Creating a world, whether for fantasy of sci-fi, is no easy task. Worlds contain wonders of all kinds, plus various cultures, climates, and creatures. From my own research, many writers use parts of this world, the "real" world, as the basis for their own worlds. I've compiled this guide from personal experience. Wherever possible, I've included examples. (Note: othe examples can be found in various places on this site. The avid user can find them with relative ease.)
LOCATION
The universe is a big place. Your world has to be somewhere. Its position in the universe could affect your characters or plot. Star Wars always takes place in a galaxy far, far away.
APPEARANCE
Most worlds are similar to Earth. Pern, for example, has many Earth-like features, which played into its history. Yet, it also had differences, making it a world of its own. These differences, such as Thread, greatly affected the lives of the author's characters. Earth has many varied geographies. You can pick and choose where you want the ones you like.
CLIMATE
Climate can play a huge part in your world's history. Again, Pern's climate is similar to Earth. However, you can make your world any way you like.
LIFE
The lifeforms of your world will act out the history you write for them. First, determine what beings the world will have. Then follow the next tips in order.
CULTURE
Every civilization has a culture. Earth has hundreds of examples. Literature has that many or more. You can borrow from any cuture you choose.
LANGUAGE
How will your characters communicate? I suggest creating a different language for each culture/kind of being. If you need inspiration, peruse The Lord of the Rings. Notes on the languages are provided in the back.
HISTORY
Now the fun begins. How do the various cultures interact? Is there peace or war? For inspiration, peruse any history books you can find. Writing the history is the most fun.
YOUR STORY
I put this section last because all the other elements affect the story's plot. Keep all your notes handy as you write. That way you can check facts or translate a phrase. Let the world's history and cultures guide your plot. A single argument could have its start centuries before your story. Without the history of that argument, you'll never understand how your characters are thinking during the argument.
I hope this little guide has proved useful. Please leave a comment or any tips of your own.
LOCATION
The universe is a big place. Your world has to be somewhere. Its position in the universe could affect your characters or plot. Star Wars always takes place in a galaxy far, far away.
APPEARANCE
Most worlds are similar to Earth. Pern, for example, has many Earth-like features, which played into its history. Yet, it also had differences, making it a world of its own. These differences, such as Thread, greatly affected the lives of the author's characters. Earth has many varied geographies. You can pick and choose where you want the ones you like.
CLIMATE
Climate can play a huge part in your world's history. Again, Pern's climate is similar to Earth. However, you can make your world any way you like.
LIFE
The lifeforms of your world will act out the history you write for them. First, determine what beings the world will have. Then follow the next tips in order.
CULTURE
Every civilization has a culture. Earth has hundreds of examples. Literature has that many or more. You can borrow from any cuture you choose.
LANGUAGE
How will your characters communicate? I suggest creating a different language for each culture/kind of being. If you need inspiration, peruse The Lord of the Rings. Notes on the languages are provided in the back.
HISTORY
Now the fun begins. How do the various cultures interact? Is there peace or war? For inspiration, peruse any history books you can find. Writing the history is the most fun.
YOUR STORY
I put this section last because all the other elements affect the story's plot. Keep all your notes handy as you write. That way you can check facts or translate a phrase. Let the world's history and cultures guide your plot. A single argument could have its start centuries before your story. Without the history of that argument, you'll never understand how your characters are thinking during the argument.
I hope this little guide has proved useful. Please leave a comment or any tips of your own.
Alone!
There once was a girl who biked and ran
with her best friend who had a bright orange tan
But then one day she when biking alone
and thats when she fell along way from home.
She lay still on the ground
not makeing a sound,and thats when she found
that she could not talk
let alone walk
As she slowly made her way home
she wished that she had a phone
so she could call for help
insted of put up with the pain that made her yelp.
She pushed her bike down the dusty track
with a sore haed and an acking back
Then she came to the place where her and her best friend met
just as the sun was begining to set
The next day at school she was no where in sight
which gave her best frined a very big fright
but she was a home tucked up in bed
with a sore leg and an acking head
Thats when she remebered what her best friend had said
about not going out bikeing alone
along way from home.
What do you think?(I think it is very bad) and sorry of the spelling.
