Create Your Own Universe

by Myles McLeod, Greg McLeod

If you have ever wanted to create a comic, graphic novel, animation, film, television series, or even a book, then Create Your Own Universe is here to help you get started.

A fun, imaginative and interactive guide to creating your own characters and worlds, this is a great starting point for producing your own stories.

Be inspired and collect information on all your characters, locations and background story, with everything you need to know about the world or place in which your story is set.

Start with fun ways to think about making up characters, then pick your favourites and create worlds - maps of towns, illustrations of where your characters will live - using words, drawings or even scrapbooking. You'll finally be able to combine this all together and start bringing your stories to life.

Created by the BAFTA award-winning animation team The Brothers McLeod.

Genres: Writing, Nonfiction

224 pages, Paperback

First published March 30, 2017

Reviews

[Myles · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book, but then I wrote it so I'm biased.

[Kerrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well researched book for upcoming authors of any age. Many of the tips relate to similar suggestions I've heard over the years studying but they are presented in an unique, inspiring, comical, supportive manner that inspires readers to do what is suggested (in their own fashion of course, because we're not all clones). Plenty of space is given for practicing what the two authors suggest but not to the detriment of hearing more tips and tricks from them. Perhaps it is the chatty nature of the book, ut having conversations from both writers offers a range of views on issues so there is no feeling that just one way is 'the way' to do things. Images in the book compliment the words. I'm hoping for a part two with perhaps the odd extra chapter given to a few more starter cameos. A great mix of topics to suit a wide range of the public.

[Dima Vesnin · Rating 5 out of 5]

окей, эта книга настолько классная, что я кинулся писать отзыв сразу после того, как перевернул последнюю страницу.

это книга с кучей упражнений. здесь нужно будет придумывать миры, героев и ситуации. писать небольшие истории, рисовать комиксы и даже карты. всё подано в доброжелательной и шутливой форме, но пусть это вас не обманывает. если делать всё по-честному, то работы будет много. я надеялся справиться за пару недель, а в итоге счёт пошёл на месяцы.

авторы приманивают маленькими смешными заданиями, но через пару часов ты и сам не замечаешь, что написал историю на несколько страниц или комикс. приёмы здесь простые, а советы - по делу. книги по писательскому мастерству становятся хорошими только когда следуешь написанному, а в этой только так и получится.

думаю, будет хорошей идеей пройти все эти задания через пару лет, ещё раз!

[Oleg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Хорошо и интересно. В каждом живёт творческая личность. В книге даны простые советы как начать писать и придумывать истории и персонажей

[Daniel B-G · Rating 2 out of 5]

I bought this as I'm interested in creating worlds for use in fiction butit didn't really work for me at all. I am primarily a wordy person, but it kept asking me to draw things. This is a big obstacle to creativity for me as I'm a non visual person.

[Naito Diamond · Rating 4 out of 5]

Myles McLeod's 'Create Your Own Universe' isn't just a guide—it's a companion, a source of inspiration that feels like a chat over coffee with a close friend. McLeod's effortless and easygoing style of discussing world-building for writing resonates like a conversation between comic panels, painting vivid images while sharing a laugh or two along the way.

What truly captivated me was the author's ability to elevate emotions above mere instruction. This book isn't just about teaching; it's about instilling confidence and reigniting the spark within writers. McLeod's contagious enthusiasm and encouragement felt like a pat on the back, assuring me that I've got what it takes.

Returning to my writing journey, I sought inspiration more than instruction, and this book delivered just that. Already armed with the knowledge of world-building, I needed that extra push, a cheerleader to affirm that I'm on the right path—and McLeod's words did just that.

It's a delightful journey—a boost of positivity and belief that, indeed, I can craft my universe. 'Create Your Own Universe' isn't just a book; it's a warm embrace, reminding writers of their creative potential.