Lecture #6: Worldbuilding Part Two — Brandon Sanderson on Writing Science Fiction and Fantasy

Introduction

This tutorial is designed to guide writers through the essential aspects of worldbuilding in science fiction and fantasy, based on Brandon Sanderson's insights from his creative writing lecture series. Worldbuilding is a crucial element of storytelling in these genres, as it creates the backdrop against which your characters and plots unfold. This guide will break down key techniques and considerations that can enhance your writing.

Step 1: Define the Rules of Your World

• Establish the Framework: Determine the fundamental laws that govern your world. This includes:

  • Magic Systems: If applicable, decide how magic works, its limitations, and its impact on society.
  • Technology Level: Define the technological advancements and how they influence daily life, culture, and conflict.
  • Physical Laws: Consider if the world follows the same physics as our own or if there are differences (e.g., gravity, time).

• Consistency is Key: Ensure the rules are applied consistently throughout your story to maintain suspension of disbelief.

Step 2: Create a Detailed History

• Timeline Development: Outline significant events that shaped your world’s history. This helps in building context for your characters and plots.

• Cultural Evolution: Explore how different cultures have evolved over time. Consider:

  • Wars and Conflicts: How have they impacted societies?
  • Technological Innovations: What inventions have changed the world?

• Influence of History on Present: Show how past events influence current ideologies, politics, and conflicts in your story.

Step 3: Develop Unique Cultures and Societies

• Diversity of Cultures: Create various cultures with distinct customs, beliefs, and languages. Consider:

  • Social Structure: Explore different social hierarchies (e.g., aristocracy, meritocracy).
  • Religion and Mythology: What gods or belief systems do people follow?

• Cultural Interactions: Think about how these cultures interact, including trade, conflict, and alliances. This can add depth and realism to your world.

Step 4: Build the Geography and Environment

• Map Your World: Sketch out maps to visualize the geography, including:

  • Landforms: Mountains, rivers, and plains.
  • Climate Zones: How does the climate affect lifestyle and culture?

• Natural Resources: Identify key resources that may drive conflict, trade, or power dynamics.

Step 5: Populate Your World with Characters

• Character Integration: Ensure your characters are products of their environment. Consider:

  • Cultural Backgrounds: How do their cultures shape their motivations and actions?
  • Personal Goals: What do they want, and how does it relate to the world around them?

• Character Conflicts: Use the worldbuilding elements to create conflict. For example, differing cultural values can lead to tension.

Conclusion

Worldbuilding is a multifaceted process that requires careful planning and creativity. By defining the rules of your world, creating a rich history, developing diverse cultures, mapping geography, and integrating characters, you can create a compelling and immersive setting for your stories. Remember to keep consistency in your world’s rules and let the world shape your characters and plot naturally. As you continue to write, refine your world based on the needs of your story and the development of your characters. Happy writing!