What are the best worldbuilding strategies to use in fiction?

What are the best worldbuilding strategies to use in fiction?
by

1 Answer

Answer :

One of the things that made Game of Thrones so engaging (The Expanse too) is that they begin the story in a world that had a rich history and we learn more about what has happened in the past gradually over time. Person A is rude to Person B but otherwise nice to other people. The story doesn’t immediately tell us why. It’s not that Person A is a total jerk, but that there is history between them that we may learn more about in a conversation between Person A and Person C. It slowly fills in the picture and leaves mysteries by controlling the info the reader has instead of giving it all to the reader upfront. The other thing that makes those worlds feel real is that villains don’t see themselves as villains. They have goals that sometimes put themselves in conflict with other people/groups of people and often have to make morally gray choices. That keeps things more believable.
by

Related questions

When putting dialogue into fiction, should you use double quotations or singular?

Description : When putting dialogue into fiction, should you use double quotations or singular?

Last Answer : Double

Which fiction books imply/say the Giza pyramid hosts inside a high-power maser that almost destroyed the solar system?

Description : Which fiction books imply/say the Giza pyramid hosts inside a high-power maser that almost destroyed the solar system?

Last Answer : Try this

If I wanted to write fiction about a place I've never been before (which I, in fact, do), how could I possibly learn the fundamentals of the language enough for names of fictional places within that setting?

Description : If I wanted to write fiction about a place I've never been before (which I, in fact, do), how could I possibly learn the fundamentals of the language enough for names of fictional places within that setting?

Last Answer : I'm a little confused. Are we talking about a place that is not English speaking? I think you take some risk writing about a place you have never been, but I do think you can probably get quite ... editor can help you once you have the work done. Maybe I don't fully understand the question though.

In your opinion, are today's Best Seller books, especially the fiction, really that good?

Description : In your opinion, are today's Best Seller books, especially the fiction, really that good?

Last Answer : Sometimes.

Tips on Writing Historical Fiction?

Description : Tips on Writing Historical Fiction?

Last Answer : answer:I don't think there's any such thing as too much research. For me, historical fiction is made in the details, the little things people living in that time would take for granted. If a ... Vikings are unclean savages in drab clothing with horned helmets, that book gets a big nope from me.

Is it possible to write interesting fiction that has no conflict or violence?

Description : Is it possible to write interesting fiction that has no conflict or violence?

Last Answer : Ask Laura Ingalls Wilder.

Which of these stances towards science fiction do you most agree with?

Description : Which of these stances towards science fiction do you most agree with?

Last Answer : I’m with #1.

How do you get familiar with something you want to write fiction about?

Description : How do you get familiar with something you want to write fiction about?

Last Answer : answer:Pick a theme or topic of this piece you want to write then do the research. You could also read books by other authors to get a feel for the many different approaches they took to create ... you could visit writing forums where you are sure to get ideas and the help you are looking for.

How many pages long in a Word Doc is the average fiction novel?

Description : How many pages long in a Word Doc is the average fiction novel?

Last Answer : answer:Well let's see. When I put the novel I just finished in size 12 Times New Roman, it reaches 95 pages. It's about 60,000 words, which is pretty average. A novel technically only has to be ... increase your number of pages by a lot. I would say my novel has a below-average amount of dialogue.

Any Fan Fiction Suggestions for the Anime Death Note?

Description : Any Fan Fiction Suggestions for the Anime Death Note?

Last Answer : answer:I have never seen or read Death Note, but I have watched some anime and read and written my share of fanfiction. Setting changes (different fictional universes, or insertion into real-life events ... there. Plenty of bad anime too, but plenty of good stuff. No sense in pigeonholing yourself.

Whether or not it's politically correct, do you prefer to read about male or female protagonists in fiction, and why?

Description : Whether or not it's politically correct, do you prefer to read about male or female protagonists in fiction, and why?

Last Answer : Well, I can not read. I only read Manga, and in that genre, I do not have a preference.

People under age 25, what do you know about science fiction novels and writers?

Description : People under age 25, what do you know about science fiction novels and writers?

Last Answer : I just turned 26. I was never into science fiction reading, only movies. The only books I’ve heard of were the Dune series. I remember it being really popular.

Fiction Question: What would legal proceedings look like in a situation like this? (Details inside)

Description : Fiction Question: What would legal proceedings look like in a situation like this? (Details inside)

Last Answer : answer:Here's one data point. The shooting was recorded on video, so the timing is certainly at the extreme short end. 06/24/2010 Convenience clerk kills robber. 06/30/2010 DA says he will not ... one was a second-degree murder trial. Three years between the killing and a not-guilty verdict. Link

Have you tried writing fiction?

Description : Have you tried writing fiction?

Last Answer : I write a lot of fiction, sometimes to share with friends, sometimes just for fun. I’ve written two novels that are unpublished, I’ve had two short stories published, and I’ve recently started on my first serious attempt at a publishable novel.

