Behind the Scenes of Episode 37

A ton of old world-building revealed here for the first time! And a MAP!

Go back to the INDEX.

I started work on this story, and this universe, in 2004. I got a few chapters of the story written before running aground, because I had no plan. But I never stopped tinkering with the world, or the story, and it gradually grew in scope and complexity. The story became a trilogy, then a series of 5, then a TRILOGY of series of 5s -- so, 15 volumes. And a few other odds, ends, and extraneous trilogies hanging about around the edges.

The world? It gained nations, languages, and the frameworks of history.

Perhaps some things are unnecessarily complicated. Perhaps some things were welcome distractions from life, or procrastinations for other more daunting tasks I wanted to avoid. But in any case, a lot of this world exists already, and just sits there like an encyclopedia on a certain shelf in my mind, waiting for a moment to shine.

I must specify clearly that I am not including world building details for the SAKE of including world building details. However, when the need arises for some explanation or detail and it ALREADY EXISTS in a note somewhere, or on a scrap of paper in the closet, then I’d be a fool not to use it.

And THAT is how I had a number of things ready to just “drop in” to this episode.

The first is “The Free Cities”.