How to build a fictional world – By Kate Messner – Recommended by Mel

https://ed.ted.com/lessons/how-to-build-a-fictional-world-kate-messner

This is a fascinating lesson by successful author Kate Messner on how to build a fictional world. Even fictional worlds need their own rules. And if you break them, well as a writer you’re doomed.

Here are Kate’s tips:

She starts with a basic place and time.

Is your story in the past, present or future.

How did your world come to be?

What are the rules? Science, society

Is there a government? System of beliefs? Who rules? What are the punishments?

What’s the weather like? What about food, school, young, other creatures?

What kind of technology exists?

Can you write a story built on your own fictional world?

The TED-Ed lesson is on the opposite page. Enjoy and don’t forget to create your own story!