Maps

Here's a link to a good Matt Cheney post about the ubquitous fantasy map. It includes a link to a interesting essay by one of my favorite writers, M. John Harrison (Viricornium), in which he dismisses the idea of maps altogether. Time and place should be slippery things; it doesn't need to be any more concrete than 'A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away" and the more you map out your world, its history, the more limits you put on it. The more room your world and its characters has to move in a reader's imagination, the better.

Went to the pub with Ben tonight. Had a lot of fun with pushy waitresses. We talked about toys (no way!) old and absent girlfriends, and writing. He thinks maybe he can get my computer fixed for me -- dare I dream?

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