Over my week-long holiday I set myself a challenge to read the longest book on my shelf; "The Priory of the Orange Tree" by Samant...

Over my week-long holiday I set myself a challenge to read the longest book on my shelf; "The Priory of the Orange Tree" by Samantha Shannon, which is over 800 pages. I can't begin to describe to you how detailed and cleverly woven the world-building in this book is. The way the world is designed, its scars and culture, moves through the characters' every actions. The world enthralled me and inspired this post.

 "The Priory of the Orange Tree"'s world is built on a vast history that comes from long-standing myths. Myths are integral to culture, religion, and rituals. They are often the basis for celebrations and customs, and stories told over campfires. It's important to note the kind of myths we're talking about here; not necessarily a false story, but rather, according to Google: "a traditional story, especially one concerning the early history of a people or explaining a natural or social phenomenon, and typically involving supernatural beings or events."

If you're unsure how to develop your story world's myths or are baffled where to start, here are some questions you can ask yourself:

 1) Who are the central characters in the myth? What are their names, or have they been lost to history? Do they perhaps only have titles?

 2) What is plot of the myth? What challenge was overcome, or what event took place? Eg. a great monster defeated, an empire founded, the impossible accomplished. How does the myth explain how the hero of the myth was able to overcome the challenge?

 3) How long is the myth? Has it been summarised as it's been passed down, or lengthened?

 4) What format is the myth told in? Is it passed on verbally, through art, or through written works? How many copies of it are there?

5) How sacred is the myth considered? Is it the center of their religion, nothing but a story, or an integral part of their history? Would it be blasphemy to disbelieve in it or change the story?

 6) Has the myth been altered over time? If so, was it intentional, or a result of the time before its creation to the current time? What has been changed and what has stayed the same?

 7) How truthful is the myth? Did the event truly take place, or is it all fabricated? What does the general public believe?

 8) When and where is the myth told? Are there special storytellers which can be the only ones who share it with the people, or do parents whisper it to their children before bed? Or something else? Is there a specific holiday where the myth is recounted?

 9) What do other cultures and people groups think of the myth? Do they believe it, share it, think it heresy, or something else? How would they respond if they were told the myth as if it were complete truth?

10) What cultural elements have emerged as a result of the myth? Are children scared to walk in the dark alone, is the myth's hero now the figure of their religion, or something else? How does it affect everyday life, if at all?

 11) Why or why not will the myth continue to live on? Why do people choose to keep telling it, and what would it take for them to stop doing so?

 12) What lessons does the myth present to those who hear it? What values or historical or religious event does it teach? What are its core themes?

 13) If the hero of the myth was a person, do their descendants still live? What do they believe about the myth, and how do they interact with it? How have their lives changed because of it?

 14) If the antagonist or enemy in the myth has living descendants, how do they feel about the myth? How has it changed their lives, standing in the community, or the way they view the world? Are they still considered enemies?

 That's all the questions for today! I hope they'll help spark ideas and worldbuilding concepts for myths and much more. Below are other posts in this blog series:
More in the 'Questions to Ask When' series...
Cities      History      Celebrations      Magic
Characters (Backstory, and Interview)
Schools      Monarchies      Religion (Part 1 and Part 2)     


What kind of myths do you see in fiction? Have you ever created myths in your storyworld? Will you be entering the contest?
Have a wonderful day! <3

Somehow, due to the strange occurrence called 'time', it is now 2019. I was musing over what to write for this post yesterday (yes I...

Somehow, due to the strange occurrence called 'time', it is now 2019. I was musing over what to write for this post yesterday (yes I am a very last minute blogger), about what would set the tone for Quill Pen Writer this year. One thing I always love to do here on the blog is help fellow writers. So, I hope today to make a helpful addition to my 'Questions to Ask When...' series, for all of you who are writing stories with alternate worlds!

 What do I mean by alternate worlds? My definition is a world separate to, yet attached to Earth in some way. It could range from a world underneath ours, a secret one hidden within it, on a different timeline, or something else!


So now that we've got the definitions all set, to the questions!

1) How is the AW (alternate world) connected to ours? Is it by a particular place, a portal, a person, or location?

 2) Who knows about the AW? Is it kept a secret, or is its existence public knowledge? If it's a secret, why? Does anyone know about it? If its public knowledge, how long has it been so?

 3) Who lives in the AW? Is it people, magical creatures, a combination of the two? Do they know about our world?

 4) What is the frequency of movement of goods between the AW and this world? Is there established trade? Do people move across often? Are these movements secretive, or public knowledge?

 5) If the existence of the AW is secret, who keeps the secret in this world? What measures do they go to to protect it? Is the secret passed down, or is it kept by one individual? If so, what happens if they die?

