I made myself a list of posts to write for the summer and… I got off track talking about other stuff. Today, I get back on track for what I wanted to think about this summer. Today is: sports.
When you’re writing a new culture, as with SFF, or using a real-world culture, you can enrich your presentation by including cultural norms. Among these are sports and games.
Generally, I write the plot first, bare bones and action oriented. I use this to drive my character development and the surrounding culture. Once I have my basic story down, I can flesh out the details of where and when they exist, which then leads me to creating the culture that would allow the story to happen.
One of these things is what people do for fun. What games do they play, what sports do they have. Are they organized? Can you be a professional sports-person? Are there tournaments, local champions, intercity rivalries?
Are some sports considered elite and others plebian? Do you have to be of a social class to play? Are they gladiatorial? If so, why? Where do the gladiators come from? Why are only social elites allowed to play? What is the punishment for refusing to contribute?
None of this has to be the focus of your plot. It is decoration at the edges, a reason for the city to be crowded, something for your characters to do while they discuss their strategy in a smoky tavern, a reason for two characters to bond who otherwise don’t like each other.
Humans have been playing games as long as they’ve been telling stories. I assume aliens and mythical creatures have the same tendency. Or not? Why not? What does that mean when they see our games?
Questions are the root of creativity! Experiment with the answers and see whatnew ideas you get.
My first book, Archer 887, is a 2022 Indies Today Awards Contest Finalist, and is on sale now through online book retailers. Pick up a copy, leave a review, and let me know what you think!
Subscribe to get book reviews, writing advice, short stories, and behind the scenes peeks.
Installments from my full-length fantasy novel, The Lost Hero, post each Saturday, for paid subscribers only. I am also on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.
(I also write about my work as an RN on my Substack: This Is My Nurse Face. Crazy stories, advice, and vents about inpatient nursing.)
Thanks for reading!
Never thought about that!