on writing LORE instead of worldbuilding

Summary

This video script explores the nuances between world-building and lore in storytelling, emphasizing their distinct roles in crafting immersive narratives. World-building is likened to a grand overview, while lore is a character's subjective perspective. The discussion delves into the importance of balancing these elements, avoiding information overload, and engaging readers' curiosity. It also touches on the writer's process, from 'architects' who meticulously plan to 'gardeners' who let ideas grow organically, and the strategic revelation of world details to enhance the story without overwhelming it.

Takeaways

• 🌐 **World Building vs. Lore**: World building is a comprehensive view of the world, while lore is a singular perspective with a sense of mystery and uncertainty.
• 🎨 **Creative Process**: Some creators focus on world building first, others on the story, with each approach having its own merits.
• 🏗️ **Architects vs. Gardeners**: This analogy refers to whether one meticulously plans (architect) or grows the story organically (gardener).
• 📚 **Importance of Lore**: Lore is how world building is revealed through a character's perspective, influencing the reader's understanding.
• 🔍 **Depth and Mystery**: A preference for showing less world building to maintain curiosity and mystery, rather than overwhelming with details.
• 📉 **The Iceberg Theory**: Only a small percentage of world building should be visible (like an iceberg), with the majority remaining unseen.
• ✍️ **Writing Style**: The delivery of world building should be skillful to avoid info dumps and maintain narrative flow.
• 🧩 **Interconnectedness**: World building elements should connect and contribute to the story, with each piece having narrative significance.
• 📖 **Reader Engagement**: Readers are encouraged to infer and theorize, making them active participants in the world building process.
• 🌟 **Characterization**: World building should be revealed through characters in a way that enhances their portrayal and the story's depth.

Q & A

What is the main difference between world-building and lore according to the script?

World-building is described as a broader, 'Rider's eye view' on the world, focusing on the creation and structure of the world as a whole. Lore, on the other hand, is more about the specific knowledge and stories that are passed down and known within the world, often from a singular perspective and can be subjective or incomplete.

Why does the script emphasize the importance of differentiating between world-building and lore?

Differentiating between world-building and lore is important because it helps in understanding how information is presented and experienced within a story. It also influences the storytelling process, whether the author starts with a world and then finds a story or starts with a story and builds the world around it.

What are the two different approaches to world-building mentioned in the script?

The script mentions two approaches to world-building: 'Architects' who plan and design the world meticulously before writing the story, and 'Gardeners' who dive into the story and let the world grow organically around it.

How does the script suggest balancing world-building with the narrative?

The script suggests that a balance is achieved by focusing on the essential world-building elements that are necessary for understanding the story and integrating them seamlessly with the narrative. It also advises against 'info dumping' and instead recommends weaving world details naturally into the story.

What is the 'iceberg theory' mentioned in the script in relation to world-building?

The 'iceberg theory' refers to the idea that only a small percentage (10%) of the world-building should be visible to the reader, with the majority (90%) remaining unseen, much like an iceberg. This encourages curiosity and a sense of depth, as readers are left to infer and imagine the rest of the world.

Why does the script advise against showing too much world-building information?

Showing too much world-building information can lead to a bloated story and detract from the narrative. It's important to focus on what is essential to the story and allow the reader's imagination to fill in the gaps, creating a more immersive and engaging experience.

What role do characters play in delivering world-building information according to the script?

Characters play a crucial role in delivering world-building information by experiencing and interacting with the world. Their perspectives and reactions to the world provide a lens through which readers can understand and interpret the setting and lore.

How should world-building details be integrated into the story according to the script?

World-building details should be integrated into the story naturally and subtly, often through character interactions, environmental descriptions, and narrative significance. The script advises against 'maid and butler' dialogues and instead promotes the use of characterization and context to reveal world details.

What is the significance of the 'trickle-down effect' in world-building as mentioned in the script?

The 'trickle-down effect' refers to how core world-building concepts can influence and give rise to more detailed and specific lore. It's about creating a hierarchy of world-building elements where the most important aspects directly affect the plot, while the less important ones contribute to the atmosphere and depth of the world.

How does the script use the example of 'Dune' to illustrate the concept of world-building?

The script uses 'Dune' as an example to show how major world-building concepts like economy, resource management, and political houses can be broken down into more detailed and specific elements, such as the desert planet of Arrakis, the spice trade, and various houses, each contributing to the depth and complexity of the world.

What advice does the script give for writers who are new to world-building?

The script advises new writers to understand their own creative process, experiment with different world-building styles, and find a balance between providing enough detail to make the world feel real while leaving room for the reader's imagination. It also encourages writers to learn from doing and to consider tools like mind mapping and mood boarding to aid in the world-building process.