Science Fiction World Building
Science Fiction is an exciting genre. It is highly speculative, and allows authors to let their imaginations run wild. It is also generally quite intricate in its details, with fans expecting a certain mix of realism and extremism within the stories. If you are sitting down to tackle a science fiction story, the best place to start is with world building. Fortunately, this is also one of the most enjoyable parts! Whether your story is set in a fictional world or our own world, there is world building to be done.
Real Earth Settings
If you choose to set your science fiction story on Earth, then part of the work is done for you – just pick up an encyclopaedia and an atlas! However, don’t make the mistake of thinking that because your setting is Earth there is no world building to be done. In order to have a science fiction story there must be elements that set your Earth setting apart from the Earth we all know. Is there alien life on Earth? Has some amazing new technology been invented that changes the way humans live their lives? You need to note how society is different to our current society, and why. This is the secret to world building for Earth stories.
Other Planet Settings
Many science fiction stories take place on other planets, especially those in our solar system. If you want to set your story on Mars or Neptune, then you will need to make these realistic. Our present knowledge of the planets in our solar system is quite comprehensive. We know the atmospheric conditions and the weather patterns. So, if your story revolves around a colony on Neptune, then you will need to consider what we already know about it. The atmosphere and weather patterns will certainly affect the type of structures that could be built there, and it will have a huge impact on the type of experiences humans would have when residing there. So, if you are setting your story on a planet that there is good scientific knowledge on, then start with the facts and work your way up from there. That will give you the most realistic story possible.
Other World Settings
When you choose to set your story in a fictional world, you have both more freedom and more responsibilities than if your setting was in our world. Because this is your world, and you are effectively the almighty ruler, then you can make it whatever you like. Three suns, exploding moons, flying bears – any element that you want, you can have! However, if you want to have a believable story, then you will need to world build starting from scratch. You will need to do your own terrain mapping, discover the weather patterns, design vegetation and crops, and create inhabitants with their own history and social rules. This is a lot of fun, but it is also detailed and intricate work. Wherever you choose to set your story, however, remember that the details are what makes your story realistic, and world building is the best way to perfect those details.
