How to Write Young Adult Fantasy: Characters, Themes, and Worldbuilding (With Sarah Arthur)

This episode explains how to write young adult (YA) fantasy fiction, focusing on character development, themes, and worldbuilding that resonate with younger audiences, with insights from bestselling author Sarah Arthur. You’ll learn how YA differs from adult fantasy, how to create relatable characters, build immersive worlds within real settings, and write issue-driven stories that connect with readers. Ideal for writers who want to craft compelling YA fantasy novels and reach a younger audience.

What makes young adult fantasy so compelling—and how do you write stories that truly connect with younger readers?

In this episode, I’m joined by bestselling author Sarah Arthur to explore the craft of writing YA fantasy. We dive into her debut novel Once A Queen, published by Penguin Random House, and unpack the key elements that make young adult fiction such a powerful and distinct genre.

This conversation covers both the creative and thematic side of YA writing, including how to build emotionally resonant stories, create relatable characters, and explore meaningful themes without losing the sense of adventure and wonder that defines fantasy.

We cover:

• What defines young adult (YA) fiction and how it differs from adult fantasy
• How to create characters that resonate with younger readers
• Writing issue-driven stories with emotional depth and authenticity
• Building fantasy worlds within real-world settings
• Designing portal fantasy and magic systems that feel immersive
• Transitioning from non-fiction to fiction writing
• Sarah Arthur’s writing process and approach to storytelling

We also explore how YA has evolved into a genre that tackles real-world issues while still delivering compelling, escapist narratives.

If you want to write YA fantasy that connects, engages, and resonates with readers, this episode offers clear, practical insights you can apply to your own work.

ABOUT SARAH ARTHUR

⁠https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/authors/2216828/sarah-arthur/

www.saraharthur.com

ONCE A QUEEN

⁠https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/707440/once-a-queen-by-sarah-arthur/

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