Settings & worlds · Tip 35 of 82 · 5 min read
Building an Amazing Story World
Whether it's a magical kingdom or your own street, make your setting feel real.
The setting is where and when your story happens. It could be a castle in the clouds, a spaceship, the bottom of the ocean, or simply your school. A great setting feels like a real place your reader could visit.
Draw a map!
Lots of famous authors draw a map of their world before they write. It helps you remember where everything is. Where is the dark forest? How far is the castle from the village? Where does the river go?
Ask big questions about your world
- What is the weather like? Is it always snowing? Always night?
- Who lives there? People, animals, robots, fairies?
- What are the rules? Can people fly? Is magic allowed?
- What is dangerous there?
- What do people eat, wear and do for fun?
On the island of Floatmoor, the houses were tied to the ground with thick ropes so they wouldn't drift away. Children wore boots filled with stones, and on windy days, everyone had to stay indoors, or they'd end up in the clouds.
Notice how one simple idea (things float away) creates lots of fun details: the ropes, the stone boots, the windy-day rule. One good idea can grow into a whole world!
Real places can be magical too
Your setting doesn't have to be a fantasy land. Your kitchen, a supermarket or a campsite can be just as interesting if you describe the small details that make it special.