How to use fantasy writing tropes | The foreboding dream or vision sequence
Channel: Write with Garret
Date: 2019-08-18

The foreboding dream / vision is a common device used in fantasy writing by fantasy authors. I don't hate it that much! But it does need to be used properly, otherwise is can come across as weak writing when using this. 

The best fantasy writers like Sanderson use the dream or vision device as a way to unfold a character in a nuanced, complex way. young writers tend to use it as a surface layer that doesn't really integrate well.

These are my five tips for using this device / trope well or originally. Let me know what you think of my fantasy writers advice! Hit subscribe and follow me on Instagram: @writewithgarret

Video guide:

04:25 – My five learnings on how to use this writing trope effectively: 

04:56 Number 1 – Don’t use it as a CURE-ALL for shoddy writing or plotting – if you need to have a foreboding dream or vision to get shit started, really think about the value you want your inciting incident to have. Like: does it even have any at all?

05:42 Number 2 – Don’t have the dream or vision once, talk about it a few times, and then let it disappear from the writing altogether. Integrate it into the plot and story, and for fuck sakes – remember the set-ups you created in it! These visions can lead to really blaring plot or story holes later in the book.

07:19 Number 3 – If you’re going to use it as an inciting incident, make it deeper by using it to reveal the character’s personality or broader context. This is one way you can integrate it into the story better.

08:05 Number 4 – If you’re going to use it as a puzzle, then make damn sure it pays off – and try to make at least part of the pay-off happen soon, otherwise it becomes apparent that you didn’t think the vision through clearly enough.

08:40 Number 5 – If you’re going to use it to foreshadow, use it as a chance to create easter eggs too. Make it complex, interesting – it could be your opportunity to get really integrative with your writing!