 6) If the existence of the AW is public, what have been the international implications? Has war been declared, or peace treaties made? What does the public think?
7) Does magic exist in the AW? If so, what kind? What are the limitations of this magic? What is the magic able to do? Who has access to the magic, and would it work in our world? Has it been brought over to our world?

 8) How big is the AW? Is it the same size as ours, smaller, or in the smaller spaces of our world (such as underground or in isolated areas)? 

 9) What is the environment like? Is the AW varied in terrain types and environments, or is there only one type?

 10) How similar is the AW to Earth in terms of plants and animals? Are they all the same, or are there unique types? How would they cope if they were brought to Earth? What do they look like, what do they eat, and what are any unique talents or abilities they might have?

 11) If people live in the AW, what is their culture like? What do they value? If they were to be compared to Earth cultures, which one are they most alike to, and which one the least alike? How has their environment shaped their culture? What traditions and celebrations do they have?

 12) What religions are prevalent in the AW? Are they similar to those in this world, or completely different? If so, how? What are the creation stories of their world, and how do they perceive the existence of our world?
13) What do the residents of the AW think about people on Earth? Is their opinion positive, negative, or neutral? Why is this the case? What history or people have affected this perception?

 14) What do people on Earth think of the AW residents? Is their opinion positive, negative, or neutral? Why is this the case? What history or people have affected this perception?

 15) Who was the first person to cross between the worlds? What led them to be able to cross, and what was their motivation for doing so? How long did they remain in the other world? Did they ever return? What happened while they were there, and how did they change from it?

 16) Who else, if anyone, has crossed between the worlds? Is travel between them readily permitted, or must they undergo intense training, interrogation, or sneak across in order to make it? Do you have to pay to cross, or complete a task?

 17) What is the history and mythology of the AW? When did it come into being? What wars have taken place, and what key figures have changed the course of its history? What stories do they tell, and what legends are held high in esteem?

 18) Has anyone ever tried to control the AW from Earth, or the other way around? What reasoning did they have, and did they succeed? How did this affect the relationships between the two worlds? Will there be retaliation in the future?

More in the Questions to Ask When series!
Cities      History      Celebrations      Magic
Characters (Backstory, and Interview)
Schools      Monarchies      Religion (Part 1 and Part 2)     


Have you written a story with an alternate world before? Or read any great books with them? How is your writing going?
Have a wonderful day! <3

Fiction is full of fantastical creatures. From dragons, to giant worms, to griffins, creatures we can't see at our local zoo have always...

Fiction is full of fantastical creatures. From dragons, to giant worms, to griffins, creatures we can't see at our local zoo have always fascinated us. After all, who doesn't love animals, especially if they're of the magical variety?

 In my early writing years, I kept my made-up creatures very basic -- essentially copies of Earth animals, with a dash of the supernatural thrown in. But there are so many more things to consider when creating fictional creatures; not just about the animals themselves, but their interactions with people, the world, and other animals.

 To try and help you break down what that means, here are some questions to ask when creating fictional creatures!

1) What is their basic appearance? What are the first features that would be spied (eg. a long tail, wings, a slithering tongue, claws)? What colours do they appear in? What covers their outside (eg. feathers, scales, fur, a mix)?

 2) What would they be classified on Earth as: mammals, birds, fish, reptiles, reptiles, amphibians, arthropods, etc?

 3) How do they communicate with each other? Are they verbal or non-verbal? If verbal, do they rely on pitch, pattern, or sound to represent different meanings? If non-verbal, what parts of the body do they use to communicate?

 4) Are they mostly seen in packs, in herds, or alone? What is the reason for this (eg. travel in herds so if hunted, they're less likely to be targeted)?

 5) Are they herbivores, carnivores, or omnivores? What plants/meat specifically do they eat? How does their unique form enable them to eat this food? Do they store it? If so, where/how?
6) How long can they last between eating and drinking? Do they get their moisture from bodies of water, from eating leaves, drinking dew, or something else?

 7) What environment can they typically be found in (eg. desert, forest, ocean, tundra, plains)? How has this limited or expanded their food sources, or method of drinking?

 8) Are they tameable? What features/behaviour make them appealing to be tamed by humans (eg. can be ridden, or do strenuous labour)? What features/behaviour might make them not appealing?

 9) Are they capable of killing? What method is this done in (eg. poison/venom, choking, mauling)? What defense mechanisms do they have?

 10) After being born, how long does it take for them to be able to stand? How long do they remain with their mothers? Are they born in a litter, group, or alone?

