Meaning: The quote by Terry Brooks, "After all, you put a lot into creating a universe and everything that goes with it, and it seems a shame to use it only once," speaks to the idea of world-building and the creative process in writing. Terry Brooks is a renowned fantasy author known for his Shannara series and his contributions to the fantasy genre. In this quote, he reflects on the effort and imagination that writers invest in crafting a fictional universe and suggests that it would be wasteful to confine it to a single story.

The process of world-building is a fundamental aspect of writing within the fantasy and science fiction genres. Authors like J.R.R. Tolkien, George R.R. Martin, and Ursula K. Le Guin are celebrated for their intricate and immersive fictional worlds. These worlds are often rich in detail, history, geography, and culture, providing a backdrop for the narrative that is as vital as the characters and plot. Creating such a universe requires a significant investment of time and creativity, as authors must consider not only the immediate setting of their story but also the broader context in which it unfolds.

When Brooks speaks of "putting a lot into creating a universe," he acknowledges the exhaustive nature of this process. From establishing the rules of magic and the dynamics of power to designing the social structures and belief systems, world-building demands a thorough exploration of every facet of the fictional realm. Authors delve into the minutiae of their created world, considering how its inhabitants live, interact, and evolve. This attention to detail adds depth and authenticity to the narrative, immersing readers in a world that feels tangible and lived-in.

Moreover, the quote suggests that the act of world-building is an investment. It is an investment of creativity, time, and emotional energy, as authors pour their imagination into shaping a coherent and compelling universe. The process often involves extensive research, drawing inspiration from history, mythology, and diverse cultures to inform the fabric of the fictional world. Authors may also draw from their own experiences and observations, infusing the created universe with elements that resonate with universal themes and human truths.

However, despite the immense effort involved in world-building, Brooks contends that it would be "a shame to use it only once." This sentiment reflects a desire for longevity and multiplicity in storytelling. Once a universe has been meticulously crafted, it holds the potential to serve as the backdrop for multiple narratives, each exploring different aspects of the world and its inhabitants. By revisiting and expanding upon the universe, authors can delve deeper into its complexities, introducing new characters, conflicts, and revelations that enrich the overall tapestry of the fictional realm.

The notion of reusing a created universe also aligns with the concept of a shared literary universe, where multiple authors contribute stories set within the same fictional world. This approach allows for collaborative world-building, as different perspectives and storytelling styles converge to create a cohesive and expansive universe. Examples of shared literary universes include the Marvel and DC comic book universes, where various writers and artists have contributed to the mythology and continuity of the respective universes.

In conclusion, Terry Brooks' quote encapsulates the arduous yet rewarding nature of world-building in writing. It highlights the investment of creativity and effort that goes into crafting a fictional universe and emphasizes the potential for multiple stories to unfold within it. By recognizing the value of revisiting and expanding upon a created universe, authors can continue to draw inspiration from their own imaginative landscapes, breathing new life into their storytelling and offering readers a deeper understanding of the intricacies of the fictional realm.