Spring is here, and with it comes the itch to clean, refresh, and toss out what no longer serves us—not just in our homes, but in our writing habits too! If you’re a fantasy writer, chances are you’ve picked up a few myths along the way that might be cluttering your creative space. So grab your metaphorical broom, and let’s sweep out these outdated beliefs.
1. You Must Create an Entire World Before You Start Writing
The Myth: You can’t write a word of your story until you’ve built a complete, detailed world with maps, histories, languages, and political systems.
The Truth: Worldbuilding can evolve with your story. Some writers do extensive prep, but others build as they go. Your world only needs to be as developed as your characters need it to be in that moment. Don’t let perfectionism stall your progress. Let your world grow like a garden—season by season.
2. Fantasy Stories Have to Be Epically Long
The Myth: If your fantasy book isn’t at least 100k words, it’s not “real” fantasy.
The Truth: Length doesn’t define quality. You can write a powerful, immersive fantasy in under 80k words (or even less!). Think novellas, serialized fiction, or tightly focused standalones. Not every tale needs to span generations or contain a 12-book prophecy arc. Let your story be the length it needs to be—not what a myth tells you it should be.
3. Fantasy Needs to Include Elves, Dragons, or Medieval Settings
The Myth: Fantasy must look like Tolkien’s Middle-earth or it doesn’t count.
The Truth: Fantasy is a genre of possibility. Want a desert realm ruled by elemental queens? A floating market in a cyber-fantasy world? A demon-run coffee shop in a city built on ley lines? Yes, yes, and yes. Fantasy can blend with sci-fi, horror, romance, or surrealism. Don’t box yourself in. Your imagination is your only limit.
4. Magic Needs to Be Fully Explained to Be Believable
The Myth: If your magic system doesn’t follow hard rules and scientific logic, readers won’t take it seriously.
The Truth: There’s room for both “hard” and “soft” magic systems. Some stories thrive on intricate rules; others use mystery and wonder to create emotional impact. Think Studio Ghibli vs. Brandon Sanderson. Both are valid. Your job is to stay consistent, not to turn your magic into a science textbook (unless you want to!).
5. You Have to Write Like [Insert Famous Author] to Succeed
The Myth: You’ll never make it if you don’t write like Sanderson, Le Guin, or Martin.
The Truth: You have your own voice, and that is your superpower. Readers want new perspectives, diverse voices, and fresh takes. Don’t compare your rough draft to someone else’s polished publication. Hone your craft, sure—but write like you. That’s who your future fans are waiting for.
🌸 Time to Declutter Your Creative Space
Spring cleaning isn’t just about dusting shelves—it’s about letting go of what holds you back. These writing myths? Toss them out with last winter’s socks. Your fantasy story deserves room to breathe, grow, and become uniquely yours.
Now go open a window, light a candle, and get back to writing that magical world only you can create. 🌙🖋️
Happy Writing ^_^
Sara's Writing Sanctuary 