Fantasy Books for Writers

Many writers have shelves full of books from history to myth and from art to magic as well as much more arcane books such as symbolic meanings to objects, not to mention books that they have read and want to read. Even books on grammar, style and editing have invaded the shelves. This article offers five books that should be on every fantasy writer's bookshelf. These books can be found at your local bookstore or online at such places as Amazon or Barnes & Noble (if ordering from Barnes & Noble you can also find them used which greatly saves money):

1. Writing Science Fiction and Fantasy (2^nd Edition) by Crawford Kilian. Easy to read and to understand. Kilian walks the writer through creating fantasy worlds and offers help and tips as well as giving practical advice and techniques about storyboarding and creating a project bible. The second edition include a CD which includes worksheets and articles as well as ten steps to pre-editing to help minimize revisions.

2. The Writer's Journey: Mythic Structure for Writers by Christopher Vogler. Based on Joseph Campbell's "The Hero with a Thousand Faces" (another good book for the fantasy writer). This book offers guidelines to plot structure of any tale to mythic proportions. Characters and side kicks to others that the hero meets are also explained.

3. The Complete Guide to Fantasy Writing (Volumes 1 and 2) edited by Darin Park and Tom Dullemond. So large (over twenty-five chapters) that it takes two volumes. Helps with world creation to more mundane but necessary items such as weapons and herbalism. Chapters are written by different authors such as William McDermott and Kimberly Iverson. Each author brings their own unique (and oftentimes humorous) take on the subject they are writing.

4. The Writer's Complete Fantasy Reference by Writer's Digest Books. This book has everything that a fantasy writer needs to help understand such topics as castles and clothing to weapons and food. Each chapter is written by a different author such as Sherrilyn Kenyon and Michael Varhola. Each topic that is discussed is well thought out and planned; and can even offer ideas sparks to help.

5. The Writer's Guide to Fantasy Literature - from Dragon's Lair to Hero's Quest: How to Write Fantasy Stories of Lasting Value edited by Philip Martin. Explains the fantasy realms as well as its sub-genres. Hosts various interviews with well known authors such as Terry Pratchett, Jane Yolen and Ursula K. Le Guin and gives their perspective on the joy and business of writing. This book also helps the fantasy writer create building blocks (from characters to patterns) to the writing and revising phases. Even offers suggestions of submitting the project.

It should be noted that there are no five, ten or even twelve step programs to writing fantasy fiction. Each of these books offers "nuggets" of wisdom as well as tips to help fantasy writers get inspired and to send them in the right direction.