The following is an interview with artist/cartographer/storyteller Cody James King on the upcoming release of the how-to cartography book, The Game Master’s Guide to Fantasy Mapmaking, through Page Street Publishing Co.. In this interview, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief Barbra Dillon chats with King about his creative process documenting his own mapmaking process, what readers can anticipate from within the pages of the how-to guide, and more!
Barbra Dillon, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief: Congratulations on the upcoming release of The Game Master’s Guide to Fantasy Mapmaking! What can you share with us about the genesis behind this project?
Cody James King: I’ve always loved teaching and sharing my process with my friends, fans, and followers online. The genesis of this particular project is founded in the interest some of the team at Page Street Publishing has in the TTRPG space. Huge acknowledgment and praise to the entire team there. Once the conversation started between my publisher and I, it became apparent that my love of teaching and their love of fantasy maps were going to go hand in hand. It’s important to note that I had been making tutorials online for years, some of which had garnered quite a bit of attention online and put some really amazing people in my online periphery. I think it really does come back to that.
BD: What can you tell us about your creative process in balancing the writing and illustrative duties for this book, and was there anything unique or surprising that you took away from documenting your own mapmaking process?
CJK: I had to separate myself from a few of the things I love about my own mapmaking / art journey to get this done. I stepped away from commissions, posted a bit less, and gave much of my focus and bandwidth solely to this book project. It was more than worth it, though; the feedback and excitement around this project has and is fueling me and filling my cup in big ways. Learning to draw particular assets, refining them, and then breaking them down into digestible tutorials for both beginners and experts was the part that took the most time. The most unique or surprising thing about this process for me was accepting that even though I consider myself a student, a learner, and someone who is trying to grow, that I am also in fact an authority or an expert in this niche field. Accepting that has been a personal journey to say the least.
BD: What are you most excited for readers to experience within the pages of this book?
CJK: Honestly, I’d say my extremely dry and nearly imperceptible sense of humor. Littered throughout the book are small jokes and inferences I hope avid and eagle-eyed readers will find and enjoy.
BD: Do you feel that there is an ideal audience for this guide, and is it accessible to both new and seasoned mapmakers?
CJK: Anyone who loves art, maps, TTRPG’s or Fantasy in general will get a lot of joy out of this book. For me, that’s who this is for! As far as skill sets, this book is great for beginners all the way through to advanced artists. The tutorials are approachable, measured, and well thought out. These will make the difference for a novice. But the more advanced artist may be able to look solely at the completed image, see my thought process instinctively, and have an A-HA moment.
BD: What makes Page Street Publishing the perfect home for this book?
CJK: The team at Page Street marries a sense of passion and pragmatism about the books they publish that is not easily replicated elsewhere. They have been champions, cheerleaders, and the voices of reason and support at every turn. Their approach to Author – Publisher communications and support are incredible. I felt from day one that they loved this idea, this book, and wanted it to succeed as much as I did.
BD: Are there any other projects – past or current – that you would like to highlight for our readers?
CJK: It’s my hope to work with Page Street again in the future on subsequent Non-fiction projects, including another Fantasy Map Book! But as a creative I have several projects I am very focused on right now. I am currently leading the production and direction of a fantasy thriller audio drama I wrote called The Long Rest. It will be an episodic tale told in audio drama form with full sound design and an ensemble cast. I am also hard at work outlining and drafting both a fantasy novel and a science fiction project.
BD: Lastly, what is the best way for our readers to find more information about The Game Master’s Guide to Fantasy Mapmaking and your other work?
CJK: The best way would be to keep an eye on social media. Dungeonmastersdiary on all platforms (TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube). There I’ll be posting preorder updates, release information, and the best ways to support the launch of this book.
