Making These World-Building Mistakes? Here’s How To Fix Them

Building a world through words seems like a daunting feat. But, when world-building is done right, it gives readers an immersive story and brings the characters and scenes to life. World-building done wrong, though, can weaken the world you’re trying to bring to life. In this post, we will explore five world-building mistakes that writers often make—and practical ways to fix them.

Mistake #1: Info-Dumping

As a writer, you want to give readers the insight they need to understand your story. Sometimes, writers will write all of this information into one scene, resulting in the reader feeling overwhelmed, rushed, and will likely forget all the information. This can occur once or multiple times throughout the story.

This writing mistake can slow the pace by causing the reader to take in so much information at once, thereby pulling them out of the story.

Instead, you want to weave world details naturally into your story through character action and dialogue. A good tip is to write what the character notices, not what the author knows.

Mistake #2: Inconsistency

If you don’t have a solid organizational system for the details of your story’s world and characters (like a story bible), you may end up with inconsistent rules or logic. You have probably noticed some plot holes in shows you’ve seen or books you’ve read. They take the realism right out of the story, right?

Instead, create a good organization system at the beginning so you can stay clear on your world’s rules. Whether you use a story bible, a notebook, or Trello, having a place to reference the details of your story when needed helps to avoid inconsistencies.

Also, while editing, be sure you check your story for inconsistencies!

Mistake #3: Lack of Culture

The world you create should feel like a real place—and real places have cultures. They have intricate societies that aren’t built around one trait. Things like geography, language, and economy can all be used to make realistic societies.

One-dimensional cultures can lack depth and leave locations feeling unrealistic. It’s not necessary to include every aspect—that can be challenging—but you can use some to add realism to your world.

So, as you write your story, ask yourself: How do geography, history, and economy shape this society?

Mistake #4: World Separate From Characters

When you take the time to craft an immersive and exciting world, be sure your characters actually interact with it! Have your characters experience it and share with the readers what it’s like.

Readers connect with characters through experiences—not just lore. So, make sure to consider what your character notices and allow the world to shape to character’s journey, decisions, and obstacles.

If you find your characters aren’t interacting with the world, that world may not be the right fit. You may need to alter the location to better suit the characters and the plot. Show how your characters are products of their world.

Mistake #5: Copy-Paste World-building

When you use tropes and follow them to a tee, readers will be able to predict your story. If your world follows an already existing world entirely, it can feel generic or forgettable. Or, as I mentioned, your readers may find the story predictable.

You can subvert expectations by mixing influences to create a unique world for your story. Take a trope and make it interesting by adding a twist or unexpected world-building element.

To Recap

World-building is such a crucial element of storytelling, but many writers can overdo or underdo it in a way that actually hurts their story. When you find yourself writing your story try to avoid info-dumping, leaving inconsistencies, having one-dimensional cultures, separating world from character, and following tropes too closely.