2022 Reading Challenge

Reading Articles

Recommended Articles

Truth Spark

I adore Dani's writings, and this bit of Prose is such a beautiful example. Luridity is a Romance 18+ NSFW world, but if you are looking for wholesome romance Luridity is exactly where you want to go. Truth Spark, an in-work novel, is a lovely example of this. Dani's writing has really encouraged me to expand my own writing horizons as far as romance and relationships are concerned, and this prose is no exception. Also a great example of worldbuilding in prose to really hook the reader into the setting, something I still need to practice.

Pea Shanklet

Dr Emily Vair-Turnbull's articles are always a treat, and the Pea Shanklet is no exception. From its fitting yet deceptively cute name, to the details on not only the mushroom itself but also its impact on the surrounding area and culture, there's a lot of inspiration here to help me better my own species.

Hirschmall

Naelin has so many amazing articles, and this WorldEmber was no exception. I'll have to admit, though, the Hirschmall might have to be my favorite. The art alone really brings these cuties to life, and it's so exciting to see them written out. Naelin's descriptions here focus not only on the creatures but also their impacts on the societies around them, and in how they are viewed by others. It's a good reminder to me to look beyond just the creature itself, as tying them into the world makes the world feel bigger and more lived in, and really brings the article to life in the process. (Also a good reminder that art doesn't have to be serious to add an impact! I love these guys so much.)

Mapfolk

So of course needs to be in my list. All the articles in Melior are great for their own purposes. This one stood out to me because I feel professions are often overlooked, but they're an important part of cultures and everyday life. Mapfolk was a good reminder that politics are also very much a part of professions, and an aspect I often overlook. Not everyone will view every job the same way, and it's those differences that really help add depth.
As a bonus, also check out the Corvidans. I have this article in my reading list for use as the gold standard when writing sophont species. There are too many nice touches to list without turning this article into an in depth analysis. Just read it. You'll be glad you did.

Lady Oriane Merisse

I love how Amélie I. S. Debruyne tells Lady Merisse's story across multiple articles on different topics throughout the setting, and then linked together in her profile. This would be a fun method to emulate. I have done some micro stories before but nothing quite so involved as this one, and it really works well.

Magic in Valabrad

I am a sucker for fun magic systems. Melu's magic in Valabrad is a simplistic set of abilities focused heavily on the source of the gift of magic in the first place, and a lovely reminder of the beauty and detail that can be found in even the simplest systems. I hope to write up my magic system for Vazdimet this year, and will be carrying these reminders forward into that project, particularly with regard to the source of the magic as I intend for that to be a little more important in Vazdimet than it was in Fillimet.

Hottest Spices living quarters

's world of Hislariya has been a joy to explore and I can't wait to read more. This particular article dives into the living spaces of the Hottest Spices spice shop, and presents a beautiful piece of character worldbuilding just by showing these more private, personal spaces and how each resident and the group as a whole use the space. A good reminder that solid worldbuilding is in the details, and that when describing things sometimes we can see a more by looking at the space the object of our attention occupies, rather than the thing or person themselves. It certainly feels a more intimate way to learn about them... And it works very well here.

Captain

If you want to learn more about naval ships and navigation, Bart Weergang's world is a great resource. This one stands out for me in his WorldEmber articles, as I need to write out my own ranks for Vazdimet at some point and he does a beautiful job here emphasizing some of the details a lot of people overlook. A good reminder to me to bring in the "human factor" ("sophont factor"?) when I go back to working on my own.

Honloo Dust Ocean

C. B. Ash writes some great stuff. This one really stood out to me, as a great example of thinking outside the box on geography. The way he ties everything into the people of the planet too is great, and I can't help but wonder about the creatures that call this home. Definitely a good reminder to me to look beyond the norms when I write my own planetary geographies. Not every planet is like Earth, nor should they be.

Dragons

I am all about unique takes on old standards, and Annie Stein's article on dragons and how they spawn from hoards fits the bill nicely. The addition of an entire bank and currency system based on the abilities of these dragons is a beautiful touch, and a good reminder to me that one iteration of unique spins should always spawn another. How will people react differently to the new take? Because they always will.

Bonus Reading

A few bonus reading recommendations, if you are seeking phenomenal prose.

Tempting the TAG

Dr Emily Vair-Turnbull has been writing an amazing story in Vazdimet, one of my own worlds, and I cannot recommend it enough. They really bring the setting and the people to life and I am in love and so excited to see how it ends.

The Void Between

I am so behind on The Void Between and so can't read the new articles yet but if you haven't been following R. Dylon Elder's world you need to fix that! Phenomenal.

2022 Goals

I am trying to be kind to myself this year, especially with the pandemic, so my 2022 goals are pretty relaxed. Primarily I want to keep writing, and not lose the momentum I have so far. I want to poke at my magic articles for Vazdimet to work on classifying them. I have a set of novels planned, already wrote the first drafts of Books 1 and 2 in my Mordena Dawn series, and would love to finish 3 and 4 so I can stop keeping secrets from Dr Emily Vair-Turnbull and continue coauthoring the Jake and Lira Trilogy, working title: The Shoe of Destinee. I've always kept my goals pretty flexible, but this is what is important to me right now.
How about you?