Tuesday, March 24, 2015

Using Place Names When You Write @kayelleallen #amwriting #reference

Tarthian Empire Companion 
All authors build worlds. Some recreate the world of Regency England. Others prefer the Highlands of Scotland, the battlefields of World War II, or fantastic starways and planets across the galaxy. Whatever you write, you create a setting for your characters. Here are a few things to consider when doing so.

Consider that place names have a history. Is it called the Mill Road because there's a mill? Is it still a functioning mill or was it torn down centuries ago and no one knows why it's called Mill Road anymore? Are any place names called by family names of current characters? Towns are sometimes named for prominent families, and that can carry over into present day and cause havoc for characters whose families might not have been on the best terms with the founding clan. Conflict is the heart of a story, and sometimes your characters can create it simply by being in a place with a history they'd rather avoid.

Record family names and places for use in future stories. A chart with meanings is handy. Like all things pertaining to world building, don't take it so far that you never write the book. Use it to build the background and develop the characters, setting, and conflict.

Compound words link known words to create a new meaning, as in my word "bagbot." A bagbot is a robotic suitcase. Although the word itself might not relay the meaning, using it in context conveys enough so the reader is comfortable with its use. For example, if a character is going on a trip, and packs a bagbot with his belongings, the concept and use become clear. When the bagbot follows him around the starport and becomes a closet when he deploys it, readers will not only understand, they'll want one.

Taken from the Tarthian Empire Companion, an illustrated World-Building Bible and Guide to Writing a Science Fiction Series, by Kayelle Allen.
For the science fiction writer, this volume teaches you how to build believable worlds, track details of your story, organize your writing, and lay out your story bible. Novice or experienced, you will pick up tricks and tips. The EPIC eBook Award winning writer shares organizational tips, links to marketing sites, groups supporting writers, science fiction groups, and more. Material from the author's 90+ page website is included.
For the science fiction fan, the Companion reveals the worldbuilding magic that makes Kayelle Allen's Tarthian Empire tick. She shares every character in every book, 10k years of future history, offers inside peeks at scenes and stories, lays out a quick tour of the Empire, and dishes up a surfeit of secrets, all in one illustrated volume.
Original art by Jamin Allen and Kayelle Allen.


Would you like the free Top Stops edition of the Companion? Top Stops is 24 pages of images and info about Tarth and other places in the empire. http://bit.ly/1DtJ1fm
Tarthian Empire Companion

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Tina Donahue said...

As always, Kayelle, your blogs are so informative. Thanks for the info. :)

jean hart stewart said...

Like the name, Tarthian. Your imagination is astounding in so many ways.

jean hart stewart said...


Kayelle Allen said...

Thank you ladies. I appreciate that. I try to be helpful!