Peter's guide to map creation: How to create fantasy maps Here is my take on creating maps for roleplaying games. Off course, you will be able to use the method for other purposes also, but why spend time doing anything, which isn't related to roleplaying:-)To see what a map done according to my advice might look like, here is one of the maps I did (180kB). Preparations Step 1.1 Determine how you want the world to look. Draw some loose sketches. Step 1.2 Determine the map scale. Step 1.3 Get access to a good drawing program. Step 1.4 Get access to a scanner. Startup Step 2.1 By now, you should have a rough sketch of the map in front of you. Step 2.2 This is very important! Step 2.3 Then, look at the map you drew. Step 2.4 Since mountains is the feature I have the greatest difficulty getting just right, I've made a page to describe how I do them. Step 2.5 Review the map. Step 2.6 Scan the map. If you want to make changes, you can draw with a black painbrush tool to make corrections after erasing the faulty lines. Computer manipulation Step 3.1
How to Write a Summary How To Writing a good summary demonstrates that you clearly understand a text...and that you can communicate that understanding to your readers. A summary can be tricky to write at first because it’s tempting to include too much or too little information. But by following our easy 8-step method, you will be able to summarize texts quickly and successfully for any class or subject. 1) Divide…and conquer. 2) Read. 3) Reread. 4) One sentence at a time. 5) Write a thesis statement. 6) Ready to write. Write in the present tense.Make sure to include the author and title of the work.Be concise: a summary should not be equal in length to the original text.If you must use the words of the author, cite them.Don't put your own opinions, ideas, or interpretations into the summary. 7) Check for accuracy. 8) Revise. Bonus Info! When you have read a well-written summary, you ought to be able to say in your own words what the book is generally about, who the main characters are, and where it takes place.
Write It Sideways » Blog Archive » 5 Visual Strategies for Plotting Your Novel I don’t know about you, but for me, plotting a full-length novel is one of the most difficult aspects of writing. I tend to come up with a great premise, but turning that into a plot becomes a lot of work. I don’t usually get it right the first time, either. Personally, what works best for me during this outlining process is to have plenty of visual material on hand. Here are 5 visual strategies I have used for outlining: 1. Pictures are a great way to visualize your plot, setting, and characters. You can keep either a digital file of pictures on your computer (taken yourself with a digital camera, or ones you find on the internet), or a real file with film pictures/magazine cutouts. Whichever you use, make sure you hold onto them for when you start actually writing. 2. There are a few different types of writing software on the market, all of which help you organize your projects into bite-sized pieces for ease of writing and revising. 3. 4. 5. Visualize Your Plot
Story Starters: Creative Writing Prompts for Kids If you’re looking to inspire your students’ writing and creativity, turn to these fun and exciting writing prompts. Perfect for overcoming writer’s block or even starting a brand-new short story in a different narrative, creative writing prompts can help students begin a new piece with confidence. Plus, these story starters can also encourage students to explore different genres while honing their writing skills. There are a lot of ways you can use writing prompts in your classroom. Try: Reading a book in a genre, then having students use a story starter in that same genre. Take inspiration from classics like Treasure Island and newer popular series like The Bad Guys to explore how to write thrilling adventure stories. You’re part of a pirate crew in search of a long-lost storied treasure trove. Get students excited about adventure stories with these great books: If you’re looking to inspire your students’ writing and creativity, turn to these fun and exciting writing prompts.
10 Writing "Rules" We Wish More Science Fiction and Fantasy Authors Would Break Kinja is in read-only mode. We are working to restore service. I give a hearty Here Here for #4! There is nothing wrong with telling a story that fits within the covers of a single book. Remember, the whole Trilogy+ got started when the publisher got fed up with the fact Tolkien wouldn't finish. The moment I see something like "Book One of the (insert name of place or magic item and latin number)ogy", I want to put the book down. Flagged Realistic Lateral Thinking Puzzles Lateral Thinking Puzzles, unlike most puzzles, are inexact. In a sense, they are a hybrid between puzzles and storytelling. In each puzzle, some clues to a scenario are given, but the clues don't tell the full story. Your job is to fill in the details and complete the story. You can try solving these puzzles on your own -- that's certainly a legitimate way to go about this -- but usually you can have more fun if you involve other people. Warning: For some reason, these puzzles have a tendency to be rather morbid. The scenarios given on this page are realistic, if unlikely.
