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Creating a Fantasy World with One Document

Creating a Fantasy World with One Document

Posted on by R.M. Archer

Y’all know I love World Anvil, but if you’ve read my worldbuilding process post then you know that I also make good use of one really long document that holds all of my initial notes when I’m working on Deseran. I call it my brain dump document. Today I want to talk about a couple of different ways I’ve used brain dump documents when creating a fantasy world in the past, and why I like to have them on hand.

Structure or No Structure?

When I mention a “brain dump” document, I’m guessing Continue reading “Creating a Fantasy World with One Document” →

Work in Fantasy Culture

Work in Fantasy Culture

Posted on by R.M. Archer

Fantasy often centers around a character doing something out of the ordinary. Something fantastical. But they have to start somewhere, as do the characters around them, and that starting point will often involve work of some kind. For that reason, if for no other, you ought to give at least passing thought to the work in your culture. But work can also reflect a lot about what a culture values, it adds to the backdrop of your world and creates easier openings for your characters to interact with the world around them, and it can simply be of value to Continue reading “Work in Fantasy Culture” →

How to Write Fashion – Guest Post by Victoria Smith

How to Write Fashion – Guest Post by Victoria Smith

Posted on by R.M. Archer

Last week I talked about how to develop purposeful fantasy fashions. This week Victoria Smith is going to take over and talk about some of the more practical elements of using the fashion you’ve developed. Enjoy!

Worldbuilding is hard. Being a fantasy writer—a novice one, mind you—I should know. While I’d like to think I have a natural talent for certain aspects of writing, I am by no means an expert. Still, I will offer my personal opinions, tricks and tips to help you with the tangible parts of worldbuilding. One for today: fashion or clothing. 

Before really diving into fashion in worldbuilding, there are four questions Continue reading “How to Write Fashion – Guest Post by Victoria Smith” →

Fantasy Fashion With Purpose

Fantasy Fashion With Purpose

Posted on by R.M. Archer

Fashion is a part of worldbuilding that can sometimes be overlooked and/or done incorrectly. Sure, you could just slap all of your nobles into modern high fashion… but should you? Depends on the world. And sometimes you really shouldn’t. Today I want to talk about a few concepts to think about while developing your fantasy fashions that will make your worldbuilding richer and more believable. Continue reading “Fantasy Fashion With Purpose” →

Medicine and Medical Practice in Fantasy Cultures – Guest Post by Allie

Medicine and Medical Practice in Fantasy Cultures – Guest Post by Allie

Posted on by R.M. Archer

Welcome back to another worldbuilding post! This one is a guest post by my best friend Allie, who was kind enough to write up a post about something that she loves and is great at: medicine. Specifically, of course, fantasy medicine. So, without further ado, let me turn you over to her!

Thank you for this opportunity to guest post on your blog, Ariel! Lord knows I have a hard time posting enough on my own blog, but I love helping others out, especially on a topic I enjoy ranting about for hours on end: medicine! 

One thing I’ve noticed people struggle with is successful—or even believable—medicine in books where info isn’t readily available (and sometimes even when it is, but that’s another post). Most of the time this means fantasy, sci-fi, dystopian, steampunk, or anything involving magic, but other genres can also fall victim to some of the biggest issues most people have with writing a functional medical system.  Continue reading “Medicine and Medical Practice in Fantasy Cultures – Guest Post by Allie” →