"The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." - Chinese Proverb

Creating a fictional world is a journey that can start in many places and end in many more. For some, a story starts the world. For others, it’s a character, a concept or a mental image. There is no right or wrong way to start the journey.

With any journey, neither the beginning nor end matters as much as what’s developed in between. The world, real or fictitious, needs numerous details including: climate, weather, wildlife, plant-life, culture, government, religion and many more. Each is a goal post as important as any other. For it’s the details that make the world come alive.

Determining the starting point for your journey, if it doesn’t come in a burst of inspiration, can be daunting. Outlines can be very helpful. List each detail as a bullet. Post at least three examples beneath each bullet. When the first draft is done, read through it, revise and repeat. The details will slowly build the foundation of the world.

Beyond the physical aspects of the world are cultural. Social standings, interaction and religion are as important as climate and terrain. What type of relationships, both social and personal, exist? How do government and religion affect day-to-day lives? What is important, required and/or taboo? Picture your characters dressed for different events. What do they wear? What do they say? How do they stand? For a character is much more than hair and eye color.

A journey worth taking is not simple. There will be obstacles to overcome. Questions to research. Puzzles to create and solve. Whether you are writing a short story or a novel, it begins in the same place. Take that step and create.