Hey, Authors!
What is your method/ process for worldbuilding and developing the setting of your story? Do you create a separate worldbuilding document? If so, what all do you include? Do you create maps or visuals for reference? Do you research similar settings or areas? Share your tips with us in the comments below!
Author Sarra Cannon has made this great video where she gets in-depth on her process for worldbuilding and fine-tuning her settings for her stories when prepping her novels. Check it out here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0rOpM-4jZZc
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I do the worldbuilding in the outline, Ashley Renee Smith. It's easier for me to have everything in one document instead of switching between documents. I come up with all kinds of things for the world in a script, especially if I'm writing a Sci-Fi or Fantasy script. I'll include things like the rules of the world, the laws, how people act, how people dress, and what people drive. I research similar settings and areas too by reading things online, watching videos, and looking at photos online. I don't use all of these things in a script, but they help me know the story and characters better.
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Thats awesome, Maurice Vaughan! Do you put the worldbuilding details as a separate section of your outline document or do you include it throughout the outline?
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I make a separate section for worldbuilding, Ashley Renee Smith, but sometimes I'll write things about the world throughout the outline.
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I use a separate document. I also like to use apps like Prezi.
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What all elements do you like to include in your document, Alana Cook?
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Since I am such a rebel, and go outline-less writing scripts likely going to carry that same non-conformist, fly by the seat-of-my-pants (trousers for you Brits) strategy right into novel writing. One thing I DO plan on doing is using Scrivener tools to keep track of characters since I learned from Tolstoy and War and Peace that sometimes you can introduce someone early on in your novel, and then resurrect them 1,000 pages later without good character mapping/tracking...
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Mike Childress, I used to be a pantser-style writer as well, so I completely respect that life choice. Lol! I think it's an easier path when your story is more contemporary. Currently, I'm attempting a more sprawling fantasy and I've found that I've had to spend a LOT more time than I originally expected world-building and actually putting together an outline so that I can keep track of important elements more clearly.
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Ashley Renee Smith I think many people forget we are all going to have different tradecrafts; however, one thing I think that most writers (in any realm) should be able to agree on is that writing utilizing 2024 tech is SUPERBLY easier than it would have been writing in 1924..."Another candle, a bit of parchment, and more squid ink, please, me lovely..."
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That's SO true, Mike Childress! LOL!
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In regards to world building, it's helpful to take an approach similar to the TV series Bible: Create your own separate document to keep track of characters, relationships, cultural traditions/nuances, holidays/festivals, etc. and then use them as needed while telling the story. That way the Story stays central and not the world building itself.
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Thats what I usually do, Jonathan Jordan. The Development Exec instincts are strong. My brain craves a bible document. Lol!
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I always like using a list of world building questions since it covers so much you may not have thought of. I use separate sheets for characters, maps and world building information. I think it’s also fun to do some of this stuff on paper and be creative.