World-Building for Every Genre: A Checklist

“World-Building for Every Genre: A Checklist” by Mia Botha | 13th July, 2016 | Writers Write.

“Last week I discussed the importance of setting and what we can learn from sci-fi and fantasy writers about world-building. By following their guidelines, we can strengthen our setting and make our worlds more complete.

Here is a checklist to get you started. Below the checklist are questions you might consider for each category. I tried to use examples that are not considered fantasy or sci-fi. Word_Building_For_Every_Genre-1

Genealogy
Work life
Clothing
Food
Hygiene
Rituals and holidays
Technology
History
Religion
Language
Gender roles
Family life and structure
Procreation
Politics
Education
Geography
Water and resources.

I have left a few blank squares for you to add your own ideas. This will vary from story to story, but I hope it will help you shape your story to create a complete world.”