J.K. Rowling has created arguably the most fantastical world in contemporary times.
Her success in the Potter franchise is widely acknowledged.
Writing fantasy fiction in any form has not been my interest even though I love Harry Potter and the entire series. I was as captivated as any child, reading those books. Even though it’s not my genre as a writer, I respect Rowling’s genius in creating her amazing world.
If you want to get a glimpse of what’s involved in creating such a world then reading these insights is worth your while.
It’s through the detail and integrity of place and people that Rowling has captured her world for all to share.
Now, if you want to learn from a highly successful writer, then this video is one to watch.
Early on you will see that she was passionate about creating her world (even if she did get the train station wrong). The completeness of her notes and drawings and scribbles is a testament to someone who lived her imagination so continuously.
What you’ll also learn is how disorganised she may seem (though she knows where everything is) and, how focussed she was on the minutiae of her world to make it authentic.
Note: she redid chapter one some 15 times until she felt she had it right. (And I groan at doing my first edit!). It’s a great reminder to analyse your story to make sure you’re not giving away the plot too early and to feel ok letting some of your words go.
“It felt as though I was carving a book out of this mass of notes …condensing and editing and sculpting.” If you have enough material, you have the luxury of deciding what to leave out, what to put where and how to best massage your story.
Watch the video and make sure you take notes. Learn from the greats.
https://youtu.be/3qTKRZ9qilU