Basic Tips for World Building

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I’m breaking down the basics you need to create your fictional world! We’re covering how to write setting, how to make up wildlife and climate for your book, how to describe architecture, and more! If you’ve been asking how to write a believable world, wondering what the key elements of world building are, or looking for a guide to building your fictional world in general, this video has ya covered! Be sure to stick around to hear the last category, because we’re covering a highly important aspect of constructing a believable world, and it’s going to come into play a LOT more than you’re probably anticipating. 🌎🌍🌏
-Straight from my cold, dark heart,
Your Cyborg Queen
#JennaMoreci #CyborgQueen #CyborgArmy
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[@awkwardghost7670]

Now, if only my friends could understand that world building is a long, in depth process and I'm not just ignoring them at lunch.

[@eternalloveofwriting9306]

Awkwardly Surviving Relatable

[@berleezyfingertoes4259]

Awkwardly Surviving this is the most accurate comment I've seen in a LONG time

[@AuroraLalune]

Gets worse if they ask "what are you doing?" and you actually answer "I'm figuring out the mapping the ocean of a fictional world" or "figuring out the mathmatical mass of a mountain with x density" " trying to figure out the sociological impact of people having wings..." etc... No idea how many times I accidentally silenced such attempts on complete accident when I was younger. They like if you draw stuff or tell a story in it but actual world development is a bit too... "0.0 ?????????" for them.

[@a.morphous66]

AuroraLalune Friends: “Hey, why are you ignoring us?” Me: “I’m trying to figure out a realistic level of diversity between species for a fantasy medieval-era Germany.” Friends: “...” Me: “Thanks for understanding.”

[@AuroraLalune]

Bookhead714 Not always. Not if you play with d&d veteran dms every week switching who plays and who runs based on who's world/campaign your playing in. This is also a really great way to flesh out world building ideas and I admit to absusing it for such- which is also fun and oddly social. Roleplay is the best way Ive found for others to understand what you've done to an extent and have fun. It also helps to make characters behaviors more human and helps to make the world a little more detailed in a way readers may actually see or care about. Also reminds me of aspects I might've missed while figuring out that mountain etc.

[@Sisuki_]

*Open KZbin.* I'm just gonna watch Jenna's new video. Then, I'll go to bed. *Video ends.* Who need sleep ? Not me. I have a world to build.

[@kimanicoates7987]

Lol, so relatable

[@Faebiebot]

**Spends lifetime worldbuilding** Me: Finally I've built a completed an entire binary universe set down to the placement of all the atoms! Everyone else: Cool, is there a story in there? Me: **weeps**

[@AuroraLalune]

Rosa Lovecraft lot's. You have a whole world to set stories in.

[@princessluna5824]

Navirina nice profile pic, drapple 👌👌

[@ExploreImagineDefineCreate]

@@Faebiebot Sometimes all you have to do is make a world and share it. People will make the stories for you. Your world, their stories... it's gonna be beautiful.

[@myeyesarebleeding212]

SETTING Name: Continents: Countries: Kingdoms: Villages: Cities: Towns: Setting: FLORA, FAUNA & CLIMATE Weather: Seasons: Topography: Plants: Animals: ARCHITECTURE Location: Physical Description: Materials: HISTORY Origin: Current Government: POLITICS / GOVERNMENT Type: Leader: Laws: Enforcement: SOCIETY Class System: Racial Groups: Gender Norms / Expectations Prejudice Descrimination: Sexual Orientation : Children: Schooling: Careers: Social Norms: CULTURE Belief system: Holidays: Celebration: Customs: Romance Arts: Sports: Entertainment : Clothing : Accessories : Body Modification : Ethics: TECHNOLOGY, SCIENCE & MAGIC Technology Capabilities: Technology Limitations: Technology Access: Science Capabilities: Science Limitations: Science Access: Magic Capabilities: Magic Limitations: Magic Access:

[@concretenurturedrose4169]

Thank you!!

[@megg10]

Thank you for this! 🧡

[@hi-there-]

*sighs and cracks my knuckles* time to get to work

[@solo-mons]

Saving you for later :)

[@sabadk1801]

Thank you! You’re a lifesaver

[@iangonzalvo4716]

Why is it that when I watch Jenna, I think that she can face anything with her wit and humor. You go, Jenna!

