Update on Fantasy World Building February 6, 2009
Posted by pacejmiller in Fantasy, On Writing.Tags: Aspiring Writer, author, building fantasy world, creating fantasy world, creative writing, discussion forum, Fantasy, fantasy world, fantasy world mapping, fantasy writer, fantasy writing, One of Us, writer, writer forum, Writing, writing articles, writing techniques
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Just a quick update on my earlier posts about building/creating a fantasy world and how to create a map of that world.
Today I came across the One of Us creative writing website, which has a fabulous article called ‘How to Create Fantasy Worlds’. It’s an introductory article but it has links to other resources, including mapping, information on mythical creatures, names and languages. There’s even a forum on it.
The website also has separate pages on writing tips and a more general discussion forum with various writing sub-categories as well as specific articles.
I think it’s a pretty cool website and aspiring writers should check it out.
Reading the same genre while writing: good or bad? February 6, 2009
Posted by pacejmiller in Fantasy, Novel, On Writing.Tags: Aspiring Writer, author, book, books, Fantasy, Fantasy Novel, genre, Novel, read, read same genre, reading, same genre, write same genre, writer, Writing, writing techniques
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Here’s a dilemma I’ve been wrestling with. Is it a good idea for a writer to read the same genre as their novel while they are writing it?
Writers are taught to read a lot in order to help them with their writing. And not just the same genre you wish to write – but anything and everything you can get your hands on.
I’m working on a fantasy novel right now, and to some extent I think my limited fantasy reading experience is an advantage because I’m aiming for something slightly different to what’s already out there. However, should I be reading more fantasy novels while I am writing my novel?
On the one hand, it will help me learn from published fantasy writers, see what it is that made their works successful, get a feel for the nuances of the genre. On the other hand, I’m afraid I’ll start subconsciously trying to emulate their writings – not just in style, but also plot and characters – and it will take me away from what I wanted to accomplish at the beginning.
Are there any writers out there who have any tips on what to do?
PS: the fantasy novels I have available to me right now are classics such as Terry Brooks’ The Sword of Shannara Trilogy and Raymond E Feist’s Magician.
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