In today’s episode of The Writing Basket, Ellie spends an even longer time talking about stuff that doesn’t exist! Fantasy world building, or worldbuilding, isn’t that hard when it comes down to it! It’s all about the details, and so long as you pay attention, you can easily write an amazing, breathing world.
Fantasy and sci-fi aren’t that different! Fantasy world building and science-fiction world building only differ in their aesthetic! Magic and technology can act remarkably similar depending on how you spin them, so the same rules apply!
When it comes down to it, the most important detail to include in your world’s magic or tech system are the limitations. Exploring what your magic can’t do can give you so many more creative opportunities than just exploring its capabilities. All you have to do is give your magic or technology a few simple, limited rules that your characters can exploit. Even if you’re going for hard fantasy world building or soft sci fi world building, the rules work the same. Soft world building is often characterized by a lack of rules, but so long as you ground your world with limitations, even if you don’t elaborate that much, you can rival Tolkien with ease.
The Writing Basket mini-podcast tips listeners on writing, character development, and more! Episodes upload every Tuesday and Thursday!
Written by (and starring) Ellie Nalle
