Worldbuilding is the ultimate act of creation for speculative fiction writers, but how exactly do you worldbuild? You ask ‘what if’ and use each answer as a springboard to more questions and answers about your fictional world.
In THE A-ZS OF WORLDBUILDING, that ‘what if’ process is broken down into 26 themed chapters, covering topics ranging from architecture to zoology. Each chapter includes a corresponding set of guided exercises to help you find the ‘what if’ questions relevant to your story’s world.
Fair warning, though: worldbuilding is addictive. Once you get started, you might never put your pen down again.
My review:
I have always been a fiction writer, but I have exclusively written in the “real world.” I might make some mild changes like omitting STDs and pregnancy scares for the sake of sexiness, but I have never even touched on the realm of historical fiction, much less worldbuilding. The idea of it, honestly, was terrifying.
That’s why I was so excited to pick up a book that would guide me through the process of worldbuilding! I have had an idea floating around in the back of my mind that would take place on Earth but in a totally different society than what exists, but I had absolutely no idea how I would ever make that idea a reality. I didn’t even know where to begin.
Well, now I do. The A-Zs of Worldbuilding helped me to work out my ideas. I decided that I would read through the whole book once and then I’ll go back and work on actually outlining my world. That was a mistake. I should have just worked on my outline as I read the first time. But, the book is 140 pages, so it was a quick read, and it’s not a big deal to go back.
The writing was direct and succinct. Rebekah Loper explained things clearly, and the ideas were easy to follow. She even referenced other resources if you needed more depth or other chapters within her book for deeper thoughts. I am really excited now to delve into the realm of worldbuilding! 5 stars!
And now an interview with the author, Rebekah Loper!
Why did you start blogging?
To create a platform for my writing and connect with an audience.
Any other books coming out soon?
I will have a fantasy short story in an anthology this spring, but release date has not been settled yet.
Brief tip on writing:
Never stop looking for inspiration – it’s always there. Even if you don’t have time to write it, always keep looking for that magic ‘what if’.
Where did the idea for this book come from, other than the alphabet and the challenge?
I love worldbuilding. When I was looking for ways to learn how to worldbuild as a young writer, I was always disappointed by the lack of true worldbuilding workbooks, so this was born out of that desire.
What writing goal do you hope to accomplish this year?
Draft a second volume of The A-Zs of Worldbuilding on creating magic systems. Establish a true writing habit for my fiction, which I’ve let be overrun by ‘real life’ the past several years. Finish revising at least one of my set-aside novels.
As a reader, what most motivates you to buy a new book to read?
A fascinating summary, followed closely by a stunning book cover!
What compels you to keep reading a character’s story? A tangible connection with the character. Similarities are great, but that’s not all a connection is. The character must resonate with me emotionally, somehow, even if they are the polar opposite of who I am. A lot of that comes with a writer being able to convey the humanity of even the most despicable or most privileged characters.
What is one question or discussion topic which you would like the readers of this post to answer or remark on in the blog comments?
What about worldbuilding most inspires or hinders you, either as a reader or writer?
Working my day job. In my free time, I guess I write more than any other hobby.
2. Is this where you thought you would end up?
Mostly. I knew I always wanted to be a writer in some form or fashion. As for my personal life, maybe not so much. I’ve known that this is where I would end up when I was 18, but not before that.
3. What would you do differently if given the opportunity?
In my personal life? Not much. I believe that everything I did shaped who I am today and the life I have, and I am happy.
4. How do you encourage creativity in the bedroom?
I have spent many years working on a list of bedroom (and outside the bedroom, but still sexual) activities my husband and I both like. (Or things I can do on my own for fetishes we don’t share.) When we need an idea, we can pick from the stack of cards. When life isn’t too crazy, I pick several for the week and we work them into our routines.
5. Tell us something about yourself that might surprise us.
No one at my day job would even begin to guess that I write BDSM erotica.
Bonus: Sexually, who has influenced you the most?
I had a particular boyfriend in High School who suggested we try BDSM. It was the single most freeing thing I have ever done sexually. Looking back, I realize that I had submissive tendencies long before I ever met him, but he’s the one who unleashed me, literally!
I picked up the Cemetery Keeper’s Wife by Maryann McFadden and I am glad I did. The storyline was compelling and I read through it in a matter of days. I loved the storyline and I was thrilled to find out that it’s based on a true story. I will say that there were parts of the book where the description was a bit repetitive, but other than that, it was well edited. I liked the characters and felt that they were very real. I definitely recommend this novel!
Book Description:
What happens when the line between the past and the present begins to blur…
Rachel Miller is on the cusp of a new life when she moves to Union Cemetery after marrying Adam, the 7th generation cemetery keeper. Though she’s known him only twelve weeks, his tender love seems like a miracle of fate after her years alone.
