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Creating a map is an invaluable tool for writers, regardless of genre. While it’s especially crucial for sci-fi and fantasy writers building worlds from scratch, it’s also beneficial for any writer focusing on a specific area where the main events occur.
Consistency in Your Story
The first reason to draft a map is to ensure consistency. Without a map, it’s easy to have inconsistencies, like a trip from the post office to the bank taking two minutes in one scene and fifteen minutes in another. A map keeps you grounded and helps maintain logical flow in your narrative.
Inspiration for New Ideas
Even more importantly, mapping out your story’s setting can be a fantastic source of inspiration. Here’s why:
Detailed High School Setting: If your story takes place in a high school, mapping out where everyone's lockers are can lead to interesting scenarios. For instance, you might notice that the cute girl’s locker is just two spaces away from your nervous main character’s, providing an easy, coincidental way for them to interact.
Conflict and Tension: Perhaps the bully’s locker is right between your main character’s and the girl he likes, creating natural opportunities for tension and conflict.
Hidden Spots: Maybe the lockers are near a broom closet where couples go to kiss. Your character could witness his best friend kissing someone other than his girlfriend, adding layers of drama and intrigue.
Eavesdropping Opportunities: The lockers might be next to the office, where your main character can overhear the principal discussing rumors about ghosts in the school, introducing a supernatural element to your story.
The point is, you won’t know what cool new ideas you’re missing out on until you map out the area where your main events take place.
Give It a Try
So, give it a try and see what you come up with! Drafting a map can open up a world of possibilities, helping you create a more immersive and consistent story while also sparking fresh, unexpected ideas.
For more information about creating maps, listen to "DAY 7 Creating Maps" of The Novel Writing Podcast, hosted by our favorite author coach, Colleen Mitchell.
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