Maps

      I sat down today to create a map of the land my fantasy novel happens in.  I did not think it was really needed, i just needed something to use for an excuse to ignore my writer's block:)  I was thinking, "This won't be hard at all!  I'll just put a mountain here, river here, the town there, no problem."   I was dead wrong.

      I discovered that maps play a HUGE part of a book, especially fantasy.  I realized that where the 'Oceen's' territory was would determine the way the wars where fought.  A mountain setting and a seashore setting would result in very different warfare!  Also, you have to consider how far apart everything should be.  Should the civilized  town be just 5 miles from the Oceens or 50?  Do the Bellums live near the town or not?  Where is the trading post?  If there is a river, who is allowed to boat down it?  Who is allowed to trap and fish on it?  Are there bridges?  If so who controls them?  See what i mean, maps are hard!

     All of those little details like who controls the bridges on the river can make or break a novel's setting.  I discovered several plot problems while thinking out my map.  I also realized how little i really knew about my newly created world.  Making a map may seem unnecessary, but it is NEEDED!   They are incredible helpful.  So, even though it will take a long time and a lot of thought, i am going to finish my map:)