I've always been pleased in various reviews of my books to hear my settings praised. There's nothing I like better than building a world of my own, whether in my Cat Shaffer books and short stories or my Cammie Eicher paranormals.
Whether it's a small town, such as in "Kentucky Blues" or "No Safe Place," or the society of the vampires in my Shadow Ancient books, I feel like I'm living there when I'm writing. Of course, I've already designed the world when I start, which makes it soooo much easier,
So for you writers out there, I'd like to offer some tips on world building from my experience.
Start with a location that suits your characters. "Kentucky Blues" had to take place in a small town, where everyone knows everyone. In a big city, no one would care if Hannah Drummond had a younger man living with her. The fictional small town of Brookville is based on nearly every small town I've lived in, yet unique in its own way.
My vampires live in Old Louisville, a part of Louisville, Kentucky, that really lends itself to the supernatural. Their world, however, is more than location. It's the way their society is structured, the rituals that tie them together and their need to live hidden from us "short life" humans.
Next, put people in your world. Yes, of course you know your important characters. But populate your world with others as well, the kind of folks you naturally run into in the course of your life. Examples of this: The grocery store owner in "Kentucky Blues" and the old lady with the big car in "No Safe Place." They add color and depth to your world.
Consistency is important. If your world changes toward the end of the book, go back and lay the groundwork for the changes. Don't puzzle the reader by making them wonder where a building or street suddenly came from.
Last of all, have fun. Throw in a purple house, a quirky character or a brick street from time to time.
Now if you'll excuse me, it's time for to retreat to my own little world – populated primarily by stacks of "stuff," my 15-year-old computer and my gray tabby cat who loves to sleep on top of the printer.
Cat Shaffer/Cammie Eicher
Now available in print from Resplendence Publishing: "Out of the Shadows," Book 1 of the Shadow Ancient series by Cammie Eicher
Coming in May from Turquoise Morning Press: "Bittersweet" by Cat Shaffer
