Development in Writing Part 2: In Which we Demolish World Building

If you missed out on Part 1 of Developments in Writing, then ya probably should go check it out before continuing to read this (just a suggestion though, you can totally rebel against my wishes if you want)

So you’re expecting me, the kid who can’t decide on which type of chips I want for a snack, to be able to create my own world? A world that my characters will have to interact with? A world that is home to strange creatures and unique occurrences? And somehow fit this amidst character development and plot and conflict all in 300-400 pages ???

Kid, you’re tripping.

World building for SN has been ruining me. I’ll get to a very detailed scene, focusing on minute details, building the world up, getting the reader familiar with the surroundings and then BAM never to be seen again for the coming 24 chapters.

sighhhssss

I just find I write very character driven plots. Oh well, we can still try.

Quick update on the writing. . .

I’ve reached 43,000 for this week (which is about 2000 words since my last update. i know, i know, it was a slow week okay)

I have zero idea where this is going or how I will end it 🙂 fun times 🙂

small sub-conflicts keep arising now that the main conflict has been resolved (mayyybe I resolved the main conflict a little too early)

i have a very strong urge to write as soon as the clock hits 11:59pm 🙂

i used to write strictly in my word document but I’ve found it surprisingly motivating to write in a notebook ?? apparently the words flow quicker ?? (this might actually be the first helpful tip i shared)

If you can’t tell from my very vague updates, i’m still darting around releasing some real, juicy Intel on the book at hand, so, for your benefit, I’ve gathered the courage to give you a little glimpse into whatever-the-heck-this-thing-is.

it takes place in historic middle east (not so historic that they’re carving on rocks but what i’m trying to say is,,, they don’t have wifi)

our female mc has an older brother (who gets almost as much page time as her) and a little sister (yay for family rep!!! but don’t you dare think i made this easy for them, bc i most definitely didnt)

the story is being narrated from two sets of times, so we switch between past and present for like the first 40% of the novel

the bromance is alive and blossoming from the first few chapters, dont you worry

i’ve officially reached a place where i do not know how to proceed from 🙂 wow, writing is sooooo much fun

but recently I’ve been finding that my descriptions of the world are lacking. And honestly, I don’t know how to fix it bc HOW much description is too much that it starts taking away from the plot? WHAT amount leaves the reader still confused? is WORLD BUILDING EVEN NECESSARY? What if YOU LEFT ALL YOUR CHARACTERS ALONE IN A NAMELESS WORLD AND STOPPED HURTING THEM???

thank you for tuning into burning questions with your host, may of the may

I’m experimenting with a few things, needless to say.

But okay, we’re all sick and tired of my blabbing so, for your sake, I, a skilled veteran writer, have complied a list of tips to help you with creating a world of your own.

terms and conditions may apply

never reinvent the wheel. don’t even think about it. it was made by the experts for a reason. all you have to do is find your favourite author’s best world building scene and take “inspiration” from it. It’s totally chill and its not called plagiarizing, it’s called copying without credit.

spend at least 12 minutes outside your house. in this long, trying time, try to take note of the world around you and the details that you can add into your book for authenticity (like the shades of colour on rocks or the life cycle of an ant)

I know that you didn’t actually leave the sanctuary of your bedroom to observe the outside world (bc ew) so a more plausible solution would be to look at pictures on google images (google saves the day again)

add fire breathing butterflies. trust me on this, they always come in handy

if you have a few $$ to spare, book a trip to a faraway land (never return. change your name. start a new life with the indigenous animals and flora and forget about your WIP)

throw in some poisonous rose bushes. very fashionable this time of year.

it might be surprising at first but most fantasy worlds come without wifi. (such a tragedy I know) so try to factor that into your work.

And there you have it! My very secretive tricks when writing and creating a world that no one has ever laid eyes on.

Got any classified tips you wanna share? im asking for a friend

Until next time,