Many of you know I’m really struggling to find three riddles for the challenges my two main characters have to face. Now I’m struggling with the location. I’ve known all along that I was going to have to decide where they were going to have to travel to obtain the “object” they have to have. The whole time I was writing this book, I’ve been trying to decide where to have them go. Here’s my dilemma. Should I use a real place or should I make one up? I was going to “pretend” there was another little island past Bermuda, but my husband asked me “What if someone checks to see if it’s a real place?”. But why does it have to be? Authors make up places all the time. Why CAN’T there be an island past Bermuda? What do you guys think? Is it okay to make up islands?
As far as the riddles go, I’m about to go crazy. I’ve even looked on riddle sites to see if there’s something I can adapt to challenges. But most of the riddles are silly or simply won’t work. I’m to the point where I’ll offer to acknowledge someone in the front of my book if they can help me with the riddles. LOL.
My writing of this story is about to stall because I’m getting close to the point where I need the riddles/challenges. Maybe I’ll dream something tonight. 🙂
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I’m horrible with riddles, so I’m no help there, but I don’t see anything wrong with a fictional island. Gives the writer a little more leeway and gives the reader a chance to imagine a bit more, so long as it’s kept realistic (assuming it’s a realistic setting). I tend to make up more locations in contemporary fiction than try to recreate already existing ones, though it’s pretty clear to anyone who’s been there that I heavily imitate an actual place, which can also be fun.
On the other hand, though, if you did want to do an actual place, well, then, the best way to do that is clearly a trip for…uh…you know…research, right? =D
(Also, an island past Bermuda? With the mysterious triangle there, if there’s anywhere to put a made-up island, that’s it!)
This is a paranormal romance, and there’s a lot of stuff made up in this genre. I don’t think my husband understands that authors do make up stuff. LOL. I really don’t see anything wrong with it. And something near Bermuda appeals to me because of the subject matter. They will have to step into a different dimension through a portal.
Man, I wish I could visit somewhere for research every time I write a book. 🙂
Hmm. maybe you should talk to my dad. He’s awesome at coming up with stuff like that.
You mean for the riddles? I hadn’t thought of him. I thought hubby could figure something out…but no. 😦
Yes for the riddles. I mentioned to him. He’s going to see what he can come up with for you.
You can TOTALLY make up an island. If people look for it, and it doesn’t exist they’ll say, “Oh, I guess she made it up.” And then they’ll move on — because it’s fiction!
Riddles…I kind of know what you mean, but not exactly. I think you should write a one-pager about riddles and what you mean when you use the term, and then sleep on it. Kind of change the topic in your head, but along the same topic. You know? Then the sleep. That is a crucial step. 🙂
I think you’re right, J.R. I never even look for the places mentioned in fiction. I don’t really care as long as the setting has the right atmosphere, which is produced by the writing, not the actual locale.
The riddle that keeps coming to my mind is when Indiana Jones was trying to figure out a riddle about a “penitent man” and he suddenly realized he needed to be on his knees (like in prayer) and then this thing came down and would have cut off his head if he had still been standing. That was the challenge…to make it through that particular thing without being killed.
Sure, make up an island. There are so many small ones out there that it’d be easy to miss one on a map. You could even insert a character’s comment asking, “Why isn’t this on the map?”
What elements do your riddles need? Maybe you should do a post and we can bounce ideas around. Are these riddles supposed to lead them to the next “prize” or takes them a step closer to their goal?
“Why isn’t this on the map?” LOL, Ruth. I wouldn’t have even balked against making up an island if my husband hadn’t questioned it. Obviously, he doesn’t read a lot of fiction. 🙂
Yes, that’s kind of what the riddles should do, take them closer to the goal. They have to pass each challenge (solve the riddle or be killed or trapped) before going to the next one. See my answer to J.R. above. Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade is what made me think of doing this.
We all KNOW Paradise Island (home of Wonder Woman) is out there, but if you look at map…not so much. Just sayin’.
Good point, Susan. 🙂
Well, all I have to say is…. Fiction is made up stuff right? Made up stories, made up characters.. made up places?? Of course there is always a speckle of truth in all we write, but I see no reason NOT to create a fictional place… I mean, what about places in stories like: Star Wars, The Neverending Story, The Dark Crystal?
When you said riddles, I thought of Indiana Jones and also of that movie with Nicholas Cage in it. And what about Jumanji? Classic riddle tale and a lot of fun!
As long as the riddles are moving the protagonist closer to the goal, have at it! 🙂
The fun of writing fiction is all about making up stuff, right? 🙂 And, you’re right, there are lots of made up places in fiction.
Jumanji! I forgot about that one. 🙂
Alright, so you have a riddle where they avoid being killed.
And a riddle where they avoid being trapped.
And a riddle that leads them to what they’re after…
Something like that? All written by the same kind soul “helping” them along their way?
What is the reason for the riddles? Did someone right them to lead the way, or to obscure the path and distract?
It would be cool if there was really no way out of the trap, so they know they would have died if they hadn’t passed that part…
Keep brainstorming — you’ll get there. I like that you asked this question here. I might do that on my blog when I’m feeling stuck. 🙂
They have to get to this place to obtain an important object. The challenges are to keep people out, but if you’re pure enough and smart enough, you’re allowed to go in. Of course, after the challenges are met, there WILL be something monstrous they’ll have to fight. 😉
Thanks for brainstorming with me!
It’s fiction, of course you can build your own island; especially in an island chain where there’s dozens of islands to choose from. I just read a book with Pendulum Island in it, pretty sure that’s made up (though I didn’t even look it up to be honest).
As for riddles or puzzles: I like using anagrams or mathematical puzzles. Like having to guess the next numbers in a series to type in the code, i.e.:8 5 4 9 1 7 6 10 _ _ _ (the answer being 3 2 0, it’s the first ten digits in alphabetical order).
And I know I’ve read the riddle of the sphinx or the one door (guard, brother) always tells the truth while the other always lies and you get one question deal quite a few times.
Maybe read Sherlock Holmes or watch some Mystery Theatre to get some ideas going.
Good luck, I hope you break on through to the other side.
Yeah, people make up places all the time, Chris. I’m going for it. That will help me have something to write before I actually have to start on the riddles. The mathematical riddles aren’t too common in these particular situations, but something like the truth and lie thing could work. Or, actually, the mathematical could work if they had to press certain rocks or something with number etched above them….
Gee, thanks, now I have a Doors song in my head. LOL
It is certainly okay to make up islands. Go right ahead and let your imagination run wile.
run wild!
Hee hee. I think I will, Emma.
It’s fiction, baby! Make up as much as want! I really like the riddle idea. It could add a little extra spice to a story.
That’s why this is such a fun job, Michelle. We get paid to make up stuff. LOL.
Anya’s dad is working on some things for me. He’s a retired teacher and VERY smart, so maybe he can come up with some good riddles.