All Eyes on the Future
2023 is coming to an end and I feel like there is so much I haven't done but still want to. The good news is that life is pretty simple and straightforward for the time being, so I should be able to summarize recent events.
Chasing the Possibility Horizon
Every decision closes doors, because pursuing one outcome means you rule out the alternatives. But as a writer, thinking about the possibility horizon of alternatives can still generate inspiration for what comes after. (And there’s always an after.)
When New Ideas Demand Big Changes
For the past three months, I’ve been head-down on my worldbuilding project in order to make a big change. And now, at long last, I’m ready to talk about it.
The Year in Review (2022)
I haven't shared as many updates as I hoped this year, so let's treat this as the year in review for 2022. We'll cover life stuff, writing updates, and a little bit of what's to come in 2023.
The Art of Recycling Ideas
As I explored how my fantastical land could fit into a larger world, I pulled out an old notecard on which I’d sketched out a collection of continents. And I started to wonder: Could I find some way to repurpose those old ideas?
The (Potential) Dangers of Worldbuilding
Worldbuilding is an essential part of writing, but it can also become an insurmountable obstacle that derails a project...or even a writing career.
Worldbuilding 101: Editing and Updating Maps
After writing "Eel of Flotsam," my biggest realization is that Varheim needs to expand. If I'm being honest, updating maps might be the best way to do it.
Worldbuilding 101: Gods of Varheim
Like in any fantasy story, the gods of Varheim play a major role in the day-to-day life of every single person or thing in this fictional world.
Worldbuilding 101: Fantasy Races, Pt. 3
As part of my Worldbuilding 101 series, here is the final batch of fantasy races I created for Varheim. (And yes, there are more cool illustrations too!)
Worldbuilding 101: Fantasy Races, Pt. 2
Creating fantasy races is a normal part of worldbuilding, but it can sometimes feel like a mountain to climb. Here's my second batch of Varheim's cultures.
Worldbuilding 101: Fantasy Races, Pt. 1
One of my goals for building Varheim was getting away from the standard fantasy races.
Worldbuilding 101: Exploring Varheim
I’ve never been shy about my love of mapmaking, and in this Worldbuilding 101 post I'll share how I'm using maps to explore and create the realm of Varheim.