By Jennifer Hallmark
I broke my own rule.
My Friday posts by me and my friends are called Friday Fiction: Books From Off the Beaten Track. We typically review books that are a bit different and with the exception of mysteries, they fall under the genre, Speculative. Today’s book is written by a fantasy writer, Jill Williamson. She teaches speculative writers how to create their own world, a must if you’re to capture your audience and keep them. In Storyworld First: Creating a Unique Fantasy World for Your Novel, Williamson discusses creating maps, civilizations, magic, and other important elements that made Lord of the Rings and the Narnia series such classic and enduring stories.
If you’re a speculative writer of any kind, check out Jill’s book…
The question I hear most from beginning writers about building a fantasy storyworld is: “Where do I start?”
Oz, Wonderland, Narnia, the 100 Acre Wood, Neverland, Hogwarts, the United Federation of Planets, Westeros, Middle Earth, Alagaesia, Terabithia, Gotham City, Jurassic Park, Fablehaven, and a galaxy far, far away.
These fictional places have become real in the minds and hearts of readers. These storyworlds that someone invented-someone who was once like you, learning to tell stories, learning to write, and dreaming about publishing a novel.
Whether you’re starting from scratch or are looking to add depth to a finished story, Storyworld First will get you thinking.
Includes tips for worldbuilding:
Astronomy * Magic * Government
Map making * History * Religion
Technology * Languages * Culture
And how it all works together.