11) What name are they known by, in different cultures? How is their representation different or similar between cultures? Are they commonly seen in art, or stories? (Bonus: what sounds do different cultures associate with them?)

12) What is their history with people? Are they friends, enemies, or neutral? How rare are they? 
13) Are their products eaten by people? If so, is it their milk, meat, eggs, fat, or other parts? What foods are their products seen in? Are they killed/their products harvested in the wild or are they put in farms? How are they treated in this process?

 14) Where in the food chain are they located? What fellow creatures do they fear, if any? Are there any animals they have a symbiotic relationship?

 15) How has an increase in human population (or decrease) affected their food sources, hunting skills, and nesting/resting places? Have they taken residence among human settlements, or retreated further back into the wilderness?

16) Are there any human sports/games associated with them, eg. hunting? How has this affected their numbers, and what they teach their young about humans?

 17) How do they communicate with humans? Are they able to easily sense human emotions and feelings? Do they try and bring comfort, or do they hide when they sense something is wrong?

 18) How do their senses compare to humans' and other animals'? Which sense do they rely the most on? Can they see in the dark, smell prey from miles away, regrow their limbs, or something else?

 19) Are there any other parts of them that are used by people, such as fur for blankets, claws as necklaces, or fat for lighting, that don't center around food? What uses do they have, and how expensive are they?

 20) Do they only have one mate for life, or multiple mates? Are there family/pack loyalties, or once grown up, are these loyalties dead?
More in the Questions to Ask When... series!

Cities      History      Celebrations      Magic
Characters (Backstory, and Interview)
Schools      Monarchies      Religions     Ethnicities


What's your favourite fictional creature (I love griffins!)? Any topic you'd like me to cover in the next Questions to Ask When... series? What creatures are in your story-worlds?
Have a wonderful day! <3

It can be hard to find a fantasy story without kings, queens, princes, and princesses. So how do you make your novel's monarchy stand ou...

It can be hard to find a fantasy story without kings, queens, princes, and princesses. So how do you make your novel's monarchy stand out? How do you make it feel like yours? 

Today I hope that with a list of questions to ask yourself, I'll be able to help spark an idea of how to make your story's monarchy shine!

1) What type of monarchy is it? Is it absolute, symbolic, or constitutional? In other words, how much power does the monarch have, and how much do the people have?

 2) Who is considered the head of the monarchy? Is it defined by gender, age, experience, or something else?

 3) How is the heir chosen? Is it always the eldest child, or is it decided by the people, or by some form of contest? If it's chosen by the public, what kind of heir do they prefer? If it's a contest, what is it like? How is it conducted, and when? What are the consequences for the children who do not get chosen?

 4) Where do the monarchy live? Is it a castle, a fortress, a palace, or somewhere else? Do they have any holiday homes? Do they change places of residence according to the seasons? Does their home double as a place of government work, or is that a separate building?

 5) How long has this monarchy been around for? Why was it created in the first place -- what need did the people have, or who decided they wanted to rule, and set themselves up as king/queen? Did they draw inspiration from other nations with monarchies, and wanted to have their own, or did they create the first one and were copied by others?

 6) Do they have a symbol or crest? Are there animals on it, plants, or a place? What does this signify to others, and what does it mean to the monarchy? Do they have a motto which they try to live by?
7) Who directly serves the monarch and their family? Do they have close advisers, ladies-in-waiting, or valets? Who works for the royal family, but never comes close to them? What is their perception of royalty?

 8) What type of clothes do the monarch and their family wear? Are they expected to set the latest fashions, and wear affluent clothing, or be simple and efficient with their clothing? Is there any significant jewelry that shows they are royal, such as a signature ring?

 9) What accessory shows they are the monarch? Is it a crown, a necklace, a cloak, or something else? What materials is it made out of? 

 10) How complex is their family line? Is every monarch supposed to come from royal or noble blood?

 11) Is the monarch considered partially divine, chosen by a god or another person? How highly are they elevated in society and class ranking?

 12) What kind of education are royalty provided with? Are they taught by a private tutor, in a private school, or at a public one? Do their subjects focus on government and ruling, or are they taught the same as every other non-royal child? Does the type of education differ depending on whether the royal child is the heir or not?
13) What are acceptable sports for royalty to participate in? Archery, hunting, sword-fighting, or team games? Is it considered improper to mingle with non-royal people in this way?

 14) What is the public's impression of the monarchy and their family? How has this differed over time, or between generations? What is the monarchy's impression of the public?

 15) Who is considered the worst monarch, and the best? What expectations of society, and the monarch's actions, fuel these opinions?

 16) What kind of relationships do they have with other monarchies? Are there ever marriages between them, or are they always enemies?

