How to Make a Good Fantasy Map

Making a map of your fantasy world adds another level of depth.

Fantasies take place in worlds that are completely different from our own. Not only are the laws of physics often different, but there are usually fantastical creatures, strange plants and an entirely different history. In addition, there is most often a geography unique to any fantasy world. As such, it helps to draw in readers of fantasies by providing them with a map of the fantasy world so they can get a better sense of where things are.

Instructions

1. Decide on what your world looks like. Things like the number of continents the world has, as well as the number of countries, are good starts. You should also decide on the physical geography of forests, deserts, plains and other features.

2. Decide the scale of your world. In many fantasy worlds, people have to either ride horses or walk, so it's important to remember that when making your map. A Roman legion could march 20 miles a day, roughly what a healthy person could walk.

3. Create a key for your map. Include the symbols for cities, towns, forests, deserts, mines, shipping yards, dragon enclaves and any other important aspects your map will depict.

4. Draw out your map. Go for an ancient look in choosing a font, such as a Gothic style or write the map in a made-up fantasy language popular in your world. Using features of older maps such as an old-fashioned compass or sea serpents off in the oceans will add a depth and sense of history to your fantasy map.

References

• Wordpreneur: Map Making for Fantasy Writers