Mapping the Imagination

When it’s not a road map I’m consulting, I much prefer older maps. Those maps that are a few centuries old and which still leave some room for the imagination while showing important bits without worrying about getting every millimetre of those bits right.
Of course, these maps may also show only the ‘known world’ of the time, or speculate on what else is out there in the vast oceans. But it’s that vastness – or at least the feeling of it – which I love.
I buy the odd book of old maps when I have the money at my disposal and love to pour over the names, drawings and other details which make them unique.

Map by Daniel Reeve

Of course, when it comes to novels – especially fantasy ones – I love looking at the maps of the world the author has dreamed up. Following adventures in these worlds bring them to life as would driving along a street you would otherwise only see on a map. I that way, you start to feel at home, whether you are looking at a map of Middle-earth or of Karac Tor.

My own maps – the ones drawn for Airthai – also seem to cement the world in a deeper reality than not having the map. And so, I’ll keep on drawing them while drawing inspiration from maps real and imagined.







I also came across this lovely video about the Hereford Mappa Mundi – one of my favourite maps.

Talent and Imagination

I found these three videos, which I thought was perfect for a Friday – especially for those who are also spending the weekend writing, studying or simply creating.

I’m busy listening to the audio version of this book – thanks to Audible – and I’m finding it fascinating. Here is the book trailer for Imagine:

Inspirational Friday – Follow That Wanderlust

Or, travelling on a budget.

“So, what are you going to do this weekend?” This question is asked again and again at work on a Friday. Well, there are the usual errands and a nap (if you’re lucky), but there is also the mind-travelling. Technically, I’m going to spend time reading. But that is quite a boring way to say: “Well, actually I’m off on a quest this weekend. Off to slay a dragon (or save a dragon), save a world, and probably ride a horse and wield a sword. Or perhaps I’ll visit another country, planet or universe.”

And, if you’re also writing over the weekend, you’ll probably be packing a bag and heading off into the unknown with a half-drawn map (and some extra paper to jot down any new towns or landmarks you come across). You’ll be wearing a cloak of invisibility and yet change everything you come into contact with. That ‘castle over yonder’ is no longer just a hazy outline of stone, but filled with the bustle of people and intrigue. Maybe you’ll even add a wall or a scheming king while you’re there. Stories will unfurl, rewind, move in another direction or even abruptly stop; the story half told; the world half built.

“So, what are you doing this weekend?”

I think I’ll read a bit. Maybe write a couple of pages. But we’ll see.

Upon the hearth the fire is red,
Beneath the roof there is a bed;
But not yet weary are our feet,
Still around the corner we may meet
A sudden standing stone
That none have seen but we alone.
Tree and flower and leaf and grass,
Let them pass! Let them pass!
Hill and water under sky,
Pass them by! Pass them by!

Still around the corner there may wait
A new road or a secret gate,
And though we pass them by today,
Tomorrow we may come this way
And take the hidden paths that run,
Towards the Moon or to the Sun.
Apple, thorn and nut and sloe
Let them go! Let them go!
Sand and stone and pool and dell,
Fare you well! Fare you well!

Home is behind, the world ahead,
And there are many paths to tread
Through shadows to the edge of night,
Until the stars are all alight.
Then world behind and home ahead,
We'll wander back to home and bed.
Mist and twilight, cloud and shade,
Away shall fade! Away shall fade!
Fire and lamp, and meat and bread,
And to bed! And then to bed!

-      JRR Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings