Well, I cleaned up my map as well as I could, though you might not be able to tell looking at it. I was going to add color, but I think that made it too “computery”, so I’m leaving it black and white.
The purpose for creating this map was to help me visualize the journey my character is going to go on. This acts as a sort-of outline in that as you move along the map you move along in the plot. This is a rough draft and there aren’t proper place names yet, as I haven’t thought that stuff up yet (that’s what draft 1 of the story is for).
Making this map helped me think of bits of the story I still need to add (conflict!) and I’m working on that. Overall, it was a fun process.
My map making process:
- Draw Draft 1 in pencil on plain white printer paper
- Draw Draft 2 in Sharpie or whatever dark, black marker (scans better)
- Scan in the image
- Fix things up in Photoshop (or whatever image editing software) duplicating items such as trees on the computer rather than by hand
- Print the map on “special paper” (I will do this when I get home)
- Post to the blog and hope not to make a fool of myself
Anyhow, here’s the map. Click on the image below to make it bigger.
The Struggling Writer 
Why do I get the impression you had lots of fun doing this!? 🙂 Love it! Reminds me a bit of the map I did for my first children’s fantasy.
Thanks Absolute Vanilla… (& Atyllah)! It was fun. Now I need to get back to the proper planning.
Wow.
Maybe I should try a map, even though my artistry doesn’t really go beyond hearts and letters.
That is pretty amazing dude.
dragonfly
Thanks curbxstomp! It really helped me visualize my story.
Cool story map! And I like the turtle… er, dragon. 😉
I haven’t been able to add you to my NaNo buddy list yet — the search-for-author button seems to be gone. Hopefully the site will have all the glitches worked out by the 1st.
Love it. I just really love looking at other writers’ processes and actually SEEING how they think. Oh, and thanks for reminding me to go over mine with a marker before scanning. Er, when I finally get around to finishing it.
Yes, visualizing is so helpful, especially if you are that kind of learner. Sometimes it’s a good way to get out of a slump … by taking a visual or auditory approach. Maybe floorplans of castles (or whatver buildings are in your story) would also be helpful when you get to that part of the story?
I like the map! When I did my teaching practice we got the children to plan their stories by drawing a story board first – visualizing the story first certainly helped them with detail when they came to write it. Rather like your map!
I’m saving this in hopes that I can do it when I’m bored at school or something. Needless to say, I think it’s a great idea and I’m definately going to keep in mind. You don’t know just how much you’ve helped me. You know, I just might add you as a friend on nanowrimo.
That is so cool and the story looks as if it’s going to be really interesting too.
I sat down to draw my map today, then, just before my pencil could touch the paper, there was a thunderstorm that woke up Kikzy! Huh… it was a bit like a film when something grim is about to happen and the sky darkens and there is a clap of thunder. I don’t think my drawing skills are that bad! I’m going to try again tomorrow.
Paulie, if this dragon came in the size of our house, I would be really afraid!
(I have just seen the name I used. Sorry I don’t know why I called you liked that. I did not mean to be ruse or anything inproper.)
You are so enthusiastic. Thank you for being like that, because I find it inspiring. Keep the posts coming. 😀
I can see how useful it will be for you to have a visual idea of your protagonist’s journey. I’m quite excited to find out what’s meant by ‘items 1, 2 and 3’ and what sort of antagonist he’ll meet!
SzélsőFa – don’t worry about the name. I smiled when I saw myself referred to as “Paulie”. As far as the size of the dragon, you should’ve seen the size of the cows on the farm before I made them smaller on the computer.
Diane – Thanks! I had fun making it.
Helen – I hope you post your map too. I’m sure your drawing skills didn’t cause the thunder and you probably feel better about your artistic abilities after seeing mine!
Karen – the only way I can keep myself focused is if I keep up this enthusiasm. Some days are harder than others.
Soph – ‘items 1, 2 and 3′ were notes to myself about things I still need to think about. I don’t know what they are either!
WriterGurlLW – I’m glad this helped. Feel free to add me as a friend. Good luck with nanowrimo.
Those are some awesome-looking cows, I have to say.
I really like your map.
I find myself doing the same sorts of things (though not as computer savy as you). I couldn’t describe some boxes in my story so I made them, so I could see them. Only problem was I spent a good bit of time doing it, and it stalled my acutual writing. But it was fun, and I am glad I have them.
Not to be pesky or anything, but I don’t think your dragon likes being called Item 3, it takes away a bit from his mighty concept of self.
Taffiny – Thanks! I could totally see myself getting caught up in drawing stuff and stalling on actual writing.
“I don’t think your dragon likes being called Item 3, it takes away a bit from his mighty concept of self” – he he he 🙂
I love it!
Thank you for posting it up!
paperback writer – no problem. I’m glad you liked it!
Cool. I drew a map of my fantasy world sometime last year. My NaNoWriMo fantasy is my first attempt of actually writing something after procrastinating for the past fourteen years. And I’m amazed at how much I churned out of the past six days.
good sweet i need some inspration for my story
Thanks so much for posting the link!
Love your Nano map. Making maps helps me finetune my plot. Have you ever checked out Holly Lisle’s Map-making exercise? She’s a multi-published fantasy author.
http://bit.ly/bHsR4c
Hello.
I am a teacher in Korea,
Currently being studied at the University.
Writing papers, which I would like to quote a your figure.
Is it possilbe?
Of course, by showing the source is quoted.
Thank you.
Sure! Also, make sure you stop back here and tell me how it went.
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thank you for this! A lovely example of a story map to add to my collection celebrating the art form, here – hope you’re ok with that!
No problem!
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