Why Authors Create Worlds Inspired by Their Hometowns

Ever since I was in junior high school, I decided to place myself into writing fantasy stories. Inspired by the games I’ve played and films I’ve seen, it can take many hours, days, weeks, and even months to create a solid world. Heck, those worlds would consist of different locations each with their own governmental systems and cultures, as well as notes of what I would want to explain to the reader or player.

When you’re between the ages of 10 and 15, you are pretty much fresh. It’s easy to come up with so much stuff before you even decide on a plot. This process is known as worldbuilding. The kingdoms and republics that show up are part of the conversation. There are many ways to decide how a world would look. You could leave it vague and leave it up to the imagination of the reader or player, though this is something I don’t do. There are rules and laws that the characters of the world must abide by.

What you decide for your world isn’t the most important thing. Sometimes, your own imagination doesn’t provide enough details for the landscape. It may be much better to fictionalize the town or city you live in. It’s a way to facilitate your narrative. It’s the Drillimation Danmaku Universe where my story of over a decade takes place. It supports the construction of the world and story.

Have you ever researched the inspirations behind the worlds of your favorite movies, shows, books, and games, and have you ever travelled to the areas that inspired it? It can have many factors such as historical locations or natural phenomena found exclusively there. My hometown of Erie, Pennsylvania was the inspiration for the central city of Kozankyo in the Drillimation Danmaku Universe. Its name is lifted from the adjacent Lake Erie. For most visitors to the city, it is known for Presque Isle, which serves as the inspiration for Ahoge Peninsula in the games, the nearby Waldameer Park and Water World, and the home port for the U.S. Brig Niagara, as well as its 20th century art scene.

For fans of the Drillimation Danmaku Universe, it is a city that has been deeply influenced the franchise through its history, geography, and culture. The original Chuhou Joutai game was what kicked it all off. Prominent locations from that game included Mercyhurst University, where I went to college, Dobbins Landing which also has the Bicentennial Tower, and the end of Presque Isle. I’ve been to all three.

I am honest there will be fans who really care for the games, and if they are financially capable, go on a pilgrimage to Erie to have a better appreciation of the franchise and as a celebration of the culture and values.

Daily writing prompt

What do you love about where you live?

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