There's more to writing a successful fantasy story than building a unique world or inventing a new type of magic From the writing of strong action-packed scenes to the creation of dynamic multi-dimensional characters fantasy author Deborah Chester guides novices & intermediate writers through a step-by-step process of story construction Whether offering tips on how to test a plot premise or survive what she calls the dark dismal middle Chester shares the techniques she uses in writing her own novels Examples drawn from both traditional & urban fantasy illustrate her nuts-&-bolts approach to elemental story design With a foreword by New York Times best-selling author Jim Butcher who studied writing in Chester's classes at the University of Oklahoma The fantasy fiction formula delivers a practical proven approach to writing fantasy like a pro --