Inside Look: Story World Development

Let's take a look inside the creation of Gethsemane Island (a fictional story world – No real-world affiliation) I created for my first novel, "The Bells of Saint Luke's."

**Fun Fact:** Originally, the book began with an extensive info dump about the story world, which set the pace for my writing. However, I later learned that starting a novel with an info dump is generally not advisable—a golden rule I was guilty of breaking. I decided to move the backstory into my story bible (not included in the final product) and integrated relevant facts into the narrative as the story progressed. This approach provides readers with a deeper understanding of the story world, helping them follow the plot with ease. In the end, I adhered to the rules and removed the info dump, but to my surprise, the information was not worthless. Now, I can use these details as part of my book's promotion, offering a thorough inside look for everyone to enjoy.

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Story World Development

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Location:  Gethsemane Island (fictional story world – No real-world affiliation)

Map:  Image generated based on the story world description.

*** Welcome to Gethsemane Island  ***

In 1689, Saint Luke, a distinguished high priest and navigator missionary, discovered Gethsemane Island during one of his voyages. He named the island after his beloved ship, the SS Gethsemane, which had braved many seas in the name of faith. To honor this significant discovery, Saint Luke undertook the ambitious project of constructing a grand cathedral known as "Saint Luke's." This majestic structure took two decades to complete and has since become the centerpiece and most remarkable architectural achievement of the colonized island settlement.

The SS Gethsemane's discovery of the island was nothing short of miraculous. During an era fueled by fervent missionary zeal, the majestic vessel sailed with a divine purpose, bringing peace, hope, faith, and the word of God to distant lands. Saint Luke viewed the island as a sacred gift from the heavens, where he could forge a new beginning. With unwavering faith, the crew set foot on this untouched paradise, transforming it into a thriving colony that echoed their hopes, dreams, and aspirations. Once a hidden gem of the ocean, the island blossomed into a vibrant community fueled by the spirit of those who dared to dream. The island served as a trading port among sailors and merchants for many years. By the dawn of the 1900s, Gethsemane Island had transformed into a thriving tourist hotspot, drawing visitors with its rich history, stunning landscapes, and welcoming atmosphere. The island's economy flourished and has continued to thrive as a beloved destination ever since, retaining its charm and significance through the ages.

The island has been developed and modified with tourists in mind, except for a quaint residential area along the upper eastern shoreline. This charming neighborhood is characterized by a collection of townhouses, rustic cottage houses, and small, inviting apartment buildings, all of which exude a nostalgic, old-world charm reminiscent of a 1700s - 1800s countryside village. With a dash of technology from the early 1900s, the place is durable in ways the modern world cannot define, express, or offer.

At the heart of the island lies the City Hall courtyard, the central hub where all the main roads converge. Guests can travel from east to west by traveling the town's Main Street, a majestic thoroughfare that weaves across the landscape.

Main Street features shops, cafés, local businesses, and attractions that cater to both locals and visitors. It ultimately leads from the historic Saint Luke's Cathedral (hilltop upper-eastern side) to the Saint Luke's Cemetery, located at the lower far western end, which respectfully sits below the hillside of the Cathedral. The town itself wraps around the Cathedral.

The city is a vibrant blend of history and modernity. Behind the Cathedral is a sprawling, untouched island natural wildlife reserve that serves as a sanctuary for nature enthusiasts. This wooded area features numerous hiking trails that wind through lush greenery, offering breathtaking views and a peaceful escape for residents and tourists alike. The forest is a treasured part of the island, inviting everyone to explore its natural beauty and enjoy outdoor adventures.

Throughout the years, decades, and generations, Gethsemane Island has flourished. This enchanting island, renowned for its diverse and captivating historical landmarks, rich cultural heritage, and picturesque landscapes, attracts approximately 20,000 visitors each year while maintaining a close-knit community of just 5,000 residents. The island experiences a steady influx of tourists, with daily numbers usually ranging from 200 to 500, depending on the season. This balance ensures that the island never feels overcrowded, creating a tranquil atmosphere that appeals to those seeking a peaceful getaway with its own unique story of significance.

As visitors explore the cobblestone streets and scenic vistas, they become enchanted by the island's charm—the scent of blooming olives in the gardens, natural Sea Grape and Mastic trees, the sound of waves gently lapping against the shore, and the stunning views of both sunrise and sunset over the sparkling ocean. These elements create an inviting environment where tourists can immerse themselves in the island's rich history and natural beauty, making their visit a truly memorable experience.

Story World Index:

REALM:

Is it Earth? Yes

Specific location: Gethsemane Island (fictional Earthly Island story world)

Period: Modern (Noir-like) Environment: Vintage structure model. Vintage Technology (no smartphones or computers)

GEOGRAPHY:

Major Geographical Features: International Island (No 1-nation nationality)

Natural Resources: Local farming and trade (Dock ships)

Weather Patterns: Rain, snow, storms, Island/Ocean  tides

Seasons: Normal – 4 seasons

WILDLIFE:

Animals: Lots of squirrels and rabbits.

The island is secluded, so naturally, not much wildlife beyond squirrels and rabbits. There are some livestock animals rurally near the forest side of the residential area—small residential homes (backyards) livestock houses.

FLORA:

Plants – Trees - Wildlife:

   Mastic Trees

   Infamous olive gardens

   Oak Trees

   Sea Grape Trees

SOCIAL & HISTORICAL BACKGROUND:

World History: The island was first discovered in the late 1600s by religious crusaders who were exploring the world to find historical landmarks, spread their gospel, and establish colonies based on their beliefs. In 1689, Sir Luke, the high priest, discovered Gethsemane Island and named it after his ship, the SS Gethsemane. In honor of his discovery, he constructed a cathedral called "Saint Luke’s." The cathedral took twenty years to complete and stands as the town's monument and most outstanding architectural achievement

Population: 5,000 Residents & 20,000 Tourist yearly: About 200(Slow) to 500(peak) season.

Languages: English.

Cultural (Races): Mostly Italian, Greek, Irish, and European Occupants.

Political Structures: The church runs the town, and whoever is titled High Priest of Saint Luke’s has the governor's authority. The town has a City Hall (made of founding residential members) that represents the people in matters. The parties agree, so there is no dispute.

Law & Order: Next to no crime, the island is primarily peaceful, except for petty tourist crimes such as theft in tourist shops. The town does have a couple of officers. Most criminals are detained until they are shipped out and then released. Any serious crime is turned over to the authority of the visitor’s country government, but that rarely happens. There are no murderers on the island, and most people live out their lives until old age and natural causes. Most matters are resolved by City Hall or the Priests’ Order.

Myths & Legends: In the 1600s, during the era of the founders, a widespread fear emerged among citizens of being buried alive. To alleviate this anxiety, many people paid extra for graves that were equipped with bells. They believed that if they were ever buried alive, they could ring the bell to signal for help. At Saint Luke’s Cemetery, every gravestone features a bell. As generations passed, the bells on the gravestones at Saint Luke’s Cemetery began to chime during the midnight hours. Initially, the residents thought nothing of it. However, over time, they noticed a troubling pattern: whenever the bells rang, someone would die the following day and join the ancestors in the cemetery.