Every fantasy writer has that one cursed idea. The one that shows up uninvited, probably in the shower or just as you’re falling asleep. It makes no sense, has no plot, and you’re convinced it’s the worst thing you’ve ever thought of. And yet, it lingers long enough to make you pause and think. If you’ve ever had a story idea that refused to let go, welcome. This is the beginning of your fantasy writing journey.

In this journey, you will go through all kinds of phases, some fun, some frustrating, and some that will make you question every life choice that led you here. It is not a straight line, but a weird twisty path, but that’s the magic that will make your story a crown jewel. Each phase will teach you something and push you a little closer to your dream. 

The 7 Phases of Writing a Fantasy Novel

From the moment a strange idea finds you to the day you finally hit “send,” this journey pulls you through seven wildly different stages. Each phase has its own chaos, charm, and challenges. Knowing what to expect might not make it easier, but it will remind you that you’re not alone. 

Here’s what most fantasy writers face when turning a messy spark into a fully formed story.

Phase 1: The Inescapable Idea

The idea doesn’t ask for permission. It stems from a strange dream. You try to ignore it and tell yourself it’s silly. But fantasy writers know: the more cursed an idea feels, the more potential it often hides. That’s where the magic starts, when you stop resisting and start listening.

Phase 2: Worldbuilding as Escapism and Obsession

Once you let the first phase sit in, it gets real. And before you even know your protagonist’s name, you’re knee-deep in maps, magic, and mythology, thinking about ancient lore, family trees, invented languages, and climate maps. This phase is intoxicating because you’re building a world no one else has seen. And yes, you might get stuck here, lost in a spiral of kingdoms and magical mechanics. But don’t worry. Every fantasy author has spent a little too long drawing a map before writing Chapter One.

Phase 3: Draft Zero (a.k.a. Chaos in Document Form)

You finally start writing and realize none of it is working. Your characters sound weird. Your plot runs in circles. Your prose feels like a disaster. Congratulations! You’re officially writing a first draft. This is the phase where most writers quit. But if you push through the mess, you’ll find your voice. You’ll discover your characters don’t want to follow your outline, and that’s a good thing because you are finally exploring your own story.

Phase 4: The Crisis Point

Somewhere around the halfway mark, everything crumbles. You hate your story. You’re convinced it’s garbage. Maybe you even abandon it for a while. This is the hardest part of the journey, and the most universal. Even seasoned fantasy authors hit this wall. But here’s the secret: if you can return after the crisis, if you can rewrite even one paragraph, or maybe even one line, you’re already winning.

Phase 5: The Rewrite Ritual

When you return to your draft, something’s shifted. You start seeing what the story could be. You move scenes, create compelling fantasy protagonists, and write slow burn that’s sure to keep the readers hooked. You kill your darlings, not because you want to, but because your story is finally becoming sharper. This is where you start developing your writing style, and this is also where fantasy book editors become your guiding stars. They help you uncover the story buried underneath the chaos.

Phase 6: Threads Finally Weaving Together

Then comes the moment when it clicks. A plot twist lands perfectly, a character arc is complete, dialogue flows, and though you’re not done, you finally see the shape of the thing you’re creating. Your messy idea has grown up. It’s becoming something real, something good. You begin to trust your instincts and work on your story with more intention.

Phase 7: Sharing the Crown Jewel

Now comes the scariest part: letting others read it. Whether it’s a beta reader, critique partner, or professional book editor, you hit send with your heart in your throat. But the truth? Most stories are never as bad as we fear. In fact, many are much better than we imagine. Whether you publish, query, or simply finish, you’ve turned your cursed idea into a crown jewel. That’s worth celebrating.

What If It’s Not Good Enough Yet?

That lingering fear, chanting in your head: what if my story isn’t ready yet? What if it’s still too messy, too flawed, too personal? Every new writer feels it. But the truth is, your story doesn’t need to be perfect; it just needs to be seen by the right eyes.

If you’ve poured your heart into a draft and don’t know what comes next, this is your sign to take the next step. 

At Once Upon A Manuscript, you’ll find more than just a fantasy editor; you’ll find a sharp-eyed guide to help shape your story into the polished gem it’s meant to be. Whether you need deep developmental work or line-level magic, it’s all right here, tailored for fantasy writers.

Let’s turn that rough draft into something epic.