The Kate and Abbie Show Episode 136: World-Building MISTAKES New Writers Make (Avoid These Cringeworthy Cliches!)
Jan 31, 2024
World-building is vital for captivating storytelling. Avoid info-dumping in the beginning; readers need a character anchor for context. Reveal your setting through character actions to enhance immersion, as seen in examples like Narnia. Ensure conflicts involve the protagonist's stakes, not just the backdrop. Establish consistent world rules to maintain flexibility. Strike a balance with vivid descriptions that propel the plot, rather than halt it. Master these techniques to create an unforgettable fictional world!
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Avoid Opening Info Dumps
- Avoid info-dumping all world details in chapter one; it overwhelms and disorients readers.
- Expand the world gradually through character interactions so readers remember what matters.
Reveal World Through The Protagonist
- Anchor world-building in a protagonist's POV and reveal lore via their actions.
- Use the character as a measuring device so readers learn organically and stay immersed.
Zoom In Then Out
- Start zoomed into the main character, then progressively zoom out to reveal the wider world.
- This provides emotional anchoring and reduces reader confusion.