 17) Does the monarch have the power to declare a war? Do they have their own army, or do they rely on the armies of nobles that are loyal to them, etc.?
18) Has there ever been any attempt to overthrow the monarchy, and put in place a new ruler, or change the form of government? Did the monarchy survive? Or did it topple, then come back later? How and why did it return?

 19) How involved does the public like to be in the royals' lives? Are they constantly swarmed by press or the source of gossip?

 20) What does the daily life of the monarch look like? How much paperwork is involved? Do they sit on trials, conduct public hearings, meet with foreign leaders and diplomats, or do they live a life of idle luxury? Or something in-between?

Whether your characters are in a public or private school, home-schooled, or being tutored (or in a fancy magical school) you can have fun w...

Whether your characters are in a public or private school, home-schooled, or being tutored (or in a fancy magical school) you can have fun with the setting! To help you out with creating a fictional school in your novel, I've compiled a list of questions to ask yourself:

1) Where is the school located? Is it in a busy, populated area, or isolated from the nearest town/city? How can students travel there?

 2) How many classrooms are there? What do they look like? How are the desks arranged? Are there even desks, or do they use tables, or sit on the floor?

 3) How are students arranged to sit? Are they allowed to choose their own seats, or do teachers decide their order? If the latter, how do teachers decide who sits where? 

 4) What kinds of tools are used to teach? Are there blackboards, whiteboards, or do they only use paper? Or do they use papyrus or clay? Do they use quills, pencils, pens, or styluses? Have they invented a writing system yet?

 5) Who attends the school? Is it exclusive, or open to all? What are the requirements for attending it? Do students have to pass a kind of test in order to attend?
6) How many teachers and staff members are there? Are there any hierarchical rankings within staff? What are the different roles? Do the teachers need any form of qualification to teach? How are teachers selected?

 7) Is there a school uniform? What do the students think about it? What does it look like? What does it feel and smell like?

 8) What kinds of assessments are issued? Are they hand-in tasks, or all exams? A mix? How are these conducted? Are there any "special tests" that are considered a major school-ing life milestone? When are these taken? Are they life-threatening, or strictly pen and paper?

 9) How many years/grades/levels are offered? Is it possible to repeat them if a student fails? 

 10) What classes are offered? Are there any classes specific to the year/grade/level? Are any classes exclusive to certain students? Can students choose which ones they wish to take, or is it decided by the school?
11) What form of discipline is there? Are teachers allowed to physically punish their students? Or is discipline non-physical, such as detentions, discussing with parents, etc.?

 12) When was the school built? Is it obvious that it's old/new? Have any shocking historical events occurred there? Has it ever been set fire to or vandalized?

 13) Is there a sense of community at the school? Do students and staff take pride in it, or do they simply not care? What is the school's reputation? Do parents strive to enroll their child in the school, or is it a last resort?

 14) Are there any celebrations, traditions, or events specific to the school? How did this come about? Is it looked forward to, or dreaded? Do these involve sport? Are sports popular?

 15) Is there any sense of hierarchy between groups of students or years/grades/levels? Are there clear divisions between groups of friends? Are there students who are isolated from the others, or those who move from group to group? Is it considered a betrayal to belong to multiple groups?
16) Who funds the school? The government? Fees parents pay? Does this ever influence what the students do, learn, or say at the school, or is it not a concern at all?

 17) Who sets the school curriculum? Is there a city-wide, regional, national, or international standard they follow? Will this influence students' job opportunities? Or do teachers decide what to teach on their own?

 18) What is the school's logo? What are its colours? What meaning do these carry? What is its mission/vission? 

 19) Are there any rival schools? What is their rivalry based on: academics, sports, something else? Have students ever come to physical blows, or is it more verbal, or eyes made at each other? Something else?

 20) Is it a boarding school or day-school only? If a boarding school, which teachers are in charge of the students out of classroom hours? What special rooms or activities are provided?

                       More in the Questions to Ask When series...

       Religion // Cities // Magic // History // Celebrations // Backstory // 
                                       Character Interview //
Have you ever written, or plan on writing, a fictional school? How is your writing going in the aftermath of NaNo? Any post suggestions for this series?
Good luck world-building, and have a brilliant day! <3

    Lights flash, cameras hum. Murmurs join the shuffling of paper on clipboards as a red light blinks in the corner of the screen. The Auth...

    Lights flash, cameras hum. Murmurs join the shuffling of paper on clipboards as a red light blinks in the corner of the screen. The Author settles into one of the two high-backed leather armchairs. A make-up team flutters about her, applying a dash of blush, spraying a puff of rose perfume, then bouncing her curls one last time.

