Fictional World Building: 10 Tips to Improve Genre Writing

We’ve all read some novels that lack the creativity and effort that it takes to build a fictional world. It can be frustrating when you read about imaginary places with tidbits of information sprinkled with little connection. It’s confusing and can cause a reader to lose interest.

If your story takes place in a version of reality then this is not something worth worrying too much over. But if you plan on exploring a new world (past, present, or future) you must be sure all aspects have been planned out before moving forward!

What is the Result of Poor Fictional World Building?

When an author neglects to put any thought into their world building, the result is often a dull, confusing, and unbelievable story. This can be especially true in speculative fiction where the author is tasked with creating an entirely new reality.

World building done poorly often leads to:

1. Lack of creativity

2. Holes in the plot

3. Unreliable narrators

4. Dull or unbelievable characters

5. An unengaging or too slow story

On the other hand, dedicating time and effort to building a believable and detailed world for your story will result in a much more enjoyable reading experience for your audience. A well-crafted world will add depth and dimension to your characters and story, making it more believable and ultimately more enjoyable.

What Does Fictional World Building Entail?

World-creation is the process of fleshing out the details of the setting for your story. This includes everything from the history and geography of the world to the customs and beliefs of its inhabitants. It involves creating a believable and detailed world for your story.

When done well, world-building can add depth and dimension to your characters and story, making it more believable and ultimately more enjoyable.

10 Best Tips to Flesh Out Your World

Tip 1: Start with the Basics

What is the name of your world? When is it set? When does it take place in relation to other worlds and timelines, like our own here on Earth? Where is it? Is it in an alternate dimension? Is it in another galaxy?

Tip 2: Develop a History

Your world is a very unique and special place. Where does your world come from, and how did it get to be like this? What is the history of your world? What important events have shaped it into the world it is today?

Tip 3: Plan the Geography and Climate

What kind of landforms are in your world? Does your world have a desert or an ocean? What about rainforests with all their different animal species that live off the humidity created by clouds rolling over water surfaces? What overall climate surrounds your characters?

How does this affect the way people live and the type of clothes they wear? What kind of plants and animals exist in your world, and how do they interact with each other and with humans?

Tip 4: Develop Politics

One way to make your world feel more realistic is by developing politics. What are the different ways that regions in this imaginary space could be governed? How do these governing bodies interact with the populations they rule over, if at all? Is there more than one ruling body in your world, and if so, how do they cooperate with each other? Or is there friction between the governments?

Tip 5: Establish Religion

In some cases, religion is a central theme in the story. In others, it might be more of a background element. Either way, it’s important to consider how religion functions in your world. What are the different religions present in your world? What do they believe, and how do those beliefs shape the way people live their lives? How do they interact with each other?

Tip 6: Develop Customs and Traditions

Every culture has customs and traditions that make it unique. In your culture, what are some customs or traditional practices you can think about? How does it shape who we are as individuals within this society?

Now think about the world you are creating. What are some of the customs and traditions you envision for them? How do those customs shape the way people live their lives? Do they have any special significance or meaning?

Tip 7: Decide on the Technology

Technology is another aspect that can help make your world feel more believable. What level of technology does your world have? Is it a high-tech society with advanced gadgets and gizmos, or is it a more low-tech world where people still use horses and carts as their main mode of transportation?

The type of technology in your world will also affect the way people live their lives. For example, in a high-tech world, people might be more reliant on machines and technology, while in a low-tech world, they might be more reliant on nature and their own physical strength.

Tip 8: Create an Economy

As you create your world, keep in mind that there should be some sort of economy. What are the different types of currency in your world? How do people earn money, and what do they spend it on?

Are there different economic classes in your society? If so, how does that affect the way people live their lives? Do the richer citizens have more power than the poorer ones? Does the government, charities, or no one help those less fortunate?

Tip 9: Determine the Magic System

Magic is a common occurrence in many worlds. It shapes the way people live their lives. It’s important to think about how magic works in your world.

What are the limitations of magic? Who can use magic, and for what purpose? How does magic shape the way people live their lives? Is it a common occurrence that people see on a daily basis, or is it something that only happens under special circumstances?

Tip 10: Fictional World Building is an Ongoing Process

World-building is hard work, but the payoff makes it worth every minute. You can create an immersive story with your own unique setting that will leave readers begging for more! 

Worldbuilding is an ongoing process that takes time and effort. Make sure you put in as much of both so people are able to lose themselves in this new, immersive world.

Frequently Asked Questions about Fictional World Building

Final Thoughts on Fictional World Building

Ultimately, worldbuilding is a necessary part of writing any story. It’s especially important in genre fiction. By taking the time to create a believable and detailed world, you’ll be able to write a better story that will captivate readers and leave them wanting more.

For a little extra fun, try the free program Inkarnate. You can create maps of your world.

Do you have any tips for worldbuilding? Let us know in the comments below!