that worlds are as memorable as the stories themselves. When starting your children's fantasy novel, ask yourself what makes your world different. Is there a hidden kingdom beneath the ocean? Or perhaps a land where animals rule and humans are seen as mythical?
Be as imaginative as you like, because remember, in fantasy, nothing is impossible. Children’s fantasy thrives on new ideas and intriguing landscapes. However, a unique fantasy world also comes with rules. Having some structure is essential to world-building and ensures that readers can follow the story logically.
Key components to creating a rich and believable world includes:
Geography
Understanding the geography in your fantasy world is essential, especially when writing for kids. You must create a well-defined landscapes, climates and ecosystems. This could include enchanted forests, mountains or perhaps caves with harsh climates where few creatures can actually survive. The setting can tie in nicely with the plot as it helps to shape your characters' journeys and challenges.
History and Culture
Develop the backstory of your world, including cultural norms, traditions, and historical events. These elements provide depth and make your setting feel real for kids. Your world could encompass a kingdom in turmoil. And the history of the kingdom can help to shape the conflicts and motivations of your characters.
The culture in your world will influence how the characters speak, dress, and interact with one another. Take care with details here, things that could stand out to a child to keep them engaged.
Magic System
Establish clear rules for how magic operates, its sources, and its limitations. You do not want the story at any point to contradict itself. The magic system will shape how your characters interact with their environment and influences plot development so it must be consistent.
Visuals
When writing fantasy for children, it is important to consider including a map or basic illustration of your world to help them visualise it. This can help both you and your readers navigate complex settings. Remember, this is all new to the both of you! Keep descriptions clear when describing magical landscapes, creatures, and objects to help them fully immerse in the story. Every detail adds to the world-building that makes fantasy so captivating for your young readers.
4. How To Create Compelling Characters
Your young readers need someone to root for, characters that feel real, even in a fantastical setting. Children's fantasy novels often feature 2 types of characters; the protagonists who are a little out of the ordinary but still relatable. They could be ordinary kids thrust into extraordinary circumstances or fantastical creatures grappling with familiar emotions like fear, courage, and friendship. And the second character is the antagonist, a crucial character in the story that works against the goal of the novel. They present challenges for the protagonist, which introduces children to problem-solving. It is also important not forget about the supporting cast, all the other characters who perhaps assist the protagonist in some way. You should develop a diverse range of supporting characters who enrich your narrative. Each should have their own motivations that intersect with the protagonist’s journey.
How To Create the Protagonist And Antagonist
This is the main character in the story and the 'bad guy'. It is important children can relate to the protagonist and understand the clear conflict they have with the antagonist.
These are the key areas to focus on when creating your characters;
Motivation: Define what drives your characters. What do they want, and what are they willing to sacrifice?
Flaws and Growth: Flawed characters offer room for growth, making them relatable and engaging.
It’s important to give these characters depth. What are their dreams? What are they afraid of? Even your most heroic characters should have vulnerabilities that young readers can connect with.
How To Create Unique Fantasy Names For Your Characters
Creating unique fantasy names does not need to be stressful, instead it is area to embrace creativity. Start with the culture of your unique fantasy world. What are your characters beliefs? What kind of language do your characters use? Don't worry, you don't have to invent a language like J. R. R. Tolkein did when writing The Lord of The Rings, but you should consider the kind of vocabulary they may have. This may vary between royal characters and more humble characters. Their names should reflect these elements. However, if you are creating an urban fantasy, your story will incorporate modern settings and so some characters names can be kept traditional.
To create something truly unique, experiment with phonetic combinations and blend syllables that feel fresh yet fitting for your setting. Use linguistic roots, or even mix and match different language elements. Avoid names that sound too similar to famous fantasy figures, this will only annoy your readers. Don't forget to test the names by saying them out loud to ensure they fit your world’s tone and atmosphere. Ask friends and family how they sound too.
Here's some fantasy names for inspiration;
Girl fantasy names;
Isolde, Arianwyn, Lyra, Seraphina, Elowen, Zarella, Karlina, Laryia
Boy fantasy names;
Alaric, Draven, Kaelen, Theron, Zephyr, Phoenix, Mercator, Brothwyn
How To Write An Engaging Story Plot
A great children's fantasy novel needs an exciting plot that will keep young readers on the edge of their seats. Fantasy stories often involve quests, challenges, or mysteries. The key is to build suspense and keep the adventure moving. Introduce obstacles that test your characters’ courage, wit, and morals.
Lessons
Even though children’s fantasy is typically fast-paced, it’s also important to weave in themes that offer deeper meaning. What lesson is your protagonist learning through their journey? Is it about bravery? The power of friendship? Resilience in the face of adversity? Layering in meaningful themes will give your story heart and make it resonate long after the final page is turned.
Conflict
Conflict is central to a good engaging plot, and remember there can be many conflicts throughout your novel. There might be some personal dilemmas that seem fairly trivial, but relatable and then there might be some catastrophic battles where the odds of defeat are high. High stakes keep readers invested in the outcome.