     "Send them in," calls the producer, from behind the camera's vision. 

     The Author sucks in a breath and smooths down her skirt.

     The Character shuffles in and raises a brow. "Was all this really necessary?"

     She rises; extends a hand. "Character. Pleasure to finally meet you. Why don't you have a seat?"

    
    I'm a sucker for character interviews. I don't always write them down, but in the early stages of my writing process, I always at least chat to my characters in my head. I let them talk, and talk, and talk. I scribble down notes in my mental clipboard. I probe and ask and inquire.

     In celebration of the final few days of NaNoWriMo prep, I've been switching things up in my blog series, "Questions to Ask When...". The last two weeks have been all about characters! So if you'd like to dig deeper into your character's mind, and roast them over the coals in an interview, here are some questions just for you:

 1) Let's start with the basics. What's your name, age, occupation?

 2) Who are you closest to at the moment? Who are you angriest with? Why?

3) How do you feel talking to me? Are you nervous, excited? Are you even going to answer these questions?

 4) What's your biggest secret?

5) Where are you living? Who are you living with? Why? Do you want to live somewhere else? What is your favourite part of your house, and your least favourite? Can you describe it to me?

6) How would you describe the inner workings of your mind? Is it dark, chaotic, bright, organized? Are you afraid of someone seeing it one day?

 7) If you learned someone close to you died, what would be your first reaction? Have you ever lost someone close to you? Can you walk me through that experience?

 8) What is your greatest strength? Has this changed over time?

 9) What is your greatest weakness? Has this changed over time?
10) How would you describe yourself in three words? In one? In six words? How would your mother describe you? Your father, friends, siblings, romantic love?

 11) What's your biggest fear? Why?

 12) What is your greatest desire/dream? Do you feel it's possible to achieve it, or not? Why/why not?

 13) Would you break under torture? How long do you think you would last? 

 14) Describe an average day for you. Do you enjoy it? Do you work for money, so you can feed your family, or for fun?

 15) Do you fear death? Why/why not? Do you believe in an afterlife? Re-incarnation? That there's nothing left after death? What has shaped your beliefs on that?
16) Do you believe in angels/demons/spirits/ghosts/the supernatural? Why or why not?

 17) If you were in a house on fire, and you could either go into a burning room and possibly save someone, (but there's no guarantee either of you will live), or you could run straight out and live, what would you do?

 18) How do you feel about your appearance? Who do you compare yourself to, looks-wise? Who was the first person to call you "beautiful/handsome" and the first person to call you "ugly"?

 19) If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go? Why? Does it remind you of someone or a memory? When did you learn about this place, and who/what told you about it?

 20) Would you rather go out to a night-long celebration, or stay at home?
21) What are your thoughts on money? Is it something to throw away, cling onto, or detrimental to society?

 22) What are five things you believe about yourself?

 23) If you could give the younger version of you a piece of advice, what would you say? Do you think your younger self would follow the advice?

 24) Would you ever kill? In what kind of situation? Do you think you would forever live with guilt, or would you get over it quickly?

 25) The most important question of them all: what's your favourite food?

     I hope these questions help you get to know your characters better! Let the interviews begin!

Do you interview your characters as a way of getting to know them? Or do you use some other method? Tell me about it! 
Good luck with your writing, and have an excellent day! <3 

    Backstory is crucial for characters. Unless your story starts the moment they're born, your character will have lived many, many yea...

    Backstory is crucial for characters. Unless your story starts the moment they're born, your character will have lived many, many years already. Figuring the ups and downs of their past will give you deep insight into who they are as a person. So let's get to some questions you can ask to learn more about them!

1) Where were they born? In a hospital, a home, elsewhere? Who delivered them; a midwife, a doctor, a relative? Were there any complications? Did their mother survive? Who was present to witness their birth?

 2) What name were they first given? Who chose it for them, and why? How, and why, has their name changed over time, if it all?

 3) How has their living situation changed from when they were born economically, socially, and geographically? Has their family gained or lost a fortune? Has someone close to them died? Have they moved house?

 4) What occupations did their parents have when they were born? Did it ever change as they grew older? How has this influenced the way they think about the world, and what they were trained in?

 5) At what age did they begin school, or training? Did they ever learn to read or write? Why or why not? How high can they count, and which languages were they taught?
6) Who was their first childhood friend? Where did they meet? What is their happiest memory of them, and their worst? Are they still friends? Why or why not?

 7) Did they have any childhood enemies? What caused the tension between them if they can remember? Are they now friends, or still enemies?

 8) How did their parents' ethnicity influence what kind of culture they grew up in? Did this cause them to feel "different" from others their age, or did they not care? Which culture would they consider themselves to be a part of, then and now?

