World Building: 9 Things to Consider
As many of you may know from my previous blog posts, I have recently opted to scrap the progress I have made on my WIP and try this thing they call "outlining". Thus far it has been going very well, and I plan to post my findings as soon as I finish what I like to refer to as my "Advanced Outline". But one thing that I realized last night when I was working on outlining chapter two was that world building really never ends. It is something that you continue to develop as you make progress throughout your work.
I have been imagining the same world for years, mapping out territories, developing climate and environment, and even creating the solar system in order to logically decide on different seasons and weather patterns. I wanted to experiment with different stars and how that would effect the planet. Like for instance, if instead of having a yellow sun like we have come to know and love, what would it look like if the sun was a red dwarf? How would that change how my MC sees the planet? Anyway, moral of the story: you need more than a basic understanding of the world you are throwing your MC into before you start your WIP, but don't be afraid to continue to develop it as you continue your writing process.
To get you started, here are a few things you will want to consider:
The Climate
Climate can play a huge role in a story. For example, say you have two civilizations at war with each other, one that prospers in a hot and humid environment while the other is used to 30 degrees below freezing. If those who are used to the heat attack in the frigid weather, they would be at a major disadvantage. Ask yourself the following questions:
1. What, if any, seasons does your world experience?
2. How long does each season last?
3. Are there areas in the world that experience extreme climates?
4. What weather patterns are common?
5. Are there any natural disasters that people have to be wary of?
The Environment
The environment ties heavily in with the climate. Often the climate determines what the environment will look like. So, if it rains about 70% of the year, you will likely have a very lush tropical forest and a wide variety of animals populating the area. The opposite is true if the climate is very hot and dry. Consider these questions:
1. What types of plants would the MC see if they went for a walk?
2. Are these plants poisonous or edible?
3. What kinds of animals are around?
4. Are these animals friendly or dangerous?
5. What does the land look like? Is it flat? Or mountainous? Or near water? Or does it take place in water?
The People
For the most part, there is not much of a story without people, so spend a good amount of time on them. These people have likely had a great impact on the MC's life and the MC may have a lot of the same characteristics or traits as these people, so they are worth developing.
1. How are all of these people the same?
2. How do they differ?
3. What do they look like?
4. How do they dress?
5. Are they diverse?
6. Are there any prejudices amongst the people?
7. Are they peaceful or hostile?
The Language
When I say language, I don't just mean English or French or German, I also mean how the characters speak those languages, if they use slang or a different dialect.
1. What languages are your people speaking?
2. Do people in different regions of your world talk differently, with an accent or slang?
3. Are there any "curse" words that your people use?
4. Are there any common phrases?
History
So much can be revealed by creating a history for your world. History is what drives current events. Sometimes we learn from it and sometimes we do not. This subject can get pretty extensive, seeing as there is likely thousands of years you can draw upon for notable events in the world's history, but let's try to keep this simple:
1. What wars shaped the way the world is now?
2. Were there any natural disasters that changed the world (like an astroid wiping out an entire species or an ice age)?
3. What does the timeline look like for the development of current technology, whatever that may be?
4. Are the common people taught the truth about the worlds history, or is it biased?
5. How far back does the world's history go?
Cities and Landmarks
Every world should have some sort of city/town/settlement. You should have a basic understanding of the city and what it contains. Is it a bunch of straw huts grouped together or are there skyscrapers and flying cars? It is a good idea to create landmarks and notable places that tie in with the history of your world as well.
1. What do your cities look like?
2. What, if any, social classes exist in these cities?
3. What are the common modes of transportation?
4. What do people do for fun?
5. What is near or surrounds your city?
6. Are there any landmarks that hold significance?
Religion
Adding religion to your world can add a multitude of depth and understanding. Many major events have happened in Earth's history as a result of religion, so it would be very believable if the same happened on other worlds. Religion can shape a world's history as well as it's current conflicts.
1. What is the common religion amongst the people?
2. Does the MC share the same beliefs?
3. What created this belief system?
4. Is there anything notable about these beliefs (sacrifices, shaming or discrimination)?
5. What are the current conflicts these beliefs create?
Government
In nearly all societies, there is some form of government. It creates order, or at least it is supposed to. Someone is always in power.
1. What type of government or rulers are there?
2. Who is the most powerful person?
3. How did the most powerful person get their position (elected, birth, killed the previous ruler, etc)?
4. Do the common folk agree with the government? Does your MC?
5. How does the government interact/interfere with the common people?
Magic/Supernatural powers
If you are writing a fantasy, then that means there is a possibility that you are creating a world where magic exists. It may be a small aspect of your world or your entire story may revolve around it. Either way, you need to understand it.
1. What kinds of magic are there?
2. Why do people posses these powers?
3. Are there certain people who are not privy to magic?
4. Does everybody know that magic exists?
5. What are the limitations?
6. Is there any type of magic that is deemed off-limits or illegal?
Once you are able to answer all of these questions, or at least all that apply to your WIP, you will have a basic understanding of your world. I encourage you to expand on this as much as possible and continue doing so as you work through your story.
I'd love to know your process for developing your world! As always, feel free to leave a comment down below and follow me on Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest @StephanieNBolla.