WORLD BUILDING WORK SHEET
By Lizzie Newell
The Fisherman and the Sperm Thief
The Tristan Bay Accord
What conflict is necessary to the plot? Conflict is caused by shortage, so consider how shortage led to the conflict that drives the plot.
This list is in order of big to small considerations. It may be best to start in the middle of the list with shortage.
Laws of physics/magic
Origin of the universe
Origin of the world
Origin of species
Tidal forces & gravity
Size of planet
Number of moons
Location in Universe
Location in the galaxy
Location in the solar system
Climate (for space habitats consider equivalents)
Geography (for space habitats consider equivalents)
Proximity to mountains: windward or to the lee?
Proximity to ocean: temperature swings.
Rivers: erosion & movement of water.
Biome: Types of plants and animals.
Shortage What is in short supply in the world of the story? Quality is as important as quantity. Conflict can play out as one group withholding one of these needs from another, or exchanging one need for another, or attacking the source of these needs.
Economics of food
Economics of shelter
Financing/cooperation in of construction
Economics of child care
Who provided care and education for children?
How are caregivers and teachers compensated?
Where does childcare occur?
Ratio between male and female.
Ratio between women and children. If child survival rates are high and the population is stable, women will have an average of 2 pregnancies. They on average have more than 2, the population will rise.
Marriage customs: polygamy or monogamy.
Operational sex ratio. How many men vs women are seeking partners.
What are the leading causes of death?
Survival/treatment of those with injuries and disabilities?
Violence and Warfare
Homicide levels. High or low. Why?
Warfare. High or low Why?
Standing armies. Yes or no? Why?
Shipping and trade
Funding and recruitment for infrastructure and military.
Calendar-conception of time
What type of clocks are in used?
Measurement, orientation, and conception of space
Radial/Etoile: Distance from camp usually give as time.
Grid: Like the game Battleships. Commonly used in older US towns.
Riverine: Upstream, downstream, right, & left. Distance usually given as time. Use of landmarks.
Island: Ocean side & mountain side
Highway: Exits & roads. Right turn & left turn. Distance in standardized units.
Maps, GPS, street signs?
Sounds of language
Aesthetics and Art
Storytelling and fiction. (I take care with embedding fiction within fiction, but it can be done)