So, I've been working on my fantasy. I like it, which is a good thing. I really enjoy the characters, and the storyline but -- I think it needs more world-building.
Ugh.
Once upon a time, I downloaded a world building worksheet from Holly Lisle's site (if you haven't been there, you should check it out. Check out Forward Motion for Writers, too). It's a fabulous form, but VERY extensive and I have to admit it hurts my head a little. She has this mini-workshop on World Building, too.
I *think* for now I'm just going to move ahead and finish the first draft, but I hate how I can't stop thinking that I need to world build more keeps poking me in the brain. It's distracting and annoying.
It makes me remember why I tend to stick to contemporary romance. It's easier. In the few historical romance stories I've written, I would get hung up on details (How did a car start in 1940?) and they'd take forever to write. I couldn't stand the thought of messing something up!
At least with a fantasy world, I can't be wrong. Someone can't tell me that such-and-such didn't exist then, or that so-and-so wouldn't dress that way.
Still... what a pain.
Those of you who write Science Fiction or Fantasy, how do YOU do your world-building? And for folks who are readers of the genre, how important is intensive world building to your enjoyment of the story?
==================
You Would Be a Logical Doctor |
 You are a very rational person, and it's nearly impossible for you to be swayed by emotions. As a doctor, you would let logic be your guide. And with it, you'd find some ingenious remedies and cures. You are a natural problem solver. And you never give up until the problem is solved. You would be well suited to being a neurologist, pathologist, or oncologist. |
Just call me Spock!
====================
Posts
11 comments:
Good luck with your fantasy. It's knocking on your door to finish it.
You Would Be a Practical Doctor
You're the kind of person who's concerned with facts and figures.
As a doctor, you would be up on the latest research and take detailed notes about your patients.
You would be just as concerned with keeping your patients healthy through preventative medicine as you would with curing them.
You would be well suited to being an orthopedic surgeon or radiologist. You would also do well running a general practice.
Pass me the scalpel!
Have a good Tuesday.
RE: World building. For me, the world building "job" is for the author's sake-- to make sure everything works as it should. I enjoy fantasy set in a "near Earth" world just as much as I can one that's set up so differently you need a score sheet to tell the differences. As long as the story is strong...that's the key for me.
You Would Be a Sympathetic Doctor
You are a natural caretaker, and people tend to immediately feel at ease with you.
As a doctor, you would be known for your bedside manner and calm approach with patients.
You would feel genuine concern for your patients. Your patients' comfort would be just as important as their health
You would be well suited for being an anesthesiologist or pediatrician. You would also be ideal for running a general practice.
How funny--I blogged about this yesterday :) Good luck!
What you're asking would requires hours sitting on a couch with hot chocolate and cookies. :)
World building is relatively simple when you break it down because nearly every aspect of your world will correlate either to the one we live in or one we know from history or other cultures.
We all get up, eat, have hygiene rituals, work, play and have sex.
Think of your world like a culture in another part of this world. Our rituals are different yet they still accomplish the same things.
The important thing with world building is to be consistent. The story is the soup base, but the world building is the flavor.
Write the story, you can always season it later.
You Would Be a Sympathetic Doctor
You are a natural caretaker, and people tend to immediately feel at ease with you.
As a doctor, you would be known for your bedside manner and calm approach with patients.
You would feel genuine concern for your patients. Your patients' comfort would be just as important as their health.
You would be well suited for being an anesthesiologist or pediatrician. You would also be ideal for running a general practice.
Hmmn I m working on this but I totally agree with what Maria said.
Glad you had some fun family time yesterday.
I haven’t written any fantasy or sci-fi (confession, have never read any of it either, but plan to soon) but in my writing, I leave the details and world building for the second draft. Like you, I hate the idea of something not being correct in my writing, so I always set my writing in fictional towns so then the only thing I need to get right is the weather.
Well I don't read it or write it, so why am I commenting? Because those who do must have hugely creative brains, and I bow before you! Still, I think first drafts are difficult in any genre. They are for me anyway.
I always respect the hard work that writing entails.
I am a Practical Doctor.
I hope you're having a great day!
World-building is a pain in the neck. So, y'know, that's why I write so many fantasy-based stories. LOL! I usually just let it flow and see what my subconscious comes up with.
Establish a small set of world fundementals if you want to have quick world building. Then add the rest in as and when you cross it. Also helps to set it in a world very close to our own as others have suggested.
An example I've noticed recently is that of the film Highlander. It uses about 3 fundemental rules:
1, Main characters are immortal
2, There can be only one
3, No fighting on holy ground
The rest of the world is built upon our own - then added to in other films and books. Very simple but very effective.
I'm a BIG geek for world building so if you ever want to discuss it with someone, or bounce ideas around, feel free to drop me an email :)
Hope you're all well,
Nate
Post a Comment