Exploration of Alternative Methodologies: Crafting Imaginary Realms in Literary Composition
In the realm of creative writing, world-building is a crucial aspect that requires meticulous research and imagination. Alexandra Koskosidis, Engineering Correspondent, sat down with Emily McLean '20 for an insightful interview about her approach to world-building in her Creative Thesis.
Emily, a potential Anthropology major with an interest in American History, is currently working on a short story set in New York City. Her protagonist, Connor, resides in Inwood, on the outskirts of Queens, and works at a school in Manhattan.
When asked about her research process, Emily shared her unique approach. She delved into guides, video testimonies, and the physical and emotional symptoms of lung cancer to realistically portray a character's slow death from the disease. Interestingly, Emily found it intriguing that there is not much focus on the person watching someone die in cancer patient testimonies.
To bring authenticity to her story, Emily utilised various tools, including Google Earth Street View. This digital platform allowed her to observe intricate details for the neighbourhoods she set her scenes in, enhancing the realism of her narrative. Additionally, she researched the history of the New York City subway system to accurately portray a subway scene in her story.
Emily's research experience made her reconsider the way research is defined, leading her to think about the work that goes into creating a convincing setting in fiction. She felt that her interpretation of the material made the research process more real.
Moreover, Emily employed creative research methods, such as delving into accounts of underground confrontations, to create the perfect atmosphere for her subway scene. She also emphasised the importance of iterative and modular development, using findings from her research to create modular storytelling elements, allowing flexibility in plotting and world expansion while maintaining coherence.
Lastly, Emily encouraged exploration and layering secrets in her world-building process, designing her world with depth—hidden lore, undiscovered locations, and cultural complexities—to engage readers deeply and maintain intrigue.
In summary, Emily's approach to world-building in creative writing demonstrates the fusion of grounded real-world data with creative interpretation, producing detailed, dynamic worlds that captivate and engage audiences deeply through authenticity and complexity.
Emily's senior thesis, a work of creative academic writing, reveals her extraordinary knack for world-building, blending meticulous research on New York City's history, neighborhoods, and cultural complexities with imaginative elements to create a captivating narrative. Her approach to education-and-self-development extends beyond textbooks, as she immerses herself in various resources—from YouTube videos to real-life symptoms of lung cancer—to infuse her writing with depth and authenticity, reflecting on her lifestyle and broadening her understanding of research.
