6 Worldbuilding Mistakes Every New Writer Makes

Summary

In this video, the speaker outlines six common mistakes in fantasy worldbuilding, emphasizing the importance of integrating the world with plot, characters, and themes. Key points include focusing on manageable worldbuilding, going deep into key aspects rather than skimming the surface, considering the consequences of world elements, matching dialogue to the setting, and avoiding derivative storytelling. The speaker encourages writers to infuse their unique interests and passions into their worlds to create original and immersive settings that stand out in the genre.

Takeaways

• 😀 Focus on worldbuilding that serves the plot, characters, and themes to create a cohesive story.
• 😀 Avoid overwhelming readers with excessive worldbuilding details; start small and build gradually.
• 😀 Deep worldbuilding in one or two areas (magic, geography) is more effective than shallow worldbuilding in many areas.
• 😀 Consider the consequences of your worldbuilding choices and their impact on the plot and characters.
• 😀 Ensure character dialogue aligns with the world’s setting to avoid anachronistic language.
• 😀 Strive to be original by infusing personal interests and passions into your worldbuilding.
• 😀 Take unique aspects of your hobbies or passions (e.g., architecture, climbing) and creatively incorporate them into your story.
• 😀 Avoid creating a world that feels like a copy of another; push the genre forward with original ideas.
• 😀 Worldbuilding should be a tool for storytelling, not an end in itself.
• 😀 Don’t be afraid to focus on what matters most in your world, and let the details emerge naturally as you write.

Q & A

What is the key message the speaker emphasizes about worldbuilding in fantasy writing?

The speaker emphasizes the importance of creating original and unique fantasy worlds by infusing personal interests, passions, and curiosities into the writing process. This helps make the worldbuilding stand out and advance the genre.

Why does the speaker advise against copying others in fantasy writing?

The speaker suggests that simply copying existing works results in stories that lack uniqueness and originality. Striving to create something new helps push the fantasy genre forward.

How does the speaker suggest writers can create unique fantasy worlds?

Writers can create unique fantasy worlds by drawing from their own personal interests, hobbies, and curiosities. By integrating these influences, writers can craft settings and elements that are distinct to them, providing a fresh perspective in the genre.

What example does the speaker provide to illustrate how personal interests can be woven into fantasy writing?

The speaker uses their personal interest in architecture and climbing to illustrate how writers can draw from their passions. For example, in the speaker's book 'Kingdom and Dragons', the setting includes a floating Mountain City with intricate architecture and tunnels.

How does the speaker use architecture in their worldbuilding?

The speaker integrates architecture by describing a floating Mountain City with detailed, imaginative features like crystal doorways, combination locks made from jewels, and magical elements infused into the design of the city.

What role does the idea of 'infusing your soul' into your work play in the speaker’s advice?

The speaker encourages writers to infuse their soul into their stories by making sure their worldbuilding, characters, and plots reflect their unique perspectives and passions, ensuring that their work cannot be compared to anything else.

What is the overall goal that the speaker wants writers to pursue?

The speaker urges writers to pursue the creation of original, cohesive, and resonant fantasy worlds that express their individuality, pushing the boundaries of the genre while maintaining consistency in the narrative.

Why does the speaker believe it’s important to not just replicate what’s been done before?

Replicating what’s been done before leads to a lack of innovation. The speaker believes that pushing the genre forward requires writers to introduce fresh ideas and perspectives that are not simply repetitions of past works.

What does the speaker mean by 'advancing the fantasy genre forward'?

Advancing the fantasy genre forward means contributing something new and innovative, whether through unique settings, characters, or storytelling methods that haven't been explored extensively before.

What personal passions does the speaker incorporate into their own worldbuilding, and how do they contribute to the story?

The speaker incorporates their passions for architecture and climbing into their worldbuilding. These influences result in settings like a floating mountain city with complex architecture, adding depth and originality to the narrative.