Step into the world of dragons, prophecies, and magic—and learn how to build your own.
In this inspiring and practical guide, Ana Mafalda Damião takes aspiring writers on a journey through the timeless structure that has shaped stories for centuries: The Hero's Journey.
From Joseph Campbell's mythic 17 stages to Christopher Vogler's modern 12-step model, this book shows how to turn imagination into narrative, and emotion into adventure.
You'll discover how to:
Create complex, unforgettable protagonists with flaws, growth, and purpose
Design living, breathing fantasy worlds with their own geography, magic, and cultures
Craft epic conflicts and emotional stakes that keep readers turning pages
Build unique magic systems with logical rules and powerful symbolism
Weave the outer quest and the inner transformation into one coherent arc
Each chapter combines clear explanations, classic examples (from The Lord of the Rings to Earthsea, His Dark Materials and Sabriel), and hands-on writing exercises that help you apply theory to your own stories.
Whether you're just beginning your writing adventure or refining your craft, this book will give you the tools and confidence to bring your world—and your hero—to life.
Because writing fantasy isn't just about creating impossible worlds.
It's about understanding the human journey within them.
