Let's say you're creating a fantasy world. Do you, as writers/creators. make a map of your world or a place? Or is it all mental and you remember where they're placed so you can avoid inconsistencies?
Aug '21
Aug '21
okay so since my novel is pretty much set in one place there is no need for that, but if your novel calls for it make one. If you can't figure out how, take our earths map and have fun with swapping places/deleting something, you can also spill cup of uncooked pasta (shell type or similar) on piece of paper and outline the shape with pencil, then fix what you think needs to be fixwd)
Hmm, that sounds like fun. Maybe I'll try that next time (Pass on the uncooked pasta tho, I'd get whooped)
Found this on google, i never used it tho
https://inkarnate.com/4
Inkarnate is really good for this indeed ! Let us know when you've manage to do something with it !
When it comes to fantasy map making, I try to think about the story and the theme of the universe, then I get inspirations from real life place, past and present. I watch some geology channels to understand better how oceans and lands form and appear (I recommend Atlas Pro1 and Artifexian1 on YT for that !).
Also, try to think about biodiversity, which creatures and plants you want and where. Imagining or downright integrating existing food webs using ecosystems is a good way to make your universe coherent as well.
At first I try to design each place independently then I connect them in a coherent way. I use pencil and paper and doodle alot to find what I'm looking for.
Thank you for the advice! I'll be sure to check on the channels you recommended to gain knowledge about map making.
Wow... that's awesome. I can't imagine how long that would take but it may be a good idea to incorporate that kind of process so I can better plan for everything. Thank you 
Oh, and while I'm here, I took the liberty of subbing to your comic! It looks great!
Yes, I do. Usually it's not only where is what, but climate, transport connections (avia, railroads, just roads, etc.), state division, resource and other things I feel I need. Not every story has the same set of maps - some have unique ones, like here: #2 is a map showing radiation and fallout trail left after the nuke.
That looks amazing. And yeah, I agree. I think making maps would help make the story feel real and it might help me visualize what I want to do when making the story. (Like, making them meet with armies or a horde of monsters or something.)
Made this in Inkarnate and it helped a lot for my artist @nathanKmcwilliams to know where stuff happens.
Also, I used Google Slides for making some flat layouts of the cities, mostly for internal use.
Then I had @Chita to make it all pretty
I believe that mapping is very important when you write a fantasy world. This is all a big help for the creator and the readers to understand your world and where everything is.
It all comes with the details of the locations. And this is a small map of a single island in a bigger world.
But everything that happens in my story is on this island. That’s the challenge for me. How many stories can I put in a single place.
Yeah, How long did you take to do that? I'm planning on doing at least 5-7 kingdoms in one continent for now. Dunno how long it'll take me but I'll try it as soon as I finish my next chapter!
I have been written this story Almost 3-4 years now.
It all comes as a natural writing. I have a solid main character, and every time she meets someone else, I give that character a background. Then, if that character or the main character meets another character, I give that character a background.
The real task was when someone meets the King. Then I had to give him a Kingdom and a political story and a royal background.
Not everything from everyone's background gets in the story, but it is all there and a part of how they react and makes them more believable
I dunno if you know about this, but I'm totally planning to do that.
With macaroni, rice, lentils or I dunno what I'll have in my groceries.
First of all, I want to say that it's incredible that you've been writing for 3-4 years now. That's incredible and you have my respect.
I see, so you only started making the kingdom once it became necessary for the plot? I'm trying to make it now for the future since every earth-shattering or doomsday triggering event starts from them and their backgrounds. As much as possible, I want to clear away the inconsistencies in my story.
My advice is that you give all the Kingdoms and characters living there a full story and lives.
But do not drag the readers with all the history, but let it all reflect on how they react and lives.
Show, don't tell.
Example, a Viking meeting a Samurai.
You don't have to tell the history, but if you as the creator know their history you know how to treat them and how they would talk and fight.
Another great example is Boba Fett from Star Wars. He is only on screen for seconds, but you can feel that there is a huge story behind him
I thought it was the VPN site Hahahahaha. Thanks for another map making site!
Edit: If I get caught playing with food, My parents would whack me so I'll just try the site hahahahaha.
Wow, that's pretty good ! I'll use this !
Also a good thing if your story takes place in a modern setting, I suggest using whatever games or tools you have to create the interiors and then use them as drawing references to get the furniture and perspective right with minimal amount of effort and maximal amount of fun. I made my MC's flat in the Sims and I can't wait to start using it for my comic !
Also, self promoting.
If you like endearing characters, mystery and investigation with teenagers, you'll be in for a little ride !
Ohh, you're also in the process of designing your map? Must be nice, I'm still trying to think of how to shape the land Hahahahaha.
yes! they're usually pretty rough since i only sorta know what i'm doing but it's usually a combo of overall world maps (if needed) and then regional/area maps to keep track of specific areas in a given location. personally i like it because it helps with consistency plus makes knowing where to put things in a drawing easier.
i'd love to do rough builds in like minecraft or blender if i could but i worry about spending to much time on prep work like that than actual production
In fantasy worlds, I think it's always comfortable to make a map, even if you just make a simple one for you. I made this one, for example:
You could try the stuff they're recommending above. I'd love to try rough builds as well but I still can't decide what kinda shape I even want Hahahahahaha
That looks good! I think if I'm going to make a map I'd start with something simple like that then go on to more complex ones as time progresses.
I hear that. Seems it'll take me quite some time before I can decide on it. I still have to finish another chapter after all Hahahahaha
Create a place out of imagination-- is pure joy to me. Especially when myself(or readers) can feel the ground and the surroundings, even better when one can regconize that corner is which area, or that corner... It's like open world games where you know your home base.
My story place happens in a remote fantasy setting-- From the highland to the lower altitude hills. The biggest i've drawn for my series was a regional map within 10 miles between two locations.
I also have a village map/blueprint in the long-term making but still not quite ready (in 4th draft). The series is still too early to show any map yet.
