I’m part of a critique group composed mostly of fantasy/sci-fi writers. They talk a lot about world-building, and at first I didn’t know what they meant. But over time, I’ve realized all writers use it.

So, what is world-building? It’s the creation – the showing – of the world that your characters exist in. I think of it like Star Trek (I’m old) or Star Wars. All of those worlds were created in someone’s imagination.

Is world-building only for science fiction and fantasy?

I say no, and Moriah Richard, in her post on Writer’s Digest, agrees: “But I argue that there are plenty of other genres that use world-building to their advantage.” She uses the examples of spy thrillers and historical fiction to back her statement up.

And I add contemporary fiction and cozy mysteries. In my novels, I use places I’ve been – Virginia Beach, Pensacola, Gulf Breeze, Memphis – and I use specific things that are actually there (restaurants, streets, highways, etc.). I enjoy seeing an accurate portrayal when I read a book set in a place I’ve been. And if it’s not (one novel I read had my high school in Gulf Breeze having a basement – not possible), it irritates me.

So, get your true details correct.

Sensory details in world-building

I think world-building includes adding those sensory details to help readers feel they’re a part of the story.

When you read a book, and you feel the atmosphere – the breeze, the smells from the ocean, you hear the waves crash, you smell the BBQ – that is all world-building, in my opinion.

And as a writer, it’s important to work all of those things in. Those sensory description. The physical description of a place and all that entails. The time period – politics, social positions, job descriptions, religion.

In Jerry Jenkins‘ post, he explains it like this: “World-building involves more than just the setting. It can be as complex as a unique venue with exotic creatures, rich political histories, and even new religions. Or it can be as simple as tweaking the history of the world we live in.”

That’s why I like to write! I get to create – characters, settings, feelings, endings. I get to manipulate the world and make it do what I want it to.

How cool is that?!

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Hi, I’m Jen! I’ve been married 37 years, have 5 amazing kids and 2 adorable grandkids and one on the way. I homeschooled our three youngest children. I used to blog about homeschooling and taught Oral Communication as an adjunct instructor for over 5 years.

Jen Dodrill Writes is born of a passion of mine – to write a novel! When I’m not working, you’ll find me writing, spending time with my family, or curled up on the couch reading and drinking a mug of dark roast coffee. (Don’t forget to check out my mug shop – JDMugs!)