Been on a handmade map kick recently. 

I figured the stories from The King's Lantern needed somewhere to live and I'd make just one map...(I know. I know...Very "sweet summer child" of me).

So, I made a world map of Iscaria. Then I zoomed in on an archipelago and made a map of that. Then I needed a more detailed version of Valdaris and Zakistan. Two more maps! Then I zoomed in on the the Duchy of Centaria (on Valdaris). Then I zoomed in on the Island of Hearthen (in the middle of Centaria) since that's where most of Oscar Crabb's story takes place. 

Then...Well...You get the idea.

Of course, all these maps needed an intricate compass rose for no other reason than I wanted to try making one...Of course, I got hooked! 😭

The weird thing is, even the compass roses had a story to tell! The bottom right one (pictured) is my favorite. It's not the prettiest. It was my second compass rose (and map) ever. And that was all it was supposed to be. But then it occurred to me that it was placed there because that's where a huge vortex is located, so I added the little spiral in the middle. Then I realized that the vortex reacts to those who get too close to it, so the inhabitants call it The Eye, because they think it can see them. So, I added a label...even if I can't do lettering to save my life.

I started making maps so my stories had somewhere to live. Then the opposite happened. Some maps came with stories already locked and loaded. And those somehow ALWAYS find a way to fit into the overall story. It's really bizarre. 

Anyway, I'm stuck in a world building/map making loop, and I can't break free.

I even broke out the vacuum cleaner and blasted that one song by Queen!

I'm not complaining. At least not too much. My writing HAS suffered...in that I've barely done any this week.

However, I'm creating so much awesome new world stuff!

But please tell me I'm going to stop world building soon, so I can get bet back to writing!!!

Right?

RIGHT?

I'm Addicted! Please Help!