[@JennaMoreci]

you are so sweet, thank you!

[@claudiahart4455]

Wanna see something funny? Pause at 2:31

[@Nickilob2006]

@@claudiahart4455 eh?

[@lynnlefay9631]

​@@JennaMoreci But Jenna!!! :-D I love your videos! I've been a fan for ages. Quick opinion question: I know you've said that multiple access points into a series or world is a good thing but I'd love your opinion on whether you think we could make those spin-off series all converge into an epic conclusion novel? That way you can take advantage of one world building effort. Like - the series' MCs are all fighting their own baddies but ultimately all the characters need to get together at one point (in one novel) to defeat the Super-Baddy that leads them all (said in a LOTR voice). What say you?

[@lorenzoabrick5188]

It suddenly occured to me that one of the best parts of worldbuilding might be coming up with what kind of swearwords the people would use. Like, if there's a civilisation that doesn't believe in any form of God, they wouldn't say "oh my God", would they? And if they're an alien race, what would they say instead of "fuck"? would they use whatever their sex equivilent is? Or would they think saucepans are the most vulgar thing in existance?

[@gnarthdarkanen7464]

OR what if they have a whole damn army of gods, goddesses, demons, demi-... er... something or others... devils, fiends, and so forth...??? I'd have to guess with an abundance... There'd have to be some sentimental "assignments" of the "swear-word" duties, or something like that... maybe. It's too much fun creating new "profoundly offensive" phrases, or "utterances of dismayed intent"... lolz. But (personally) I've always had a kind of fondness for "drek"... and "frak" of course. You just can't have enough of either. :o)

[@garbageOwO]

Excuse you, saucepans are proof that there is a God

[@a.morphous66]

*Stubs toe* SAUCEPAN! “Watch your language!”

[@maripaz5650]

SAUCEPAN LOL XD Very good point tho never thought of that. *wanders off to create new swear words*

[@gajzvonimirlopac6106]

Belgium.

[@Secretgirl97]

Thank you for this video! I felt like my first draft was just lacking so much color and detail for a fantasy world. All my characters did in their free time when not plotting their government's downfall is eat spicy food and booze. Not enough cultural detail XD I typed out the advice in this video, for anyone who wants to copy and paste for convenience (if that's alright with you, Jenna): Setting: - What is it called? Planet? - Continents, country, kingdoms  relevant ones - Choose setting Flora, Fauna, Climate: - Weather - Seasons - Surface features - Deserts? - Areas of Human development - Plant life, jungles, animals Architecture: - Where do people live? - What do houses look like (needs to correspond to setting) History: - How is the kingdom born? - How did the leader come into power? Politics/government: - Type? - Who is most powerful? - How is law enforced? Legal/illegal punishments? Society: - Class system? - Racial groups? - Gender norms/ expectations? - Discriminations? - Sexual orientations? - How children are raised and treated? - Education? - Jobs? Coveted, available, respected? - Other societal expectations? Culture: - Religion? - Holidays? - Romance? How are relationships treated? Sex? Dating? PDA? Marriage? - Arts? - Athletics? - Entertainment? - Tattoos? Body mod? Clothing? - Ethics and morals? Technology, science and magic: - Medicine? - Advancements? How did they come about? - Magic?

[@florencecloche8688]

Thanks mate!

[@CrysiCrysis]

Well transcribed! Thanks! Makes it a lot easier to copy down. ^^

[@jojooffaraway2675]

Thanks for copying :D Oh and I have that problem with my first draft too

[@maxroyston5342]

