World-building is an essential part of any great fantasy story, but why settle for a generic, cookie-cutter world when you can create something truly unique? By infusing your world with quirky creatures and whimsical landscapes, you can capture the imagination of your readers and bring your story to life in unexpected ways.
World Building With A Twist
Begin by outlining the fantastical world in which your story takes place. Infuse creativity by adding unique elements like unique creatures, whimsical landscapes, or unconventional supernatural systems. Use humor to add depth to your world-building, creating memorable settings that spark the reader’s imagination and funny situations that bring your fantasy world to life.
For me, this was a complete avoidance to the medieval European setting but a melting pot of cultures that is like an exhibition for their architectural achievements and beauty.
Character Creation and Development
Of course, world-building is just the beginning. Once you’ve established the foundation of your fantasy world, it’s time to populate it with relatable and endearing characters. Outline your main characters, giving each one a distinct personality and backstory. Inject humor into their traits, quirks, and interactions to make them relatable and endearing to readers. Consider incorporating fantasty elements into their development, such as supernatural mishaps or humorous encounters with esoteric beings, to add depth and humor to their journey.
For me, I am incredibly fascinated with personality types. The introvert and the extrovert, the extroverted introvert, the introverted extrovert, etc. The socializing between them and how the gravitate to certain societal contributions truly is as entertaining as it is engaging. Not to mention, everyone has a back story to personaility traits, let the fun begin as I explore the shadows in the corners of their minds. It’s so relatable.
Plot Twists and Unexpected Turns
But creating great characters is just the start. To keep your readers engaged and entertained, you’ll need to incorporate unexpected twists and turns that defy traditional fantasy tropes. Outline the main plotline of your fantasy book, but don’t be afraid to incorporate unexpected twists and turns. Use humor to subvert expectations and add comedic relief during intense or dramatic moments. Incorporate creative plot devices like enchanted objects, supernatural mishaps, or humorous misunderstandings to keep the story engaging and entertaining.
For me, I start the story with allies and rivals, but with a biased kick to it. When a story is one-sided, and the characters begin to challenge and explore the beliefs that is imposed by their society, it makes for a great story. Not to mention, the desire for control and power makes us do and go to unimaginable lengths. There is so much room for a change of heart or for those that are loyal to a fault.
Dialogue and Banter
One of the most effective ways to keep your readers engaged is through dialogue. Outline key dialogue scenes and character interactions with a focus on humor and wit. Infuse your characters’ conversations with clever banter, witty remarks, and playful exchanges that reflect their personalities and relationships. Use humor to enhance character dynamics, drive the plot forward, and keep readers entertained throughout the story.
For me, this is quite easy because I like a good joke. Due to my character development and setting, there is plenty of comedic relief. Developing great friendships is the best of that humor but when ambition, emotion, and trauma enter the scene, you’ll always be guessing who is honest vs those who exploit for personal gain.
Themes with a Touch of Humor
And finally, don’t be afraid to explore underlying themes through a humorous lens. Outline the underlying themes of your fantasy book, such as friendship, courage, or the power of imagination, and explore them through the lens of humor. Use humor to shed light on serious themes in a lighthearted way, adding depth and complexity to your story while keeping readers engaged. Incorporate creative and humorous resolutions to conflicts, allowing your characters to learn and grow in amusing and unexpected ways.
For me, this is exploring the insecurities created when our spirits are left unfilled. Those themes are Abandonment, Disappointment, Betrayal, Fear, Grief, Uncertainty, etc. The pleasures of the natural world aren’t capable of overcoming a spiritual deficiency. This is a journey of inner work with an assist from the characters.
By embracing the power of humor in world-building, character creation, plot twists, dialogue, and themes, you can create a fantasy world that is engaging, entertaining, and memorable. So go ahead, add a dash of humor to your fantasy tale and create a world that your readers won’t soon forget!Check out Balance of Power (The Chozien Path Series) on Amazon, my published works, or the Cinematic Reel for some intrigue!