[Elfchick]

the thing most important I think. Is before you begin to write. you must decided to write for you, not for anyone else, otherwise it doesn't work. If you want to write fantasy just because you feel like it, GOOD! but if your writing it so you can be published or something, its not likely to work, because your heart is not in it.

Read other fantasy books for inspiration. Don't copy mind you!

drawing maps of the world helps you get a feel for the place your writing about.

Try to work out a plot first. But don't be afraid to expand it later on if inspiration hits you!

Work out the characters. create their own little personality, what they look like, their history. What weapons they use. If it doesn't all get into the story later its okay, its just to help you visualize the character.

Have lots of interesting creatures. Don't stick to the guide lines create your own!

And unless you really feel like it, and are very good, don't waist time trying to come up with a language for a race, it'll burn you out.

Don't obsess over the story, or force yourself to work on it, write when you feel like it, otherwise it won't sound good.

Anyways. I've been dragging on again. Good luck, Have fun, And let us read it when its done!