Questions for the group at large

[dragonjournal]

I've just finished one manuscript, and in setting it aside, realised that for the first time in eight months... I can ignore it. Which means that I can dip into the Well Of Ideas (TM) again.

While I'm moving in five days, I can still work on world building and character building. Especially since my next main character hasn't sat up and argued with me yet.

So, this is my question:

What are your favourite ways to world build/flesh out characters?
What are your favourite websites/questionnaires?

I've got more than a few already bookmarked:

World Builder Projects A very nice link list that leads other places.

World Building Another link list.

Writing Sci/Fantasy More world building and writing suggestions.

Character setting and integration worksheet What it says on the box.

Patricia C. Wrede's Worldbuilding Questions

That's what I've got, so far. Anyone have any others to add?

Comments

[meleanna]

This is a great question...basically because I never thought about it.

Usually I start with a short story. Some idea comes to me, about a page to three pages long, that establish a conflict and a character. Then I go back and look at where the character is, what information I do have from that story and try and develop a culture around it.

And from the culture usually the rest of the world develops.

I guess that is backwards, in real life my teachers used to say the culture came from the surroundings. So I do my research backwards. But it works for me.

Again, thanks for the conversation. I love looking at what I do and why - and I look forward to seeing if some of these sites you all have suggested can help some of my orphans find new life.