Worldbuilding
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Worldbuilding is a technique widely used by authors to create diverse and believable constructed worlds in which to base their stories, the process usually involves the creation of maps, listing the backstory of the world and the people of the world, amongst other features.
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[edit] Importance of Worldbuilding
Worldbuilding - though primarily the tool of fantasy and science fiction authors - is also a helpful tool to authors of any genre. Worldbuilding allows the creator to add a depth of realism that they might not have been able to achieve otherwise, having a guide to the created world that can be easily referred to will help to avoid simple mistakes in the lore of the world.
[edit] Worldbuilding Steps
Worldbuilding is a complex process, but it can be easily broken down into smaller categories.
[edit] Maps
It is vital to have clear and concise maps that display the locations of key points in the story - both so the author can remind herself and so the readers can get a clearer picture of the scene being described. Two examples of famous maps in both literature and modern media are Middle-earth and the world of Azeroth.
[edit] Written History
Creating a history for an imaginary world adds a depth and flavour to it that can help to draw readers into it. Created history can be based on anything, but many science fiction and fantasy authors base their novels in worlds where a major war has occurred in the past, is occurring, or will occur in the near future. Examples of such writing include The Lord of the Rings trilogy, the Shannara series, and the Belgarath series.
[edit] Imaginary Ecosystem
Many authors also create their own fauna and flora to enrich their world. Imaginary herbs are a large part of many fantasy novels, Kingsfoil in The Lord of the Rings being one such example.
[edit] Physics and Magic
Another mainstay of worldbuilding is creating a world based either on A)Physics or B)Magic. The Former is favoured by Science Fiction authors, who use technology in accordance with theories of the universe to create "magic-like" circumstances. Hyperdrive or faster than light travel is a common factor in most science fiction, and is an example of Physics. The latter is favoured by Fantasy authors, who will give some (or all) characters magical talent to aid in their journey. Authors such as David Eddings and Holly Lisle use Limited Magic, whereas authors such as J. R. R. Tolkien and Fiona McIntosh prefer Limitless magic.
[edit] Hybrids
It should be noted that combinations of both Physics and Magic are becoming a more and more common occurrence, examples of which include The Dark Tower and even Star Wars.
