Re-reading our old writing is one of the most cringe-worthy things we can endure as writers. In this final episode of season one, I'm going to read and critique the first chapter of my Sword and Scion series. Maybe we can both learn from my mistakes! All the sound effects included in my dramatic reading were arranged by my awesome brother Logan—who also happens to host a super epic podcast. Be sure to check out the Dairy Free Dude Podcast to learn about thriving with a serious dairy allergy! My website: https://jacksonegraham.wixsite.com/jackson-e-graham The Dairy Free Dude: https://dairyfreedudeid.wixsite.com/mysite

After establishing the rudimentary basics of our storyworld, we've now come to the heart of worldbuilding—creating civilizations. In this final episode of my Worldbuilding miniseries, we're going to get to know the people of our storyworld and the events of its history. Visit my website: https://jacksonegraham.wixsite.com/jackson-e-graham Jill Williamson's Storyworld First Worldbuilding Worksheets: https://jillwilliamson.com/helps/ Positions in Medieval Society: https://jerusalemcross.info/en/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Medieval-People.pdf Economics for Everybody by R.C. Sproul Jr.: https://www.rightnowmedia.org/Content/Series/599?episode=Trailer

Welcome to the second episode in my miniseries on worldbuilding! As we spread out our map in front of us, we are faced with the challenge of bringing our storyworld to life. Our story's believably comes from research, planning, and much thought. As the construct in which the plot and characters live, our storyworld needs to have believable natural landscapes, creatures, and races.  Visit my website: https://jacksonegraham.wixsite.com/jackson-e-graham

Worldbuilding. It's at the center of every author's trade—especially those who write science fiction and fantasy. How do you create an entire world from scratch? In this series, I'll guide you through the process. And as with a lot of journeys, the adventure of worldbuilding begins with a map. Visit my website: https://jacksonegraham.wixsite.com/jackson-e-graham Hire someone to make your map: www.fiverr.com My favorite name generator: https://www.fantasynamegenerators.com/ Check out Aeon Timeline: https://jacksonegraham.wixsite.com/jackson-e-graham/resources Mapmaking Websites: www.inkarnate.com https://azgaar.github.io/Fantasy-Map-Generator/ https://watabou.itch.io/medieval-fantasy-city-generator Cartography Books: https://www.amazon.com/How-Draw-Maps-Charts-Pocket/dp/0746046588 https://www.amazon.com/How-Make-Hand-Drawn-Maps-Creative/dp/1452169918 https://www.amazon.com/How-Draw-Fantasy-Art-Maps/dp/1440340242 Understanding Scale: https://www.gislounge.com/understanding-scale/ http://historymatters.gmu.edu/mse/maps/question3.html

We all know about music genres. When it comes to writing, however, genre doesn't seem worth studying in depth. What if I told you that genre is not only a system to classify books, but a tool to help you connect with the minds of your readers?  Visit my website: https://jacksonegraham.wixsite.com/jackson-e-graham Check out Fawkes by Nadine Brandes: https://nadinebrandes.com/product/fawkes/

The end is within sight! And thankfully, we now leave the solitude of the desk to engage with our first readers—our beta-readers. What are beta-readers? And what happens after you find them? Let's see this through! Visit my website: https://jacksonegraham.wixsite.com/jackson-e-graham

Formatting. It's not just for computer nerds. For many, it is the most foreign and menacing aspect of publishing your book. And frankly, I don't blame them! That's why I'm going to walk you through the basic elements of formatting, as well as what problems to watch out for. Visit my website: https://jacksonegraham.wixsite.com/jackson-e-graham Check out Scrivener: https://a.paddle.com/v2/click/49535/109457?link=1570

With the big picture edit now out of our way, it's time to dive into the details of your story. The nitty gritty stuff. While this does pose a challenge, it also provides an opportunity to see our ultimate vision for the story affect even the smallest details of our manuscript. Visit my website: https://jacksonegraham.wixsite.com/jackson-e-graham Check out Autocrit: https://www.autocrit.com/?utm_source=Affiliate&utm_medium=Affiliate

After much sweat and (probably) tears, your manuscript is finally complete! Well, almost. It's time to face editing—but don't curl up into the fetal position just yet. Let's walk through the process, and watch your story come to life! Visit my website: https://jacksonegraham.wixsite.com/jackson-e-graham Check out Aeon Timeline: https://jacksonegraham.wixsite.com/jackson-e-graham/resources

We've tackled theme and character in depth, and now one thing lies between us and the thrill of writing—plot. While it is arguably the most concrete and understandable part of storytelling, it can easily get out of control if you don't know how to take command of it. Visit my website: https://jacksonegraham.wixsite.com/jackson-e-graham Hero's Journey 101: https://blog.reedsy.com/heros-journey/ Basic Plot Structure: https://thewritepractice.com/plot-structure/ Get Plottr! : https://jacksonegraham.wixsite.com/jackson-e-graham/resources