 |
| Map from The Way of Kings |
In my SciFi trilogy, I'm going to have to have maps for two continents, and I'd wondered how I was going to come up with a map. Isaac showed a number of photos of random objects that ended up being perfect for map coastline ideas.
Examples:
- chipped paint on a chair
- splattered water stain on concrete
- the blobby stuff on the lid of a guacamole tub when you first open it
- a messy pile of wet leaves after a storm
- stains on a ceiling.
Brilliant, I say!
But you know what else he said? It can take a HUGE amount of time to create a map. If you're the author, quit working on the map and write the dang book!
Have you ever had to create a map for a book?
What a wonderful interesting M post. It was certainly out of the ordinary and such a pleasure to read. Thank you Donna.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your week-end.
Yvonne.
Yep, I once created a map for one of my first stories. I had no idea about geography... I have a giggle at that map now ;)
ReplyDeleteNo but I'm personally very close to a cartographer. He's always trying to horn in on my writing. If I ever needed a map, this would be a great job for him.
ReplyDeleteEr... no. Thank God! I can't draw to save my life!
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely! Even if it's just a neighborhood. The visual reference keeps me in line as I write. i consider it a crucial element of pre-planning.
ReplyDeleteI've drawn LOTS of maps. It's something I really enjoy doing. I've even drawn house plans so that I can get a feel for the layout of things. It seems to help me get into my story and my characters' heads.
ReplyDeleteI've never had to do that but I always appreciate a good map. That class sounds wonderful and like you got a lot out of it.
ReplyDeleteI'll just go on google maps and print out one of Oregon. That'll work, right? ;)
ReplyDeleteVery interesting - I've never thought of making a map before. sandie
ReplyDeleteNever thought of making a map either, but always thought it was a neat idea.
ReplyDeleteOoh, I love maps. I took cartography classes in college and minored in geography. My poor map of Wales is nearly in tatters from referring to it so often while writing my story. :)
ReplyDeleteI remember making a map out of paper mache in school...that was fun but the last one I ever made :) I just wwrite the dang thing...
ReplyDeleteNo maps - yet!
ReplyDeleteNot being a writer per se, I was really interested in the things used to make a map...way creative. Stopping by for the A-Z...and since you came by my site, here I am!
ReplyDeleteGood visuals for a coastline! I've had to make a small village map, but that is it so far.
ReplyDeleteShannon at The Warrior Muse, co-host of the 2012 #atozchallenge! Twitter: @AprilA2Z
I can't imagine the time investment of making a map. Cool.
ReplyDeleteI love those examples. What a great way to come up with a map.
ReplyDeleteI did indeed create a map for my book. It wasn't the first map I created, but it was the most carefully researched. I use biome maps, and my old geography text book to make sure I'm creating the correct types of deserts and mountains, and what not.
ReplyDeleteI doubt that map will ever appear in a book, though. It could never compete with the lovely maps I've seen in novels.
I'm a dedicated mapper. And building architect, ship planner...you name it, I need to see the space I'm writing about.
ReplyDeleteI have to be careful not to let it take over. These days, I usually fill in just enough to help me with the story so my maps and plans always have pools of detail in a blank desert of emptiness.
But I have to have those maps, or my writing grinds to a halt.
Exactly! WRITE THE DANG BOOK!!!! Truer words were never spoken. :-) But a writer does have to be aware of land formations, etc. I write contemporary, but have a fantasy living inside my head. I'll have to think about this stuff soon. :-)
ReplyDeleteThose are certainly some imaginative ideas on how to create your own map. I've not needed a map for my book, but I do enjoy them in some of the books I've read.
ReplyDelete