I wrote a more filled out version, I thought I'd comment it here too in case people prefer that, but if not, that's also cool: Setting: -What is the planet called? -Continents, country, kingdoms (only include relevant ones)? -Choose setting? Flora, Fauna, Climate: -Weather? -Seasons? -Surface features (what does the ground look like?)? -Are there deserts/mountains/oceans/jungles? -Areas of Human development? -Plantlife, animals? Architecture: -Where do people live? -What do buildings look like? -What are they made of? (needs to correspond to setting) History: -How was the kingdom made? -How did the leader come into power? Politics/government: -Type? (monarchy, democracy, etc.) -Who is most powerful? -How is law enforced? Legal/illegal punishments? Society: -Class system? -Racial groups? -Gender norms/ expectations? -Discriminations? -Sexual orientations? -How are children raised and treated? How are they expected to behave? -Education? -How much freedom do people have in choosing their own career? -What jobs are there? Which ones are coveted/available/respected? -Other societal expectations? Culture: -Religion? -Holidays/celebrations/customs? Are they connected to religion? -Romance? -How are relationships treated? Sex? Dating? PDA? Marriage? -What expectations come with relationships? -Arts? Do they exist (if not, why not?)? What are they like? -Athletics? What are they like? How dangerous are they? -Other entertainment? -What are the standards of beauty? -What clothes/accessories do people wear? -Are body mods popular? Are they frowned upon? -Ethics and morals? Are they related to religion? Technology, science and magic: -Advancements? How did they come about? -Capabilities? -Limitations? -How much access do people have to it? Remember to only include relevant information so you don't waste time or bore your readers. Consider your protagonists' relationships with all of these- Do they have an opinion about it? Do they follow the societal norm? Are there any other key considerations?

[@doryanboone273]

Secretgirl97 thanks

[@dawnseastarwitch1414]

Jenna: *talks about technology science and magic* I would make an entire video on these topics but I’m not going to...cause I go shit to do Me:But Jenna I need you to make a video on these topics. Please Cyborg Queen?

[@codyjohnson9781]

AquaSaige14 if you want read the book Guns, Germs, and Steel, it'll give you a pretty good look at how societies in the real world have advanced. But for a quick example, if the Ignis kingdom uses lots of fire magic then there wouldn't be much point in developing fire based technologies like electric foundries for melting steel for weapons and because of this they might not have top quality steel so they don't engage in conquests and just defend their city with powerful defense spells. You could even explain their infatuation with fire magic by creating a religion that worships a fire god.

[@dawnseastarwitch1414]

Cody Johnson welp thank you for the advice 😇

[@codyjohnson9781]

AquaSaige14 no problem. World building is my favorite part of writing.

[@allhopeabandon7831]

I could cure cancer if I wanted to - but I'm not going to...cause I got shit to do.

[@dawnseastarwitch1414]

AllHopeAbandon 😂😂😂

[@MrDe4dGuy34]

There goes my dreams of creating a monolithic world where everyone speaks only Pig Latin and has the name Stu. Damn you Jenna and your helpful advice. Great video by the way.

[@kayest.claire932]

Try it anyway. It might be fun:)

[@sophiejones7727]

on the flip side of course, that sounds like it could be very entertaining. for the lolz!

[@bananian]

That could be a mystery in and of itself.

[@aaronlittle5478]

But they'd call it "Ustay."

[@ARMYALEX1869]

Gary Stu would fit perfectly in your world

[@Shatterverse]

Geography should come before weather and ecosystems, because it will directly affect things. Mountains and oceans are the biggest game changers. Rivers are largely created from those. Biomes are then based on latitude and location. For example, warm wet hair hitting a tall Mt. Range will create monsoons and storms, with dessert, savanna, or tundra on the other side.

[@sauron8838]

@@StormgemThunder Can relate tbh.

[@tobysinbad]

Stormgem Thunder I too imagined someone with long hair shaking it out of a towel and slapping a mountain with it

[@kitdubhran2968]

Artefexian’s video series on climates are super helpful for this.

[@undead9999]

ok, here's my situation: my alarm clock says it's 1:39 AM, I've been writing pretty much all day now, finished this last sequence ( a very bloody and gorey battle, my dear, you would love it) and I was like "ok, my man, time for bed now".. Then the notification. Jenna posted a video?? All of a sudden the bed is all but forgotten :P

[@rockbelisa]

undead9999 such beautiful writing even on a youtube comment

[@undead9999]

Isabelle silva i'm not entirely sure if this is meant as a compliment or irony, but thank you anyway :p english is not my first language so there might be mistakes :)

[@rockbelisa]

undead9999 No irony intended, I'm a writer too so I get the struggle and maybe my name gives away, but English is not my first language ;D

[@undead9999]

Isabelle silva United in the struggle, aren't we? xD Are you South American, maybe? Silva sounds like a brazilian/portuguese last name.

[@rockbelisa]

undead9999 you got just right ;D Brazilian exactly

[@squish5299]

I was trying to build a world and was stuck, then I got this notification. THANK YOU SO MUCH!

