I’m continuing my thoughts on building the world your
characters inhabit. Although this blogsite is geared toward paranormal romance, which includes science fiction romance, all of our stories are set in
a certain world. Whether your story takes place in the past, the present, or
the future, you will build a world. If your story is set in the Regency time
period, you’ll need to consider the politics and customs of the time. Same with
a story set in a post-apocalyptic era. Who is governing? Is anyone in charge?
I am a plantser—a combo pantser and plotter. Mostly I write
by the seat of my pants, but I do (eventually) have to plot. Since I just
plunge in and start writing, I don’t even think about government. But, like plotting,
eventually I have to. While writing my Outer Rim series, I had to consider who
maintains the peace on out the Frontier. My stories take place far from the “civilized”
planets. Some things I had to consider are: is there a sheriff in the settlements? A mayor? Or does chaos reign?
Is it survival of the toughest? Or has the central government sent out security
forces to maintain law and order? If so, why?
Usually, we start out thinking about the microcosm
surrounding our characters. If the bad guys beat up the hero, is there a
recourse or does he have to resort to revenge? Are there authorities he can go
to who will arrest the baddies? Are the authorities reliable or corrupt? Are there
laws in place to protect the innocent? Who made the laws? All things we take
for granted in the present day. Considering the stories in the news, we have
much to think about that could influence our stories.
In science fiction, we tend to think broader than just the
outpost, village, or city where our characters live. What type of government
exists on the planet? Or is it like Earth today with multiple governing bodies
of differing types? Is the government a representative type, a monarchy, a
dictatorship, a confederation? Think the United Federation of Planets (Star Trek) or the Empire (Star Wars). How does that world impact our
stories?
Just like with the background of the characters, you need to
know everything about your world. The reader doesn’t. If you’re writing a
series or a group of stories loosely connected, that world may evolve. In the
majority of the Star Trek television
shows and movies, we know a bunch of planets have joined together into a
confederation. Knowing how this came about isn’t necessary for the episodes or movies.
It’s just there. The exception is in the series “Enterprise,” which focused on
the early days of space exploration and the formation of the Federation.
In your story, you get to decide what to focus on. And how
much the reader needs to know. Like salt in food, use a light hand.
Diane Burton writes science
fiction romance, as well as romantic suspense and mysteries. From a resort town
on Lake Michigan to the Frontier of space, her characters occupy a variety of
worlds. She’s currently writing the third book in her Outer Rim series. FMI,
visit her website: www.dianeburton.com
17 comments:
Great post, Diane! Also, I love that word: plantser!
Love this! Great pointers. Stuff we don't always think about. Thanks for sharing your advice!
I'm a panster too... 100% and many times I have no idea who is telling the story LOL!
Great post.
Good luck and God's Blessings!
PamT
Thanks, Alyssa. I can't lay claim to that word. Also can't remember where I read it. :) But it fits.
Alicia, I think we subconsciously think about what's happening in our "world." Research helps.
Thanks, Pam. If I had to develop my whole world before starting to write my story, I'd never get it going. It's all sort of in the back of my mind. Eventually I have to write down the details of my world--so I remember. LOL
Thanks for a very informative post!
Again you made me think, Diane. Great information. Thank you.
Seat of the pants writer - never use an outline - force myself to write a synopsis if it's necessary to the publisher, but I almost never follow it. World building? - I LIVE in my world 24/7, even though I physically live in Michigan. In spirit I am out west - always. And yes, eventually you have to get into those details of law and government, etc. because it could affect the outcome - i.e. if a guy shoots someone, even in self defense, could he get in trouble? Or is this a place that is still pretty lawless? The more "lawless" the better I like it!
Great post Diane and a wonderful reminder that the world around the characters must be as real as our own if we want our readers to fall into it!
Marisa & Margo, thanks.
Rosanne, your westerns are a great example of world building that you've built through the years.
Melissa, you're absolutely right.
Great post! And I totally agree on the salt reference. I hate when people throw in too many details of their world. It can distract the reader and detract from the story. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
Great post, Diane. As a pantser, I sometimes paint myself into a corner when a story line in my fictional world presents a conundrum. I finally started keeping a world building "bible." It has been an enormous help.
Good post and all good things to keep in mind, even when creating a contemporary small town or neighborhood. Thanks for the tips.
MJ, I know exactly what you mean. Not being sexist but . . . Some stories by and aimed at men give too much detail. Maybe that's what the audience wants. As for me, uh uh. Sprinkle in the details, don't bore me out of my skull. :)
Jolana, I've been in those corners. Like you, I have to keep track of the details.
Lucy, you're right. When I wrote my contemporary PI mystery, I had to know about law enforcement in small resort towns--during the winter (down time) and during the influx of visitors in the summer. Tiny details.
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