The Top 10 Mistakes New Fantasy Writers Make and How to Avoid Them
Writing fantasy can feel like the most magical experience you’ll ever have - until you hit a wall. Maybe you are getting confused when switching among multiple POVs, maybe your villain lacks a compelling motive, or maybe the characters feel too flat. The best part? You are not alone. Every fantasy writer has been there - judging their story and plot.
Here’s the thing: these roadblocks are just pushing your story towards a refined version. To overcome these blocks, let’s break down the most common mistakes that every fantasy writer makes and also give you some tips on how you can avoid them.
Long And Slow Beginnings That Lose Readers
Ever picked up a fantasy book where the worldbuilding was so dense that your brain just refused to process it? We have all been there, and it is one of the most common mistakes made by fantasy writers. While worldbuilding is crucial for the success of a fantasy novel, too much too soon can overwhelm the reader - the result? Frustration and, worst of all, a higher chance of readers DNF’ing your book.
To see if you are making the same mistake, ask yourself, “Can i summarize the opening of my book in one gripping sentence?” If your answer is “The protagonist is walking around thinking about how their world works,” you might be a victim of a slow beginning and need some writing style refinement. But if it’s more like, “The protagonist stands in the middle of a battlefield, bleeding out, surrounded by the dead, face-to-face with the deadliest Wendigo of the Seven Realms,” you’re on the right track.
2. Too Many Point of View (POV) Characters
Who doesn’t want their novel to feel rich and immersive with multiple POVs? But that might become the biggest mistake if you are not doing it right. Switching from one person to another too quickly can result in a tangled mess, breaking the narrative flow and making it difficult for the readers to stay engaged with the story.
Before writing multiple POVs, do a story structure analysis and ask yourself, “Would my story be stronger if I focused on fewer, well-developed perspectives?” If so, you can remove the access. But if you still think multiple POVs are important for your story, one book that does it well is The Atlas Six - where every POV feels natural and distinct.
3. Lack of Stakes and Conflict
The biggest crime a fantasy writer can commit is to make fantasy boring. The genre that is entirely built on imagination and adventure, high stakes, and deadly conflicts are non-negotiable. If you are not justifying the plot with real danger, tough choices, and meaningful losses, you might need some improvement. You must present something meaningful that the protagonist cannot afford to lose. The characters must be forced into difficult, heart-wrenching decisions. If it comes too easily, why should the reader care?
Ask yourself, “Would my story still be interesting if I removed the central conflict?” If the answer is yes, you are not making your protagonist struggle enough. The risks need to feel real.
4. Writing a Protagonist Who Is Good at Everything
No human being is good at everything. If you want the readers to connect with your protagonist, you need to write a character that feels real - flawed and vulnerable. Even better? Tragic flaws. The character who neither struggles nor fails is forgettable. Your goal should be to write a character who stumbles but stays firm.
To assess your character, ask yourself, “Does the character have internal conflicts or weaknesses that create tension?” It could be anything - fear, self-doubt, arrogance, something that contributes to how they react to the challenges and conflicts.
5. Making the Villain Evil for No Reason
If the villain in your story is evil simply because they are not a good person, that is not enough. The villain needs to have some depth to his character. The choices he makes should be heavily driven by his past, ideology, or some other backstory that ties into the plot in a meaningful way.
To see if you are actually writing an evil villain or if he is just a one-dimensional menace, ask yourself, “Why does my villain do what they do?” If you can answer this question beyond the “because-they-are-evil”, you are on the right track
6. Clichéd or Flat Supporting Characters
Side characters make or break a story. If the side characters in your story include the male protagonist’s sassy childhood best friend and the wise old mentor, you might be falling into the cliche territory. Flat characters slow down the plot and make it bland.
Ask yourself, “If I remove my character from the story, would the plot change?” If it is a yes, you need to reconsider the characters. Maybe give them personal stakes and even their own mini-arcs.
7. Ignoring Character-Driven Plotting
Readers love to read a strong character who drives the plot with his actions and choices rather than being driven by gloomy circumstances. They do not just want to see what happens; they want to see how the characters respond and why it all matters to them.
To strengthen your plot, ask yourself, “Are my characters reacting more than they are acting?” If the characters are merely reacting to events rather than initiating them, it might be time to give them agency. If you are still unsure, you can opt for a professional book editor for character development feedback.
8. Overcomplicating Magic Systems
Magic systems in fantasy work best when they feel like real systems and not just convenient plot devices. It might be tempting to create an intricate magic system to stand out among other fantasy authors, but most of the time, it ends up confusing the readers.
Ask yourself, “Does my magic have clear limitations and consequences?” If your magic system does not follow a pattern, has no risks, no restrictions, it needs to be redone. It is not just about what magic can do but also about what it can’t do.
9. Underestimating the Power of Small, Everyday Details
Grand battles, epic prophecies, and majestic creatures, you can have all that, and your fantasy might still feel hollow unless you realize the importance of small, everyday details. The true magic of your fantasy writing lies in the superstitions whispered in the marketplace, the quiet rituals performed at dawn, and the unspoken rules that shape the daily life of the common man.
To assess your story, ask yourself, “Does my world feel lived-in, or does it only exist to serve the plot?” If your setting feels like a stage, you might need to make it more immersive.
10. Weak, Unsatisfying, and Rushed Endings
Last but not least, weak and unsatisfied endings in pursuit of something unique are the worst mistakes you can make. Just like the first impression draws readers in, the final impression you leave determines how your story is remembered. The ending should feel earned rather than rushed.
Before closing your story, ask yourself: Does my ending feel earned, or does it come out of nowhere? Have I tied up the major plot threads? Does my ending evoke an emotional response? Above all, does my ending leave room for the story to linger in the reader’s mind? A good ending not only results in catharsis but also leaves an unforgettable impact while offering closure.
Your Story Has Potential - Let’s Give It The Perfect Final Touch
You have already poured your heart into your story; it’s time to give it a solid foundation and make it shine. Whether you think the climax of your story seems forced or you do not feel satisfied with the ending, all you need is an opinion from the reader's perspective. Once Upon a Manuscript offers just that!
I am Nina Lopez-Ortiz, a fantasy book editor and the co-pilot of your creative journey. I am here to help you sharpen the stakes, shape the magic, and turn your manuscript into the epic tale it deserves.
Let’s bring your fantasy world to life!
