Essential Reads for Writing and Building Fantasy Worlds

For aspiring writers and dedicated fans of the fantasy genre, crafting a unique and immersive world is an art that requires both creativity and established knowledge. Understanding the classics and combining them with contemporary insights can provide a solid foundation. In this article, we will explore books that are essential for both writing fantasy and building elaborate, engaging worlds.

Are There Any Good Books about Writing Fantasy?

The field of books offering guidance on writing fantasy is quite rich, but two notable works stand out: Writing Fantasy and Science Fiction by Card Athans and Lake, and the classic How to Write Science Fiction and Fantasy by Orson Scott Card. Card's book is renowned for its practical and insightful advice. Although I haven't read Writing Fantasy and Science Fiction, the glowing reviews suggest it’s also a valuable resource for fantasy writers.

Recommended Books for Character Development:

The Iliad The Odyssey The Aeneid Ovid's Metamorphoses The Icelandic Eddas Beowulf The Nibelungenlied The Icelandic Sagas (including the V?luspá and Njáls Saga) The Bible Ariosto's Orlando Furioso Malory's Le Morte D'Artur Milton's Paradise Lost Lonnrot's Kalevala William Morris' fantasies The Wood Beyond the World and The Well at the World's End J.R.R. Tolkien's The Silmarillion, The Lord of the Rings, and The Hobbit Augustus Derleth's original Conan Stories Clark Ashton Smith's weird short fiction Jack Vance's Dying Earth stories

These works form the bedrock of the fantasy genre, offering excellent character development and world-building inspiration. Every notable English-language fantasy writer in the 20th and 21st centuries has been influenced by one or more of these classics.

Two Works of Non-Fiction: Campbell's The Hero with a Thousand Faces and Graves' The White Goddess

Finally, two essential works of non-fiction should not be overlooked: Campbell's The Hero with a Thousand Faces and Graves' The White Goddess. These books delve into the archetypes and mythological structures that underpin many fantasy narratives.

Are There Any Good Books about Building Fantasy Worlds?

When it comes to building fantasy worlds, the above authors can guide you, but you should also explore two writers who have contributed significantly to the realm of role-playing games. M.A.R. Barker's Tekumel and Greg Stafford's Glorantha offer unparalleled insights into sophisticated world-building.

The Bible remains a rich source of inspiration for structure, language, and thematic elements, not just for its mythical content but for the profound narrative and linguistic resources it provides. While not a fictional work, the Bible's impact on the fantasy genre is unmistakable, serving as a foundational text for many authors.

Conclusion

By studying these classical and contemporary works, aspiring fantasy writers can build a robust and immersive world. Whether it's the exploration of character, the influence of mythological and religious texts, or the intricate details of world-building, these resources provide a wealth of knowledge and inspiration.