3 things to avoid when worldbuilding

When navigating the worldbuilding process, there are three pitfalls that you should try to avoid to ensure a well-rounded narrative.

1. Don't let the setting overshadow the characters

While creating a captivating and intricate world is essential, it should not come at the expense of character development. To strike the right balance, consider the following:

• Ensure your characters are well-developed, authentic, and differentiated: They should be relatable and have their own motivations, backgrounds, and personalities, which will help readers connect with them and become invested in their stories.
• Focus on character-driven storytelling: Remember that the world you create is a backdrop for your characters' journeys. Engage readers with compelling character arcs and interpersonal relationships.

2. Don't let the fantastical elements overshadow other details

In speculative fiction, fantastical elements can add depth and intrigue to your world. However, it's crucial not to overlook the importance of more mundane aspects. Keep the following in mind:

• Recognize the importance of everyday details: While fantastical elements can create a sense of wonder, remember that the more mundane aspects of your world might be just as crucial to the story. These elements can ground your narrative and make it more relatable to readers.
• Balance the extraordinary with the ordinary: Ensure your world feels real and believable by incorporating everyday elements alongside fantastical elements. This balance will add depth to your world and make it more immersive.

3. Don't let detail overwhelm the narrative

Detail is essential to worldbuilding, but too much of it can detract from the story. To avoid overwhelming the narrative, consider these tips:

• Avoid Mary-sue worldbuilding and mosaic worldbuilding: Ensure that your world is not overly perfect or overly complex, as both can make it difficult for readers to engage with the story.
• Keep your focus on the core plot: Remember that only what is central to the plot is essential to worldbuilding. Know why you are developing specific aspects of your world, and concentrate on those areas that truly matter to the story.
• Stick to short, organized notes: Keep your worldbuilding notes concise and well-organized to avoid getting bogged down in unnecessary detail.
• Don't be afraid of losing ideas: Ideas are cheap, and execution is everything. The ideas that truly matter to the story will come back to you, so focus on developing a solid narrative rather than holding onto every idea that crosses your mind.