by Stephanie Morrill
Stephanie writes young adult contemporary novels and is the creator of GoTeenWriters.com. Her novels include The Reinvention of Skylar Hoyt series (Revell) and the Ellie Sweet books (Playlist). You can connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and check out samples of her work on her author website including the free novella, Throwing Stones.
I helped Jill proofread her newest release, Storyworld First: Creating a Unique Fantasy World for Your Novel, and it was so much fun.
I’m not a fantasy writer, but I was fascinated by the process for creating a whole world to tell a story in. If you’re a fantasy writer, you need this book, and here’s why:
1. Jill breaks down the process in such a clear way. She starts with an overview of the components of world building, and then she delves deeper into each one.
2. Jill has written award-winning fantasy and sci-fi books, so the girl knows what she’s talking about.
3. Jill encourages writers to write their heart and write their story, but she also pushes writers to be unique and to work hard. The effect of this feels like being given a warm hug and then a pep talk.
4. Jill talks about her own mistakes. This is such a rare trait in a professional artist, and it makes it so much easier to learn from her.
5. Jill doesn’t just talk about how to create unique beasts for your world, how to integrate your map into your plot, or how to develop interesting magic. She walks you through it with the same worksheets and helpful lists that she uses when working on her storyworlds.
Storyworld First is available in both paperback and ebook forms, and should totally be on your wish list, if not your buy-right-now-because-I-must-have-it list.
I’m giving away an e-copy of Storyworld First to one lucky person. This giveaway is open to residents of all countries.
As a non-fantasy writer, I’m curious to hear from you fantasy writers. What part of worldbuilding is your favorite? With what do you struggle the most?