[@JennaMoreci]

you're so welcome!

[@squish5299]

One of my idols and inspirations replied? YES! She used the proper "you're"? BEST DAY EVER!

[@imitationinfinity7962]

You posted two videos about world-building _just_ as I start to write a new story in a futuristic setting? What kind of cyborg magic is this!? You're the best, Jenna! Thanks for all your help! :)

[@amehak1922]

Imitation Infinity the answer should be obvious: Jenna IS magic (And a cyborg). Love your screen name also btw.

[@martatarasiuk5198]

I just sat down to correcting my old manuscript. So it happens that figuring and fleshing out the world is one of the things the story needs the most. This video is like a gift sent from Heaven.

[@amehak1922]

Maera Fey so is Jenna :)

[@cucaulwell1287]

Y'know what's weird? The way we assume people from other planets would give their worlds really cool names. Our only reference data for this assumption is _us_ and we called our home planet 'Earth'. Cue the _Transformers_ quote.

[@koudacyen]

Hecate Mist "Earth? might aswel call it dirt, planet dirt" Did you mean that one?

[@DarthBiomech]

Well, we call it Earth. But some people call it "World", others call it "Zemlya", and then there's "Terra" as well... Yeah they all are uncool and mundane in their _meaning,_ but some of them ARE cool-sounding.

[@Kittsuera]

welcome to the *Earth World Zemlya Terra* So it would be a good idea for the meaning of the names to be basic and logical even if they sound "cool" person 1: "where are you from?" Person 2: "Campanile From Ordure" Person 1: "sounds like an interesting place." Person 2: "It Translates to "Tower of Dung" in your language" person 1: "..."

[@carimeslockdownedtree2654]

In my fictional world people from different regions call it differently. If I translate the names they gave it, these would be it: Common Place, Home, Land, Zomu Shaped (Zomu's a plant from that world, it basically means pear shaped) and many other uncool names

[@lunab541]

Darth Biomech lol we call it Terra in Portuguese, but I never thought it would sound cool to someone. Thanks o/

[@Notoastleft]

It always brightens my day when I see you've posted a new video!! ❤

[@JennaMoreci]

awwww thank you!

[@eternalloveofwriting9306]

Same!

[@CMAlongi]

I'm a veteran world-builder, and it was nice to see a lot of the questions I already ask myself reflected here (yay, I'm on the right track!). It was also great to get a few new tidbits to mull over for the world I'm currently building. Great video. Thank you!

[@de_lahn]

World building is either a hit or miss for me. Thanks for the video Jenna now I know how to fix my issues.

[@JennaMoreci]

you're welcome! :D

[@gjones9282]

i gUESs thEY NeVeR mIss

[@mayanarayanasamy]

Your consistent uploading is honestly so refreshing. Thank you.

[@book-reader4life588]

Thank you so much! You are the best Booktuber I know for book advice, thank you for all the advice you have given all of us readers/writers!!!

[@JennaMoreci]

thank you so much!

[@book-reader4life588]

Jenna Moreci Great video, like always, by the way

[@JennaMoreci]

Aww I'm glad you enjoyed it :)

[@arowyn.m]

Booktuber

[@lorenzoabrick5188]

Brilliant helpful video as always, Jenna

[@JennaMoreci]

awwww I'm so glad :)

[@rix6831]

Homestuck Obsessor no matter where i go, homestuck is always there. Lurking in the profile pictures, in the names. There's no way to escape. Homestuck is an omnipresence. Homestuck is God.

[@rix6831]

Homestuck Obsessor wow that got dramatic anyway hi fellow fan nice to see you

[@lorenzoabrick5188]

Rix always nice to see someone in the same fandom on an unrelated site :)

[@astroastroastro5741]

greetings fellow homestuck

[@asimplemoth5342]

As a dungeon master I have to say your videos are really helpful for writing campaigns.

[@babbybobabs8701]

"Do people wear underwear?" XD wonderful example

[@JennaMoreci]

They don't in Thessen! XD

[@510sethml]

But Jenna, I have a great irrigation system...

[@Resistant396]

Unusual things to be read in a sexy voice.