JCS, Journal of Consciousness Studies Critical Reviews The complete text from which these are extracted is available. See also Editorial: The Future of Consciousness Studies Over the last few years, research into consciousness has at last become accepted within the academic community. As John Searle puts it, raising the subject of consciousness in cognitive science discussions is no longer considered to be ``bad taste'', causing graduate students to ``roll their eyes at the ceiling and assume expressions of mild disgust.'' But why are we interested in consciousness? The field of consciousness studies is at a very early stage, characterized by crude theories, most of which are unlikely to stand the test of time. The Journal of Consciousness Studies covers this broad field by: Full Text of Selected Articles JCS is a traditional printed publication -- most of our subscribers like to read every article and we pride ourselves in the quality of our editing, printing and binding.
religion in fantasy novels | helluo librorum Since no one burned my house down after the Tolkien post, I’m going out on a limb here and talk to you about using religion in your fantasy novels. Generally speaking, when building worlds in fantasy novels, the religions of your world will be a reflection of the religions here on good old planet earth. So I’m going to offer a few suggestions – take them or leave them: Know thy religion. If you’re basing your world’s religion on an existing faith thoroughly understand those beliefs. If all you have is superficial knowledge of a religion, it will show in your writing; at best you will look inexperienced, at worst, like an idiot. Understand the core beliefs. Avoid stereotypes. Religions don’t kill. Treat all religions with respect. Don’t be malicious. World building is a difficult process; as a fantasy writer you are creating a whole social order, and you want it to be believable. A few articles to see: Like this: Like Loading... Please visit my web site at: www.teresafrohock.com
Digital Poets! Web Tools, Apps, & Lesson Ideas “Poetry is when an emotion has found its thought and the thought has found words.” by Robert Frost April is National Poetry month. I invite you to consider the possibilities of teaching with poetry. Poetry makes content come alive, because the poet has a deep connection with the subject matter. Poems can help students see what they consider a boring or tedious topic in a different light. Lesson Ideas Here are a few lesson ideas I talked about during my presentation. Resources Here are a few more resources: Join the Teacher Poetry Workshop Google Plus Community and create poetry with other teachers! More Resources and Lesson Plans Find many more ideas in my Pearltree bookmarks below. Cultivate your interests with Pearltrees for Android Challenge: Try one of these tools or apps to get students interested in creating their own poems.
Advice on Novel Writing < Back to darkwaves.com Foreword by the Author Developing Efficient Work Habits Elements Of A Successful Story In the opening... Afterword by the Author Foreword by the Author A little later tonight (Thursday, Nov 5 [1992]), I'm going to start sending in a series of items about writing fiction for the mass market. Altogether I'll be sending 17 separate “handouts” from my commercial fiction course. The files total about 180K--enough for a short book. Why am I doing this? Crawford Kilian Communications Department Capilano College 2055 Purcell Way North Vancouver, BC Canada V7G 1H7 Usenet: Crawford_Kilian@mindlink.bc.ca Developing Efficient Work Habits Different writers face different advantages and drawbacks in forming good writing habits. Writing habits flourish best in routine, but the efficient writer also exploits opportunity. Keep your writing equipment (paper, pens, software manuals, etc.) in your writing place, close at hand. Compile a “project bible.” In the opening...
The Featured Creature : Showcasing Unique and Unusual Wildlife The Journaling Life: 21 Types of Journals You Can Create to Expr 10 Steps to Finding Your Writing Voice Bonus: Need help finding your writing voice? Click here for free tips. I write only because / There is a voice within me / That will not be still.–Sylvia Plath Awhile ago, I wrote an article called, “Finding Your Blog’s Unique Voice.” In it, I explain that a blog needs a voice that is both exclusive and authentic. Photo credit: Dan Foy (Creative Commons) But here, I want to share a little bit more about how to find your overall writing voice. Spending some time deliberating over voice is worth your attention and focus. If you struggle with getting people to read your writing or with staying consistent in your craft, you need to stop chasing numbers and productivity and reboot. An exercise for finding your voice Not sure where to start? Describe yourself in three adjectives. Why do you need a writing voice? Finding your voice is the key to getting dedicated followers and fans and that it’s the only sustainable way to write. Once you’ve found your voice, make sure you continue to develop it.