 9) What kind of religious beliefs did their parents hold? Did they teach these to them from birth? Were there any ceremonies they made the character take part in, to initiate them into the religion, with or without their permission?

 10) How many siblings did they have? Did they fight often; what about? Which sibling are they closest to, and why?
11) What is their fondest childhood memory? Who or what is in it? Is this memory accurate, or a lie they have told themselves?

 12) If they could name the worst moment of their life, what would it be? How has that changed them as a person? How has it changed how they see the world, themselves, and others?

 13) What sights, smells, tastes, sounds, and textures do they associate with their childhood, or teen years? 

 14) If they were to make a timeline with their key life events, which ones would they list? Which ones would they leave out? Why?

 15) Have they ever moved house, city, or country? What led to this change? Which place do they consider their "home"? Do they view this move or its cause with bitterness, hope, something else?
16) How would they describe themselves as a child? How would their family, friends, describe them? 

 17) What's the hardest lesson they had to learn growing up? Who or what taught it to them?

 18) What kind of friends did they have? Were they a "good" or "bad" influence? How did they change them? How long did they remain friends? Did they spend more time at their friends' house than their own?

 19) Which occupations did your character want to be in growing up? Is this the same as what they wish to be, or are in, now? What inspired them to want this career?

 20) Did they face any kind of bullying or abuse? How has this altered them? Does this still affect them today, and if so how?

21) Are there any aspects of their past they keep secret from those around them? Why? Or are they very open about their past?
22) What role have the arts (literature, music, dance, etc.) had in their life? Have they given them a sense of belonging, of wonder, or do they not connect with them at all? How have their culture's arts impacted them?

 23) Did they live near extended family? How did this shape their family environment? Are any of their relatives near their age? Is there any relative they despise, or one they couldn't imagine living without?

 24) What was the stupidest thing they did growing up? Did they break any laws, pull a prank, disappoint a parent?

 25) Would they rather go back and relive their childhood, or do they never wish to return to it? Why?
Are you participating in NaNo? What's one key element of your character's backstory? Any topic you'd love for me to write questions for?
Have fun answering these questions, and have a great day! <3

    Hello everyone, and welcome back to the blog series "Questions to Ask When..."!  If you're new here, this series is meant ...

    Hello everyone, and welcome back to the blog series "Questions to Ask When..."! If you're new here, this series is meant to give you questions that can help you develop aspects of your story, especially world-building. These posts have been so much fun to work on, and I can honestly say that writing out today's post has helped me come up with a new story idea I am itching to write! 

     If you're interested in the other posts, I've also compiled a list of questions for developing histories, cities, magic, and religion.



1) What is the celebration's name? What is this name derived from; a person, a place, a historical event?

 2) What is the purpose of the celebration? To have fun, honour a god or person, or mark the passage of time?

 3) When is it held? Does it follow patterns of the moon or sun, or the solstices, or is it marked by a calendar date? Are the main festivities during the day, night, evening, morning?

 4) Where is it held? Is it celebrated by individuals in their own homes, out in public on the streets of every city, or in a particular city? 

 5) What is the "main event" of the celebration? A public performance, a gift-giving ceremony, a re-enactment of a story or historical event, something else?

 6) Who is it celebrated with? Do relatives travel long distances to gather as a whole family, or is it a private affair between a few people? Is the focus on celebrating with friends or families?
7) How rowdy do the celebrations get? Is it a solemn, calm affair, or do fights and laughter rumble everywhere?

 8) What ceremonies does it involve? How long do these go for, and are they considered worthwhile, or something people have to suffer through for the sake of tradition?

 9) What are the roots of this celebration? Is it a way to remember an important historical or religious event, or simply an excuse to have fun?

 10) Does anyone have to work during the celebration? If so, do they get paid, and how do they feel about being forced to work? How does this alter their perception of their status, and those above them?

 11) Is there any food that is only eaten during this celebration? Are there any kinds of food they cannot eat? Do people look forward to eating/not eating this food?

 12) Is there any special kind of drink for the celebration, or is it all the usual kind? Is this a "drinking holiday" or is alcohol not permitted?

 13) What are the religious institutions' opinions of this celebration? Do they urge everyone's involvement or do they advise members of their religion not to participate?

 14) Does anyone hate the celebration? If so, why? Does it celebrate an event that caused misery for their people group, or promote ideologies they don't believe in? Is there any punishment, whether political or social, for choosing not to be involved?
15) What attire is required for the celebration? Does everyone wear everyday clothes, or special garments specifically designed for the occasion? Are there any accessories that are commonly seen worn in public, such as flower crowns or masks?

