Worldbuilding Beyond Fantasy: Create Immersive Settings in Creative Fiction
Every story needs a well-crafted world, even those set in our own reality.
When we think of worldbuilding, our minds often jump to fantasy realms filled with dragons and magic. The truth is, every story needs a well-crafted world.
Literary fiction focuses on character development and themes. It greatly benefits from thoughtful worldbuilding.
Start with the Familiar
Literary fiction makes the ordinary extraordinary. Begin with a setting you know. Your hometown, a city you’ve visited, or your current neighborhood. Record the details of this place.
Take a walk around. What do you see? Smell? Hear? A bakery on the corner fills the air with the scent of fresh bread. There’s a group of elderly men who gather in the park to play chess. These details create a sense of place.
Dig Deeper
What’s the history of this place? How has it changed over time? Who are the people who live here?
