Have you always wanted to write a story set in a fictional world, but you don't know how? In this article you will find all the aspects to consider.
Steps
Step 1. Decide what kind of world you want to create and if it fits your storyline
Do you want to write a fantasy story with magical creatures? A futuristic story with lots of aliens? Everything is possible! Start with your chosen theme and build your world accordingly.
Step 2. Determine the rules and foundations of your world
If you want to create a fantasy world with goblins, aliens can't even pop up and attack the protagonist! You will need to establish rules, such as who can and who cannot do certain things, what is taboo and what is acceptable. You will need to be consistent and also follow the laws of physics.
Step 3. Invent or re-create races for your world
What kind of creatures will there be? Where do they usually live? What are their traditions and habits? What do they look like? Think carefully about the species you will create and the laws they will abide by.
Step 4. Create a company
How do races coexist with each other? Do they work together or is there a king who commands them? Which language do they speak? What calendar do they follow? Are they peasants? Are they religious or aggressive (how often do they have wars and battles?) What are their love habits? What kind of family structure do they have? You can create a traditional world or something completely unique!
Step 5. Plan the appearance of your world
While the variety is beautiful, you can't have a world that's half deserted and half ice covered. Think of the local capital and the houses of the protagonists; decide where to put the houses and other things.
Step 6. Consider the most important elements of the story
Think about the kind of world you are telling and if it makes sense. In a science fiction world, for example, humans can be killed by anyone, while in a fantasy world only humans can use magic. Make sure, therefore, that your story follows a logical thread and that it respects the ground rules.
Step 7. Ask yourself questions about the world, for example:
- If I were a passing person and if I saw> breed name <in their natural habitat, what would I think?
- What kind of life would a normal person have in this world?
- If you came from another world, what would your first impression be?
- What kind of knowledge do the creatures that inhabit this world have?
Step 8. Put the pieces of the story together
Your world must be like a puzzle; the pieces must match each other to create the perfect image. At this point, look back and decide if there is a need to change something and the impact it will have on the plot.
Advice
- Draw a map of your world, including details, such as where the main characters' homes are, where to find rivers and lakes, etc. This way, you'll be able to keep the story and descriptions consistent.
- Write random anecdotes and paragraphs about the characters who will not appear in your story to get an idea of the lifestyle they lead.
- Keeping an entire world in mind can be complicated. Write your ideas on a piece of paper, and if you like, draw pictures of the races and creatures that populate it.
- Let your world flow naturally. Convince readers that they are in a whole new place; you don't need to give too much detail - let your characters reveal them little by little.
- Remember that the purpose of this article is only to provide you with guidelines; you will be free to do what you want.
- Think about the general order of the world, whether it will be at peace, whether they will all be rich or poor, who will be the boss, etc.
Warnings
- Your world must always be consistent. For example, you can't decide to have warrior goblins that aren't magical and then have them suddenly start using magic.
- Don't write about a world that only you like, write something that catches the reader's attention.
- The characters must belong to the world, and not the other way around, they must follow your rules.
