Should i base my novel in a different world, or just stick to reality?
You’re right; coming up with a completely different realm in which to plant and develop your characters is extremely difficult. If you go this route, you’ll more than likely need to draw out maps, just for your own reference, and possibly for your readers as well. You’ll also have to come up with names of rivers, cities, mountain ranges, etc. Most, if not all, fantasy novels take this approach, like the Lord of the Rings trilogy and the Wheel of Time series. On the other hand, starting a fantasy realm in our world is slightly restricting. Once you decide to go this route, you’re stuck with the same ol’ continents and oceans we all know and love. And since they’re firmly stuck in reality, it might kill the fantasy world you’re trying to create. The best advice I can give you is once you choose which world you want to work with, stick with it. If you opt for sticking with reality, my guess is your fantasy plot will have to be chock full of magic and weird/awesome creatures and characters
