Urban fantasy is an exciting genre that interweaves fantastical elements into contemporary, real-world settings. If you want to craft an engaging urban fantasy story, here are some key tips:
Choose your supernatural creatures wisely – Vampires, werewolves, witches, and faeries are common, but you can pick more unique monsters like Japanese yokai or reinvented legends.
Build a believable fictional world – Craft a setting that feels like a real contemporary city but flesh out how it functions with supernatural beings.
Create strong rules for your magic system – Urban fantasy magic should have limits, costs, and established rules that you follow consistently.
Strike an atmospheric tone – Aim for a gritty, dark vibe with moments of wonder and humor rather than an overly whimsical style.
Use quick, cinematic pacing – Urban fantasy favors brisk, vivid action that propels the plot forward scene by scene.
Give your protagonist relatable flaws – A charming but flawed hero who struggles with their supernatural identity can connect with readers.
Use supernatural elements sparingly – Drop in small details like a vampire nightclub rather than inundate every scene.
Build an eclectic supporting cast – Surround your protagonist with unexpected allies like a technomage hacker or fairy informant.
Research real-life urban legends – Mine historical city folklore as inspiration for magical plot points.
Keep an open-ended conclusion – Urban fantasy series tend to end books with loose threads to explore in sequels.
With vivid worldbuilding, high-stakes action, and a dash of gritty romance, you can craft a compelling saga that will thrill urban fantasy readers. What are your favorite elements of the genre? Share your best urban fantasy writing tips below!
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G.S. Wright 