No I'm not surfing the internet aimlessly *cough* I'm looking for inspiration! This is research, right? The new novel "The Golden Thread", will still be set in another world, but have more of a historical feel to it. Consequently, I've been reading up and finding photos for reference. Here are some pictures from Mongolia and China for your enjoyment.
Sage Hunter by Chris De Bruyn
Jaki Mongolia by Zbigniew Kulak
Deer Stones IV by Lamoix
Hanging Monestary China by PnP
Nadaam Archer by LeeAnne Adams
Hidden temples, eagle hunting, wild horses, and archery? Yes please! It's all going to be served up with a healthy heaping of demons, ancestral ghosts, meddling immortals, magic spell books, and possibly a dragon or two.
If you think I've watched too much anime and wuxia, you're probably right.
Oh man, I don't even know what this story is going to be about, but I'm already excited! haha. Great inspiration photos.
"[...]with a healthy heaping of demons, ancestral ghosts, meddling immortals, magic spell books, and possibly a dragon or two."
Have you ever played a game called Jade Empire? That description kind of reminded me of this.
No I haven't played it but I've heard of it! LOL Another bioware game :)
That hanging monastery is amazing!!
Btw, you might want to read Malinda Lo's, Cindy Pon's, and Allison Goodman's books. Pon and Goodman in particular do Asian-inspired fantasy.
Thank you for the recommendations! I haven't read much and I do want to check out more.
I used to use images for inspiration of character designs. Since then my writing has deepened and my visualization techniques have turned both more relaxed and verbal. I'll still look up specific settings, vehicles, weapons or clothing to get a better sense for describing minutia, though.
Ahh, I didn't for the last book, but since this one is more historical than fantastical, it's nice to have a visual reference. It's mostly for the minutia, yes ;)
These pics are made of awesome sauce. If you can capture the feel of these pics, then the book will undoubtedly be quite good.
I can only hope and try! :)
That hanging monastery is begging for a scene where the top of the cliff is set loose and comes crashing down, punching holes through the roofs and leveling entire buildings.
BTW, I like the title. Threads tend to be 'binding', holding hold the universe together. Am I close to the mark?
You're right, that would be an awesome scene... hmm!
It is about binding things together through time and space, family bonds, and relationships of varying degrees (love/hate/jealousy). But it's still in incubation phase though, and I'll see how it actually turns out. Thanks Brad!
Sounds (and looks) like a fantastic setting for a novel. Please keep us updated (and show us more of hte fruits of your research).
Thanks Rosemary! I will!
Oooh! I love a novel based in culture and history. Can't wait! :)
Thanks Ollin! Though it will be quite a while before its done LOL
I love the picture you found of the hanging temple. Looks like some fun inspiration.
So far it's been a blast :)