 16) Can children participate in the celebration, or is it adults only? Are any ceremonies modified so they can be involved?

 17) Are animals involved in this celebration? Are they killed for a feast, or released into the wild as a sign of peace with the natural world?

 18) What is its length of time? A day, a week, a month?

 19) Is there a need for a guard or police force during the celebration? Is it likely there will be illegal dealings or attacks happening during the celebration which they need to look out for?

 20) Is it likely that this celebration will continue to be celebrated forever, or are people slowly losing interest in it and its meaning? What will it take for it to stop, or to keep being celebrating?



 What is your favourite fictional celebration? Do you find this blog series helpful? Any topics you'd like me to focus the next of the series on?
Have a wonderful day, and good luck with your writing! <3

    History. Some people love it, others stare at the textbooks thicker than their necks and whimper. Me? I fall in the middle. While I cert...

    History. Some people love it, others stare at the textbooks thicker than their necks and whimper. Me? I fall in the middle. While I certainly wouldn't spend hours pouring over said textbook, I do think having an understanding of history, if not the world's, then your story's, is super important!

     Which brings us to today's post! This is the latest installment in my "Questions to Ask When..." blog series, and you can check out my previous posts on religions, magic, and cities, if you so please.

     Today the theme of my questions revolves around developing a particular country's history, from the beginning to its current year. My aim is to give you questions to guide you or inspire you throughout the phase of your world-building, no matter what genre you write in.

    Now, onto the questions!

1) Who were the first people to claim the land? How long have they remained there? Did humanity begin on their land? Did they migrate there; for new farming ground, exploration, resources, etc.? 

 2) What is the country's geography like? Has this limited communication with other people groups, or encouraged trade and exchange of ideas? Has this led to the primary culture staying the same or adapting?

 3) What was the first settlement? Is that the current capital, or does it no longer exist?
4) What kinds of governments have reigned over the land; monarchies, democracies, republics, etc.? Is it the same or different from the current one? If different, what led to this shift? Was there dissatisfaction within the people, or another cause?

 5) What are the community's founding principles or values? Were these grounded in religious theology, or something else?

 6) Who are the legends that exist in the land's history? Are they famous warriors, kings and queens, criminals, etc.? Were they once living figures, or is it all fiction?
7) How many wars has this land been engaged in? Were they the instigators of these wars, or were they defending themselves from other powers? What were the outcome of these wars; did they win, lose, or declare a truce?

 8) Have there been any civil wars? Who was the winner, and how has this affected the people on both sides?

 9) Has the land's borders ever shifted? Is this a result of conflict, conquest, or both?

 10) What was considered the community's "peak" period? Is it called this because of an economic boom, visionary leader, great architectural feats, military conquests, or something else? 

 11) Has this community been welcoming to foreigners, do they bar them from entering, or do they isolate them within their communities? How has this affected their economy, exposure to cultures, and religious beliefs?
12) How is history passed on; is it written down in documents, or is it passed on orally? What are the problems with passing on their history this way?

 13) Are there any other countries that have been long time enemies or allies with this one? What is the reason for this relationship? 

 14) What are children taught about their history? Are they taught everything, an altered version, or only its glorious moments? How does this affect the child's perspective of the land?

 15) What is the age of this country? Is it divided into eras; if so, what are they?

 16) Are there any ruins? Were they destroyed, or abandoned, and why?
17) Has the country been hit by any epidemics or plagues? How much life was lost as a result?

 18) Are there any festivals that celebrate its history, or victorious moments? Are there are times of silences or periods of remembrance to honour less victorious times?

 19) Do any statues or memorials exist to honour historical figures or those killed in particular battles? How are these viewed by the community; are they cared for with respect, or neglected?

 20) If you could pinpoint one particular event that shaped the country the most, what would it be, and why?


    And that wraps up this post! I really hope that these questions can be of help to you in your world-building process!
Are you a big fan of history, or do you shy away from it? What's one key event of your world's history? Did any real world historical moment inspire it?
Best of luck with your writing, and have a great day! <3

     It's no secret I am a wild fan of world-building. Creating worlds that I can mold with my hands and mind is one of my favourite par...

     It's no secret I am a wild fan of world-building. Creating worlds that I can mold with my hands and mind is one of my favourite parts of writing, so I've decided to make "Questions to Ask When..." a permanent blog series!

      Today's topic is creating fictional cities! Don't worry, the questions aren't just for fantasy cities: you can apply them to any city setting in your story.


1) What is the city called by its inhabitants? By outsiders? Does it have any nicknames?

 2) What is the "hub" of the city? A market, shopping district, garden, etc.?