[@cosmic-fortytwo]

May I show you... my luxurious plumbing? Ooh la la

[@nooneatall2418]

I listen to your Writing Tips playlist while I write and it actually really helps me, no matter what I'm writing. It doesn't matter which video I'm watching, it helps. I think you're magical. Either that or your voice is like... the only thing that helps me write.

[@maripaz5650]

Never even thought about this... it's the difference between fanfic and novel-writing! This is fascinating, though, especially if I write an AU :)

[@aleisterlavey1001]

I am writing a script and doing the artwork for an indie video game called "Golden Dawn". It is basically Lord of the Rings or Legend of Zelda, but it takes place during the 1890's.

[@goblynn4104]

you’re making me realize how much work i have cut out for me for my current project.... i’m excited, but also terrified

[@sarahdilling9238]

Me before video: Ugh I have millions of t-shirts Me after video: I need a 10% t-shirt.

[@JennaMoreci]

It's for charity!!!! :D

[@lenlordofknowledge]

I got Eve the Awakening for Christmas and I’m already almost halfway through it. It’s the best book I’ve read this year and I’m so glad I found your channel, otherwise I wouldn’t have ever found out about it! Thank you, Jenna!

[@montyjose]

One of my habits with world building is determining what I what the setting to look like and then making practical sense out of it. Like Jenna said, a desert isn’t likely to have crazy architecture made of wood without trade. If it doesn’t make sense at face value, it gives me an opportunity to get creative.

[@matthewkjames4498]

Thank you. I spent years thinking I was highly detailed in my world building and in just the first 5 minutes of your video I realized I'm lacking a lot of stuff.

[@richiehayes6059]

Excellent vid Jen. I also think it’s important to sprinkle these aspects of the world you’ve created throughout your story in cunning ways so as that the reader learns about this world’s customs, environments, religions etc without even realising but do so only if and when your story calls for it. For example, if you’re writing a small little intimate scene between mother and son we might not need to know the history, geography and political structure of the region at that particular moment in time. Don’t info dump a great big pile of reference material that the reader will have to wade through and refer back to during the course of their read as this will pull them out of the story you’ve spent so much time and effort crafting.

[@Pablo360able]

I'm working on several stories that are set within the same universe, and while they don't directly tie into each other, there are some characters, themes, and events which carry over. The advantage to this is that I can worldbuild all of these stories at once. The disadvantage to this is that I have to worldbuild all of these stories at once.

[@jonnyeverywhere2023]

Every single point you made is relevant in every aspect of my writing. I like your videos very much. Thank you for taking time to really help in people's writing.

[@potatoqueen4167]

Jenna you need to make more videos a week. Your advice is the BEST!

[@carolinemaree9907]

I feel like I've been dying without new videos from you!! Thankyou for uploading, your videos give me such inspiration and honestly help me zone out when I'm really overwhelmed and stressed

[@ciciizo1193]

I was just thinking about what to do about world building, and lo and behold, the Cyborg Queen reigns down to help and give me answers, many thanks to you!

[@themermaidsays8077]

I've have been writing a lot lately, and a lot of it is because of you. You inspire me and make me want to work in my novel. Your advice is so helpful and educational.

[@gunnerdoo2573]

Before I even started the outline of my book I came up with very specific history of the world such as: eras, wars, important events, and technological development. I didn’t even mention a lot of the stuff in the actual book, but it still helped me a ton.

[@oldaccountprincealy8497]

Wow... I was literally just wondering how to improve world building when my phone notified me of this video. Thanks for being psychic! :D

[@anguswarrender1752]

You have no idea how much this has helped me. Got a fantasy epic idea and had no idea where to start. Thanks so much x

[@mreaton91]

Definitely helps. My latest WIP is gonna need a ton of world building for what’s in my head. Thanks for the tips.

