Fiction Lesson:
Worldbuilding
Worldbuilding represents an integral facet in speculative literature. ​However, worldbuilding is neither exclusive to speculative fiction nor is it free from the rigor and complexity of successful prose writing. Worldbuilding can be a extremely enriching, creative, and amusing dimension to writing, and this Lesson, composed of four Parts, facilitates the growth and refinement of worldbuilding. This Lesson is suitable for writers of all levels and in all stages of story/world development. However, the activities associated with each Part are more impactful if the attendees already possess a foundation for their world(s) and narrative(s).
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Note: Each lesson can be taught as part of a larger cohesive lecture, emphasizing greater inter-part connections, or individually with greater detail and more time for questions and activities.
PART 1:
The Fifth Dimension
Part 1 explores magic and "hi-tech," science fiction's equivalent speculative force. Both forces are included under the "Fifth Dimension" umbrella term. Discussion includes the strengths and weaknesses of "hard" and "soft" systems. Examples of effective & ineffective systems are examined and discussed.
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Activities include: Hypothetical situations & discussion
PART 2:
Monsters & Creatures
Part 2 explores monsters and fictional creatures. Monsters are "creatures of the Fifth Dimension," therefore function using different rules, i.e. those discussed in Part 1. Discussion includes methods to describe and integrate monsters into a speculative world. Examples of historical monsters, and their more recent reinterpretations, are discussed in terms of aesthetics, narrative purpose, and cultural roots.
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Activities include: Something & discussion
PART 3:
Structures & Power
Part 3 explores various power structures often featured in fictional worlds, including, but not limited to, governments, laws, religions, and history. References are made to previous Parts, encouraging the incorporation of "Fifth Dimension" elements within said structures in order to deepen realism. Emphasis is placed on realism, believability, and historical precedent for effective structure creation. This Part emphasizes greater discussion of attendees' worlds, one detail at a time.
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Activities include: Hypothetical situations & discussion
PART 4:
Maps, Narrative, World-Docs
Part 1 explores how worldbuilding may be integrated smoothly and holistically into a larger narrative. World-Docs, a structured document for composing fictional world, are introduced and elaborated upon. Extra time is devoted towards exploring how worldbuilding may be made germane to the author's larger narrative. Examples of various sorts of media (novels, short stories, RPG source books, films, movies, videogames) are provided and discussed to explore how the genre of a work can change its worldbuilding expectations.
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Activities include: Map-making, World-Docs, Scene-writing (see Character and Plotting Lessons)