On her first walk through the lush and silent grounds of her new home, Rachel discovers a stunning monument to Tillie Smith, who died in 1886. Reading the words carved into the stone, “She Died in Defence of Her Honor,” Rachel is overcome by a powerful memory buried deep in her past.
A series of uncanny coincidences linked to Tillie Smith follows, setting Rachel on a journey that grows into an obsession: Why did the murder of a poor kitchen maid at the local seminary become a national sensation? Why were people in town trying to keep her from finding the truth? But most disturbing of all, why was Tillie reawakening a past Rachel chose to bury long ago. A past that could threaten her marriage.
The Cemetery Keeper’s Wifepoignantly blends fact and fiction as two women scarred by shame, and separated by more than a century, reach across time to rewrite history.
For as long as I can remember, I have been making a big deal about Valentine’s Day. I remember when I was 16, I spent Valentine’s Day with my boyfriend and three of my single friends. We all went out to dinner at a fancy restaurant. I don’t remember what my justification was at the time, but now I have words to put to it.
There is not enough love in the world.
Valentine’s Day is a great day to make an effort to celebrate with those we love. I get gifts for my kids, we make Valentine’s Day themed food, and we exchange cards. It’s silly sometimes, but we love it. And one of my kids who is grown still talks about the year we wrote things we love about the kids and taped them to their bedroom doors (one a day for two weeks). And… I might not have had the heart (heh) to take them down. It’s been three years.
So, go out and spread the love every day, but especially this day. And tell me, what’s your relationship with Valentine’s Day?
1. Do you like where you live or do you wish you could move?
I do like the area I live in. Sometimes I wish I could move, but mostly because I feel like we have a lot of physical clutter I would like to leave behind. Once I realized that was my motivation for wanting to move, I decided I should work on reducing the physical clutter. So, that’s what I’ve been doing!
2. No matter what life throws at me, I believe that I can deal with it. Agree or Disagree?
I want to agree, but I’m sure I have a breaking point. Everyone does. But I certainly wouldn’t go down without a fight!
3. A dear friend is stuck in an unhappy relationship. What advice would you give to the friend to cope–how can they make lemonade out of lemons?
My first piece of advice would be to seek counseling. There is nothing like the benefit of an impartial opinion. Otherwise, I would advise someone to either find a way to find happiness with that person, or end the relationship. No one deserves to be stuck in an unhappy relationship.
4. Nothing of value can be learned from failure. True or False?
False. Failure is an important part of learning and growing.
5. Even if you are sure about your ultimate choice, do you still ask others for advice before making an important or risky decision?
Yes! Often my counselor, but also friends or family.
Bonus: What is the sweetest or rewarding moment in your life?
I love seeing someone I love being happy, particularly when I have done something to spark that happiness. Giving someone a thoughtful gift or doing something that brings a smile to their face is the most rewarding thing.
I love historical romance. It’s probably my favorite romance genre. Many times in my life, I’ve thought that my submissive nature would lend itself well to a time and society where women served. (Let me be clear though: I am a feminist and believe in women’s rights, and their right to choose to serve through BDSM! 😉 Or not. Whatever each person wants.)
Anyway… I’ve thought often how maybe I was born into the wrong generation.
And then I get strep throat. And I am so, so, so very grateful for the barrage of medications that made my strep throat almost gone in three days.
1. Do you express your sexual pleasure with moans, groans, sighs, and other noises (provided that you are actually turned on)? a. Yes, each time I have sex (90-100% of the time). b. Yes, on most occasions (70-89% of the time). c. Yes, on some occasions (40-69% of the time). – As long as there aren’t children’s ears nearby! d. Yes, on a few occasions (less than 40% of the time). e. No. Never, not even when I am really turned on.
2. How comfortable are you with sex in bright light or daylight? Pick one. a. Completely comfortable b. Fairly comfortable – It’s mostly about me not liking bright light in my face. c. Somewhat comfortable/uncomfortable, depends on the partner. d. Completely uncomfortable. I like to do it in the dark.
3. Is this statement True or False for you? Explain. I would like to talk dirty with my partner, but I don’t dare for fear of being judged or ridiculed.
True – surprisingly. It’s crazy to think that considering the genre I write, but I am loath to say it out loud.
4. Have you ever done a striptease for a lover (impromptu or planned)? Did you enjoy it?
I have. Not sure I love it, but I would do it to please a partner.
5. How do you feel about giving anal sex (penetration with penis, finger or sex toys)? Pick one. a. I enjoy it. b. I’m okay with it. c. I don’t really enjoy it. – It would be more to please a partner than please myself. *Have you figured out that I lean submissive yet?* d. I don’t enjoy it at all. e. I have never given anal sex. f. I have never given anal sex, but would like to start.
