The 13th Floor Series Worldbuilding. A guest post.

WORLDBUILDING FOR THE 13TH FLOOR SERIES

by Christine Rains

Worldbuilding is one of the parts of the creation process that excites me. I love drawing maps of new worlds and giving life to exotic beings. Even in a modern day setting, some worldbuilding is necessary. You can't place your characters against a flat background and expect the story to be dynamic. It needs depth and color, flavorful details and a realm of possibilities.

                            

The 13th Floor series takes place in the modern world. I debated for a long time whether I was going to have the stories take place in a real city or a fictional one. Since I wanted a certain atmosphere and a good portion of the city is destroyed, I opted for one I created. I follow the rule go with what you know. Carmine is in north-west Indiana about two hours south of Chicago. Not as big as the Windy City nor Indianapolis, but Carmine has some big city characteristics. I plucked a few real life features of the two big cities and mashed them together to become Carmine.

My city named herself, and yes, she's definitely a lady. Carmine was one of those towns that grew a lot in the early half of the 20th century, but has been on the decline the last few decades. She's not as modern as the big cities, and she struggles to attract tourists. The architecture is older and allows her retain a 1940's style personality.

The building on which the protagonists of the series reside is one of those old buildings. I was inspired by a new building I saw when visiting family last year. It was just built, but it was made to look like something you might see one hundred years ago. It was a gorgeous structure, and the apartments were outrageously expensive!

I imagine the 13th floor itself to look like something from an old film. Faded paint and arched doors. Regal lamps rather than florescent lights and a worn carpet. A bit inspired by old places like the Stanley Hotel. Yes, a little bit creepy but full of intrigue.

 

What's your favorite part of worldbuilding?

Title: 1302 – The Alpha

Author: Christine Rains

Genre: paranormal romance

Release date: January 13th, 2013

One run in the woods wouldn't matter, or so thinks werewolf Stefanie Porter. Being cooped up in her apartment for months must have messed up her instincts, because her former pack almost catches her until a mysterious lone wolf jumps in to help Stefanie escape.

The cruel Alpha Wyatt not only stole her pack but refuses to give Stefanie her freedom. She can't hide in her apartment any longer or it will drive her crazy. She puts her trust in the lone wolf who can teach her some of his unusual urban survival tricks. James Roberts might be a bit geeky, but he's smart and looks hot when the argyle sweater comes off. His ridiculous ambition to become a superhero might be admirable if Wyatt couldn't rip him limb from limb.

With the pack scouring the city for her, Stefanie must convince James to teach her and control her own Alpha nature, or fight not only for her life, but his as well.

Author Bio:

Christine Rains is a writer, blogger, and geek mom. She has four degrees which help nothing with motherhood, but make her a great Jeopardy player. When she's not writing or reading, she having adventures with her son or watching cheesy movies on Syfy Channel. She's a member of S.C.I.F.I. The 13th Floor series is her first self-published series. She has three novellas and sixteen short stories published.

Website: http://christinerains.net/

Blog: http://christinerains-writer.blogspot.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorchristinerains

Twitter: https://twitter.com/@CRainsWriter

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4017568.Christine_Rains

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