 3) Are there any famous landmarks? Are they natural/geographical, such as a mountain, or man-made, like a clock tower?

 4) Where does the city's government reside? A building or elsewhere? How does the city's government differ from the country it resides in, if at all?

 5) Geographically speaking, where is the city? Besides a river, in a valley, in plains, by mines, etc.?

 6) What is the city's water and/or food source? The river, the ocean, surrounding farms?

 7) Why did this city grow from a town/village into its current state? Is it the capital, a hub for trade, a key resource area, or have some historical/religious significance?

 8) What kind of defenses does it have? Walls? Buttresses? Guards/police who patrol?
9) What's the average income for its residents? What is the most common occupation?

 10) What kind of architecture would be seen if you walked around its streets? Are most of the homes made of brick, wood, stone, cement, etc? Are paint colours vibrant or subdued? Do buildings crowd each other out, or are they evenly spaced? Does it change depending on the part of the city you're in?

 11) How is the city with crime? Is it overrun by murder and theft, or is it fairly quiet and peaceful? Are criminals bold in flaunting their power (if any) or do they stick to secretive means?

 12) Who holds the most power? The government, businesses, criminals, other organisations?

 13) What does the city smell like? Does it reek of fish caught at the docks, thick perfume of blooming flowers, the stench of sewerage, etc.?

 14) What kind of relationship do its inhabitants have with inhabitants of other cities? Are they friendly, rivals, neither?

15) Are there any places of religious gathering? (Eg. churches, temples, altars, etc.)

 16) What are those secret spots that only long-term residents know about? Is there a "best cafe in the city", or peaceful garden tucked away from the hustle and bustle?

 17) How popular is the city with outsiders/tourists? Is it a well-known travel destination, or more isolated?

 18) What kind of cultures are seen in the city? Are its residents a singular ethnic culture, or a mix?

 19) Does the city have any celebrations/festivals specific to itself? When and how are these celebrated?

 20) What is the city's history? Has it been under siege or attack? What major historical events have taken place in its depths, if any?


    That brings us to the end of the questions! I really hope they can be of help to you when brainstorming a city setting, or adding those juicy world-building features in edits!

Tell me about one of your fictional cities! What landmarks does it have? Who lives there? Oh, and are you a big fan of world-building too? Any suggestions of what theme to have for my next "Questions to Ask When..." post?
Good luck with your writing, and have a spectacular day! <3

    I am a total lover of fantasy. There are so many takes on it, from the more hard-core, almost 'traditional' fantasy, to the weir...

    I am a total lover of fantasy. There are so many takes on it, from the more hard-core, almost 'traditional' fantasy, to the weird and wonderful. Some love it for great adventures or crazy animals. Personally, I adore it because of the world-building, and how I can craft entire worlds to my liking.

    In today's post I've compiled a list of questions I ask myself when creating worlds with magic in them; hope you find them helpful!


1) Who has magic? What terminology is used to refer to them (eg. magician, wizard, witch)?

 2) Are magical powers gained, are people born with them, or can it be both? If gained, how so? If they are born with them, is it passed down through their bloodline or something else?

 3) Where does magic come from? (eg. the world, an object, within the magician)
4) How are magicians viewed by those without magic? Are they hated? Feared? Revered? And how do magicians view those without?

 5) Are there any religious groups against magic? Why or why not?

 6) Does magic play a part in the political system, or is it completely separate? If separate, are there any policies in place to enforce rules regarding magic use? What is the magical community's response to this?

 7) What kind of form does magic take? Is it visible?

 8) What effect does magic have on the magician? Are there immediate effects or do they apply gradually over time?

9) Are there any places of education where those with magic are trained? If so, are they being trained for careers in the future, or are their powers being purposefully subdued?
10) What are the limits/rules of magic? What can it do, and not do?

 11) Are there different levels of skill magicians can fall under? Can they move between levels? Are there different kinds with different powers?

 12) Do certain locations within the world give a magician more power than others? Are there places that magic cannot touch or be used in?

 13) Do magicians have a code of behavior between them? What does it entail? Have/do any magicians refuse to follow this code?
14) Why is magic a part of the world? Was it given by a god, or has it been around since the beginning of time, etc? What is its history?

 15) Do any other people groups or species have magic? How is it different or similar?

 16) Are there any decorative identifiers of those with magic? (eg. robes, pins, a certain tattoo)

 17) How does magic influence wars and conflict? Are magicians brought in to fight, or to bring peace?


Do you have any questions to add to my list? How do you develop the magical presence in your world? What magical power do you wish you had? Are you a great lover of fantasy like me?
Let me know in the comments below, and have a magical day! <3

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