[@gnarthdarkanen7464]

Okay, since I didn't hear or see it in the video, and nobody else in the comments is apparently about to point it out. Folks, you might SERIOUSLY consider going after a Tabletop RPG system for some of this. I would highly recommend GURPS (as a matter of fact) if you want a published sourcebook to reference. Since the 1970's and the invention of D&D (everybody's heard of it)... There have been literally hundreds of Role Play systems (games) and these are entirely built to facilitate group-projects of STORYBUILDING... So practically speaking, any question about the creation of worlds, settings, cities, politics, magic, weapons, technology, space-faring, colonizations, spirits and rituals, psychic/psyonic abilities, architecture, animals, vehicles, monsters, races, special traits, and much much more is not only mentioned... BUT comes with questions to ask, and suggestions for refining and "fleshing out" your answers. Online, you can scour YT for TTRPG material and suggestions, through sites like Nerdarchy, Bacon Battalion and Great Game Master dot com, Pear of Geeks, Geek & Sundry, Taking20, and a multitude more (channels)... As well as a variety of Game Mastering and Role Playing sites with a wide variety of FREE reference type materials and build-lists or suggestions to help you on your way. I know GURPS sourcebook isn't exactly a cheap commodity (mine cost $20, back in the 90's) but once you bought a book, you own it. It doesn't eat or require electricity, and it can be a very useful reference, even if you don't exactly intend to "run a game"... The game-mechanic segments might be no more for you than a rough exposition of proportions and scale to use (if you wish) for description and narrative in your story... OR it might be only enough to get at the heart of what you're trying to explain, and you're certainly free to disregard it all together. BUT since these systems were developed (and are still being refined) for the purposes of STORYTELLING and improv' theater style narration, they can serve as a marvelous resource for an enthusiastic writer... SO you're a novelist. Maybe the "game-system" can give you some degree of "consistency" in your otherwise structurally lacking mental imagery... WHY GURPS, specifically? Well, for one, it's a one-stop source for the game. For seconds, the entire game runs on plain, 6-sided dice (should you decide to try it out)... So you can find cheap dice literally ANYWHERE. They're the same dice as in a Yahtzee game, or Monopoly game, or most other board games that require dice. They come from dollar stores or Wally World, and there isn't even much of a call for a lot of them (unless you wish to get into much more advanced stuff)... And there's a fair amount of suggestions in the book for just about any occasion or setting. If you run into "difficulty" and worry about dealing with the setting, for instance, GURPS also lends itself relatively painlessly to the D&D or Roll20 mechanics, since the basis 3 Die roll is a 3-18 scale, and the D20 is a 1-20 scale of chance... Not so terrible a difference, so ANY of the D&D channels will still be chock-full of advice for your storytelling and "Mastering" needs where ever you might find some situation puts you in a bind. :o)

[@yazimori]

And if you really cant pay for it there are always the recourses online and on pdf pages

[@jameshinkle7134]

"Jenna's not a good person" Yeah, I have never heard anyone say that either. And this video is only proof. Thank you for sponsoring this charity, Jenna. The world needs more readers.

[@miijojo1994]

Thank you Jenna for this great video! I'm going to be rewatching this over and over again!

[@zipitooverkill4262]

1:25 Setting 2:25 Flora, Fauna, Climate 3:10 Architecture 3:35 History 4:08 Politics/Government 4:31 Society 6:00 Culture 7:19 Technology, Sience & Magic

[@dylancarter5250]

This is also sort of helpful for me because I'm going to be a Dungeon Master soon and I need to think about all of this!! great video thank you

[@Crimson_Cheetah]

Jenna, you have no idea how thankful I am for this video. This is going to be so helpful and useful for me. Thank you!

[@Lena-sv2du]

This is the best ressource on worldbuilding ive ever seen

[@redactedhaunt]

yaaaay!!!! thank you! I'm so glad that you uploaded

[@emilyhastings1178]

I had a world that I really wanted to elaborate on, and I didn't really know how until this video. Thanks so much, Jenna!!

[@alexisasheep6554]

Wow that's very different from how I do world building. Usually I start of with a concept. Say I want to do something with wings. Angels? Bat people? Bird people? Devils? Sirens? Say we go with bird people, where do they live? A jungle? Snowy mountains of hard winters and peaceful spring? Great, what do they look like and where specifically do they live? They have the body of a human with wings on their backs and the head of a bird with charactaristics of humans? Generic but sure. Oh, they live in caves in snowy shaded mountains? They're probably pretty pale with overall fair complexion then. Bird people with good vision in the dark given their location and lifestyle. Half owl half human, hunting in the dark using their razor sharp beaks and make shift knives of some super sharp fantasy glass that shimmers in the pale green light of the moons. Forests of silver fir surround the caves of the bird owl people, isolated from the outside world. Hunted by other bird eagle people and other human whatever people for their beautiful white feathers. They have quiet voices and great hearing, communicating with physical contact and looks rather than their voices. Only through trading for luxury goods did they learn the common languages. They have very sensitive mouths so hot food is a no no and they get hot very easy away for home. That's usually how I do things. Just let your mind wander and use the world around you and the thoughts in your head to your advantage.

