Because I am such a history geek, I always have to read up on the latest archeology/history news. I generally do this once a day or once every other day, thanks to author Michelle Moran’s blog History Buff, where she posts links to stories about history in the news.
Well the other day I read a particularly fascinating article. So fascinating, in fact, that I instantly had a vision of another novel.
Here’s the link to the story: Mythological Love Unearthed: Experts dig up chamber used by King Bana to hide his daughter.
I quickly typed up a brief outline of the fantasy world that began to take shape in my head. It’s very rough now and I can’t really focus on it as I’m working on Lady of the Snow and The Scarlet Daughter alternately, but it’s there. It will be like my Yuki-onna story–only very loosely based off this myth as the world that developed in my head is a mix of Indian, Persian and Chinese culture. The story is also different, although I have my MC, the princess and daughter of a super powerful, tyrannical and paranoid king. That’s all I’m going to say about it now 🙂
Since it’ll be the first world in my head that is a mythical land, it’s going to take a lot of world-building. I will probably work on that here and there while I’m typing away at the other two stories. If anything I at least have a novel to start during NaNo nine months away 😛 .
Now to channel this creative energy into one of my WiPs…
Tales from the Writing Front 
Comments on: "I Am Inspired…Again" (14)
I’m completely amazed at people who can world-build! Sounds fascinating. 🙂
Yeah, well I haven’t done it yet 😛 Only partially…I work on the world-building when I’m not writing on my WiPs.
Huzzah for inspiration!
History Buff really is an awesome blog.
I know! Definition of amazing. 🙂
You know, I think you’d really like her books too. I haven’t read Nefertiti yet but The Heretic Queen and Cleopatra’s Daughter were awesome.
That’s so great. Thanks for sharing.
World-building is difficult for me. Like, I want to write a novel about a futuristic society in which a teen prostitute tries to thrive. The problem is the conflict is so big, with her being under the watchful eye of Big Brother, I have difficulty coming up with creative ways she can deal with it. Maybe I can have a brainstorming session with some other writers for that part.
Someday I’d love to flesh out a myth too. Not sure what yet, but I’m hoping for some inspiration in that dept.
I find that the inspiration comes when you least expect it. I certainly wasn’t on the hunt for a new idea! But as soon as I saw it, I couldn’t stop myself from writing the quick summary.
World building will be a challenge. I’m used to setting my books in the real world and real places. It’s going to take some time and research to even start it. I know I’m going to use parts of the real world as inspiration for this one; and I’m actually going to have to draw a map and everything. It’s a little daunting…but not going to worry about it now 🙂
Have you read the book, Green, by Jay Lake? It’s a weird book in that it has no plot or story arc, it just follows the MC through different experiences, but his world building is very good. The book’s world has a very similar feel to this one, but it has gods and goddesses and an oppressive magic, not the sorcery kind. It’s fantasy with just a touch of the surreal.
Bah, now I have to get to work on my own worldbuilding. I can’t have you passing me by… 😛
I doubt that will happen! I’m no where near passing you. I haven’t even compiled my name lists 😛
Love it when new ideas come. Sounds like a great potential story. News often inspires me.
Yay for inspiration! Sounds like you have a great start to a great story.
Ooh! Good luck. World building is so much fun. And we only build up realistic ones! I can’t imagine building a fantasy world. Have fun.
Yeah I’ve never tried it either…I only ever base things off real world too, even if it’s real world 200 years ago…
It’s definitely going to be a challenge!
Just that title you floated by itself has so many possibilities. Let the idea stew a bit and I’d love to see what you come up with.