How to Become a Fantasy Writer

1). Read a lot of fantasy books, short stories and magazines. Watch fantasy television series and movies. Familiarize yourself with all parts of the genre from tales of Elven kingdoms to blonde vampire slayers to dragons and horses that communicate. With so many options to choose from, start with novels by Patricia Briggs, Mercedes Lackey, Margaret Weis and Jim Butcher. Fantasy Magazine (see Resources) offers examples of short stories and other fantasy related writing in a print magazine (and still accepts submissions). Television series such as "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," the "Dresden Files," "Supernatural," "Smallville" and "Fringe" are fantasy related series that can help immerse you in the genre. Great films that immerse you in fantasy include Indiana Jones series, The Mummy series, Lord of the Rings trilogy and Harry Potter.
2). Write a lot of stories. Whether you are working on a book idea, a short story, a comic book or a television script: write, write and write some more. Writing is like any muscle or skill, it needs to be practiced, exercised and used.
3). Join a writer's group. Many writers' groups exist both on the Internet and at local bookstores. Check out your area book stores and libraries for potential writing groups. You want one that focuses on fantasy writers or that allows all genres.You also want one that offers critiquing. Nothing improves your ability to write, particularly in a genre, more than constructive criticism.
4). Take a genre writing class. Many community colleges offer writing classes through their credit and continuing education courses. A course that focuses specifically on writing fantasy, horror or science fiction will help you improve your fantasy writing skills.
5). Submit your work. Check out a copy of the Writer's Digest from the library. You'll find numerous magazines and publishers looking for short and long fantasy fiction, fantasy reviews and fantasy articles. While you may not get published right away, don't give up submitting or writing.