Are there exceptions to "show not tell" in fiction writing?

Description : Are there exceptions to "show not tell" in fiction writing?

Last Answer : answer:The second example you posted sounds like an example of purple prose, which is overly showy decorative language that draws attention to itself. I think the best option is to take the Buddhist ... keep in mind that stories can seem choppy and dry if there is too little description involved.

How does creating personas for marketing/design purposes differ from creating characters for fiction/drama, and how does one begin creating one?

Description : How does creating personas for marketing/design purposes differ from creating characters for fiction/drama, and how does one begin creating one?

Last Answer : I think one of the main differences is that for marketing/design purposes, you’re attempting to think of the typical member of the market, or the typical user. In fiction/drama, you’re attempting to create something particular – if typical, it will most likely be boring.

How much do you change when writing fiction based on real life?

Description : How much do you change when writing fiction based on real life?

Last Answer : As much or as little as you want. You’re got. It’s your story.

What makes a good young-adult fiction novel?

Description : What makes a good young-adult fiction novel?

Last Answer : tragic loss, redemption, retold , well, in modern day vernacular. an intense original story told within that framework.

Can fantasy novels be taken as seriously as regular fiction?

Description : Can fantasy novels be taken as seriously as regular fiction?

Last Answer : Is there really a difference?

(Fiction) How to describe winter?

Description : (Fiction) How to describe winter?

Last Answer : Icy, blue cold, bleak, able to see your breath, slushy, snow drifts, slick roads just to name a few.

People who write fiction: Do you lay out the entire elaborate story before-hand, or figure it out as your characters do?

Description : People who write fiction: Do you lay out the entire elaborate story before-hand, or figure it out as your characters do?

Last Answer : You need to know where you are going before you plan your route.

What science fiction or fantasy world would you live in and why?

Description : What science fiction or fantasy world would you live in and why?

Last Answer : The Whoniverse, travelling in my own TARDIS. Life would be so exciting, plus I could get the winning lottery numbers before they called them. Ladies dig a guy with money.

What are the best fiction and non-fiction books about life in post September 11 New York?

Description : What are the best fiction and non-fiction books about life in post September 11 New York?

Last Answer : What does this have to do with life post 9/11?

Are there any cursive writing styles designed for ease of use and legibility?

Description : Are there any cursive writing styles designed for ease of use and legibility?

Last Answer : Not that I have ever seen. But when I am writing, I write for speed and legibility. So my handwriting is sort of a mix of script and print - some elision between letters but some separation ... letters sometimes because there are connectors that don't make sense. What works for me is prursive'.

Do you use tricks for spelling?

Description : Do you use tricks for spelling?

Last Answer : answer:Oprah’s giant production facility here in Chicago was Harpo Studios. Lots of jobs lost when it closed. Anyway… 1) “i before e except after c” is a good one. 2) After the “M”, Mississippi has all double consonants. 3) Tchoupitoulas is spelled “Tchoupitoulas” New Orleans joke

Do you still use pencils or are you an ink person?

Description : Do you still use pencils or are you an ink person?

Last Answer : answer:Moleskin and pen. I can write way faster than I can peck on a screen. And my notebook doesn’t crash.

What are some epic abandoned or otherwise secluded places in NJ, NY or PA that I could use for my climactic scene?

Description : What are some epic abandoned or otherwise secluded places in NJ, NY or PA that I could use for my climactic scene?

Last Answer : answer:How about the abandoned Pennsylvania Turnpike tunnels is central and western PA? They still exist, and go under the Alleghenies. link

Is there a way to copy notes plus citations from kindle app that I use on my ipad?

Description : Is there a way to copy notes plus citations from kindle app that I use on my ipad?

Last Answer : answer:Well, it's in Amazon's interest to make sure the text of their books is not in text format. So, you can't do it within the app. You should be able to do the following, which I just did ... a specific iPad app to recommend, but it appears that there are some apps in iOS that do this as well.

What do you think of the use of "so" and "well" as sentence starters in writing?

Description : What do you think of the use of "so" and "well" as sentence starters in writing?

Last Answer : answer:As an ad copywriter, I learned to write sentences in short bursts, and often, starting one with So was both necessary and effective. However, I don't do much of that kind of writing anymore and now ... the sentence, Today we'll be discussing such-in-such with So'? I just don't get that.

Will you get into trouble or sued if you use pictures that are not yours on blogs?

Description : Will you get into trouble or sued if you use pictures that are not yours on blogs?

Last Answer : answer:If you are looking for pictures to use you could check out sites like Creative Commons. You can also do a search for copyright free images. I have used lots of photos where the owners have given ... no way they were going to make anything of it. Either way, always, always cite your sources.

What are the guidelines of the proper use of an ellipsis.

Description : What are the guidelines of the proper use of an ellipsis.

