My stories usually begin with the characters and some…
“My stories usually begin with the characters and some elements of how power (personal, political, magical) functions in the world. The rest develops as I write, and research helps a great deal with that. If you're going to write about an agrarian economy, research agrarian economies. If your main character is starving, then you should know what it means for a malnourished body to break down.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
She emphasizes that world‑building starts with power dynamics and that thorough research on relevant topics (e.g., agrarian economies, nutrition) grounds the story’s realism.
In simple terms: Start with power structures; research details.
Key Takeaway
Base stories on power and accurate research.
Themes
world‑building
research
power dynamics
Mood
analytical
creative
Type
literary
educational
When to use this quote
- Fantasy novel planning
- historical fiction
- game design
- academic study
Key Concepts
Economic systems
human physiology
magical lore
Questions to Reflect On
- How does power shape character motivation?
- When is research too much?
A Different Perspective
Risk of over‑research stifling creativity.