World-Building

As an author of Science Fiction and Fantasy, it might surprise you to hear that my least favorite part is world-building.

I know when I first started creating the world of Combat Jax, my imagination went to things like character development and story arc. The worlds, weapons, technology, and creatures, while important, serve as texture to tell interesting stories about interesting characters.  

Looking back at the books and movies I love the most, it is the characters I connect with more than the special effects or realistic settings/actions. Sure, watching a car travel into space can suspend my suspension of disbelief, but, if I care enough about the people in the car, then I can look past most logical faux pas.

Now, I realize not everyone will agree with me. Especially in the genre of science fiction. The science and technology attract plenty of readers. Nothing wrong with that.

As a right-brainer (a scientific fallacy I will overlook), I prefer enough detail to ground my readers and let their imagination fill in the colors. I once heard the term “lampshading, " which fits here. Just as a lampshade diffuses light from a single source throughout an area, I prefer a single bit of science that diffuses its way throughout my stories. In Tropic Thunder, I love the quote where they ask Nick Nolte's character about the pistol he carries. His reply is, “I don’t know what you call it. I just know the sound it makes when it takes a man’s life.”

I know, blasphemy for some of my military sci-fi fans out there.

So now it's your turn. I’d love to hear what’s your favorite part of world-building. Do you prefer deep dives into technology, flora, fauna, tactics, etc.? Or, like me, do you need just enough to ground you in a story so you can focus on a character and their journey?

Please let me know in the comments.