[@annmurry8589]

1 setting: I have maps and the nature/science stuff but realize I am spotty with names (these can eventially get find/replaced as I come up with them and/or edit them). 2 architecture: I love this and even get into sketchup with it. 3 history: I have uneven levels of detail depending on proximity to the perspective culture. 4 politics and society: I have done a ton with this in tandem with technology and magic systems. 5 culture: I have belief systems, romance, the arts, trends, games of all kinds, celebrations, clothing, codes, and education/ social systems. It has been a time suck!

[@jonbowman9288]

i think Jenna is great but I also think there is no expert when it comes to writing. The best thing you can do to improve your writing is read until your eyes roll out of your head, and to write until the pen/keyboard has burrowed its way to your bone. I think it is great that u watch these sort of videos, because it shows that u care about ur writing. But i watched a lot of these types of videos and sometimes they just make you overthink the process. BEST THREE WRITING tips i ever got were 1) just write!!! 2) plot is a bad writer's last resort (THIS BLEW MY MIND- focus on characters!) and 3)just write without a plan and then add structure and sense in later.

[@kennethhamblett5019]

i'm thinking about writing and illustrating a guidebook/introduction/series "bible" about my universe. :) great vid btw lady jenna. :D

[@madamcaptain1889]

Jenna, your timing is once again PERFECT!

[@c.d.dailey8013]

Oh my gosh! This video is so awesome. There are so many good ideas. I am looking at my DeviantArt folders for world building. There are creatures, locations, quests, battle system, mystical system and language. I did do some stuff that I didn't do folders for yet. There are stones, history, society, career, education and time keeping. This video gave good ideas on what I can expand on. One additional one you missed is the economy. How do the people buy and sell goods? How do the banks work. How does the government get involved? I think researching real world studies can help one cover their bases. English can help one develop a language for the world. Languages is the most hardcore thing in worldbuilding in my opinion. Math can help one develop a math and number system for the world. Science is good for building the natural environment of the world. Biology helps build the animals and plants. Geology helps build the rocks and landforms. Meteorology helps build climate. Maybe chemistry and physics can get involved. Social Studies is good for building the people of the world. History helps build the lore. Geography helps build the locations. Ecomomy and government can get involved. Anthropology helps develop the language and culture of people. Sociology helps develop the society of people. Psychology helps develop the ways people think. It is wonderful for character development. I hope this helps.

[@NotJustMadeleine]

I absolutely adore worldbuilding. I'll definitely take some of these ideas into account.

[@benderc.moriarti3419]

Jenna Moreci should see this video.

[@EttuBrody]

The last one is very true, because I'd been worldbuilding and character-profiling nonstop for about six months only to realize that, once I started writing, I didn't know if there were light switches in my fantasy school.

[@antheathetiefling8581]

Thank you Cyborg Queen. this came out at a perfect time for me as I am in the middle of character/world building phase. this video has given me a lot to figure out. again, Thanks

[@witchknox]

I always enjoy watching your videos. It really manages to put things in perspective.

[@WayOverBooked]

Ive been around since just around 1k and it makes me so happy to see so many people adoring what you do!

[@tadanimates6329]

My world building skills are now improved thanks to you! 😊

[@TEK427]

I never say no to worldbuilding tips! It's only my favorite part of writing. :P Thanks for the tips, Jenna!

[@jeffsmith7416]

That pink jungle sounds great

[@JosePhoanix]

Hmm now hold on here, would that pink jungle be in entirely one shade of pink or multiple tones of pink? and what about the animals who eat said pink things would they develop any visual differences overtime?

[@jeffsmith7416]

YAY WORLD BUILDING! *sarcasm radiating from me*

[@madcircle7311]

But there's cyborgs behind most trees

[@lotusdumplings7066]

The best shirt I've ever seen is the one I'm wearing. Proud member of the Cyborg Army.

