Fantasy-based novels such as The Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter were phenomenal best sellers that were also highly successful when translated to the big screen.   If you’ve ever wanted to work from home by writing a popular fantasy novel, here’s a formula you can follow.

1.  The Protagonist

First, you’ll need to come up with a protagonist.   The protagonist is your main character and the hero of this story.   In fantasy novels, the protagonist is typically an awkward male who lacks self-confidence and isn’t really going anywhere in life.

2.  The Quest

Next, you’ll have to come up with a scenario that places the fate of the world in the hands of the protagonist.   In order to save the entire world or race or whatever it is that is in peril, the protagonist will need to perform some sort of task, embark on a journey, battle a villain, or something of the sort.

3.  The Companions

Your novel’s hero will require a band of strange but well-meaning companions.   Typically, each companion represents a difference species or race, such as elves, centaurs, trolls, etc.    Each companion should have a specific skill, such as archery or brute force, that will become useful at just the right moment in the story.

4.  The Wizard

Every good fantasy novel requires a wizard.   This wizard, although all knowing and all-powerful, refuses to reveal all his knowledge or unleash all his powers, even when they are most needed - otherwise your novel would be quite short.   Also, when wielding his magical powers, they always appear blue in color.

5.  The Environment

The terrain that your hero and companions will traverse should include every possible climate and landform known to man.   We’re talking treacherous mountains, pitch-black forests, scorching deserts, white-water rivers, a frozen tundra, and everything in between.   Also, these may be juxtaposed in any order, ignoring the qualities of real geography.

6.  The Antagonist

A fantasy novel must have one main antagonist and an endless supply of his or her servants.   The antagonist wishes to destroy or enslave the entire world, although there is typically little apparent benefit for the antagonist if he reaches this goal.   The antagonist depends on a single object, usually quite small, for all of his power, and when wielding this power, it is either green or red in color, contrasting nicely with the wizard's powers.  The villain’s armies are hideous and nearly indestructible.  They require no sustenance, and never question their leader.

7.  Epic Proportions

A best selling fantasy novel should be as exhausting for the reader as it is for the tale’s hero.   This can be accomplished by going into extreme and unnecessary detail, especially when chronicling long periods of time when nothing of any real significance occurs.   Be sure to describe the characters’ diets and mood, the exact distance traveled, weather conditions, scenery, and so on.   Also, characters should always take the longest and most difficult route available, no matter the circumstances.   And, for one reason or another, characters must not be able to utilize their skills at moments when they could solve a problem and possibly expedite the story.

8.  The End

The grand finale of a best selling fantasy novel must involve a sword fight, no matter how many magical powers the protagonist or antagonist has.   Many deaths must have occurred shortly before or during the grand finale, especially deaths of one or more of the hero’s beloved companions.   The hero’s end goal must be reached at the last possible moment, when all hope seems to be lost.

And there you have it!   The main ingredients to an epic, best selling fantasy novel.   Now get writing!