WORLD BUILDING

Build a fictional world that readers will love.

Kimlyn Stanyon

5/1/20233 min read

Butterbeer building
Butterbeer building

World building is a crucial element in creating an immersive and captivating story, whether it’s a novel, screenplay or video game. It involves creating a fictional universe with its own unique history, cultures, geography, technology and magic. A well-crafted world can transport the reader to a place they have never been before and make them feel like they are a part of the story. In this blog post, we will explore the key elements of world building and provide some tips on how to build a world that will truly immerse the reader.

1. Start with a strong foundation

The first step in building a world is to establish a strong foundation. This includes creating a map of the world, its geography, and the cultures that inhabit it. Think about the history of the world and how it has influenced the people and the current state of the world. Consider the political and social systems in place, as well as the religions and belief systems. These elements will provide a foundation for the rest of your world building efforts.

2. Create a sense of culture

One of the key elements of world building is creating a sense of culture. This involves creating unique customs, traditions, and ways of life for the people who inhabit your world. Think about the foods they eat, the clothes they wear, the music they listen to, and the art they create. Consider their language and how it is unique to their culture. This will help create a sense of authenticity and richness to your world.

3. Develop your characters

World building is not just about the world, it’s also about the characters that inhabit it. When creating characters, think about their backstory, their motivations, and how they fit into the world you have created. This will help make them feel like real people, with their own unique personalities and quirks. The more fully-realized your characters are, the more invested readers will be in your world.

4. Introduce magic and technology

Magic and technology are two elements that can add depth and intrigue to your world. Consider the limitations and rules of magic, as well as the cultural significance of it. Think about how technology has advanced in your world and how it has impacted the people who live there. The balance between magic and technology can be an interesting dynamic to explore.

5. Create conflict

A world without conflict is not interesting. Consider the conflicts that exist within your world, whether it’s between different cultures, religions, or political factions. These conflicts can create tension and excitement for readers, and can help drive the story forward.

6. Think about the environment

The environment of your world is an important aspect to consider. Think about the weather patterns, the flora and fauna, and the natural disasters that occur in your world. This can impact the way characters live and interact with the world, and can create opportunities for conflict or adventure.

7. Show, don’t tell

When it comes to world building, it’s important to show rather than tell. Instead of describing the world in a long-winded paragraph, show the reader the world through the actions of the characters. Describe the details of the world in a way that is subtle and immersive. This will help the reader feel like they are a part of the world, rather than simply reading about it.

8. Edit and refine

Finally, once you have created your world, it’s important to edit and refine it. Go back through your work and look for areas where you can add more detail or make things clearer. Think about how the world and the characters fit together, and make sure everything is consistent. Refining your world will make it more immersive and engaging for readers.

In conclusion, world building is an important element in creating a captivating and immersive story. By establishing a strong foundation, creating a sense of culture, developing characters, introducing magic