Tips For Worldbuilding
By Michelle Miles
Hello, all! I’m excited to be talking about one of my favorite subjects: worldbuilding.
Whether you’re creating an exotic city for your action/adventure or you’re making up a new fantasy realm complete with magic, worldbuilding is an important part of the story. I’m certainly no expert, but there are some tips I’ve picked up and to keep in mind when building your new world.
Set up the rules and stick to them. Ask yourself these questions: What are the exceptions? Is there magic? What are the rules of magic? Once you set up the rules, don’t break them unless you have a really compelling reason. Make sure it’s not a plot device and you’re breaking the rules because you can’t figure out how to get your characters out of a jam.
Study other cultures, past and present. By studying how other cultures live, their religion, their traditions, their exchange of goods and money, you can learn a lot about who they. How do they talk? Dress? Do they have any sacrificial rites? When do they worship? What do they worship—one god or multiple gods? If you know this, you can start building the foundation. Other things to consider: politics, military, art, marital customs, education, monetary system, sporting events.
Draw a map of your world. I think this is my favorite thing about writing fantasy. When I can envision my world, I start to draw maps. Coastlines, mountains, forests, towns, the center of the ruling king or queen. It’s great fun. I just get out my map pencils and grid lined paper and draw what I think it should look like.
Decide the history and mythology of your world. Because your world wouldn’t exist without this. We all have history and learn from it, so what history do your characters share? What is your world’s timeline in relation to the characters? Maybe you want to call them “years” or “eras” or “ages”. The most important thing is to decide what it is, and write a brief history. It sounds like a lot of work upfront, but it’ll help when you’re ready to write the story.
This is only scratching the surface of what you can do when you create a world. These are things I take into consideration when I begin a new project that involves worldbuilding.
If you’d like a list of questions to ask yourself when beginning a new universe, you can find them at SFWA’s website by clicking here: http://www.sfwa.org/2009/08/fantasy-worldbuilding-questions/. This is a lengthy, informative list that will aid in beginning your new frontier.
Another great resource is Holly Lisle’s website: http://hollylisle.com/index.php/Writers/forward-motion-for-writers.html. A wealth of information for writers!
I use these tips while writing ONLY FOR A KNIGHT, a fantasy romance available from Ellora’s Cave. It’s the story of the Fae characters, Derron and Elyne. There are Elves, dragons and a Dark Elf bent on taking over the Otherworld! I hope you enjoy the story!
Happy reading (and worldbuilding!)
Official Blurb:
After saving her love, Princess Elyne returns to the Otherworld by order of her mother. But it’s not the homecoming she expects. Furious Elyne has meddled with humans the queen imprisons her and strips away her magic. The only way Elyne can get it back is to perform one selfless act.
When Queen Maeve sends Derron to find the Guardian of the Sword of Light, he can’t leave without releasing Elyne. After all, she altered time to save his life. But freeing the princess comes with a steep price—he must take her with him on this dangerous quest. And the two must deal with feelings of past hurt and the love growing between them.
Their search becomes more than a pursuit for the missing Guardian as Lord Kieran rises to dominate the Unseelie court. He will stop at nothing to gain control of both the Otherworld and the human realm. Even with the help of Elves, dragons and their human friends, the odds are stacked against Derron and Elyne.
Where to Purchase:
Ellora’s Cave: http://www.jasminejade.com/p-10477-only-for-a-knight.aspx
Amazon: http://tinyurl.com/98bsl35
Barnes & Noble: http://tinyurl.com/9newtes
Where to find Michelle Miles…
Website and blog home: http://www.michellemiles.net
Email: michelle@michellemiles.net
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/MichelleMiles
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MichelleMilesRomanceAuthor
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/MichelleMiles
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/mlmiles21
Tags: Ellora's Cave, Michelle Miles, One Knight Only, Only For a Knight, Paranormal Romance, Plotting Princesses
Thanks for having me, Sasha!