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Taggin’ peeps
@devastate-lasting @nova21@ribbonash @joy-caroline @gracie-j@lydia-s @lewilliams @scripter-of-kingdoms @issawriter7 @daisy-torres@sparksaraabbott11 @abigail-m@godlyfantasy12 @keilah-h@mkfairygirl @iluvhim18 @ariel-f@elanor @jodi-maile @beth-darlene@hallie-jean @cathrynv @elfwingAs the title above states, I would like to make a map.
*random applause*
As you probably know, some fantasy books do indeed have maps of their lands and even if it isn’t included in the finished product, I’d love to make a map for my first book. That being said….HOW IN THE WORLD DO YOU MAKE A GOOD MAP?!
🤦🏻♀️
I used to use Inkarnate (which is awesome btw) and I would use it except ive already made the outline for one of my lands and I can’t insert it into Inkarnate which is super annoying. Unless I find a way around that….hmmmm I will be trying again lol.
Anyway, wondered if y’all had any tips or tricks. Or maybe even maps of your own or you’d like to create a map! (Definitely suggest the website called Inkarnate)
Also, just for reference, my first book takes place in mostly 2 places.
Arabella’s homeland of A’Grend and Jocelyn’s homeland, Cirque (that’s the island I’ve already got an outline for.)
I’ll share any success I have on here, so….yup lol
#IfMarcelDiesIRiot
#ProtectMarcel
#ProtectSebBtw I copy and pasted the above tags 🤣
#IfMarcelDiesIRiot
#ProtectMarcel
#ProtectSebOhhh! making maps!!! something I love to do when I’m not lost writing my own world! *glares at English assignments and all the other school work getting in the way *
Well…
I’ve only ever done it the old-fashioned way of paper and pen/pencil, and have never used anything online/computer, but when I draw maps, I practice the separate parts/landmasses until I’m satisfied, then put it all together on a piece of printer paper. Once I’ve done several failed copies and succeed and I’m happy with that *breathes * I scan it onto my computer then put it onto my document/store it in files, and keep all my illustrations and maps and art in a binder.
If you mainly have two places, I would suggest making a main map of the known world for context, with all the places included, and then more detailed maps of the locations of the events, even if you make separate ones for the two homelands.
Also, just something I love doing for fun: more places that may not even be mentioned in the book being placed on the main map. It makes it feel more history-ish and alive in my mind. Sort of like what Tolkien did; he included places in his maps that aren’t even mentioned in LoTR books, and it gives a feel of ancientness.
I also suggest looking at old maps/fantasy maps, for inspiration; some of the artwork on those are incredible and inspiring!
Anyways that’s my suggestions, hope they’re helpful. 🙂
I'm 'a homeschooler' because cookie-making writing artistic animal-whisperer isn't a job title
Oh no! Maps! Haha I am definitely not the best at making maps. What I usually do is draw them on a whiteboard, then take a picture of that rough drawing, then do my best to actually stay true to what I have drawn (since I sometimes switch locations around, so it gets difficult to just stick with one basic landmass until I’ve finished drafting my novel).
Sorry I can’t be more helpful about this! XD But I’ll definitely check out Inkarnate, that sounds interesting and really useful for the future!
The forum ate my post. Let me see if I can split it into pieces so I only have one link per post…
1/3: I have a blog post about different methods for getting a map. Inkarnate is mentioned; I also give a few tips for hand-drawing maps.
Speculative fiction author. Mythology nerd. Singer. Worldbuilding enthusiast.
2/3: I also have a whole Pinterest board of posts related to fantasy cartography, if you want to poke through it.
Speculative fiction author. Mythology nerd. Singer. Worldbuilding enthusiast.
3/3: And once you have a map image, Map to Globe is super cool! (Assuming your world is a globe.) And definitely helpful if you want to see where things are in relation to one another in 3D.
Speculative fiction author. Mythology nerd. Singer. Worldbuilding enthusiast.
Uhhhhhh… I have no idea. I’ve only used Inkarnate for the one map I’ve made xD
You could try paper and pencil and then take a picture of it to add to your WIP, but other than that and Inkarnate;
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(That’s supposed to be me shrugging lol)
If you ask me about my book, I will talk for hours. Have a nice day!😊
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I don’t write fantasy, so I’ve never created a map, but I still wanna check out that website. XD This sounds cool! I’d love to see your map whenever you’re finished. Sorry I can’t be of much use in the tips and tricks department!
@godlyfantasy12 Ah, I wish I was a help here but I have the EXACT SAME PROBLEM XDDD Anyways, I’ll definitely look at that site… I’ll be coming back here to see what y’alls think.. if you guys make any progress on mapmaking and whatever, please tag me 🙂
staring at the fields
if nothing's really real
i'll make the winter now my homeGreat question! And one I personally don’t have the answer to. XD
However, my brother has been making fictional maps for years so he probably has some good advice. I’ll get back to you as soon as I ask him.
@godlyfantasy12 You’re looking at a person who worldbuilds as she writes. On the other hand, for maps I usually just draw them by hand. So I’m afraid I can’t be of much help, ahhh….
Lately, it's been on my brain
Would you mind letting me know
If hours don't turn into days
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