Worldbuilding provides a backdrop for your characters to play in and the rules by which your world and all of its characters are held. 

This world can be a source of conflict.

Your world enhances the story’s believability as readers immerse themselves in the external forces influencing your protagonist.

For some genres, such as fantasy and sci-fi, worldbuilding is like another character, needed to understand how and why your character moves through the setting in the way they choose.

For others, such as modern-day romances, it may not have the same impact.

However, it is still necessary for readers to feel situated within the narrative rather than drifting through eternal black space.

Today, we will review 5 core elements of worldbuilding that all genres can delve into.

Use these elements to develop your setting before diving into the writing process.

When worldbuilding, the physical setting often readily comes to mind.

We envision giant crags hovering over choppy seas or lush green forests with their inhabitants’ eyes hidden among the foliage.

The physical environment is only the top layer of our narrative world, yet it is still important.

Consider:

1. The Geography: landscape, climate, important natural resources
2. Architecture: key cities or towns and human-made landmarks
3. Transportation: how people and your characters are getting around
4. Technology: key items that your characters encounter
5. Rules of Nature: weather, climate etc.

Your readers will need to know about the cultures that your main character encounters.

By understanding this information, we learn about the power dynamics, rules and challenges that influence your plot.

Consider:

1. Leadership: government, social hierarchies
2. Traditions: customs, rituals, celebrations
3. Language: dialect, slang, names
4. Belief System: religion, mythology, lore
5. History: tales, lessons, influential events

Usually, there is some powerful force maintaining order in your world.

Your readers want to understand the laws and ethics driving peoples’ actions. 

There may be rulers who hold a firm hand over the country or widespread conflicts that have yet to be resolved.

Readers need to understand why and how these events have occurred.

Consider: 

1. Government Structure: monarchy, democracy etc.
2. Justice System: Key laws, how crime is handled
3. Conflict: past or present wars/ crimes influencing the narrative

The world your main character is in may be very poor or they may come from wealth.

You’ll need to understand how items are purchased or traded for and any special technologies or industries that influence their society.

Consider:

1. Currency: method for trade/ purchasing
2. Technology/ Magic: methods for completing everyday and unique tasks, advanced or archaic technological output
3. Influential Industries/ Professions: necessary jobs and roles sought after or holding influence

Many worlds, particularly in fantasy and sci-fi, will have intricate backstories that set up large-scale conflicts or advancements in the story.

These express how the world came to be at the start of the narrative.

Consider:

1. Historical Events: key events influencing present-day
2. Folk Tales: the truths and superstitions influencing culture
3. Tensions and Alliances:  between species, countries, kingdoms or groups
4. Legendary and Renowned Figures: those who’ve helped or hindered progress

1. Start small: focus on the immediate world surrounding your MC and then expand where needed

2. Use sensory details: build a realistic world by showing the physical setting

3. Avoid exposition (show, don’t tell): your reader will get overwhelmed if you attempt to share every small detail

4. Support your story’s theme: worldbuilding is a great place to comment on the worldview of your story

5. Ensure consistency: track the rules, magic systems etc. that your world is influenced by

Not every narrative will need a deep dive into all these world-building elements.

The extent to which you share these details will depend on your plot. 

For example, historical lore may appear more in fantasy than romantic comedy.

Often, an author knows more about their world than they will ever share with their readers.

Ensure that you have spent enough time crafting your setting so it is clear and logical.

Check out this blog post on mastering research to learn how to determine your needs and organize your information.

Creating your world on the go can leave loose ends and misinformation sprinkled throughout the narrative.

Imagine a world where the rules change from chapter to chapter or a crucial point shocks the reader halfway through the story.

We don’t want that!

Take time to tease out the most important pieces of your setting now so your world flows logically.

Experiment with your narrative world before committing to it.

Determine what your readers want to know and flesh out your setting from there.

Have fun creating and playing in the unique worlds that you pen.

Share your worldbuilding tips and experiences in the comments below!

Talk soon!

Julia