A Bit Simpler

Horses. For many centuries, these equestrian mammals were used as a form of transport. After reading a number of high fantasy books, I came to realise that the authors knew more about horses than the fact that they were ridden mostly by nobles and that the saddle had to be securely tied to make sure that the effectiveness of riding wasn't compromised in any way.

http://www.horses.co.uk

This led me to think that a lot of research would go into increasing a broad working knowledge of the most common familiar elements that appear in works of historical fiction: ships, horses, carriages, noble houses, kingdoms, the sea, etc. When you create a world, there are certain common traits that, as they play their part, must be described both in detail and with accuracy. (When it comes to politics, economy, religion, etc. people tend to build their own aspects according to the workings of the particular world and its setting - but understanding such things from history really helps to add credibility to the story overall).

The most renowned authors, I have noticed, are able to describe the workings of a ship as it sails through a storm; how far a band of five travellers can travel over rough terrain in one day; the effects of physics and nature and emotion - all of these play a part in building and describing a world that thrives; a world that lives.

Writing fiction isn't just a matter of making everything up and making sure that it sounds good and that you have a cool plot. There is a lot to understand - which would explain why a lot of bestselling authors make their mark after the age of thirty (the passing of youth...); they have had time to build their knowledge and understanding of the workings of this world and are able to use what they have learned and discovered in building a believable, new world. Because even though that world may not exist, it must follow certain rules; if it didn't, then how could they expect any reader to truly become immersed and get caught up in the story as it progressed?

Character profiles, a solid plot, specific events (major, minor), a believable world - all of these are important in spinning a worthwhile and exciting tale. It takes many patterns of thought to create a world that adheres to certain functions while overlooking other, perhaps more realistic, ones. Physics can be bent in a fantasy universe - but some things will always be taken for granted, unless stated otherwise. This is why it is highly important to know what you are talking about!

I remember reading somewhere, a few years ago, something that David Eddings said. It mentioned walking for 15 miles and then seeing how much your feet hurt; or not bathing for three days and seeing how much you smelt. Experiencing some things that characters go through would be downright disturbing - but understanding where everyone is at, what they are thinking, how they would react in any situation, how a journey affects them, etc. All of these are things that a writer must take into account if the story, taking on a life of its own, is to be one that will live past the author's over-enthusiastic whims.

Believability; accurate expression; familiar elements.

Just a few more things to contemplate ^L^

-Timotheos