World building struggles happen to everyone, whether one is new to writing or an experienced author. Sometimes, this is because we bite off more than we can chew and want to make an incredibly in-depth world our readers get lost in. Other times, it is because we start off with a general idea but can’t get into specifics. At times, it may even be that you started drafting with one idea in mind and somehow the story got away from you and took on a mind of its own. Whatever the case may be, there may be times where you have to focus on (or refocus on) your world, how it works and where your characters are in that space.
In order to do that, here are some questions that I think will benefit you as you flush out your world. Keep in mind, while you may need to know the answers to all of these questions, your audience/readers do not. They just need to know enough so that they can understand your characters actions as they go through the story you show. While these questions can be used in all genres, don’t worry about having to answer all of them. Some genres require more worldbuilding than most, such as science fiction and fantasy over contemporary.
Environment
- What is the climate like? Do your characters have to evolve or do anything special to be able to survive comfortably?
- What species of flora and fauna exist in your world?
- Is your world relatively safe to travel alone?
- Is the water potable? What does the terrain look like?
Politics/Power
- Which person/group is in power?
- Is your society patriarchal or matriarchal? Or is there a balance?
- Does your character support or oppose whomever is in power? Why?
- How much agency does your character have?
- Does your character, in any way, influence the politics or power balance of your world?
Transportation/Architecture
- What methods of transportation are available?
- Are all methods of transportation equally available to everyone? Or can only certain individuals or groups use them? Why?
- What do most homes look like? What kind of home does your character live in?
- Where do most people live?
- What technology is available in homes? And to whom?
Societal Norms
- Where does your character stand in the hierarchy of society? Is there a class system? Is one race/species looked down upon or placed on a pedestal?
- Does everyone in your world speak the same language? Are they various accents?
- What is the currency of your world? Or is your society ran on a barter system?
- Does religion exist? What is the main religion? Does your character believe in religion? Which one?
Hopefully, you can use these questions as you continue to shape your world.
Written by: Chyina Powell
Women of Color Writers Circle 