How to Write Romantasy: Blending Fantasy and Romance into One Heart-Stopping Adventure

Romantasy writer Moreci (The Savior’s Sister) delivers a comprehensive guide to writing a novel that “follows a romance between two or more people within a fantasy setting and plot.” She explains there are two main subcategories of romantasy: fantasy romance (the characterization of the lovers is the main focus) and romantic fantasy (there’s more emphasis on worldbuilding). For those new to writing, Moreci breaks down the process, encouraging readers to first brainstorm “any and all ideas” without worrying whether they’re good. When deciding what idea to run with, she encourages readers to “marry [their] passion with the market,” taking concepts one is excited about and merging them with popular tropes, like enemies-to-lovers or the love triangle. Moreci outlines how to structure a novel, recommending a format known as Freytag’s pyramid, which includes an introduction, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution. She also walks readers through how to develop a fantasy framework, from deciding social norms to inventing fantastical characters, and how to create the perfect couple (craft characters that are “better when they’re together”). Straightforward and humorous, this makes writing a bestselling romantasy novel seem like an achievable goal. Aspiring authors will find it a boon. (Oct.)