Fantasy Cartography

By Annûniel · Nov 6, 2010 · 630 · 11
  1. One of the aspects of fantasy writing is the maps that you find in virtually all published novels. I always find myself flipping back to them to learn where things are located in relation to each other. So the creation of my own fantasy story can't be complete without its own map. I wouldn't think it would be an easy task by any measure, but I didn't imagine the amount of frustration that I get from attempting it.

    I know that my frustrations stem from my own desires to satisfy my detail-oriented self. I'm not satisfied with just a rectangular block of land and water as most fantasy authors are. No, I have to have a fully designed map that could be placed on a globe... well within some reason. Only a small portion of it may end up in the book I'm writing, but I do plan on writing more books with this world.

    This task is a lot more daunting than it sounds. Sometimes I get overwhelmed by it and have to stop to save my mind from frustrations. Other times, I grumble about wanting a tablet PC to make my life easier and keep everything proportionate. I could easily draw zoomed in and out versions of the same area, but it would take a considerably large amount of effort to keep them within the correct proportions without the aid of a computer. But drawing on a computer is virtually inconceivable for me. Thus, I am stuck with the frustrations of my own limitations.

    While you only need a pen and paper (or keyboard and computer) to write, I could really use a Tablet PC and stylus to create maps.

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  1. Taylee91
    Do you have a scanner? Just draw out your map and upload it to your computer. It's gotta be a lot easier than regular Microsoft Paint.

    I agree. Like the Chronicles of Narnia, having a map tucked in between the pages is a delight. It's something else to do besides writing too.
    Taylee91, Nov 6, 2010
  2. Melzaar the Almighty
    I guess you just need really big paper? :p
    Melzaar the Almighty, Nov 6, 2010
  3. Eunoia
    Personally, I'd just draw the map on a really big piece of squared paper. Makes it easier to sort the dimensions out and you can rub any mistakes out etc. and then you get the fun of colouring it in. :D
    Eunoia, Nov 6, 2010
  4. Melzaar the Almighty
    You can get this epic-sized squared paper in craft/fabric shops. You're only meant to use it for making patterns I think, but it could be good for maps too. :D
    Melzaar the Almighty, Nov 6, 2010
  5. Annûniel
    I do have a scanner, tayleea, and I have used it, but it leads problems with different scaled maps accuracy and consistency. I wouldn't have the ability to create "zoomed in" maps. Le sad. =\

    I may get an epic-sized paper for the meantime, but I don't know how to store such a thing! I wouldn't dream of folding it!

    I'm 99% sure I'll be getting a tablet PC for my book and schooling anyways. I'd also get a desktop for general internet uses as well. My current laptop fails at portability and functionality, so it's not like it doesn't need to be replaced. I just went with the more expensive multiple computer option. :p
    Annûniel, Nov 7, 2010
  6. Taylee91
    ^Oh darn :| Yeah, if it's not the ink, it's some other problem. Scanners/printers can be a big time hassle. Ooh, I hope you are able to get it to your computer somehow :D
    Taylee91, Nov 8, 2010
  7. Eunoia
    If you don't want to fold the epic sized paper, you should just draw the map on a wall in your bedroom or something. :p
    Eunoia, Nov 8, 2010
  8. w176
    Maps is one of the things artist finds easier doing for hand if you want a handmade look. At least for the sketch and then there will be some digital cleaning to be expected. And since you are going to clean it up, folding it isn't an issue, feel free to do so. Just rolling the paper is fine too. Smudging the openwork is an issue but can be solved with a thin layer of ordinary hairspray. Scanning it just takes a trip to a copy shop, or a library.

    But a map meant for the inside of the book cover wound not need to be drawn in much bigger scale then an actual book. Twice the size would suffice.
    w176, Nov 8, 2010
  9. jonathan hernandez13
    Why do fantasy novels always have maps??? Am I just dense or is it a convention that began with Tolkien? Then again Herbert did it for his Dune saga too...

    I just don't see why it has to have one unless it's central to the plot or you're making a very detailed world.

    I dunno, sometimes the maps seem like alot of unnecessary effort. I would concentrate more on the story and worry about the map afterwards. Just me >_>
    jonathan hernandez13, Nov 9, 2010
  10. Melzaar the Almighty
    I guess it's just a way of procrastinating? I do it when I'm thinking about the story and need to get my mind straight. But a lot of the time it turns out I knew exactly how it looked all along and didn't really need the map, so I just have a nice artwork to stick on my wall. :p
    Melzaar the Almighty, Nov 10, 2010
  11. Annûniel
    w176. Thanks for the tips! I'll keep them in mind. :)


    Like I said, I love maps and I know my book wouldn't be complete without one. And like you said, I'm making a very detailed world, so I need one.

    Besides, map creation has greatly enhanced the feasibility of the story. Why? Because the map creation creates a visualization of cities, countries, and general landmarks. Suddenly that random country you created for your story to take place in has several neighboring countries. The different cultures may clash, one might be slightly behind on technology and thus become slaves to the other. Etc, etc.
    Annûniel, Nov 10, 2010
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