Daily Archives: 21/03/2012

I absolutely love getting ideas for a new book or a new series and drafting out what the character looks like, how they talk, what they like to wear, their family history. I will admit that I have a bit of a “Creator/God” complex, which is why I so enjoy playing Sims 3.

However, when I write a book or series involving other species, extraterrestrial, scifi stuff there’s a lot more involved in world building than just height, weight, hair color and skin tone.

So, with me doing the outlining and world building for a new series of mine called: The Trapezians which is a definite change to what I’ve written before (one alien shifter with four mates), I thought that I’d share with you Vick-sters what’s behind world building and for those of you attending GRL, letting you see beforehand what to expect when I show up to New Mexico because I will have three very special books. One will be Trapezian Laws, Cultures & Mating, the other will be Galaxy Planetary Alliance 101, and the last will be Mating Song & Other Elven Rites.

So this is the sheet that I work off of when I have to do intense world-building (ex. for The Trapezians):

World Building for Series

Series Title: The Trapezians

Planet: Oronebuli

• Planet Laws
• Planet Customs
• Species Characteristics (Similar Personality Traits)
• Physical Characteristics
• Talents, gifts, powers (common)
• Species’ Enemies
• Species’ Allies
• Mating Customs
• Governing Body/Customs
• Geography of Planet
• Countries, cities, towns, etc on planet
• Transportation/Travel
• Light Years from Earth
• Galaxy Location
• Planetary Language (Similar to what Earth language)
• Money (conversion available)
• Jobs (what is in more demand, what isn’t needed, education requirements and salary)
• Class System
• Education
• Planet’s Resources & Goods
• Animals on Planet
• Justice System & Punishment (Sentencing) for Criminals
• Feelings on Slavery, Racism (are there different races/colors?), Gays, Transgenders, Women, Child Labor, Pornography, etc.
• Insurance
• Medical Aid/Assistance/Care
• Religions
• Homes, Neighborhoods
• Planet History (Wars, discovery, freedom, revolution)
• Pictures/Illustrations
• Monarchy, Democracy, Theocracy, Dictatorship?
• Planet’s Most Notable Figures
• Planet’s Entertainment Resources (Music, Movies, Books, Art, Sports)
• Popular Fashion (Comparable to what Earth fashion?)
• Planet’s Flags, Crest, Song (Is this separated by countries?)