writing – Page 2 – Derik Lopes

At this moment, I am working on the next title for the Before Ember series. And it made me think about the difficulty in writing a whole book on my own again.

It was quite a challenge writing the first book, The Withered. About six years I’d say had been spent figuring out how to lay out the story. Many times, I have changed the plot, the characters, the setting, the themes, everything that you can think of! Not to mention, I have also struggled with health issues that prevented me from going back. There were times when I couldn’t even remember where I last left off. And because of that, I’ve had to start from scratch a couple of times. But after some sessions and the loving support from my family, I eventually prevailed and managed to finish what I had started.

If you’re interested, check out my book on Amazon!

One key factor that allowed me to see this through to the end was the idea of a story never getting its conclusion. And unfortunately, there are many different stories that might not be finished. One example I can think of is Hunter X Hunter. Another is an underrated cartoon called Infinity Train (if anyone knows that show, you rock). Both of them are great, but they are both struggling for different reasons. For Hunter X Hunter, it is on a hiatus due to the author’s (Yoshihiro Togashi) health issues. And as for Infinity Train, it got cancelled due to the darker elements and mature storylines that children would not be able to relate to. Either way, it is incredibly disheartening that these series might not be able to continue and finish.

So, for me, I don’t want that to happen to me down the line. Whether it’s because I am suffering health issues again or financial problems, I’d want to see these stories I have held in my mind come to fruition. Because they are begging to be written out!

A good form of practice that I have used to keep up with the writing process is reaching a word count. Many authors have practiced this method. For some, they would write 1000 words a day. Others have gone over and done 5000 words a day. For me, I stick to the 1000 words.

Another suggestion would be to get some exercise. After all, a healthy body will lead to a healthy mind. It has certainly helped clear my head. A simple walk through the park would also help to. An hour spent outside would be more than beneficial.

Any method is important if you want to craft and write out your story from start to finish. At the end of it all, you can give yourself a pat on the back for a job well done! And I am very thankful to those who have supported me throughout the process! It means a lot!

I cannot wait to get the ball rolling for this next book of mine!

So, I’ve only recently published my first book this month! And it made me reflect on everything that got me to that point. Not just in terms of the storyline.

Now, like many others, I found myself as someone who can be creative if you really put your mind to it. More often than not, it had a lasting effect on me since I was a young child. I mean, has there ever been a time during your childhood where your imagination runs wild? To the point where you can almost visually experience it through your own eyes? That was me. And that is where we can integrate that through worldbuilding.

First, you imagine the characters, almost the same as having an imaginary friend. Next, you pretend that you’re in this world with them or you imagine the world for them. And finally, you make up a story. As you grow, you then start to put that kind of mindset to practice through worldbuilding.

Once you do, you can start laying out the details like a blueprint. For me, I had the inspiration to finally draw some maps for my fantasy world. At the beginning, it didn’t stick. That and I wasn’t the best when it came to drawing.

Compared to how it was as a kid, worldbuilding does take a lot when it comes to setting things in motion. As a kid, you don’t think much about the details. Maybe you only thought about a forest or cave. Now, you start to rethink about the landmasses, landmarks, the cities, the towns, everything.

And there are many different factors that can bolster the worldbuilding. Inspirations such as architecture, culture, and social interactions also play a vital role. It can be as detailed as you want it to be. And it can also be as simple as serving yourself an apple for breakfast.

It can be tiresome because you might sometimes think that it is not good enough. Everyone might think that you are not very innovative with your ideas. That is called being in a thinking trap. I have ended up in those thinking traps, more than once, every time I throw an idea in the trash. But as soon as you finish what you’ve started, your confidence and self-expression can stand out.

And the best part? You can put in as many stories as you want.

With that being said, it is imperative that if we want to be creative and share, we have to allow ourselves to let the creative juices flow. Even if you weren’t imaginative at an early age, it is always possible to accomplish something when you put your heart and mind into it.

And that has to be where the beauty of it originates. Many times, people have approached life in a more tactical and logical way. And that is fine. For those who’ve held onto that creative side of themselves, they can break free and let loose their own style.

And at the end of it, the kid you once were would be very happy and proud of what you were able to do as an adult!

I can proudly say that I have crafted a fantasy world and I’m very excited to share some more stories in the future!

Tag: writing

From Start to Finish

The Beauty of Worldbuilding