kerryminen

Kerryminen is a term used in speculative fiction and collaborative storytelling to describe a long-form, collective world-building process in which multiple authors or players contribute to an interconnected narrative over time. It emphasizes continuity, shared lore, and cross-media integration, with participants building a common setting, history, and roster of characters.

Origin and usage: The exact origin of the term is uncertain, and there is no canonical etymology. Kerryminen is primarily encountered in online fandom and creative-writing communities, where it functions as both a noun (the process of kerryminen) and a verb (to kerryminen). Because it is not part of established scholarship, its meanings and practices can vary between communities.

Practice and mechanics: In a typical kerryminen work, a central repository—such as a wiki, document hub, or storyboard—officially anchors the shared setting. Participants propose ideas for lore, locations, artifacts, and character arcs, which are then vetted by a lorekeeper or designated coordinators. Contributions are linked through timelines, cross-referenced entries, and modular narratives, allowing individual chapters or campaigns to feed into a larger, evolving canon. Communication is often asynchronous, with regular updates that maintain internal consistency and enable cross-campaign continuity.

Variations and reception: Kerryminen frameworks differ in scope, from tightly governed canon with strict continuity rules to looser, emergent world-building where contradictions are tolerated. Proponents argue that it fosters creativity, collaboration, and coherent world-building across stories and media. Critics suggest it can become prescriptive, slow progress, or gatekeeping if control of the canon concentrates in a single group.

In summary, kerryminen describes a collaborative, evolving approach to world-building that seeks to unify multiple narratives within a shared fictional universe, primarily within fan and hobbyist communities.