Fantasy Fiction Writing Prompts

Fantasy writing comes in many forms and many sub-genres, crossing universes or living in a tiny corner of our own reality. Dragons may join the fight against evil or be the evil force destroying a sleepy hamlet. Elves with flowing golden hair and mythical accuracy may dance across the pages. Or you may find a mixture of fantastic and real elements in every chapter. I think, perhaps, that is what most intrigues and most terrifies me about writing in the genre – it is limitless.

I’ve read and watches fantasy stories my entire life. My dad was a fantasy novelist (sadly, unpublished) and he often exposed me to the best books and movies, TV shows and radio programs in the genre. I’ve always loved the fantastic creatures, the beautiful imagery of ancient worlds and splendid histories. But the genre itself has always eluded me, despite my own propensity to daydream and imagine worlds unknown.

Over the past decade, I’ve begun dabbling a little with fantasy writing. I’ve started with a hint of absurd fantasy inspired by Douglas Adams’ Hitchhiker’s Guide the Galaxy. And a tad of epic fantasy like J.R.R. Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings trilogy. But I’m far from writing a full-on novel of my own.

If you’re like me, you may also be facing a little intimidation. I’ve found that writing prompts help me fight past mine to get thoughts flowing. So, I thought I’d offer some fantasy writing prompts that might help you face your own intimidation in the genre.

1. Who is the Righteous Ryder and what is her/his mission?
2. There’s a magical plant in the woods, which a young girl discovers one day while collecting herbs for her father’s cookery. What does the plant do? What happens after the discovery?
3. What would happen if three owls, two unicorns, and a dragon were all best friends?
4. A talking medieval cat discovers something sinister in the castle dungeon while hunting mice one morning.
5. A duck and her ducklings hold the secret to the universe.

Note: This article is adapted from the author’s personal blog at ritajpike.com.

Need more writing prompts? Check these out for more inspiration.

• Paranormal fiction writing prompt
• Cozy Mystery Writing Prompts
• Action/Adventure Writing Prompts
• Wholesome romance writing prompts
• General fiction writing prompt
• Science fiction writing prompt

Rita Mock-Pike

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Editor-in-Chief of The MockingOwl Roost, Rita Mock-Pike is the granddaughter of aviatrix, Jerrie Mock, first woman to pilot an airplane solo around the world. Rita has found inspiration from her grandmother’s life and flight and pursued many of her own dreams in theatre, podcasting, novel writing, and cooking up delicious food from around the world. She now writes on food, travel, pets, faith, and the arts. She’s happily married to Matt, and faithfully serves the very fluffy kitten queen, Lady Stardust.

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