A lot of writers struggle with world building – and for good reason. It’s tricky to create a whole fictional world and then explain that world to your readers without confusing them.

I’ve received a lot of requests for a video on this topic, and I’m so glad because I have a lot to say about world building. See, most writers think building a world must involve info-dumping exposition on your readers – but not so! In fact, less is more.

There are a few different elements to this topic, so first we’re going to talk about where world building starts and why most writers end up telling instead of showing their world – and how to avoid this pitfall. Then we’ll get right to the ONE QUESTION you can ask yourself at every stage of world-building (whether you’re in the outlining process or the writing process) and immediately know whether or not you should spend time on it.

I’ve said this in the past, but it bears repeating: opening your story with a big info-dump about the world is a bad idea. A setting doesn’t have emotions – only your characters do; and that’s what readers can relate to. Your characters are the most important part of your story, and should take center stage at every moment of your story… especially the beginning of your story.

In today’s episode of WritersLife Wednesday, we’re going in-depth:

• the common mistakes writers make with world building + how to avoid them
• the ONE QUESTION you can ask yourself to know if this aspect of your world is important
• why “thinking small” is better than “thinking big” 
• real story examples of good world building vs bad world building

Let’s talk.

Let’s talk world building! What is the ONE aspect of your fictional world that has the BIGGEST IMPACT on your protagonist’s journey? Let’s discuss in the comments below!

If you liked this episode of WritersLife Wednesday, please share it with a writer friend! Also be sure to subscribe to my channel to get new videos every Wednesday all about writing, publishing, and making your author dreams come true.

Rock on,
Abbie

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