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So, I don't know how many of you are familiar with the Codex Alera series (it's awesome, think Avatar the last airbender meats HBO's Rome) but I really am enjoying the books. What interested me in particular recently is the story of how the whole thing began. According to Jim Butcher, the author, it started with a bet.


The bet was actually centered around writing craft discussions being held on the then-new Del Rey Online Writers' Workshop, I believe. The issue at hand was central story concepts. One side of the argument claimed that a good enough central premise would make a great book, even if you were a lousy writer. The other side contended that the central concept was far less important than the execution of the story, and that the most overused central concept in the world could have life breathed into by a skilled writer.

It raged back and forth in an ALL CAPITAL LETTERS FLAMEWAR between a bunch of unpublished writers, and finally some guy told Butcher to put his money where his mouth was, by letting someone give him a cheesy central story concept, which he would then use in an original novel.

Butcher wrote to the guy saying, "Why don't you give me TWO terrible ideas for a story, and I'll use them BOTH."

The core ideas given were Lost Roman Legion and Pokémon… Thus was Alera formed.



After reading the first 3 books of the series and enjoying them immensely, I am really amazed how such a rich and interesting world got its start from two such disparate concepts. This got me thinking, that even if it results in nothing more than another round of my world-building-that-goes-nowhere, I would really like to try out this process for myself.

So I ask you, my gracious followers, if you can, come up with some ideas to throw at me, to challenge me with.

Try to pair two ideas up, don't make them too specific (like say, pairing two established characters together) and try to make them as an odd couple as you can (Pokémon and lost Romans don't really seem to fit together, but he made it work!)

I appreciate any effort you put into this, and if something really inspires me (caution though, there is no telling what will inspire me, so please don't be offended if I don't use your suggestion) I promise I will share the fruits of my inspiration for your viewing/reading pleasure.

(I tried doing this myself, but I spend too much time in my own head right now nothing really seems to leap out at me.)
  • Mood: Optimism
  • Listening to: Indie Game the Movie Soundtrack
  • Reading: Tumblr....
  • Watching: West Wing dvds
  • Playing: Borderlands 2
  • Eating: Nuts and Bolts
  • Drinking: Not the best coffee

deviantID

~Count-Urbonov
Acolyte of Chaos
Artist | Professional | Digital Art
Canada
Current Residence: A house
Favourite genre of music: Case by case basis
Favourite style of art: Something with strong lines...
Operating System: Prefably PC, but Mac when necessary
Shell of choice: Primal Mooncloth set
Wallpaper of choice: Nights Sky
Skin of choice: Mine or a more awesome version of mine
Favourite cartoon character: Batman (by right of Seniority)
Personal Quote: "As long as I can laugh, I can live"
Interests

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:iconquargon:
~quargon Sep 6, 2012  Student Digital Artist
thanks so much for the watch!
Reply
:iconcount-urbonov:
~Count-Urbonov Sep 7, 2012  Professional Digital Artist
My pleasure, please keep up the great work :D
Reply
:iconcount-urbonov:
~Count-Urbonov Aug 21, 2012  Professional Digital Artist
You are too kind :)
Reply
:iconyfighter2:
How's your journey been going? I've been lost for a few years but I'm so back its not even funny #likeaboss
deviantART muro drawing Comment Drawing
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:iconhumangrotesque:
Hey there! Thanks for watching me :')
Have a nice day, mate!
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:iconfinalchara:
~FinalChara Mar 27, 2012  Hobbyist General Artist
Thanks for the fave!
Reply
:iconcount-urbonov:
~Count-Urbonov Mar 27, 2012  Professional Digital Artist
My Pleasure :)
Reply
:iconmichi-kaze-11th:
~Michi-Kaze-11th Mar 3, 2012  Student General Artist
Looks like I'll have to return the belated wishes.
Haha.
Happy Birthday Urby! C: Belated n' stuff.~
Miss bothering you, or...is it talking now...?
Reply
:iconshadowring123:
~shadowring123 Mar 2, 2012  Hobbyist Digital Artist
Happy Birthday~ *gives you a button*
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