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Knowledge of, and insight into the world of the story is fundamental to the achievement of originality and excellence.
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A story’s setting consists of the following aspects.
- Period - the story’s place in time.
- Duration - the story’s length throughout time.
- Location - the story’s place in space.
- Level of Conflict - the story’s position in the hierarchy of human struggles.
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Setting defines and confines the possibilities within a story. What is told is defined by what is probable within the setting—its rules.
- The audience will feel violated when you break these rules once they have understood them.
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Be specific — an honest story is at home in one, and only one place and time.
- Remember: creativity necessitates setting limitations, limitations make your world more knowable (satisfying Sanderson’s laws).
- Take the time to perform research
- Research from Memory - “What do I know from personal experience that touches on my characters’ lives?“. Thus, formulate a scene.
- Research from Imagination - “What would it be like to live my character’s life?“. Thus, unravel hidden connections
- Research From Fact - Research from the world around you. Add to your working knowledge.
- However, constrain yourself. Research is not an end but a means. Do not get worldbuilding sickness.