As part of the A to Z Challenge, I am participating in the Book Reviews, Tour, and Blog Hop!
One of the areas as an author that I feel like I have failed in is writing reviews. I know how important they are to new authors and experienced authors alike, and yet I hardly ever write them. When I do write them, I tend to post them on my blog and maybe Goodreads, but that’s it. I was delighted to have the opportunity to get an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) in exchange for an honest review of J Lenni Dorner’s upcoming book, “Writing Book Reviews As An Author: Inspiration To Make It Easier” to be released March 26, 2019.
The first, and one of the most important things to me, is how easy to read the book is. I was happy to see that even though this was an ARC, it was well edited. It flowed seamlessly, was very informative, and explained things clearly. I would have read the whole thing in one sitting except it was after midnight, and I fell asleep. I was so close! I even read the author bio and the thank yous, which I often skip. (Bad author, bad. I know.) I read everything from cover to cover, starting with the excellent front cover image. It’s all books: a book floating in the center of more books. Awesome image!
I highly recommend this book to anyone who writes reviews, or who should be writing reviews, but isn’t – like me! I will absolutely be checking out more of his work now. As a typical romance and mystery reader, this was not the type of book I typically pick up, but anything that helps me hone my craft is welcome. It’s always awesome when an experienced writer shares expertise on writing reviews, as I know J Lenni Dorner writes a lot of them. It’s also great to support someone I’ve known digitally through the A to Z Challenge, but have never met. I feel like I got to know J a little more through this experience.
This book left me excited to start writing my first review and walked me through the process seamlessly. At the author’s request, I timed myself through each phase. I decided to work with an outline and then write the actual review. The outlines took me a total of 13 minutes. From there, it took me 15 minutes to write up the review, and I do think it will go faster now that I’ve done one. I have always felt like I needed questions to answer to gather my thoughts that wouldn’t contain spoilers when reviewing novels, and now I feel like that’s exactly what I have! And just in time, too, because I’ve started a book reviewing project…
5 stars for an excellent book on how to write reviews!
If you’re interested in pre-ordering the book, you can do so Amazon and Smashwords!
And now… an interview with the author:
Why did this you part in the A to Z Challenge the year that your book was “given life”?
It’s the ten year anniversary. I’m very excited to be a co-host of the A to Z Challenge. This is an incredible community.
“You may wonder why I started a blog. I may wonder that too! Actually, this blog was started because I heard about the A to Z challenge from some nanowrimo friends.”
Any other books coming out soon?
This is my current new publication. “WRITING BOOK REVIEWS AS AN AUTHOR: INSPIRATION TO MAKE IT EASIER” I have several stories in the works though
A motivational quote when you feel like giving up on writing from J Lenni Dorner
Where did the idea for this book come from, other than the alphabet and the challenge?
The idea came from interviewing so many debut authors at Operation Awesome. I noticed that some authors reviewed a lot of books, and others had never written one. I set out to inspire those who didn’t write reviews. It turned out to be long enough for a month of blog posts (this coming April). Then I noticed I had enough to make a reference book.
What writing goal do you hope to accomplish this year?
My biggest writing goal this year is to publish two books in 2019.
As a reader, what most motivates you to buy a new book to read?
A recommendation from a trusted source, reading something interesting about the book, or the book being by an author I like.
What is one question or discussion topic which you would like the readers of this post to answer or remark on in the blog comments?
What motivates you to write book reviews? (Or, if you don’t write them, what deters you?)
It’s nice when there are weekends without a lot of plans. I always think I am going to get sooooo much done. Unfortunately, that’s not the reality of my life. I did get a lot done, and I bought a cute new dress!
My kitchen is significantly cleaner than it was. My phone pictures have been cleared off, and I have several new books to read (both digital and paper).
My husband and I have had some quality kid-free time together, but I was not feeling kinky. That may be why I’m having trouble going back to writing my novel, too. I don’t suspect my disinterest will last long though. It rarely does.
(If you don’t know the process behind my new project, check it out here!)
A Cat on Jingle Bell Rock, by Lydia Adamson is the 15th in a series of mysteries surrounding an amateur sleuth. I know that this was the same author I had randomly picked up a decade ago, so I had a little bit of background on the characters. But even without that, the book was excellent. Adamson gave enough information about the characters that even jumping in the middle of the series.
I loved the cats that are featured in the novel, as in all of the series, and the characters are likeable and real. Although this novel took place around Christmas, it wasn’t featured heavily and is great for any time of the year. Excellent author, excellent novel. Highly recommended.
Many years ago (more than a decade) I started a project where I would go to my local library and choose a random book. I started with an author whose last name started with A and worked my way up.
