When I started world-building to distract myself during a period of mental ill health, I never envisioned that it would ignite such a major spark of passion in my heart for writing. Neither did I expect to find myself part of the nicest community on the internet!
But here I am, over 6 months on from joining World Anvil, preparing for my first summer camp, feeling not quite so alone as before.
So without further ado, here is my pledge document — boy am I excited!
Which project are your world-building efforts tied to?
In terms of projects, the priority will be to add lore to the setting for my WIP novel ‘The Wardens of Ethera’.
My dream is to create a detailed world setting to use not only as a setting for a series of novels but also as a TTRPG setting.
Therefore, even if I stray a little off track with my world-building efforts, I am still creating lore which may serve a different purpose in the future (so I won’t be too hard on myself).
What world are you working on?
Astaeria, a small region in the mysterious world of Ethera.
Which area of the world(s) are you working on?
I want to focus on areas of world-building which will make my novel a more immersive body of work. Without giving too much away, this will include the continent of Elvara, with particular emphasis on Springbrook, the City of Malvarron, the Jagged Mountains and the Barren Wastes.
Astaeria Post-Vanguard Revolution
How much are you aiming to complete?
Whenever I challenge myself with my writing, I always have two goals in mind.
The first goal is my idealist goal. A goal which may be outside my reach because of personal circumstances, but one that is still useful to keep in mind on an aspirational level.
The second is my realistic goal. A goal where I keep in mind the minimum that I will be happy with and set my expectations according to that level. This goal aims to avoid burnout, and putting too much pressure on myself at the expense of my mental health.
Realistically, I am aiming to complete 10 prompts. If I can do that, I will be happy that I’ve taken part, earned a shiny and achieved something.
In an ideal world, achieving the gold badge would make me the happiest bean!
So in summary, I’m going for Gold (but I will be happy with Copper)!
When will you write?
Simply, whenever I can. I have a very busy July planned with unavoidable responsibilities. Whilst I think it will be stressful, I am aiming to spend most of my free time writing. I will also be carrying around a notepad so that I can jot down ideas for the prompts, whilst I’m out and about, to help me when I find the time to sit at my desk and write at my computer.
Who is your support network?
I have a fairly large
Twitter following, full of supportive beans, some are World Anvilites but all are mostly creators, writers and enthusiastic individuals from the TTRPG space. Twitter is where I will promote my work and also the work of others which I have enjoyed.
I also have a Discord server for writers and world-builders where I have created an inclusive space for asking advice, sounding off ideas, and gaining other motivation and encouragement. If you would like to join, you can find the Writers’ Guild
here.
Summary
"I Gilly-May Hartill pledge to engage with Summer Camp 2021 as much as physically and mentally possible.
I will complete at least 10 article prompts in July and any more than that will be a bonus.
I also promise to support the World Anvil Community as much as possible by reading, sharing, and liking articles completed by other sweet beans in the community.
Good luck everyone!"
Welcome to your first Summer Camp! We'll be here to cheer you on, and sounds like you have a good support network too! Good luck! :D
Thanks Emy, I'm rooting for you too! Good luck!