Tag: Writing Tips

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Building an Authentic Character Voice

Building an Authentic Character Voice

Posted on by R.M. Archer

Characters are possibly the most important part of a book; the characters are who your reader will connect with. If your readers connect with your characters, they’ll willingly follow them through your story. But you have to make sure they connect, and character voice is a big part of accomplishing that. Your character’s voice involves all of their background and quirks, all of the personal behaviors and ways they speak that your readers will relate to. So let’s get into how to build a strong character voice.

Cultural Background

It’s important to consider Continue reading “Building an Authentic Character Voice” →

How to Care for Your Plot Bunnies (Without Neglecting Your Book Rabbits)

How to Care for Your Plot Bunnies (Without Neglecting Your Book Rabbits)

Posted on by R.M. Archer

You’ve been focused on a particular novel for a while. You’re trying to stick to this project and only this project, not get distracted by plot bunnies. But… uh oh. Another plot bunny just hopped onto your desk and it’s really trying to get your attention…

I have good news.

You can take care of that plot bunny and get it to leave you alone Continue reading “How to Care for Your Plot Bunnies (Without Neglecting Your Book Rabbits)” →

Sanderson’s Third Law: When Should You Create a New World?

Sanderson’s Third Law: When Should You Create a New World?

Posted on by R.M. Archer

Sanderson’s Third Law of Magic states,

“Expand what you already have before you add something new.”

If you’re constantly coming up with new story ideas, you might also come up with a lot of different settings in which to place those stories. The question is, at what point is it appropriate to create a whole new world and when should you just build on whatever you already have?

Now, we are discussing Sanderson’s Laws of Magic. He has magic systems in mind when he presents this advice. But this “law,” at least, is applicable to much of writing and today I want to explore how it interacts with worldbuilding as a whole.

Why to Expand First

First off, why is Sanderson’s Third Law good advice for worldbuilding as a whole?

For one thing, it makes worldbuilding Continue reading “Sanderson’s Third Law: When Should You Create a New World?” →

Building Underworlds, Divine Dwellings, and the Afterlife

Building Underworlds, Divine Dwellings, and the Afterlife

Posted on by R.M. Archer

Today we’re stepping back into the mythology and religion of your world to talk about underworlds, homes of the gods, and the afterlife. How much of this is myth and how much is reality will depend on your established rules regarding the metaphysical aspect of your world. Continue reading “Building Underworlds, Divine Dwellings, and the Afterlife” →

Fantasy News & Communication

Fantasy News & Communication

Posted on by R.M. Archer

Hello and welcome back to Scribes & Archers. The weather for today is looking rather crisp, with a chance of flying newspapers. But let’s head over to Worldbuilding with recent news updates. Worldbuilding?

Okay, not the best intro, but today we’re talking about how communication, and especially the news, works in your world. The title says fantasy, but this can apply to any fictional world. And I’m a little brain-dead today, so please bear with me.

What’s in the News?

Let’s start with content. What is considered newsworthy in your world? Continue reading “Fantasy News & Communication” →