Worldbuilding and Rule Creation Resources

Fantasy Worldbuilding Questions by Patricia C. Wrede, http://www.sfwa.org/writing/worldbuilding1.htm - These are specifically geared toward fantasy worlds, but they're esily adapted to any other kind of worldbuilding. This is a much more expansive look at the aspects of the world mentioned briefly above.

The Rules of Quick and Dirty Worldbuilding by Annalee Newitz http://io9.com/5039477/the-rules-of-quick-and-dirty-worldbuilding - This takes on more of a science fiction bent, but again has some advice that can be generalized to other worldbuilding.

The Mythopoets Manual by Loren J. Miller http://www.rpgmud.com/WorldBuilding/Mythopoets/tmm.html - Specifically looks at the issue of religion.

Worldbuilding Links http://www.bmarch.atfreeweb.com/Worldbuilding.htm - A collection of links to other worldbuilding resources.

World Builder Projects http://hiddenway.tripod.com/world/ - Another collection of links to other worldbuilding resources.

Our next meeting we'll discuss red herrings which is scheduled for Sunday, June 14, 2009 from noon (possibly 12:15pm) to 3:00 pm at the library. More information to come.

Craft and Critique Workshop Saturday, May 30, 2009

Topic: Worldbuilding and Rule Creation
Host: CWG: Chico Writer's Group
Type: Education - Workshop
Date: Saturday, May 30, 2009
Time: 4:30pm - 7:30pm
Location: Chico Branch, Butte County Library Conference Room (across from circulation desk)
Street: 1108 Sherman Ave.
City/Town: Chico, CA
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Phone: 5305214264
Email: kathie(dot)blog(at)gmail(dot)com

Get ready for an exciting writing workshop and craft chat this coming Saturday, May 30th!

Agenda

4:30 - 5:00 pm Writing Exercise
5:00 - 5:30 pm Craft Chat - Worldbuilding and Rule Creation
"How do you create a story world? What makes it real for your readers? How do you create rules and keep them consistent?"
5:30 - 7:30 pm Critique Workshop
Manuscripts have been emailed out to the members in good standing and will be critiqued.

Resources for Writers

The following are links and information that was shared during our recently meeting.

The Exploding Cat - how to foreshadow and some other helpful tips for writers by the novelist, Holly Lisle.

http://howtothinksideways.com/crashtests/writing-videos/holly-lisle-and-the-case-of-the-exploding-cat=/

Holly has a lot of other resources for writers. Check out:

• www.writercrashtest.com
• www.howtothinksideways.com
• and of course, www.hollylisle.com which is crammed full of useful information (you might want to tie yourself down before going in there, you could get lost in there!)

LJ Sellers, author of The Sex Club, is a mystery writer. She offers some tips and advice on plotting your story and keeping things organized. Here's a great post to read and while you're there, check out her other sage advice she gives:

http://ljraves.blogspot.com/2008/08/10-ways-to-keep-your-writing-organized.html

Another blot/site to visit is JA Konrath's (Jack Kilborn series) site, specifically the "Newbie's Guide to Publishing" which is a free book and well worth the read even before you start (or finish) your novel.

http://www.jakonrath.com/writers.htm

What resources do you have that you can share? Add a comment so we all can enjoy!

Look for news on our upcoming meeting and craft chat topic coming soon!

Craft Chat and Critique Workshop Sat. May 16

(We are not affiliated with the Chico Writers Meetup Group*)

"Describing Sounds"

Date: Saturday, May 16, 2009
Time: 3:30 - 6:30 PM
Location: 1108 Sherman Avenue, Chico
Room: Butte County Library - Chico Branch conference room (directly across the hall from the circulation desk)
Fees: None

Agenda

3:30 - 4:00 PM Free write - We always have a fun writing exercise assigned that inspires creativity (and has resulted in poems, short stories and even the beginnings of longer pieces!). Come join!
4:00 - 4:30 PM Craft Chat: Describing Sounds
What was that noise - and how can you describe it to your reader? Whether it's the creak of a basement door, the babbling of a brook, or the rush of the wind, your characters encounter sounds. We'll talk about ways to describe those sounds so your reader hears them too.
5:00 - 6:30 PM Critique Workshop
All manuscripts have been turned in and distributed to members in good standing.

*Chico Writers Meetup Group is through a paid membership site, Meetup. We do not have anything to do with this group and are not affiliated. We never charge membership dues or collect fees.

Resource Links

From our March workshop on Culture, Race and Ethnicity, here are some resourceful links:

Required reading: Transracial Writing for the Sincere by Nisi Shawl. Other links from the handout:

• A primer on privilege: what it is and what it isn't by Betty
• "Check my what?" On privilege and what you can do about it by Andrea Rubenstein
• Stephen King's Super-Duper Magical Negroes by Nnedi Okorafor-Mbachu
• Appropriate Cultural Appropriation by Nisi Shawl
• I Didn't Dream of Dragons by Deepa D.
• Mary Anne Mohanraj Gets You Up to Speed, Part II by Mary Anne Mohanraj
• White people, its not all about you, but for this post it is by Deepa D.