Hi ,
First off, if you don't know who Stephen King is, for shame.
He's basically a god of storytelling, that's how prolific he is. He's frequently referenced by many on what to do to build tension and keep a reader turning the pages. That being said, god or not, guru, expert in the field, or whatever, sometimes it's okay to ignore their advice.
What is true for them, isn't true for everyone.
I was scrolling through Twitter, as one does when they are procrastinating what they should actually be doing... ahem, yes, I should have been writing... but it's okay, because well, don't lie, you were scrolling through the socials too, AND, isn't me talking to you now... writing?
Anyways, to the point.
Stephen King tweeted: “World-building” is a phrase I really wish would be retired. Not only is it sloppy and lazy, it has become trite.
Okay, hold up, WHoooah, back up, and wash your twittery fingers with soap Stephen King! I love you, but... no, just no.
World-building is such a sacred word for people who love to write fantasy and science fiction novels!
There are shirts and memes about this world-building he speaks of. Shirts do not lie!... okay, maybe that's a bit far, but you get my point. SACRED!
But, I can see his point. The word is not widely used correctly by all, but does that mean we should retire it?
So, it got me to thinking about what world-building means, since it's one of those words that fills my heart with joy when I get a review that includes the word alongside "great", "well done", and "loved it!"
I have to agree with Eric, who tweeted in reply: What else would it be called, "imagineering?"
I mean the word world-building, more or less, in terms of how most readers view it, including myself, is the ability to be immersed into the fictional world. That there was just enough information to set the reader's feet on solid ground, but not so much that they can't let their imaginations percolate on the possibilities, creating their own perfect rendering for themselves of what is given.
What are your thoughts on what Stephen King tweeted?
I, for one, am going to ignore that he said such a thing at all. There are many helpful, and valuable things he's said over the years, this one... well, that's up for debate.
I have yet to have any reviews on Kingdom of Acatalec that have said, you know that world-building, what does that even mean? It claims to have such wonderful world-building and I did not get sucked in at all! I read all the way to the end, and was left wanting for more... HOW dare you get me hooked on Tyler's mundane life as a drone pilot in the heart of Seattle, ONLY to be whisked away into a magical adventure in a parallel world connected to Earth, with deadly drone races, and ---gasp--- handsome mysterious love interests! Pft, the romance was so slow burn, that I was frustrated she didn't mount her crush by the end of the book... they didn't even KISS! What are we, back in historical times where they have to marry each other first? Who cares that her life is in danger, and being with him is difficult to do while being tracked down by a murderer? For serious... get your act together author!
I feel like that is another separate email, perhaps I'll do a whole bit on what would a 1-star review actually look like parody. For adventure, action, mystery, page-turning plot, great WORLD-BUILDING, slow-burn romance amidst dangerous drone races, and a kick-ass heroine who rocks a wheelchair, then grab the copy of Kingdom of Acatalec you got stashed in your e-reader and dive in here: https://buy.bookfunnel.com/4o4tvk01b6
Chat later,
Your friendly book weirdo, Stevie, mom of humans in training, I consider my hubby part of that training squad... and lover of all things fantastical, and WORLD-BUILDING fun.
You can check out Kingdom of Acatalec here, it's available on e-book, audiobook, and print anywhere that you get the things, from Amazon, Audible, to the Nook, and beyond:
https://buy.bookfunnel.com/4o4tvk01b6
I'm also a huge advocate for libraries, so go ahead and bug your local library to reserve a copy.
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