I love fantasy maps. Specifically, I like ones that look real, like they were drawn by someone from the world the map illustrates, rather than ones generated by generic map creation apps. There’s just something magical about ancient and mythical maps! I know it’s not for everyone, but at least Bilbo Baggins is a kindred spirit where old maps are concerned. Like him, I have procured countless Middle-earth maps that are carefully stored away in my closet, waiting for the day I can hang them all on display (should I ever find time to paint my upstairs hallway).

It’s because of this love, I decided to hand draw my own maps for my book series, The Stone Key Chronicles. That’s right, when Awakening is published this winter, the maps gracing the book’s pages were drawn by none other than yours truly. One reason is because I wanted it to feel like a map used in the world, so it needed a hand drawn look. The second is simply because I love drawing and saw it as an exciting challenge to take on.

That said, while I enjoy drawing, my skills are somewhat limited. So, when I decided I wanted to sell a collector’s poster of my world map to coincide with Awakening’s publishing release, I knew right away I wanted to find an artist to commission the work. However, in no way did I want the map to resemble every other Middle-earth look-a-like out there. I wanted it to be completely unique, an item worthy of a map collector’s gallery. I wanted it to be filled with intricate designs and vibrant colors befitting the cultures I created for the series. I wanted it to look used but cherished, something you would find framed hanging in a great hall belonging to a kingdom of Tersaith to be admired for generations.

Then I stumbled across the incredible work of Joel Trumbo and his Etsy shop, Tamburn Bindery. His hand drawn illuminated illustrations immediately caught my eye, especially since the symbols I created for my book series were inspired by Celtic designs. I reached out to Joel to see if he’d be interested in incorporating his art into my world map, and much to my delight, he agreed to take on the challenge.

He’s been steadily working on the project behind the scenes, and this past weekend I caught my first glimpse of the progress he’s made thus far and was absolutely blown away! His skill at Celtic knotwork is nothing short of stunning. The final design will include a gorgeous knotwork frame that houses important series symbols and surrounds the full series world map. What that means is, this map will include all the names and places readers will be introduced to throughout the entire series. I have no doubt that when the map is complete and the posters become available, it will be a collector’s item fans will treasure for years to come.

Curious to see Joel’s artwork? Check out his Etsy shop here!