Okay, let’s be real—worldbuilding is one of the coolest parts of writing. It’s where you get to play god, create new places, and make up weird (but hopefully logical) rules. But if you’re writing sci-fi or fantasy, there’s one problem: people will find your plot holes. They’ll question your magic system, your futuristic society, or why your characters didn’t just ride a dragon to solve their problems (looking at you, Lord of the Rings eagles).
So, how do you make your world feel real while avoiding the dreaded, “Wait… that doesn’t make sense”? Here’s how:
1. Know Your World’s Rules (And Stick to Them)
If magic exists, how does it work? Can anyone use it, or do you need training? Does it have limits? If your world has advanced technology, what powers it? Who controls it? You don’t need to explain every little thing (unless you’re Tolkien), but you do need to be consistent.
❌ Bad: In Chapter 3, teleportation spells exist. In Chapter 7, a character walks for days because “there’s no other way.”
✅ Good: If teleportation is rare and costly, make that clear so readers don’t question why your hero isn’t zapping around like a video game character.
2. Don’t Overload with Info (a.k.a. Avoid the Infodump)
We get it, you spent weeks designing this world. But your reader doesn’t need a five-page history lesson on the politics of Elven cheese-making. Instead, reveal details naturally through the story.
🚀 Sci-fi example: Instead of saying, “In the year 3045, Earth was destroyed by a war between AI and humans,” have a character mention how they’ve never seen an ocean because Earth was lost long ago.
🧙♂️ Fantasy example: Instead of explaining how your kingdom’s currency works, show a character struggling to pay for food with outdated coins.
Let your world unfold through actions and dialogue, not a textbook.
3. Ask “Why?” Like an Annoying Little Kid
This is the best way to catch plot holes. Every time you make something up, ask why it exists and how it affects daily life.
🔹 If your world has two suns, how does that change farming, sleep cycles, or weather?
🔹 If people can breathe underwater, do they still have cities on land, or do they live fully in the ocean?
🔹 If there’s a super powerful ruler, why hasn’t anyone overthrown them yet?
Be your own worst critic. If you don’t question your world, someone else definitely will.
4. Make It Feel Lived-In
Your world shouldn’t feel like a blank video game map. It should have history, culture, and tiny details that make it real.
💡 Ask yourself:
- What do people eat? (A world without snacks is just sad.)
- What myths or legends do they believe in?
- How do people greet each other? (A handshake? A forehead touch? A dramatic bow?)
- What’s an inside joke in this world? (Every culture has them!)
Little things like this make your world feel alive instead of just existing for the plot.
5. Use the "Rule of Cool" (But Keep It Logical)
Sometimes, a concept is just cool—like floating cities or giant space whales. And that’s fine! But cool ideas should still make sense in your world.
🚀 If your sci-fi city floats in the sky, how is it powered? How do people get food?
🐉 If dragons exist, do people use them for war? Are there laws about dragon-riding?
Basically: Make cool things make sense.
Final Thoughts: Your World, Your Rules
Worldbuilding is supposed to be fun. You’re literally creating something from nothing. Just remember:
✔️ Stay consistent.
✔️ Show, don’t tell.
✔️ Ask “why?” until your brain melts.
✔️ Make it feel like real people live there.
Oh, and if someone finds a plot hole? Don’t panic. Just pretend you totally meant to do that and say, “Ah, yes, this will be revealed in the sequel.” 😉
What’s your favorite thing about worldbuilding? Tell me in the comments!
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