Building the World of Tavia: Behind the Scenes of Embers of Fate
Hello, friends!
Welcome back to my magical corner of the internet, where we delve into the enchanting realms of romance, fantasy, and magic. Today, I'm excited to take you behind the scenes of the world-building process for Embers of Fate and give you a glimpse into the creation of Tavia, Gwen’s home.
The Birth of Tavia
The world building of the continent Valine has been a decade-long labor of love, but it truly began with the land of Tavia. From its diverse landscapes to its rich history and vibrant cultures, I’ve always been able to see Tavia in my mind. It wasn’t until I started adding in side characters from the other countries that the world of Valine itself really began to take shape.
Inspiration and Origins
The inspiration for Tavia came from a blend of mythologies, fairy tales, and my own love for nature and history. I wanted to create a world that felt alive and dynamic, and while yes, like most western fantasy it has its origins in Europe, I wanted to do more than just recreate England. The continent of Valine, with its myriad of countries and cultures, became the perfect canvas for this vision.
The Country of Tavia
At the heart of Embers of Fate is the country of Tavia, a land of misty mountains, seaside castles, and rich farmland. Tavia is a land rich in history, with a monarchy that has ruled for centuries, now facing the brink of change as Gwen ascends to the throne. Gwen has to somehow honor her countries rich tradition while still challenging the status quo in the name of the greater good.
Creating the Magic System
The citizens of Tavia believe that magic is just something of old fairytales… only a small handful know the truth.
Crafting the magic system was one of the most exciting parts of world-building. I wanted it to feel unique yet grounded, with clear rules and limitations.
In Embers of Fate, magic is tied to the natural elements and the bloodlines of ancient families. Gwen's own magical abilities are a closely guarded secret, and she struggles with that fact.
Political Intrigue and Social Structures
No fantasy world is complete without a healthy dose of political intrigue. The continent of Valine has been at peace for over 500 years. The nine ruling families over the nine countries that make up the continent have their squabbles, but they’ve always managed to work through it. However, the balance of power is delicate, and Gwen's rise to the throne brings these tensions to the forefront.
The nine ruling families of Valine are true monarchies, and they run their countries as they see fit. However, all of them work with the Sisters of the Mist, a religious order high in the Misty Mountains in Tavia that have a handful of laws that all the countries have agreed to.
Building the Physical World
Maps played a crucial role in the world-building process, helping me visualize the layout of Tavia and the continent of Valine as a whole. I will be including these in the book for readers to be able to reference. Every village, city, and landmark was carefully placed to enhance the story's progression and create a sense of immersion for the reader.
Join the Journey
I hope this behind-the-scenes look at the world-building process has given you a deeper appreciation for the magic and mystery of Tavia. As we count down to the release of Embers of Fate, I invite you to immerse yourself in this enchanting world and join Gwen on her epic journey.
Don't forget to subscribe to my newsletter for exclusive updates, special offers, and more insights into Gwen’s world. Together, let's celebrate the beauty of love, the thrill of adventure, and the magic that lies within every story.
Stay enchanted,
Dani
