A short introduction to worldbuilding
Oh, hey there worldbuilder! You may be looking for a quick checklist of what to consider while you wing it. If so:
- Make sure the place and time are clear (i.e. your setting)
- Jot down a high-level timeline of key events that have shaped the world
- Run through questions to help you fine-tune your world's rules
- Use highly specific, small details to make the world real for your reader (but do it sparingly)
If that's all you need, great! Read on if you want to dive into some of these in greater detail.
Why world build?
Stories happen in places. Even if that place is a dark void, it will have particular characteristics you'd try to communicate to your reader. You do this so they'll really be able to feel the abject terror of being suspended in endless empty darkness for the rest of all time. If time even exists. Stories are supposed to make us feel something. The more immersive a story, the more likely it is to hit us in the heart. And: the key to immersing readers is worldbuilding.
Establish the where and when
The first step is to establish the place and time in which your story will take place. This can be a fantasy world, a futuristic setting, or the present day. It's essential to clearly understand where and when your story is set, as this will inform many other aspects of your worldbuilding process.
Once the setting is established, creating a timeline showing the key events that have shaped your world to its current state can be helpful. This can add depth and believability to the world, making it feel like a fully fleshed-out place rather than a shallow backdrop for your story.
Laydown some ground rules
Think about the rules and laws that govern your world. This can include everything from the laws of physics (does gravity work the same way it does in the real world?) to the rules of society and the consequences for those who break them.
It's also important to consider the government and power dynamics of the world. Who holds power, and how is it exercised? What do people believe in, and what do they value most? These questions can help paint a picture of the world and its inhabitants.
Breathe some life in
Once the basic structure of the world is established, it's time to focus on the details that bring it to life. What is the weather like in this world? How do the inhabitants live their daily lives? What kind of technology exists?
Consider their language, currency, clothing, architecture, and everyday customs and traditions. All these factors can help create a vibrant, believable world full of endless possibilities for storytelling.
How does this world affect your story?
It's important to consider how the world you've created shapes its characters. What kind of conflict is likely to emerge due to the rules and dynamics of the world?
Answering these questions can give your story direction and purpose, making it more than just a series of random events.
Build as you go
Let your story lead the way. Build out what you need to get the story going and add more details later. Don't worry about not knowing everything upfront. You need to know just enough to move the story forward.
It can also be helpful to create maps and diagrams and to write down the answers to your worldbuilding questions to help you keep track of the different elements of your world. Keep these all neat and tidy in your notes wiki alongside your outline and manuscript in First Draft Pro.
Dive into more worldbuilding resources:
- Where to start with worldbuilding
- How to world-build when you don't know everything
- The ultimate list of worldbuilding questions
- 8 things your worldbuilding needs to do
- 5 important things to remember about worldbuilding
- 3 things to avoid when worldbuilding
