Cressida Cowell's How to Train Your Dragon series has captivated readers worldwide, sparking imaginations and inspiring countless dragon enthusiasts. But what if you want to write your own captivating tales of dragons and Vikings? This post offers starter-friendly ideas to help you embark on your own dragon-writing adventure, inspired by the masterful storytelling of Cressida Cowell.
Understanding Cressida Cowell's Success: A Foundation for Your Writing
Before diving into your own dragon-filled world, let's analyze what makes Cowell's series so successful. Her writing incorporates several key elements:
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Unique World-Building: Cowell crafts a believable, if fantastical, world. Her Vikings aren't stereotypical; they're flawed, funny, and relatable. Her dragons, while magical, are grounded in believable behaviors and motivations. This world-building is key: your own dragon world needs a solid foundation.
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Compelling Characters: Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III isn't just a hero; he's a clever, often clumsy, underdog who learns and grows throughout the series. Cowell's characters are multifaceted and memorable. Develop strong characters: give them flaws, strengths, and compelling backstories.
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Engaging Plot: The series follows a clear, engaging plotline, filled with adventure, humor, and heartwarming moments. Craft a captivating narrative: plan your plot points carefully, ensuring a satisfying arc for your characters.
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Humour and Heart: Cowell balances action and adventure with genuine humor and emotional depth. This blend keeps readers engaged and invested in the characters' journeys. Infuse your story with emotion: don't be afraid to let your characters feel deeply.
Starter Ideas for Aspiring Dragon Writers:
1. Focus on a Single Dragon:
Instead of a whole world, start with one dragon. Give it a unique personality, quirks, and a compelling backstory. Explore its relationship with a human character. This focused approach helps you develop your world-building organically.
2. Reimagine a Familiar Myth:
Take a classic myth or legend (like Beowulf or the story of Perseus) and reimagine it with dragons. This gives you a ready-made narrative structure to work with while letting you explore your own creativity with dragons.
3. Explore a Different Dragon Species:
Cowell's dragons are a specific type. Explore other types of dragons. Are they fire-breathing? Ice-breathing? What are their unique abilities and weaknesses? What habitats do they prefer?
4. Develop a Unique Dragon Culture:
Think about the culture and society of your dragons. Do they have their own language, traditions, and social structures? Consider their relationships with other species.
5. Write a Dragon's Diary:
A different perspective. Write from the dragon's point of view. This allows you to explore your dragon's unique thoughts, feelings, and experiences.
Off-Page SEO Techniques:
- Engage with online communities: Participate in forums and social media groups dedicated to fantasy writing and dragons.
- Guest blogging: Contribute articles related to dragon writing on relevant websites.
- Build backlinks: Share your writing on platforms that allow external links.
By combining these on-page and off-page SEO strategies with compelling storytelling inspired by Cressida Cowell, you can pave your way towards creating fantastic dragon tales. Remember to let your creativity soar – the world of dragon writing awaits!
