I did some world-building before, but not to the extent I should have. More or less, I plunged into my plot without building the world. I believed that the necessary details of the world would come during the process of writing, and to a degree they did. But I think there is some depth missing with respect to the traditions, history, culture, etc. in which my characters live and breathe. So I am now working out those details, but I haven’t begun to actually TYPE over my draft, which means I haven’t revised anything. Anyway, what I have learned is: next time, build the stage before putting characters on it. My next novel will be called Six Worlds (I think, but is that title too boring?) and some details are already dancing around in my head. I resolve not to start it until I am through with the current WIP, but it’s very distracting. So, back to building the world of Beamstar.
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The Initiate Brother
by Sean Russell-
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“Six Worlds” isn’t bad at all, I’m mildly intrigued, although you could add a dash of spice to it:
Six Worlds on Fire
Six Worlds, Seven Deaths
Six Worlds Rising
Six Worlds, None the Richer
Sometimes I find that excessive world-building can be too constricting. If I have a clearly mapped out history, then I almost feel bound by it — changing on part here or there seems to require wholesale changes to history. That being said, I think that you need to have the basics down before you start writing — the areas/worlds the story takes place on, including major cultural events, government, languages, etc… I feel the history will come out through the story, and I’d rather let it flow that way.
Of course, while sometimes I feel a little jealous of people who write “regular” fiction — their world is already built for them — I also feel lucky that I get to create something new.
I’m still hoping for the best for you on Beamstar. Good luck with the revisions and don’t lose sight of your dream.
Yeah, like that will happen… some people (like you) just don’t know how to fail or quit.
I think Six Worlds all by itself isn’t going to turn any heads. But as Joseph said, if you add something to it, the affect could be significant.
I do think world building is important to do from the get-go. At least you should have some sketchy ideas of it that you can build on as your characters move through the story.
KJ
http://interminablewriter.com
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