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<p>Posted by <b><!--poster-->Thomas Madden</b>
on <!--date-->18:43 4/2/02
<p>In reply to: (none)
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What advice would you give me in creating a new fantasy world?
<p>Thomas.
<hr><i>Mark responds:
<p>Hmm, it depends on what you're doing it for; but since you're asking <b>me</b>, I'll assume you mean, a fantasy world like mine-- that is, insanely complicated. (Follow this advice only to the extent that you find it useful.)</i>
<i><p>First, read a lot... and I <b>don't</b> mean read fantasy. Read
history, basic science (geology and evolutionary biology are key), economics,
military history, linguistics.
If you want to make a world, you should know something about how this
one works. Read books about other cultures-- Islam, China, Japan, the Incas,
India; otherwise your world will be one more faux-Europe.
<p>I love Tolkien, but in this biz I think we all have to exert ourselves
to make sure we don't produce cheap imitation hobbitry. At least be
conscious of what you want to imitate and what you want to reject.
For instance, I try to match his linguistic and cultural depth; but
I try to get away from his eeevil empires and his epic language.
(I'm now writing the Cuzeian chronicle, the Count of Years, and I keep
hitting myself to not fall into that elevated, Biblical style.
There's nothing <b>wrong</b> with it, but there are more interesting
models to follow.)
<p>Don't shy away from revising. Much of what you see in Virtual Verduria
is a third or fourth draft. Frankly, I think many of my correspondants
don't want to hear this; they want a fast recipe. But quality takes time.
<p>Don't try to explain everything. This may seem contrary, since
what (I presume) attracts people to my site is the depth of detail.
But I proceed differently when writing stories or running a campaign.
A guy I know is drawing comics, and he keeps wanting to <b>explain</b>
the neat details of his world. I don't think that works-- especially
not in comics, which are primarily a visual medium. Put in enough
detail to make it vivid, but don't lecture.
<p>If this didn't address your question, feel free to ask more...</i>
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