feature: setting and world building
Setting is important in all texts but it is especially important in fantasy texts which take place in a world other than our own. In high fantasy texts all features of the setting are invented by the writer which makes them especially clever and exciting. We call the act of creating a new world for a story or a game, 'world-building'.
In fantasy texts there are few limitations. Your world can be as creative as you like BUT... it must make sense. It still needs to be believable.
While some fantasy worlds are very different to our own, one of the most common conventions is for writers to base their fantasy worlds on medieval England with added magical features such as wizards, dragons and other supernatural elements.
Many fantasy writers create maps of their worlds and include them in their stories so audiences can follow the characters' journeys.
In fantasy texts there are few limitations. Your world can be as creative as you like BUT... it must make sense. It still needs to be believable.
While some fantasy worlds are very different to our own, one of the most common conventions is for writers to base their fantasy worlds on medieval England with added magical features such as wizards, dragons and other supernatural elements.
Many fantasy writers create maps of their worlds and include them in their stories so audiences can follow the characters' journeys.
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resources and modifications
Here you will find a great world building workbook written by Vivien Reis |
WORLD BUILDING TIPS
This series of world building tutorials by Vivien Reis cover a lot of interesting ideas and tips if you're interested in really honing your writing skills. They are long and super full of great information, so grab a warm drink and settle in. |
EVERYTHING YOU EVER WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT WORLD BUILDING.
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THE DO'S AND DON'TS OF WORLD BUILDING
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DRAWING A FANTASY MAP
If art and drawing are your thing, this is the first in a seven part series that shows you how to make the most beautiful fantasy maps ever! Follow this series for a totally professional look that anyone with a fairly steady hand can achieve. You start by learning to create a pretty professional outline, how to choose and represent mountains, borders, lakes, swamps and rivers; how to choose names for your towns and villages and even, how to age your map. |
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This video shows how to make a more artistic representation of land forms and also offers insights into the ways land forms sit in a landscape.
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This is a little more artistic though somewhat slow, so you'll need patience.
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For those that like faster action, this is a timelapse that shows the process from beginning to end.
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