• Welcome to the Fantasy Writing Forums. Register Now to join us!

Discovery mapping

LNLWLN

Acolyte
I think I'm a bit of a discovery writer.

My map has evolved, and continues. Still finding out mysteries of the East. When I started the story, the map was amorphous and general. But that quickly changed, as it is a road story.

I have had several spirited conversations with friends over time, about tectonic plates, mountains, bodies of water. My solid comeback: "I'm a God, and just like a mountain there."

Seriously, their input has helped shape the mystery of my hidden valleys. The mountain ranges that stem from there, shape the rest of the world, east and west. But the specifics are only coming after most of the story is on paper. So, the map will fit the story, and embellish it. With a caveat that changes may occur. I draw them by hand, and my eraser has shrunk just a bit.
 

pmmg

Myth Weaver
I am not sure if such a map would throw me out of the book or not. In truth, I think Mr. Tolkien's map is kind of amateurish itself. But, I would notice if things are silly or very unlikely. I will suggest you look at Goldie's Guide to World Building if it is not too late to consider how things might form.
 
Top