There once was a girl who biked and ran
with her best friend who had a bright orange tan
But then one day she when biking alone
and thats when she fell along way from home.
She lay still on the ground
not makeing a sound,and thats when she found
that she could not talk
let alone walk
As she slowly made her way home
she wished that she had a phone
so she could call for help
insted of put up with the pain that made her yelp.
She pushed her bike down the dusty track
with a sore haed and an acking back
Then she came to the place where her and her best friend met
just as the sun was begining to set
The next day at school she was no where in sight
which gave her best frined a very big fright
but she was a home tucked up in bed
with a sore leg and an acking head
Thats when she remebered what her best friend had said
about not going out bikeing alone
along way from home.
What do you think?(I think it is very bad) and sorry of the spelling.
You
It's the middle of the night,
And I can't sleep
Your face, planted with a smile
Are the only things I see
Your voice calling my name
Is the only thing I hear
I can feel your hand rubbing my back
Hearing you whisper ''good night''
I jump and look around,
And soon realize you are not there
I sob, tightly holding the gift you once gave me
It's right here, on my bed, in perfect condition.
30 minutes later, I wipe my face and go back to sleep…
I wake up once again
And the cycle starts all over again…
It's the middle of the night,
And I can't sleep
Your face, planted with a smile
Are the only things I see
Your voice calling my name
Is the only thing I hear
I can feel your hand rubbing my back
Hearing you whisper ''good night''
I jump and look around,
And soon realize you are not there
I sob, tightly holding the gift you once gave me
It's right here, on my bed, in perfect condition.
30 minutes later, I wipe my face and go back to sleep…
I wake up once again
And the cycle starts all over again…
your mistakes don't define you, now. they don't tell you who you're not, or who you can never be. what's it take to get you to say you'll try? you've got to live this life like it's the only one you've got. what would you say, what would you do, if this was your last day? so, you found out today that life's not the same. not quite as good as yesterday.
and, yes, i know it hurts & i know your pain, but u never gave up this easily befor. such a beautiful thing to just throw away. i think you need to know that, of all the colors that you shine, this is surely not your best, it's really not your style. you should think about what you do, befor you do it, over and over again. i know you feel alone, that know one can figure you out, but you sould know that we just love to see you smile.i know you feel like you're lost, feel like you've drifted way to far away, but we can help you come back.
and, yes, i know it hurts & i know your pain, but u never gave up this easily befor. such a beautiful thing to just throw away. i think you need to know that, of all the colors that you shine, this is surely not your best, it's really not your style. you should think about what you do, befor you do it, over and over again. i know you feel alone, that know one can figure you out, but you sould know that we just love to see you smile.i know you feel like you're lost, feel like you've drifted way to far away, but we can help you come back.
The Man With No Eyes Collection (1): The Actor
Sundown, sunrise.
Big smile!
(Tired eyes.)
I vanish into thin air.
An actor never fails.
(Lies.)
To give the world a rousing show
(While begging to be recognized.)
To shine as brightly as the sun
Upon the throne that we’ve devised.
A patchwork-quilt protagonist
A villain from the shadow realm
The work of the illusionist
When I, the actor, take the helm.
“Hey, wouldn’t it be cool to see…”
The whisper marks my story’s birth.
The audience will gather ‘round.
(The jury to decide my worth.)
"The Man With No Eyes" is a series of poems, all of which are unfolding from one character's point of view. They are meant to represent an ongoing journey. So if you liked this one, stay tuned for more. :)
Sundown, sunrise.
Big smile!
(Tired eyes.)
I vanish into thin air.
An actor never fails.
(Lies.)
To give the world a rousing show
(While begging to be recognized.)
To shine as brightly as the sun
Upon the throne that we’ve devised.
A patchwork-quilt protagonist
A villain from the shadow realm
The work of the illusionist
When I, the actor, take the helm.
“Hey, wouldn’t it be cool to see…”
The whisper marks my story’s birth.
The audience will gather ‘round.
(The jury to decide my worth.)
"The Man With No Eyes" is a series of poems, all of which are unfolding from one character's point of view. They are meant to represent an ongoing journey. So if you liked this one, stay tuned for more. :)