Writing Category
The Worldbuilder’s Toolkit: Climate & Weather Patterns
Posted on March 15, 2024 3 Comments
In our fictional worlds, climate and weather patterns can accomplish many things. They can set the mood in everything from a scene to the entire novel. These elements can also extend beyond mere backdrop, shaping cultures, influencing characters, and propelling plots forward. In this guide, I’ll explore the profound impact of climate and weather on […]
The Worldbuilder’s Toolkit: Crafting Maps
Posted on March 1, 2024 Leave a Comment
Designing maps for fictional worlds is an integral part of the world building process, offering a visual gateway into the landscapes, cultures, and adventures of your narrative. Whether charting a single continent or mapping an entire cosmos, the art of cartography for fantasy and sci-fi realms involves a delicate balance between creativity and realism. In […]
Engaging Readers without Info Dumps
Posted on February 2, 2024 Leave a Comment
Through fantasy, readers seek to escape the ordinary and embark on extraordinary journeys. A key challenge for writers is to immerse readers in imaginary worlds without drowning them in unfamiliar terms and excessive exposition. Worldbuilding requires engaging descriptions, character experiences, and careful dissemination of details to avoid the dreaded “info dump.” In this article, I’ll […]
Breathing Life into Fantasy: Creating a Believable Setting
Posted on January 19, 2024 Leave a Comment
The appeal of fantasy lies in its ability to transform the impossible into reality and make extraordinary things seem commonplace. But for a fantasy world to captivate readers, it must feel believable and immersive. Crafting a world that feels genuine is crucial, not just a writing exercise. In this article, I’ll delve into how to […]
Introduction to Worldbuilding
Posted on January 5, 2024 Leave a Comment
Fantasy literature transports readers to unimaginable realms, where they can escape reality and embark on epic quests, encounter mythical creatures, and explore magical lands. The key to the magic of these stories lies in creating fantasy worlds that are immersive, believable, and awe-inspiring. These realms become characters in their own right. The art of worldbuilding […]
Writer’s Deep Dive: Sextant
Posted on December 8, 2023 Leave a Comment
The sextant is one of the most easily recognizable and yet least understood navigational instruments. Today I will explain how to take a reading with the sextant and the function of all its pieces. Now, let’s dive in! The Basics The basic principles of the sextant were found in the unpublished writings of Isaac Newton […]
Writer’s Deep Dive: Frigates
Posted on November 10, 2023 Leave a Comment
Unlike most of the other ships I have covered, the frigate was a warship first and foremost. Now, let’s dive in! The frigate was a full-rigged ship, built for speed and maneuverability, making it ideal for scouting, escorting, and patrolling. They could carry six months’ worth of stores, giving them a very long range. During […]
The Writer’s Guide to Sailing Ships of the 18th & 19th Centuries
Posted on October 27, 2023 Leave a Comment
The advancements in sailing ships that occurred during the Age of Exploration from the 15th to the 17th centuries continued into the 18th and 19th centuries. We also known this period as the Age of Sail. Ships became faster, better armed, and more complex in their construction. It was during this time that iconic ships […]
Rebecca Shedd - Author 