For awhile, I've been struggling with a part in my first draft of
Moonscript. I was trying to get certain characters over a great distance in a short amount of time. I was going to have to use a portal, but that resolution just seemed too convenient, since portals aren't abundant in my world. Sigh...but I didn't see much of a choice and resigned myself to future criticism of the magical "short-cut."
Yesterday, I was struck with an astonishing revelation. I was trying to write my story based on the map I had drawn of my world, instead of basing my map on my story! OH! *Hand slaps forehead* You see, I drew this map of Orim during the first beginnings of
Moonscript, and tried to force my new ideas to it.
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| Old Orim |
But I realized that in order for my story to make more sense and be more believable, I had to rearrange my geography. This was a bit painful, because it required me to move the elven city of Aselvia out of the northwest (I love the Northwest) and it became southeast of Tellie's home instead. Most dramatically, I had to rearrange the entire ocean. And throw the cities down in other spots. So while this map below is a bit less detailed and possibly out of proportion distance-wise, it fits my story much better.
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| New Orim |
Have you writers ever had a struggle whose solution was much simpler than you thought? Any surprises about your story you didn't know?
7 comments:
This is really interesting.
Recently, a story I wrote had a character I loved, but I couldn't decide if that character should survive. After I read through the rough draft a few times, I realized that I simply had to clarify the character's motivations. What did this character want, and was the character's actions consistent with that desire. After these questions were answered, I was happy that the character, (originally intended to be the villain), could be more thoroughly explored.
I am quite impressed with your maps. The last time I made a map for a story idea, I tore up a sheet of paper into little bits, then arranged the little bits into a likely-looking landmass. (Fortunately, I remembered to take a picture before my cat could get to it.) So I am very impressed that your map actually has shading. : )
Meredith, that's really cool you were able to discover and explore your character better. In an old fantasy series I used to write, I once had an awesome elf hero who I thought I would have to kill off. I was so sad. But then I discovered he only had to be spirited away like Elijah into heaven. So I was happy.
I don't know, Allison, your map sounds pretty fun. Though messy. At least, you got a picture of it before the cat got it. :)
Hey Hannah!
I'm your newest follower. ;) Very cool-looking blog. I have a question I would like to ask you about hosting a stop for a blog tour. I couldn't find an email address, so I thought I'd leave mine. If you are interested at all, you could email me at: aidylewoh(at)gmail.com I would be delighted to give you some more info! ~Aidyl
Hi Aidyl! Thank you following my blog.
Unfortunately, I'm very busy this season, so I don't think I can participate in any more blog tours than I already have scheduled. Thanks for thinking of me though! :)
I am struck with the power you wield over your world--rearranging oceans, throwing cities here and there, uprooting a Northwest eleven civilization and transforming them into Southerners. I hope they do not suffer culture shock.
This kind of power can quickly go to one's head. I do remember once being nearly overwhelmed by the desire to kill off my cast (tight deadlines can have this dire effect!), but I found a way to end their story without tragedy after all.
But isn't it FUN when an "impossible" puzzle like this resolves in your head?
P.S. I am impressed with your map-making skills!
=D
Yes, the power is dizzying. Alone, I can dominate the world!!! Hahahahahaha!
But...seriously, it is good to keep it in control. :)
Thank you!
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