Tip 14: Maintain Consistency in World-Building

Do you remember high school? Yes, it's easier for some of us than others, but just follow me there. You're at your hallway locker between classes, swapping your history books for math. Now, stop. Turn around and look.

Do you hear the chatter? Fragments of conversations as teens hurry past you. What do you see that perfectly represents both the era and your teen years? Maybe there's a poster of the "in" musician in someone's open locker. Maybe it's a boy's pair of shoes or a girl's hairstyle.

Now, how do you feel? Are you relaxed, even happy to be back to a simpler time? Are you nervous - has that familiar knot in your stomach returned?

As painful or as exhilarating as it is to be in that hallway right now, if you're a storyteller, do not let time diminish your ability to remember, if not what you saw, what you felt.

If your story happens in a specific place or time that influences the story, it will be better served if you take us there. And, if you take us there, you'll need to follow the rules of that world. You can't rely on quips like, "Back in my day, we had to use a rotary phone!" Instead, you need to help readers understand the absurdity of having a spin that dial repeatedly to make a call. Remember how hard we needed to concentrate (even saying the numbers out loud) because the thought of starting over was unbearable?

In other words, once you open the door to a world, you must go all the way through that door.

Building a World

Maintaining consistency in world-building in personal storytelling is crucial as it establishes a believable and immersive setting for the narrative. Consistency helps create a realistic backdrop against the characters' actions and the story's events, enhancing the reader's suspension of disbelief. It ensures that the rules, norms, and details of the world are upheld throughout the story, preventing confusion and maintaining the reader's trust in the narrative's credibility.

A consistent world supports character development by providing a stable environment that shapes their experiences and decisions. It also allows for more intricate plot development, as consistent world-building provides a solid foundation for complex storylines. Furthermore, consistent world-building enriches the narrative by deepening the reader's engagement and connection with the story, making the world within the story feel as real and tangible as the reader's own.

Here are a few examples:

Warning! Danger! Be careful how you represent languages and cultures that are not your own. Authenticity is key - without it, your entire story may lose credibility (which is the LEAST that may happen).

Even if they are your own language and culture, remember that your perspective is influenced by the lens through which you view it. Make sure you represent it as such.

Geographical authenticity

Stories set in specific locations, like New Orleans, should incorporate local dialects, cuisine, and landmarks. This grounds the story in a recognizable physical space and adds depth to the setting.

"I strolled through the French Quarter, the humid air thick with the scent of magnolias and fried beignets. I greeted a young man on the corner holding a trumpet. He was dressed in a suit too large for him from a time neither of us was around for. He nodded back, pressing the horn to his lips. Out came a tune that blared so loudly and passionately it seemed to bounce off the worn, wrought-iron balconies."

Technological context

For stories set in a specific technological era, like the early days of the internet, mention the technology used at the time. This helps set the stage and makes the story relatable to the time period.

"I waited as the dial-up modem emitted its high-pitched sequence of beeps and static. Finally connected, I logged into a Yahoo chatroom to discuss the latest X-Files episode. I remember feeling so connected to people I had never seen, let alone met. Through text alone, I was deeply invested in their lives and loves. Was it real? I don't know. But it was real to me."

Political climate

Reflecting the political environment, such as during an election year or a war, can influence characters’ decisions and the story’s direction, providing a backdrop that adds realism.

"I was lost. 'Rerouting,' the GPS said, which was as comforting as it could be from a machine. Peering through my car windows as I waited for the new plan, I saw a town divided. Buildings, bus stops, and lawns were plastered with campaign posters, a seemingly even split between red and blue. Even people were decorated, wearing t-shirts, often just urging people to vote, period. Back home in Chicago, I'd see lawn and window signs scattered here and there. But the variety of signs was more apparent in a smaller town like this. The upcoming election was all anyone could talk about, and it seemed like the stakes were bigger for the smaller towns."

Weather and climate

The climate of a region, like the cold, harsh winters in Russia, affects the lifestyle and survival strategies of the characters, which can be a crucial element in the narrative.

"I wrapped my thick coat tighter as I trudged through the snow that blanketed Detroit. The harsh winter made each outing a battle against the biting wind and icy sidewalks. My days layered in bundles of clothing are closing as I plan my move to San Diego. Kurt told me to throw away my winter clothes. The weather is different there. Life will be different there. But I'm keeping my coats and boots in storage. Like the weather in Detroit, feelings change."

In each of these examples, consistency in the elements that define the world of the story helps create a believable and engaging narrative. It ensures that readers remain immersed in the story’s environment, even as the characters and plot develop.

Speaking of high school...

...what in the high school senior pictures is happening here? It's a shambles! It's chaotic! It's absurd! And it's sooo me. For whatever I thought this picture would accomplish, "A" for effort. This is literally me giving everything my 17-year-old self had...like, all at once.

Upcoming Events

ATD 2024 International Conference & EXPO, New Orleans, May 19-22

• Pre-conference Workshop: Writing for Instructional Design and Training Certificate
• Concurrent Session: Quality by Design: Integrating Quality Management into L&D (Sunday, May 19, 10:30 ET)

The Canadian eLearning Conference, June 13 & 14

55th Federally Employed Women National Training Program, Chicago, August 4-8

Chicago eLearning & Technology Showcase, Naperville, IL, August 20

Designing and Developing Learning Materials for ILT and VILT Experiences, Aug 26 - Aug 27, 2024 (Virtual)

Training Magazine's TechLearn 2024 Conference, Austin, TX, September 17-19

• Pre-conference Workshop: Elearning Design Certificate Program, September 16-17
• Concurrent Session: Quality by Design: Integrating Quality Management into L&D (Wednesday, Sept 18, 11:15 CT)

Devlearn, Las Vegas, NV, November 6-8