Books have been my escape and playtime for almost as long as I can remember. One of the things that has always fascinated me about books is how there can be an entirely different world inside. Sometimes the world looks like my world, and I can relate well to what’s going on. Other times the world is so strange that I have to rely on the characters to connect. It astounds me that authors create these worlds from well, nothing really. Sure there are influences from life or other stories, but the nitty gritty details are what make the story believable.
Take Lord of the Rings as an example. One detail: Hobbits are inherently good and less fallible than humans. It is this one little (or very large) detail that makes it possible for Frodo to carry the Ring all the way to Mount Doom, when any of the humans, elves or even a Maiar such as Gandalf, would fail. This is why we get Frodo and Sam, Merry and Pippin, and, of course, Bilbo, lovable, good-hearted folk that are necessary for the plot to succeed. One choice means it has to be a Hobbit instead of any other character that destroys the ring.
This is one detail, in maybe millions, that Tolkien had to decide upon as he created Middle Earth. Clothing, society, economies, communities, and so many more details including an entire language – he created them all. I am in awe of all the tiny things that make those stories work. And, though I don’t aspire to be Tolkien, I’m a bit paralyzed when I look at all the details of my two worlds and the many decisions I will make amongst the characters who live there.
Both of my worlds have Earth and our society/history as a base, but neither are worlds that exist currently. One world is futuristic, and the other is almost archaic. They have some things in common, but each world is mostly unaware of the other. The plot moves on; the characters react to the narrative, and the worlds must support each detail.
What a fun and daunting adventure I’ve embarked upon! I look forward to sharing more details of my worlds as I can.
(I wonder, should there be dragons?) 😉
We all need something that excites us and moves us. In your case it is reading for me it was music. Depending on what I played it would change my mood for the better or the worse. Even to this day I love listening to music. I am proud to call you my daughter-in-law and I know this book will be your silver lining accomplishment. Love Mom