As an author, you have the world in the palm of your hands when you create your novel. This is particularly true if you are writing science fiction, fantasy, or paranormal (the SFP from now on to save some time).
What is the first thing to do on your way to building a world for your novel? The first thing to do is decide what kind of world it is, namely:
Normal World: In a normal world, SFP elements exist below the radar of most inhabitants of the normal world. The rules of the normal world are still followed. A good example of an SFP in a normal world is the novels THE CALLING Vampire.
Alternate world: In an alternate world, the SFP items are known to the inhabitants and the world is very similar to a normal world except for the changes imposed by the existence of the SFP items. Urban fantasies are a good example of alternative worlds. In particular, I would recommend Kim Harrison and Kelley Armstrong for some wonderful alternate world building. JD Robb’s books are also a good example of an alternate world, but this time it’s set in the future.
New World: In a new world, all the rules of a normal world are gone. You will develop all the rules, lands, people, culture, food, etc. Many fantasy books are set in new worlds and require a lot of world building. An excellent example of a new world can be seen in Jacqueline Carey’s KUSHIEL series.
Once you’ve decided what kind of world you’re going to build, what will you do next?
The next thing you need to do is set the rules for your world. In a normal world, that would involve the rules dealing with SFP elements, whether the inhabitants know about them, etc. It will also involve creating the rules for the SFP underworld that exists in your normal world. The same goes for an alternate world. While the inhabitants of an alternate world are aware of the elements of SFP and those elements play a role in their lives, you will still need to create rules for your SFP world to follow. Finally, in a new world, you will need to elaborate EVERYTHING and in enough detail for the reader to understand the rules of this world and how they impact the story you are trying to tell.
How do you create these rules?
One of the best ways I have discovered is for you to think of the inhabitants of your world (and / or your readers) as visitors from a foreign land. You will need to provide them with enough information and details so that they can understand the rules of this foreign land. Some of the things that visitors to a new world may need help understanding are:
Language: Will your characters use ordinary language or have special words related to SFP elements in Harry Potter enchantments? In a new world, the characters may even speak a totally new language that you have created. Make it easier for your readers to understand the context of this new language and its words. The last thing you want is to release so many new words / languages that the overall meaning of your novel is lost or bogged down with world building.
Food: What do your inhabitants eat? How are food / dietary needs related to SFP elements met? In a new world, you will have the option to create totally different foods or creatures to eat. Once again, strike a balance between this world-building and history.
Culture: What is the basic culture of your world? Is it based on Judeo-Christian beliefs? Arab or Asian influences? Is it current / pop / urban or futuristic or historical? Consider the items that most would understand given the culture of the time and provide an explanation of those things that are different from that cultural norm.
Roles of men and women: What are the respective roles of men and women in this world and in relation to the elements of the SFP? Are women the same? Do they rule like the Amazons? What are the acceptable sex roles of men and women and, more importantly, what is culturally acceptable regarding sex in your world? Is it puritan or anything goes?
Politics: What is the political structure in your world? Democracy, theocracy, dictatorship? How is political power obtained and preserved? Does the political world impact on the elements of the SFP? For example, in alternate worlds, there are often political acts that have granted certain rights to the inhabitants of the SFP or that have promulgated rules governing how elements of the SFP may not act.
Climate and geography: What is the physical world you are building like? How’s the weather over there? It may seem insignificant, but weather and geography can sometimes be key elements. For example, think of the novels DUNE by Frank Herbert. Almost all the political, cultural, food, commercial aspects arose as a result of the planet’s climate.
If you are obsessed with whether something is working or not, walk away and ask yourself, “If I were a visitor from this world I created, would I understand? Would it make sense based on what I know about this earth?” ? “
If the answer is yes, you have done a good job building the world. If not, you may need to go back and reconsider the information you have in your novel. But always remember, it’s the story that will keep the reader reading, so make sure you don’t miss out on the wonder while you’re busy creating your world.