Since writing my first (unpublished) novel, I’ve been fascinated by Carl Jung’s Shadow. How could I not know about The C.G. Jung Center of New York located in midtown on 39th between Madison and Park. I wouldn’t have found it if it hadn’t been for an assignment for class. I was so excited simply by the idea of this place. Even before I visited, my imagination was working overtime. Inside The C.G. Jung Center, on the fourth floor, is the Kristine Mann Library. A library dedicated to Jung- how fantastic!
I’ve been to quite a few libraries, I’m getting my Masters in Information and Library Science after all, but this is the most comfortable place I’ve ever been in. The atmosphere of the entire building, not just the library, is pleasant. The staff of the library is friendly and welcoming. When I walked in, I was sure I held an expression of not knowing where to go from here and a staff member at the front desk explained where things were and basically told me to have at it.
I visited the library intending to simply look around but I ended up staying for about 2 hours. I’m going back to delve deeper into their occult section. They have a book detailing a “supposedly” true ghost story that sounded really interesting. If only I had walked in prepared to sit for hours then I would’ve dived in. I seriously did not intend to stay as long as I did. I had to pull myself away because I had other work to do. I was carrying my journal though, as I always do. As a writer, you need to always have something to write with and on. You never know when that muse will whisper in your ear. I took some great notes.
In the cozy room in the back were shelves of books categorized by subject to make browsing easier. They have a couch! Not one of those uncomfortable things libraries usually have that are never available but a nice size black couch. The feel of the place had me at ease- had me feeling at home. And the books were too alluring not to explore. Even if you’re not interested in Jung, they have something for you. There are books on religion, mythology, symbolism, fairy tales, the occult, and alchemy. I’d never seen a collection like it. I found the section on symbolism and camped there. As a writer of dark fantasy, I like to use symbols in my stories- usually as markings on my characters. The resources I’d been using to find my symbols were great but they weren’t as in-depth as the books in this collection. I found a perfect symbol to encompass the race of creatures I’m creating which then gave me inspiration for another part of my world building. They even have books on the significance of shapes, numbers and colors.
Only members can check-out books but anyone can just sit for hours and read. There is so much valuable and unusual information. I talked with the librarian and found that there are also books on seances and voodoo. I’m not into those subjects but I’d still be interested in reading about them. It is a perfect resource for writers. If you’re in the New York area, I encourage you to check it out.
You need to know every part of your world even if it’s not in the story. I started working on the world map- a digital version of this: And, it did not turn out the way I wanted it to. I mean it is tragic. I won’t even share it with you. But, making Jael…
Clothing can also be a character in your fantasy world. What people wear says a lot about them. For instance, certain cultures may be known for wearing bright colors either for religious beliefs or because the colors are a sign of wealth. In many cultures, clothing shows class, martial status even occupation. However, if those…
This is the first new short story I’ve written in years. I’ve been so focused on polishing my novels, I haven’t worked on any new projects. It’s still a work-in-progress. I don’t even know how it’ll end but I’m having a lot of fun with it! *** Because of the monsters, people no longer stood…
Sorin, the dead land. The province no one visits unless their desperate or corrupt. Years ago, I created 7 maps for my Merging Worlds series. In Book 2: Chains of the Sciell, characters started mentioning places in overseas lands. It was time to include a world map in the book. I created each land…
Where are the otherworldly POV characters in fantasy? I don’t mean dwarfs, elves, vampires and werewolves/shifters. I don’t have a problem with those beings. I just prefer characters like the Blood in Anne Bishop’s Black Jewels series and the Others from Sergei Lukyanenko’s Watch series. Otherworldly characters are fascinating. I can’t find books I can…
I’m gathering my posts about world building to turn them into an ebook. Problem is, there’s a ton of world building ebooks out there. How will mine be different? Most books seem to focus on building traditional, Tolkienesque, worlds. I see an opening. I’ll focus on dark, non-traditional, world building. I need to do research….