Magic
Magic is at the heart of most children's fantasy novels. Whether it's enchanted objects, mysterious powers, or otherworldly creatures, magic opens up endless possibilities. But it's important to think through how magic works in your world and is the story centered around it? Who has access to it? Is it a natural part of everyday life, or is it hidden and rare? When done right, magic adds a layer of wonder to your novel. However, make sure your use of magic follows the rules you've set for your world. Consistency helps maintain 'believability', even in the most fantastical settings.
What Kind Of Language Should I Use?
Children’s fantasy readers are usually between the ages of 8 and 12. These readers want fast-paced action, adventure, and mystery. It's crucial however to strike a balance with your language. You want the text to be accessible to younger readers, but that doesn't mean it has to be simplistic. Children’s fantasy novels should still be rich with descriptive language that paints vivid images of your world in their minds. However, avoid overly complex sentences or abstract concepts that may confuse or frustrate your readers.
The goal is to keep them turning the pages. Don't be afraid to introduce new vocabulary, just make sure it's done in context so they can understand through the story itself and don't need to put the book down to go and find out.
Its important to focus on keeping the plot moving, and giving readers plenty of twists and surprises along the way. Shorter chapters can help with pacing, allowing young readers to feel like they're progressing quickly through the story.
How To Edit Your Fantasy Novel
The final step in writing your children's fantasy novel is editing. Revising your work is essential, no matter how experienced you are. Reading your story aloud is one of the best ways to catch awkward phrasing or pacing issues, especially when writing for children.
Here is book editing checklist you can work from;
Content & Structure
Check for plot holes or inconsistencies
Ensure each scene shows progression
Ensure each character shows development
Pacing & Flow
Remove unnecessary scenes
Ensure each chapter has a natural progression
Dialogue
Ensure dialogue sounds natural
Remove any redundant dialogue
Line Edit
Check your grammar, punctuation, and spelling
Improve clarity and conciseness
Consistency Check
Ensure consistency with characters places, and timeline
Verify details like ages, locations, and magic rules, remove contradictions
Proofread
Search for typos, spacing, and formatting issues
Read the manuscript aloud to ensure it makes sense
Once you've revised, consider sharing your work with beta readers or a critique group that focuses on children’s literature. Learn more about how to find beta readers. Their feedback can help you identify parts of the story that may not be connecting as you intended. Even family members can be of great help when it comes to editing. If you have children yourself, its a great idea to discuss your story with them to gauge their interest in the plot.
Self-Publishing vs. Traditional Publishing
There are two pathways to becoming an established author; Self publishing - where you publish your own book. And Traditional Publishing - where you're book is published by professionals who market and distribute your book at no cost to you.
Of course they both present pros and cons;
Self-Publishing
If you want to take on all aspects of marketing and distribution of your book then self-publishing is for you. This method offers complete control, enabling you to publish whatever you want and whenever you want to. This method however does require patience and sometimes it can be costly. As the competition amongst self-published books is extremley high, you need to identify ways to make your book stand out. Learn more about how to self publish your book on Amazon.
Traditional Publishing
If you are not confident with marketing your book yourself and you want the backing of publisher, then traditional publishing is for you. However be prepared for rejection. Unfortunately, publishing companies receive thousands of submissions each year and only accept a handful of them. Should your work be accepted, your book will be edited, published and marketed to a wide audience at no cost to you.
If you opt for traditional publishing, research literary agents who specialise in fantasy. Craft personalised query letters that highlight your book’s unique elements.
How To Market Your Fantasy Novel
Whether you choose to self-publish or go down the traditional publishing route, marketing your book is still something you can contribute towards.
Here are some actions you can take to promote your book;
Author Platform
Setting up an author profile on author platforms is a great way to connect with other authors and promote your book. This might be GoodReads or perhaps BookBub. These author platforms provide marketing opportunities for every author for a fee.
A Website
Creating a website is a very effective way of showcasing your work and connecting with readers. Think of it as the hub for all your marketing! Your website can include a blog, a link to your book for sale and all your social media links. Don't worry if you're not technical, you can easily set up a website on Wix, Wordpress or Godaddy Studio.
Social Media platforms
Use social media to engage with the fantasy community and promote your book. And they're called 'social platforms' for a reason, you should fully immerse yourself in the community, commenting, liking posts, following accounts etc. This is a very effective way of getting your name out there as an author. Remember, you do not have to be on every single platform posting 10x per day. 1-3 social media platforms is enough! And you can post 3x per week to stay relevant.
Virtual book launch
A virtual book launch is great for reach or collaborating with book bloggers and reviewers to generate buzz around your release. Promotions and giveaways can also attract interest.
Conclusion
Writing a children's fantasy fiction novel is an incredible journey. By building a unique world, developing relatable characters, and keeping your story engaging and magical, you can create a novel that captures the imaginations of young readers everywhere. As an indie author myself, embracing creativity and imagination is key, and with a little perseverance, your children’s fantasy novel could be the next to inspire a generation of readers. Let your story unfold, as the realms of fantasy await your unique voice.