Last Answer : It is usually used to indicate something left out rather than a pause. Overuse can make writing look sloppy but occasional use can be effective. I would tend to avoid it in formal writing if at all possible.

Can I use the phrase "black man" in a story without being thought of as a racist?

Description : Can I use the phrase "black man" in a story without being thought of as a racist?

Last Answer : If the guy who refers to the black man as a black man doesn't know any other terms, then I'm pretty sure it's acceptable. In fact all terms are acceptable, unless obviously racist words like ' ... racist, or the story delivering some infamy on the matter. I think the words black man are safe. :/

How to avoid the use of ‘because’?

Description : How to avoid the use of ‘because’?

Last Answer : ”...the explanation for this is….” ”...the reason I say this is….” ”...due to this…”

Can you use "you" when writing a research paper ever?

Description : Can you use "you" when writing a research paper ever?

Last Answer : answer:I have no explanation (in terms of writing techniques) for why I would not do that, other than a gut feeling of that I don't want to burden my reader with a feeling of ... whole Imagine thing alltogether. When the reader reads he/she will (probably) auomatically use his/her imagination.

What writing style do you use, cursive (joined) or manuscript (non-joined)?

Description : What writing style do you use, cursive (joined) or manuscript (non-joined)?

Last Answer : Combo of both whenever I feel like changing. I have had too many hand and wrist injuries and my writing style depends on how my hands feel.

Can I use a painting of my own in an online article?

Description : Can I use a painting of my own in an online article?

Last Answer : you can always use your own stuff, but remember the owners also own copyrights to the name, and other tings attached to he character, you can use your drawing of a mouse, but if you also call it Micky Mouse, you will be hearing from the Disney people about copyright infringement.

Does anyone use Penzu.com?

Description : Does anyone use Penzu.com?

Last Answer : nope, I just use blogger for my diary.

How would you finish the 4th line (please use Iambic pentameter)?

Description : How would you finish the 4th line (please use Iambic pentameter)?

Last Answer : For those who persist, a victory sweet.

Japanese writing: how do you know what characters to use?

Description : Japanese writing: how do you know what characters to use?

Last Answer : Katakana is generally for imported and technical words. Hiragana is for native words. Both character sets a have the same sounds. Back in the old days women and kids used hiragana and men used Kanji. Often you will see small hiragana written next to kanji as helpers so you can pronounce the word.

What is the best phrasing to use to say thank you in this situation?

Description : What is the best phrasing to use to say thank you in this situation?

Last Answer : answer:I would just write “Thanks for the help!” Technically, if he’s reading the list, he’s already doing something. Sort of. Also, writing “Thank you for having offered your assistance” sounds a bit too legalese ~

If I created a character's name and it just so happened there was already the same name used in a movie, can I still use that name?

Description : If I created a character's name and it just so happened there was already the same name used in a movie, can I still use that name?

Last Answer : I wish you had more details. Obviously you didn't create the name as it already exists. But most things are machinations of other things, anyway. SO, it depends - would be my answer. Copyright laws DEF do exist! ... , Lola, say or Pig, well ... that's hardly a stolen' name. Hope that helps.

Do you use or know of any good online writing support groups?

Description : Do you use or know of any good online writing support groups?

Last Answer : I’m watching this question because I’d like to know, also.

Do you use an Oxford comma in sentences?

Description : Do you use an Oxford comma in sentences?

Last Answer : For essays, yeah, for casual writing (like facebook) nope

Is it "ok" to use the name of my school in a book i'm writing?

Description : Is it "ok" to use the name of my school in a book i'm writing?

Last Answer : Sure, it’s legal, but when your old schoolmates read your book, you might not want them to wrongly see themselves in characters.

Should I use tumblr or an real website to blog?

Description : Should I use tumblr or an real website to blog?

Last Answer : What kind of content are you planning to publish? (i.e. Photos, videos, text, etc) How much control do you want over how your blog looks and runs?

What famous writers use Twitter?

Description : What famous writers use Twitter?

Last Answer : Stephen Fry for one.

What blogging site do you use?

Description : What blogging site do you use?

Last Answer : Just started using tumblr, seems really nice so far. Plus it has an app.

How difficult is it to use fountain pens?

Description : How difficult is it to use fountain pens?

Last Answer : It isn't hard at all. (You dip it in the inkwell, and you blot it with a blotter.) The old scratch pens that you dip take a little getting used to, but not much. We learned to use them ... and a real pen nib do have a special feel, though, that some of us like much better than the throwaways.

Do you use an alias or pen name?

Description : Do you use an alias or pen name?

Last Answer : I know musicians who use an alias and they do so because their REAL last name makes their nationality clear and they would rather not imply that they play the music of any particular nationality, but ALL.

What valediction do you normally use?

Description : What valediction do you normally use?

Last Answer : - (Name) My emails aren’t all that formal.