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I just started a new novel recently and am having a heck of a time getting through some parts of it. It seems world-building is not easy. I've not yet read any tips yet on world building in fiction, so I guess that's my first step, but even so, it feels very difficult and uncomfortable creating an environment with aspects that are not typical of the human experience.

I like staying on comfortable ground and this particular story is very uncomfortable.

Any tips, suggestions, tools for working through this would be appreciated.

Thanks.
Carla

Hi! I won't have much to offer but I started a fantasy story back in '05 and still haven't gotten anywhere with it (I've since started approximately 10 more stories, but still ;p )) and I keep thinking of how fun it's going to be once I do start into the "details" of the world! So even though this isn't really the advice you're looking for, my best advice is just have fun with it! Free your mind and let your creativity flow. Sometimes it just takes some reaffirmation to get it up and running. ;p

And also, I'm reading a book called Worlds of Wonder by David Gerrold. Have you checked that one out yet? It's written by a fantasy writer, sort of a "how-to" on fantasy world writing. I haven't gotten too far into yet so I can't say too much about it, but so far it seems interesting and promising! ;p

Have fun! I'll look forward to occasional updates about your story.

willowrose wrote:
And also, I'm reading a book called Worlds of Wonder by David Gerrold. Have you checked that one out yet? It's written by a fantasy writer, sort of a "how-to" on fantasy world writing. I haven't gotten too far into yet so I can't say too much about it, but so far it seems interesting and promising! ;p

Hi Willow.

I haven't seen that book and I do appreciate and reference. I'll check it out. I really appreciate your response. I'm trying to have fun with it, but I really want to tell the full story to myself--probably to get it out of my head.

In the meantime though, I am writing other stories, which is a good thing. And yes, I am having fun with most of those.

Carla

It's all about the outline, especially when it comes to world building. Fully develop your outline, no matter how exhaustive, and you'll have a better idea on the journey your characters take. When creating the outline it is best to ask yourself a series of questions first, for example what kind of trees do the forest contain? What does the protagonist feel as the enter the forest. What is on the other side of the forest? etc. Answering these questions will help you to move the story along.

I'm going to try that Kirk. Wish me luck. And thank you.

KirkB wrote:It's all about the outline, especially when it comes to world building. Fully develop your outline, no matter how exhaustive, and you'll have a better idea on the journey your characters take. When creating the outline it is best to ask yourself a series of questions first, for example what kind of trees do the forest contain? What does the protagonist feel as the enter the forest. What is on the other side of the forest? etc. Answering these questions will help you to move the story along.

This is exactly what I did in my own writing. Furthermore, I also pre-outlined the conflict of the protagonists and antagonists as well as the key plot points on said underlying conflict being resolved. From there I was able to build on my world of forests, deserts, steppe plains and a mountain range when I did the actual writing.