Developing a Fantasy World

When I tell people I know that I have developed an entire world, I usually get the same responses:

"Wow, you have a really big imagination..." or "How did you possibly do all that?", or even the occasional "You are so weird."

But that's okay! 

I think developing a fantasy world is easy and tons of fun. The possibilities are endless and there is no written rule about where you have to take your people, places, and things. Developing the world of Omordion in my debut novel, Secret of Omordion, was extremely delightful. I fell in love with the characters I created, the lands...even the rivers and the streams meant so much to me. I created eight countries who differ from each other like gold to silver, enchanted and even dead forests, snowy mountain ranges, oceans and seas, and lush tropical islands just to name a few.

Did I mention the other planets I created in my universe? Yes, I created an universe. I speak of only six of them in my books but there are so many more beyond Omordion's solar system. Developing those worlds has also allowed me to create their own histories and, although some stories are quite tragic, take my readers through the journey that brought the Dokami clan to Omordion. In Book Two: Rise of Jmugea, I go back to where it all began, planet Jmugea, and expose the biggest secret of all which will rock Omordion's very core in present time.

The world of Omordion became my world. My creation. If you could develop your own world, what would it look like?

Map of Omordion

created by Nande Orcel

Nande Orcel is the debut Author of Secret of Omordion: Book One of the Omordion Trilogy. Learn more about her and her epic fantasy novel at nandeorcel.com and follow her on Twitter @nande_orcel.

My First Book Launch Event

After a dozen minor tweaks and grammatical fixes, I finally felt ready to have a book launch event for my debut novel, Secret of Omordion. Sure, it has been a mere 7 months since my book was published, but hey, better late than never? *sigh. Nevertheless, my book launch event was underway so I had lots to do to prepare.

I found myself focusing more on the decorations, booking the venue, and what I'm going to say when the time came to speak--than the actual inviting. What is an event without people right? Right. So in a last ditch effort, I scrambled to invite as many people as possible hoping beyond all hope that I will get a good turnout despite the last minute invites on the start of Memorial Day weekend. Not. Good.

So, after rolling up in a fetal position in the corner crying (not literally) I went to the event with my head held high and was pleasantly surprised that a lot of people came, despite the last minute invites, to show their love and support which put a huge smile on my face.

All of the nervousness and perspiration I had been feeling all day instantly washed away as I signed book after book, writing personalized messages on each one as my readers and supporters patiently waited.

Excitedly I made my much anticipated and rehearsed speech and read an excerpt from Secret of Omordion, laughing when my 3 month old niece so wonderfully interrupted me with a speech of her own, and set the book down to a chorus of applause. Music to my ears :) And then we had cake!

Overall, it was an amazing experience. The support I received was overwhelming. Especially from the people who came at the last minute. I definitely know how to do things a little better next time (like getting the word out way, way, way in advance ;))

Best wishes with your first book launch event!!

Take care,

Nande

Nande Orcel is the debut Author of Secret of Omordion: Book One of the Omordion Trilogy. Learn more about her and her epic fantasy novel at nandeorcel.com and follow her on Twitter @nande_orcel.