First, here are a few links:
Next, here are some updates on my goals:
- Finished reading both of my books for this month. Have three picked out to read for next month.
- I am struggling with the query letter for Shadowed Stones, so I am going to move on to writing the outline for now.
- The world building for TOI is going well. I am almost ready to move on to the characters.
And finally, how I build worlds.
First of all, the map. I usually always have a map. Sometimes the map comes later in the world building. Sometimes it is very detailed sometimes it is just a sketch. The map for Shadowed Stones is very detailed. The map for Three of Ivory is really just a sketch right now.
Related to the map are the countries, governments and cultures. For the countries I usually have a name, and I also like to sketch the flag. I also identify the type of government and a little bit of the social classes. Trade and industry are often details I include. Hmm, what else? Oh, I also like to make a list of common physical attributes, name the language, and naming conventions for naming people and places.
Also, in worlds where there is magic - I setup the system of magic. What it can and cannot do. How to use it. Who can use it. And so on.
Next step: Character Bios.
