Fantasy Worldbuilding 101: How to Bring a Fictional World to Life

In this video, we discuss how to write a great fantasy novel through advice from some of the most well-known fantasy authors—particularly, George R. Martin and J.R.R. Tolkien.

Fantasy novel writers are responsible for taking readers on an unforgettable journey. Their pages must be filled with compelling characters and riveting plot twists. Their words must have the power to penetrate the heart. Their themes must strike a balance between good and evil.

When done correctly...readers feel like they are right there in the middle of adventure...alongside the characters.

First, we discuss Martin’s definition of fantasy. He is best known for his series of epic fantasy novels, A Song of Ice and Fire and is the inspiration behind HBO’s Game of Thrones series. He speaks of including tastes, touch, sounds and sights into the world you build.

Next, we go over how to create an in-depth sketch of the fictitious word. Adding these small details to your story will help your reader feel acquainted with the world you are building, especially if it is different than the real world.

Then, we go over questions that will help you pinpoint key details:

-What is your world’s history?
-What is its geography?
-Is the planet similar to Earth?
-Is there more than one sentient species?
-Does everyone speak the same language?
-Does magic exist in your world?

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[tjyearly]

This is one quote that really sticks with me whenever I write “ Not everything has to have meaning, but meaning will have everything”

[tiredofthebull]

Tbh I don’t want to make a book I just want to make a story for my own personal entertainment

[sharmintareque]

I don’t want to write a book. I want to make up a world to entertain myself with, something I can actually spend time on and have fun with.

[timbuktu]

My problem is when to stop. My heroes need to go fight a dragon. The next thing I know, I'm knee deep in local politics.

[wonderstudios]

I am 12 but ever since I was 6 I wanted to write a fantasy book

[ravenxdazrerrath]

My book has taken me 6 years to plan out every thing from the villains, to history and the development of the world

[joebob]

RR Martin: *quote*

Me: Damn he really likes food

[shinobi-no-bueno]

"Writing fantasy or science fiction is like trying to remember something impossible, that you don't already know, and did not happen to you." - E.K. Porter

[EpicExplorerX]

I love the speaker how she presented this video lesson. It's clear and even her voice is soft and very pleasant to listen. I am on my process in writing my first fantasy novel that has already accomplished 1/4 of my goals of around 80k to 85k words since the covit19 lockdown has started. I don't have any experience in writing a novel and this is my first time doing so. The only thing that motivates me to write every day is to watch a writer's motivational video in order to give me some inspiration everyday. Thanks and I'm grateful for this video.

[wonderstudios]

Guys my fantasy book is finally finish! it has an original idea, fun and curiosity!

[justagirl]

I have so many ideas in my head but i don't know how to write it→_→

[katemarie]

This video feels nostalgic for some reason x

[biancahislop]

This is the first time I have wanted to write a fantasy novel and this has been such a magical start for me ♥️ Thank you!

[Kalydosos]

This video is one of the very best advice videos I've seen some really good suggestions I write sci fi and fantasy myself for myself I read my own stories for entertainment and I like seeing the changes in my writing style over the years. This video should had more views there is nothing like building an entire world on paper or word document and watch your story grow. Beats any video game in my small opinion.

[zendura]

I mostly write a lot of unfinished fan fiction and then the occasional original story. What I have learned when it comes to the two.

Writing fan fiction: I have most of the characters and story already planned out and I can write in my characters relatively easy.

Writing an original: I know bits and pieces, maybe the end, maybe the beginning, connecting the dots are hard, describing crap properly is hard, and a whole lot of unnecessary but I want it in the story anyways.

This probably has nothing to do with the video but I wanted to share this anyway.

[CarrotVisionDCarrotsAreVision]

I think we can discover history as we discover the character. I feel like giving all of the history before introducing the character would lead to exposition dumps, leading the reader to become uninterested.

[ravenayakashi]

I just wanted to write a short story....

3 days into writing and I've passed the ability keep it small and now it's growing out of control.

[jthopkins]

I've been world/plot/charecter building for over 17 years for a 5 part series I want to write. I've made an atlas with a geological times scale, languages, cultures, and even music. I can't wait to see what Melchior and Cora get into, I'll bet it's gonna be wild.

[Jojo-kutf]

Very good video, it deserves more attention!
Nice music in the background, too.

[DamienZshadow]

This is beautifully well put and the narrator seems so earnest in delivering her message to the point of breaking into tears. Not sure if it was intentional but she makes every word feel so much more meaningful. I know the content is the focus but I just cannot get over how she speaks.