BOOKBUILDING: FORCES and FACTIONS

Part I of a series on building Factions in your story, and in Phenomenon City

One of the most exciting aspects of this whole Phenomenocity experiment is the ability to talk to you all about my process as I’m writing.

When I’m working on a book for a publisher, I resist this kind of thing. When you’re trying to write a story that reflects your own knowledge and ability as a writer in a meaningful way for a varied group of very intense fans, giving people a peek into your process isn’t always…helpful. To anyone.

But I get asked about this kind of process stuff all the time, and this seems like the perfect way to do it. There are some big mysteries in this book - what is the Phenomenon and what happened to Dre Woodrow? - things I can’t talk to you about without spoiling you for the story journey we’re going on. But our setting…

by Phil Sevy

In Phenomenon City, Phil Sevy and I have built this huge, gorgeous setting, one which our Founders will even be building parts of it with us (and there’s still time to join them!) So since some of you will be building this city with us…I figured you should know all about the groups that are keeping it running, and how we got there.

FORCES and FACTIONS

From the beginning, I knew I wanted the City to be run not by a singular entity, but by various groups that had ended up there for some reason, and over time became a part of the geography. These groups could have various interests that shaped the City and created drama for our protagonists, and also gave Phil and I a rich, sprawling world from which to draw characters. 

So, we’re going to talk about how I got there, but we’re going to start with a bit on worldbuilding.  - and something that I call forces and factions. It’s not perfect, and it may not apply to anyone but me, but it’s a peek into how I keep my worldbuilding organized.