Today I have a fabulous guest on Unedited, the wonderful Nicole Zoltack! She's talking about how she created her fantasy world.
I love writing fantasy because you start with nothing. You can create an entire world, one that doesn't have to be limited by what is real, one where mythological creatures and magic can be the norm.
In a way, all writers are creators because we create our characters and their worlds. We create conflict and tension and make bad things happen to them, all so that when they achieve their goals, it means that much more to the reader.
When I first started to write the Kingdom of Arnhem series, I knew I wanted the world to be set in a medieval-type world technology-wise, but I also wanted there to be magic. But then I took it one step further and actually set the series in a specific year in our Middle Ages.
Only it wasn't our Middle Ages.
Not completely. Instead of North and South America, there was a different continent - Alethereia. And Alethereia was home to all the magic in the world. Europe and Asia had the exact same past as ours did, and were completely separate from Alethereia and ignorant of magic, as it was in history.
Essentially, my fantasy romance series is set in an alternative medieval world. There are knights and chivalry, romance and love, trolls, dwarves, Drow, war, evil, good. My favorite character is Aislinn, the young girl who wanted to become a knight. Her story is the first book, Woman of Honor. She always knows what she wants and does whatever it takes to get it. Her drive inspires me.
Although the Kingdom of Arnhem series is a trilogy, I plan on writing other books set in that world - some preceding the events in the trilogy, some after. I think it would be great fun to write a story set in 1492, when Christopher sailed the ocean blue and landed on Alethereia…
If you could create a fantasy world, what would it look like? Who would live there? Would there be magic or vampires or…. The possibilities are endless!
Want to walk away with some fun stuff? Leave a comment below to be entered to win some signed post cards and magnets. Each comment during the Champion of Valor Blog Tour gives you an entry for the grand prize: a copy of the entire Kingdom of Arnhem trilogy - Woman of Honor, Knight of Glory, and Champion of Valor.
29 comments:
A very interesting concept! I love the Christopher Columbus idea! ^_^
I like the blend of real world and fantasy and alternate history. Very cool!
yeah Nicole! Thanks for sharing a little bit about the world in your books- sounds really neat!!
I always have enjoyed fantasy books that have that slight taste of reality to them. Good luck with your blog tour!
Wow this sounds really fascinating. I love the fact that Nicole created a different continent during the middle ages. AND anything magic is always a fun read.
Good luck with the blog tour Nicole.
Thanks for sharing Nicole! I've been sucked into the world of fantasy just recently with George RR Martin's Song of Ice and Fire series. . . I can definitely see the draw!
Whenever I read a fantasy novel, I do think about how fun it must be for the writer to create an entire new world!
Thanks so much for hosting me, Jen, you're a doll!
Thanks, Misha, I could definitely have a lot of fun with that story idea. Instead of Pocahontas, one of his crew members could fall in love with some one else, maybe even someone of a different race. Hm...
Thanks, Liz! I wanted to combine our world history with magic so making an alternative fantasy world seem the best way to do it!
Thanks, Katie!
Thanks, Bookblogger - that's exactly what I was going for - fantasy with a little bit of realistic history.
Thank you, Michael! I agree - I'll read anything with magic in it!
Oh, I've heard so much about that series but I haven't read it yet, Lindsay. I'll have to rectify that soon!
It is so much fun, Laura, thanks!
1492 idea is very good.
Sounds great. The great thing about creating characters is that we can put emphasis on any human quality/emotion we want and that they in tun can become our inspiration rather than real, living people. In our minds, as we read, they are!
Yay, Nicole!!! You rock!! :-)
Yay for fantasy! Thanks for the interview and book suggestion. I can never get enough fantasy and I love that she's going to write more books in the same world. It reminds me of Tamora Pierce and I love that connection to the setting.
Hi Nicole!! Congrats on your newest release! wishing you lots of luck!!
Hi Nicole!!! I am in awe of that kind of world-building (I am better at the contemporary kind)--but it sounds awesome!
Very very cool! I envy fantasy writers and their ability to build whole new worlds, and then tell the interesting stories that happen in them. Congrats on the new book!
Wow...this is truly incredible. An amazing fantasy world!!! Congrats on the book and wish you both a lovely afternoon. Kisses and hugs
Ooh, how exciting! I like the mix between real history and a completely new fictional land.
Third book? I need to get onto goodreads this minute.
Great interview, Nicole and Jen! Thank you!
Thanks, Chris! I think it would make for a great story.
You're absolutely right, andymac89, thanks!
Aw, you're a doll, Shannon!
Yay for a fellow fantasy lover! Fantasy lovers are awesome. Thanks, Michelle!
Thanks, Steph!
LOL Christina, I've tried writing contemporary but most of the time, something otherwordly - either fantasy or paranormal-wise - ends up weaving its way into the story. I have managed a few contemporary romance stories, though!
Thank you so much, Jennifer!
Thanks, Diana, you're so sweet!
I'm so glad you enjoyed the post, Katrina! I hope you enjoy the books if you do read them. :)
I don't normally read fantasy but I'm intrigued enough to look this one out. Thank you, Jen and Nicole!
Ellie Garratt
Hi Nicole. I love fantasy books cause the author takes you into whole another world. The stories are very unique.
Sue B
I love writing fantasy, but I only created a new world once. Most of mine are set in the here and now. I'm impressed with people like you who can bring new places to life.
The series sound really cool. I am going to stop by all the blog stops in hopes of winning the books. Thanks for the giveaway.
jepebATverizonDOTnet
Hi Nicole. I really thought I left a comment here. I really enjoy the author taking me to a fantasy world. I love the imagination of it.
Sue B
katsrus(at)gmail(dot)com
Thanks, Ellie, I hope you enjoy them if you do give them a chance despite being fantasy. :)
So true, Sue, that's why I love fantasy, too!
Thanks, Theresa! Just once I would like to try to write a novel that's set in the here and the now without a paranormal element. That's so hard for me!
Thanks, Jen, I'm glad you think so!
Sue, Blogger was acting up but your original comment is back now, yay! An imagination is key with fantasy. :)
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