Unfortunately, I was in college at the time, and I don’t think I made it past B or C, but the idea stuck with me.
More recently, I have thought of attempting to do something like that for the A to Z Blog Challenge, but I don’t think I could manage to do it all in a month, or even in a year to prepare for that one month. Plus, I like to use the Blog Challenge to work on my fiction.
So, what to do… what to do… I’m going to do it on a monthly(ish) basis. I picked up the first book just before the new year, and I am going to pick up the next one tomorrow. The genres will vary wildly, but I think it will be a fun project. Stay tuned for book reviews coming your way!
1. What was your favorite part of yesterday? Spending time with my husband and boyfriend. My day started out with the three of us cuddling and ended with the three of us cuddling.
2. If you could make your own porn movie, what would you call it? Would you write it, direct and/or star in the movie? I don’t think I would have the nerve to star in a porn movie, but I would love to. I’m a bit of an exhibitionist. Outdoor stuff, in particular makes me wild.
3. What do you like the least about sex? Cleaning up. I don’t want to get up and shower and wash the toys, etc. I just want to cuddle and nap.
4. So, now what are you planning to do? I’m working on a novel that I want to edit. I wrote a novel and a half in November, and I would like to continue writing, but first I need to edit.
5. If you were a box of cereal, what would you be and why? Cinnamon Toast Crunch, because it’s the perfect blend of crunchy and sweet. 😉
Bonus: If you could shrink down to ant-sized, what would you do? I do like the thought of being like Ant Man. But if there were no other super powers, I would clean all the hard to reach places in my house. (Boring, I know.)
I accidentally took a hiatus from my blog. Whoops. I didn’t mean to. November was crazy, but I had prepared for it and pre-scheduled my posts so I just had to fill in word counts and details. And then I knew December would be awful, but now we’re halfway through January and I haven’t posted…
But now I’m back!
I need to get back into regular writing again, but I wrote a lot of words in November! Good ones, mostly. I have to do some editing and publishing, but I also think I wrote the first novel where a sequel speaks to me. It’s begging to be written. But I need to figure out what the hell I actually wrote in the first one in November. So, that’s what I’m working on right now. (Well not *right now*. I’m writing this blog post *right now*. But when I’m done with this post, I’m going to do something related to that project. I promise.
Oh wait… after I delete a lot of the 860 emails in my inbox I haven’t looked at. Whoops. (And I am the 0 new read email type of person!)
1. Lingerie–do you like to give it as a gift or received it? Lingerie is okay. I have a bin of it under the bed, but I honestly don’t wear it that much. Small kids make that a bit difficult.
2. What’s a good date night movie? I think my favorite date night movie is Serendipity. Romantic, funny, and a good movie. But maybe I would pick Just Go With It, which is even funnier.
3. When your partner asks you “what’s wrong?” do you most often say “nothing” when something clearly is wrong? Why? No! I make every effort to be honest about it!
4. To keep the fires burning, and the relationship fresh you need to send your significant other just one text. What is that text? “I’ll be waiting for you tonight downstairs.” He would know what that means.
Bonus: What was your last grand romantic gesture?
I am sure I’ve done many, but the one that sticks out is that for our anniversary, I took my husband to the place we met and the place we had our first date, and brought our wedding photo album.
Can I write all those words in the time left? Well, time will tell.
I will say this. If I don’t make a *huge* dent tomorrow, it won’t happen. Friday is super busy, and Thursday is mildly busy. Tomorrow is the day! Wish me luck!
This website is not intended for anyone under 18 years old or for those who are not interested in reading or seeing Adult Content. If you are uncomfortable with Adult Content or are under 18 years old, you must exit this website now.
If you are 18+ years old and are interested in Adult Content, please continue…
Hi everyone! My name is Jayden Vincente (or J. R. Vincente) and I am an author of erotic fiction. I’ve been writing for over 15 years and published my first novel in 2015! I am active in the BDSM lifestyle and have been focusing my writing on Dominant and submissive relationships. My husband (and Dom), Richard, often writes with me on my blog. We enjoy writing together, but we haven’t ventured into writing a novel together (yet). Maybe someday. Please check out my published works, but also look for links across the top for long-form stories on the A to Z Challenge pages, as well as Short Story Collections I’ve written. All are guaranteed to make you squirm in your seat. 😉 Enjoy!
What would you do with the sudden opportunity to explore any facet of sexuality and BDSM with no judgment, prejudice, or dangerous consequences? In Mara’s community of Zebulon, that’s what she’s about to find out. With endless possibilities for exploration, she’s asked to work on a special assignment—an offer that will change the course of her life.
After writing 50,001 words yesterday, I am taking a bit of a break. I have written at least something every day, but I didn’t post with this template every day.
J R Vincente 