Saïd Sayrafiezadeh on Debt, Cults, and Our Inner Algorithms
The narrator of your story “ Minimum Payment Due ” is mired in debt and, from the outset, trying to
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Crafting a fantasy or science fiction world requires both creativity and structure, with a prerequisite care in its conception required if one wishes to succeed in suspending their readers’ disbelief. The essence of world-building lies not just in avoiding excessive exposition or sparse detail but in the foundational design itself. This is essential, for the allure of a well-crafted world often serves as a primary draw for readers exploring the genre. ( 100 Creative Writing Prompts for Writers .) With the intent to offer practical guidance, I have distilled my process into six stages, which I regularly explore in my writing workshops. Stage 1: Establish the Key Premise The foundation of your fantasy world begins with its premise. By way of example, let us envision a world where dragon riders war with necromancers. Delve into specifics: Why do the dragon riders war with the necromancers? What varieties of dragons exist? Are necromancers innately magical, or is their power acquired through study? Summarize your world in a sentence or two, then elaborate on the key elements that underpin the world’s premise. Stage 2: Consider the Wider World With the stage set, consider the broader implications of your premise. How do dragon transports affect trade and commerce? Is there an indifference towards death, given the possibility of returning as undead? Determine whether your setting is medieval or if it incorporates more advanced technologies capable of downing dragons. Such considerations enrich your world, providing depth and color to your narrative. Identify the ways your premise influences the wider world. Stage 3: Focus on the People A world gains its true essence from its inhabitants. This stage extends the prior one, focusing on the diverse communities within your world. The histories, motivations, and political dynamics of its peoples are key to your story’s narrative. Imagine the societal roles of undead or the necessary bureaucracy among dragon riders. Understanding these dynamics will not only solidify your world but also shape your plot and breathe life into your characters. Describe the distinct groups within your world. Check out Taran Matharu’s Dragon Rider here: Bookshop | […]
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The narrator of your story “ Minimum Payment Due ” is mired in debt and, from the outset, trying to
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