Writing Fantasy to Explore Worldview

Writing Fantasy to Explore Worldview

Posted on by R.M. Archer

Something I’ve been exploring a lot lately in my Deseran worldbuilding is worldview. What cultures believe what? How do those beliefs differ from group to group and person to person? How do those beliefs clash with the beliefs of other cultures? I’ve found that I really enjoy exploring these different perspectives, and exploring how they do or don’t capture the real-world truth. So I wanted to write about some ways we can explore worldview effectively when writing fantasy, in hopes that some of you will also find it interesting or informative. This is something I’m still learning, so I don’t have it all figured out yet, but here are some of the things I’ve been able to identify from my own thought processes. Continue reading “Writing Fantasy to Explore Worldview” →

Worldbuilding Process: Three Examples

Worldbuilding Process: Three Examples

Posted on by R.M. Archer

I’ve said this before, but there are many ways to approach creating a fantasy world (or sci-fi world). Should you work outside-in or inside-out? Should you use vignettes? Beyond the basics, what is the best order to take things in? Those are questions that are going to be unique to each writer (and potentially each world), so I can’t give you a concrete answer, but in this post I’ll show you a few of the processes I use for my own worlds. Continue reading “Worldbuilding Process: Three Examples” →

April 2021 Wrap-Up

April 2021 Wrap-Up

Posted on by R.M. Archer

Writing

I wrote around 27k on The Masked Captain this month (a little over half what I was aiming for), plus several thousand words of a just-for-me project that I worked on when I was bored. I also did a bit of worldbuilding, and I’ve still been working on scheduling posts for this summer. Despite Continue reading “April 2021 Wrap-Up” →

Enneagram Authors: Type 9 – The Peacemaker

Enneagram Authors: Type 9 – The Peacemaker

Posted on by R.M. Archer

This week we’re wrapping up the Enneagram Author series with the Type 9. This happens to be my type! It was crazy seeing how many of Kate’s answers to these questions were things I could relate to, lol. Anyway, I want to say a huge thank you to the authors who were involved in this project, and thank you readers for following along! Without further ado…

About the 9

Description from The Enneagram Institute

Nines are accepting, trusting, and stable. They are usually creative, optimistic, and supportive, but can also be too willing to go along with others to keep the peace. They want everything to go smoothly and be without conflict, but they can also tend to be complacent, simplifying problems and minimizing anything upsetting. They typically have problems with inertia and stubbornness. At their Best: indomitable and all-embracing, they are able to bring people together and heal conflicts.

  • Basic Fear: Of loss and separation
  • Basic Desire: To have inner stability “peace of mind”

Continue reading “Enneagram Authors: Type 9 – The Peacemaker” →

Enneagram Authors: Type 8 – The Challenger

Enneagram Authors: Type 8 – The Challenger

Posted on by R.M. Archer

About the 8

Description from The Enneagram Institute

Eights are self-confident, strong, and assertive. Protective, resourceful, straight-talking, and decisive, but can also be ego-centric and domineering. Eights feel they must control their environment, especially people, sometimes becoming confrontational and intimidating. Eights typically have problems with their tempers and with allowing themselves to be vulnerable. At their Best: self- mastering, they use their strength to improve others’ lives, becoming heroic, magnanimous, and inspiring.

  • Basic Fear: Of being harmed or controlled by others
  • Basic Desire: To protect themselves (to be in control of their own life
    and destiny)

For the 8, I had the privilege of interviewing author Kellyn Roth!

Continue reading “Enneagram Authors: Type 8 – The Challenger” →

Enneagram Authors: Type 7 – The Enthusiast

Enneagram Authors: Type 7 – The Enthusiast

Posted on by R.M. Archer

About the 7

Description from The Enneagram Institute

Sevens are extroverted, optimistic, versatile, and spontaneous. Playful, high-spirited, and practical, they can also misapply their many talents, becoming over-extended, scattered, and undisciplined. They constantly seek new and exciting experiences, but can become distracted and exhausted by staying on the go. They typically have problems with impatience and impulsiveness. At their Best: they focus their talents on worthwhile goals, becoming appreciative, joyous, and satisfied.

  • Basic Fear: Of being deprived and in pain
  • Basic Desire: To be satisfied and content—to have their needs fulfilled

My sister is a 7, so she’s this week’s interviewee! Continue reading “Enneagram Authors: Type 7 – The Enthusiast” →