Monday, April 28, 2014

X: A to Z Blogging Challenge


Welcome to another day in the A to Z Blogging Challenge. Find the entire list here. My theme this year is world-building. Mostly I’m asking questions that I believe need to be considered whether you creating a medieval fantasy world, a science fiction story or even a contemporary novel. The ideas I present aren’t in a particular order as I had to fit them into the alphabetical order needed. And don’t forget to visit the other blog I’m part of during the A to Z Challenge over at the IWSG. Now onto your world.
If your world includes different species and races and perhaps even aliens, you might have to write in some xenophobia. If your characters live in an isolated community they could have serious reactions to interlopers. Make those strangers different in some way and the story is taking off.

XXX. That's cheating but when creating a world, think big. By big I mean lots of unique ideas that belong to only you. Your imagination can take you anywhere.

Did you come up with a good 'X' word? Are you keeping up with only two days left after today?

20 comments:

Heather R. Holden said...

Ooh, good point about xenophobia. The potential for prejudice is always higher for characters in fantasy/sci-fi works...

Nana Prah said...

I admire fantasy writers. They have a way of creating something that wasn't there before. Xenophobia would make a great conflict.

Michelle Wallace said...

I could probably write an entire series with the theme of Xenophobia... and I'm not talking about the fantasy/sci-fi context...
only 2 more posts... we're almost there!

Stephanie Faris said...

X was a tough one. I think some people are behind...I read some S and T blogs yesterday that had just been posted! I guess as long as we make it to Z, it doesn't matter when!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Lots of alien interaction in my books.
I actually didn't have trouble with X today.

Nicki Elson said...

Thank goodness for the X-files or I'd have been scrambling for this letter.

Nicely done w/the xenophobia.

Madeline Mora-Summonte said...

Keeping up pretty well. I used a person's name for my X post, so that worked out okay for me. :)

Pat Hatt said...

Interlopers always cause a reaction with their interloping lol

Kristin said...

I used X-ray again but next year will be different. I've got the last two written. Now I need to work on the wrap up post.

Robin said...

Susan, I am dragging. I can't wait for April to end. That said, I have enjoyed your theme. It has been an excellent reminder that there are so many things to consider when crafting your story. You have me rethinking some of my choices.

L. Diane Wolfe said...

That's why I didn't participate this year. I knew I couldn't keep up.

Chrys Fey said...

Xenophobia is a popular one today, but each post I've seen has tackled it in a different way. I like your idea about isolated characters fearing interlopers.

B~Natrelle said...

Hello there. I've come across a few Xenophobic posts today, including mine! Thanks for sharing. Enjoy the rest of the challenge.
Entrepreneurial Goddess

Joylene Nowell Butler said...

My theme was writing related, so I had trouble coming up with an X. Finally settled on X-Factor. Xenophobia is a good one.

Cate Masters said...

Thinking outside the box is a great exercise! :)

Birgit said...

I am still hanging and plan to, to the end:) This was a tough one but I love the ingenuity of people. My mind is dirty so I think of people who are different but in an xxx sort of way:)

Liz Blocker said...

'xxx' might be cheating, but I'm pretty sure that 90% of us cheated today! And the xenophobia question is a great one, so that definitely counts.

Ava Quinn said...

I can't believe we're almost done! And xenophobia definitely makes for some good conflict!

Patricia Stoltey said...

I think we've made it, Susan. I already have Y and Z pre-scheduled, so I will survive another year of A to Z. Next year, it's going to be short and pithy. No more ambitious multiple themes.

Carrie-Anne said...

Since I write historical, I've had to write characters who either deal with xenophobia or who are xenophobic themselves. When the opportunity naturally presents itself, and it feels appropriate, I've also condemned the xenophobic immigration quotas the U.S. had in place from 1921 until 1965, xenophobic quotas that trapped many good would-be American citizens in extremely dangerous situations.