How to Write a Novel. Part 4: World, Atmosphere, and Reality
Summary
- Construct a believable world by establishing consistent internal logic and weaving in precise, sensory details for immersive realism.
- Use time period, culture, and environment as active forces that shape character actions, thoughts, and drive organic conflict.
- Build atmosphere with mood-driven place descriptions, using a mix of research and imagination.
Constructing a Believable World, Real or Imagined
The world of your novel, whether it’s a meticulously rendered historical city or an entirely invented fantasy realm, must feel real to the reader. Constructing a believable world isn’t just about listing details; it’s about establishing a consistent internal logic that governs its physics, its societies, and its inhabitants. Even in fantasy or science fiction, elements like magic systems or futuristic technology need rules and consequences.
For contemporary or historical fiction, authenticity comes from observing and understanding how things truly work. Pay attention to the subtle cues of daily life: the rhythm of a city, the specific tools of a trade, the typical interactions in a given era. Weave these precise, lived-in details into your narrative to ground your story.
The goal is to create a setting that is vivid enough to immerse the reader, allowing them to suspend disbelief and fully inhabit the story.
Time Period, Culture, Environment: What Shapes Action and Thought
Your chosen time period, culture, and environment are more than just scenery; they are active forces that directly constrain and inform character action and thought. Consider how a character’s opportunities, social interactions, and even their inner monologue are dictated by the norms of their era, the rituals of their society, or the harsh realities of their landscape.
For instance, a character in a rigid Victorian society will face different social obstacles than one in a fluid modern city, and their internal struggles will reflect these external pressures.
Use these contextual layers to create organic conflict and reveal character through their adaptation or rebellion.
Mood as a Function of Place and Detail
The mood of a scene or an entire novel is often inseparable from its setting. Place isn’t just geographical; it carries emotional weight and can evoke specific feelings in the reader. A dimly lit, narrow alley might evoke fear or tension, while a sun-drenched meadow could suggest peace or nostalgia.
Consider not just what is present in a setting, but how it is described. What is the light like? Are there smells, sounds, textures? Is there a history of the place? These sensory and descriptive elements work together to build atmosphere, influencing the reader’s emotional state and deepening their connection to the unfolding events.
Research and Invention: Grounding the Fiction
Whether your novel is set in the past, present, or a speculative future, it requires a balance of research and invention to feel grounded. For historical or contemporary settings, thorough research is essential to ensure accuracy and avoid anachronisms. Instead of just dry facts, look for the quirks of daily life, the unspoken rules, and the unique challenges of the time or place.
For example, research might reveal how specific technology was misused, what local superstitions truly influenced decisions, or how people found joy amidst hardship. For imagined worlds, invention is paramount, but even then, it benefits from a foundation in plausible elements or a clear internal logic. Consider how a unique creature might impact an ecosystem, what economic systems would evolve from specific resources, or how a single magical rule could ripple through society.
The purpose of both research and invention is to make the fantastical plausible and the familiar fresh, allowing the reader to fully believe in the reality you’ve created.