First, it needs a great story. A unique and engaging plot that can capture the readers' imagination. For example, 'The Lord of the Rings' has a complex and fascinating story.
The World Fantasy Award is another notable award for fantasy novels. It focuses specifically on works within the fantasy genre. It helps to promote and celebrate the best in fantasy writing, including novels, anthologies and collections.
One of the top awards for fantasy novels is the World Fantasy Award. It honors the best in fantasy literature, including novels, short stories, art, etc. Winners are recognized for their creativity, world - building, and unique storytelling within the fantasy genre.
One of the well - known award - winning fantasy novels is 'The Lord of the Rings' by J.R.R. Tolkien. It has won numerous awards and is considered a classic in the fantasy genre. Its rich world - building, complex characters, and epic storylines have made it a favorite for generations.
The Nebula Award is also very prestigious for fantasy novels. It attracts entries from talented authors and is a mark of significant achievement in the genre.
Hugo Award graphic novels have a significant influence on the industry. For example, they set a standard for high - quality storytelling. When a graphic novel like 'Watchmen' wins a Hugo, it shows that complex and adult - themed stories can be successful in the medium. This encourages other creators to explore more mature and intricate narratives. They also influence art styles. The detailed and unique art in 'Maus' has inspired many artists to experiment with different ways of representing characters and settings.
A great characteristic is the way they handle the romance. It's not just a side plot but an integral part of the story. The relationships are often developed in a way that feels natural and is intertwined with the overall plot. In 'Crier's War', the relationship between the two main characters grows as they face the challenges of their world together, and this relationship is central to the story's development and the characters' growth.
It has given more prestige to the graphic novel genre. Publishers are more likely to invest in high - quality graphic novels because of the recognition. For example, after works like 'Maus' won, more publishers were interested in Holocaust - related or serious - themed graphic novels.
Often, they have richly developed magical systems. For example, in many winning novels, the magic is not just a tool but an integral part of the world - building, with its own rules and limitations.