3 Tips On World-Building

I’ve met so many aspiring writers who are absolutely amazing at crafting a world from nothing. Me? I tend to procrastinate like crazy when it comes to world-building. Something about it has always seemed daunting, but it's an essential part of writing any genre. Here are a couple things I've learned about the process of world-building.

Photo Credit: Artem Sapegin, Unsplash

1. It's not just for fantasy

According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, world-building is "the creation of a fictional world (especially within the science fiction and fantasy genres) that is believable and consistent within the context of the story." The key word here is especially - in other words, it is not limited to these genres.

I was really surprised when I first heard someone talking about world-building for a contemporary fiction novel. My thought process was, "You're writing in the world we live in. It's already been created, so you don't have to do as much work, right?" I decided to try writing a short story set in modern America... and that's when I grasped what world-building really means.

It's not all mapping out lands, planets, and ecosystems. It's more about creating the characters’ world. Location is important, but in a contemporary work, your "world" will probably be more along the lines of who your character interacts with, different processes that relate to their story, etc.

2. Find your process

Someone once told me that each writer has different processes of world-building. One person might be a plotter, having everything mapped out before they put a word on paper. Or maybe they're a pantser, which is writer's slang for not planning much and just letting the story create itself. Both of these are fine, and it's important to find out if you're a plotter, a pantser, or maybe a little of both.

"World-building is definitely important, but sometimes it develops as your story progresses. So if you're writing a first draft, don't worry too much!"

That's what a friend of mine once said. And I've found that it's true! I usually start a project with a little bit of world-building - i.e. the name of a country, and maybe the terrain or something, but mostly I don't worry about it. At least for a first draft, you should be more focused on just getting words down on paper. Just remember, you can always go back and edit later.

3. Think about the little things

If creating an entire world seems daunting or scary, just focus on small things. Maybe write about the small town you live in, and the quirky traits of all your neighbors. Or, if you love research, find a name for your country that has a specific meaning behind it. Your imagination is endless, and that's all you need to create a universe.

“World building is not just about creating a place, but crafting a story that exists within it, giving life to its inhabitants and breathing soul into its landscapes.” - J. Edwards Holt

What are your favorite world-building processes? Share your thoughts in the comments!