The Novelist's Guild

The Novelist's Guild #19: What I've Learned Since My First Chapter

Re-reading our old writing is one of the most cringe-worthy things we can endure as writers. In this final episode of season one, I'm going to read and critique the first chapter of my Sword and Scion series. Maybe we can both learn from my mistakes! All the sound effects included in my dramatic reading were arranged by my awesome brother Logan—who also happens to host a super epic podcast. Be sure to check out the Dairy Free Dude Podcast to learn about thriving with a serious dairy allergy! My website: https://jacksonegraham.wixsite.com/jackson-e-graham [https://jacksonegraham.wixsite.com/jackson-e-graham] The Dairy Free Dude: https://dairyfreedudeid.wixsite.com/mysite [https://dairyfreedudeid.wixsite.com/mysite]

The Novelist's Guild #18: Worldbuilding 101—Creating Civilizations

After establishing the rudimentary basics of our storyworld, we've now come to the heart of worldbuilding—creating civilizations. In this final episode of my Worldbuilding miniseries, we're going to get to know the people of our storyworld and the events of its history. Visit my website: https://jacksonegraham.wixsite.com/jackson-e-graham [https://jacksonegraham.wixsite.com/jackson-e-graham] Jill Williamson's Storyworld First Worldbuilding Worksheets: https://jillwilliamson.com/helps/ [https://jillwilliamson.com/helps/] Positions in Medieval Society: https://jerusalemcross.info/en/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Medieval-People.pdf [https://jerusalemcross.info/en/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Medieval-People.pdf] Economics for Everybody by R.C. Sproul Jr.: https://www.rightnowmedia.org/Content/Series/599?episode=Trailer [https://www.rightnowmedia.org/Content/Series/599?episode=Trailer]

The Novelist's Guild #17: Worldbuilding 101—Creating the Natural World

Welcome to the second episode in my miniseries on worldbuilding! As we spread out our map in front of us, we are faced with the challenge of bringing our storyworld to life. Our story's believably comes from research, planning, and much thought. As the construct in which the plot and characters live, our storyworld needs to have believable natural landscapes, creatures, and races.  Visit my website: https://jacksonegraham.wixsite.com/jackson-e-graham [https://jacksonegraham.wixsite.com/jackson-e-graham]

The Novelist's Guild #16: Worldbuilding 101—Mapmaking

Worldbuilding. It's at the center of every author's trade—especially those who write science fiction and fantasy. How do you create an entire world from scratch? In this series, I'll guide you through the process. And as with a lot of journeys, the adventure of worldbuilding begins with a map. Visit my website: https://jacksonegraham.wixsite.com/jackson-e-graham [https://jacksonegraham.wixsite.com/jackson-e-graham] Hire someone to make your map: www.fiverr.com [https://www.fiverr.com/] My favorite name generator: https://www.fantasynamegenerators.com/ [https://www.fantasynamegenerators.com/] Check out Aeon Timeline: https://jacksonegraham.wixsite.com/jackson-e-graham/resources [https://jacksonegraham.wixsite.com/jackson-e-graham/resources] Mapmaking Websites: www.inkarnate.com [https://inkarnate.com/] https://azgaar.github.io/Fantasy-Map-Generator/ [https://azgaar.github.io/Fantasy-Map-Generator/] https://watabou.itch.io/medieval-fantasy-city-generator [https://watabou.itch.io/medieval-fantasy-city-generator] Cartography Books: https://www.amazon.com/How-Draw-Maps-Charts-Pocket/dp/0746046588 [https://www.amazon.com/How-Draw-Maps-Charts-Pocket/dp/0746046588] https://www.amazon.com/How-Make-Hand-Drawn-Maps-Creative/dp/1452169918 [https://www.amazon.com/How-Make-Hand-Drawn-Maps-Creative/dp/1452169918] https://www.amazon.com/How-Draw-Fantasy-Art-Maps/dp/1440340242 [https://www.amazon.com/How-Draw-Fantasy-Art-Maps/dp/1440340242] Understanding Scale: https://www.gislounge.com/understanding-scale/ [https://www.gislounge.com/understanding-scale/] http://historymatters.gmu.edu/mse/maps/question3.html [http://historymatters.gmu.edu/mse/maps/question3.html]

The Novelist's Guild #15: Genre—the Identity of Your Story

We all know about music genres. When it comes to writing, however, genre doesn't seem worth studying in depth. What if I told you that genre is not only a system to classify books, but a tool to help you connect with the minds of your readers?  Visit my website: https://jacksonegraham.wixsite.com/jackson-e-graham [https://jacksonegraham.wixsite.com/jackson-e-graham] Check out Fawkes by Nadine Brandes: https://nadinebrandes.com/product/fawkes/ [https://nadinebrandes.com/product/fawkes/]