[@JennaMoreci]

LOLOL you're the best

[@abowlofsangria3412]

The world building in my story is taking so long and is a bit difficult. I had to pause writing my story to get all of that straighten out because I ended up confusing myself. Thanks for this video❤. It's very helpful :D

[@pastelshadows6437]

You're definitely the most entertaining booktuber I've ever seen, even if I'm looking at videos for help in my writing I always end up amused by something xD Nice to have charismatic and helpful people ^-^

[@rhazzofhammer]

This channel has quickly become one of my top 3 favorites to peruse. Love the tips. Love the humor. Love the "Helloooooooo, everybody" opening. Such good shit. 🤙🏾

[@randomcommenter7343]

I've been building a world and am glad that I've already considered all of the great points you've made!! Loved the video :)

[@user-uw8pd2dy4b]

Thank God for your worldbuilding videos- I always have trouble narrowing mine down and these are extremely helpful.

[@ABitofBethandBecky]

prefect timing, gives me some ideas where to go with my own world building.

[@matthewbowen8254]

Thank you much! I needed some ideas for world building and totally forgot about many culture enriching things

[@xzonia1]

Excellent tips! Thanks, Jenna! (And please feel free to do a whole video on technology, science, and magic!! Yesss!)

[@Sarah-nr5rm]

I've been waiting for this video! This was so so so helpful, I needed this! Also, you should make a video for technology, science, and magic.

[@cierarose8261]

'So that's all I've got for you today', as if you didn't just make worldbuilding twenty times less stressful! Thank you for another wonderful video :)

[@DaxterL]

Thanks, this is really helpful, i've been wondering what important things i've missed. I realized that i might not get to writing my book, but i could use this world of mine in D&D, so this video is very helpful.

[@raemyshu]

Super helpful! I can practically use this as a checklist for world-building.

[@cwfcwfcwf]

I was so proud of myself. I listened closely to every point you had and I think I have done it just right. Of course, this is my seventh novel. I should be getting it right pretty soon. :)

[@demonofsadism7915]

I personally have been making a world and characters for a video game I have been trying to create. I'm just use it your tips to help me get all I need. And something tells me I need to take some (a metric ton) of notes. Great tips by the way.

[@taylorquinn9750]

Thanks Jenna for these videos! I was really struggling with wordbuilding and this helped a bunch!

[@jaebeeart3683]

Fantastic video this week, Jenna! ^_^

[@macgirl1234]

Awesome tips!! I haven't done this to this extent, I write contemporary fiction, but this sounds so neat! I think I'll have to try it for my next project

[@LidianeCordeiro]

Wow, very useful, Jena. I took all the notes (translating and writing fast af). Thank you!!! Off to typing all the topics and their respective data in a *NOT SO* little document. Bye

[@jcrprod.co.6973]

Thank you! Your advice is just what I needed. I'm definitely rewatching this and taking notes.

[@tan_the_man]

Thank you so much Jenna, this was so helpful I've been so lost with my world building, this was very very helpful. Thanks!

[@TheTimeice]

I'm not using your advice for writing a book, but making a video game XD I find that a lot of things here are applicable there too, so thanks for the tips!

[@Thecactuskid]

Super helpful just like all your videos! I’ll make sure to buy one of those tee-shirts. Totally worth supporting a good cause

[@joannelovelyleto4670]

Thanks for giving me a great idea that I have in my mind right now, Jenna!!!! I love your video!!! Thank you so much!!!😘😘😘

[@kathyl6677]

Happy to say I've got most of that covered.

[@sophiamartinez649]

So i was thinking about making a new book in a new world but im still in the process of another book. But this video showed me that there r so kany elements to it that its put me off lol. Maybe later in the future. Thanks Jenna, maybe now i can finally get back writing my other book!

[@loganquinceyhinterberg4547]

This video was really helpful! I was wondering if you could possibly make a video on the steampunk genre or something? No pressure, though, I'm just curious! All of your videos are wonderful and you always brighten my horrible days with your witty sarcasm. Keep up the amazing work, you wonderful Cyborg Queen!

[@clairedeluna3585]

Awesome vid, and awesome charity plug. I loved it when you said, "and readers are sick of this shit!" Especially as a writer, it's one of those moments where one goes... WHY??? And yes, yes we are. I always look forward to your vlogs! Hope you had an awesome Christmas, and have a Happy New Year! I hope Cliff is doing well, and is having a nice holiday also.

[@Speireata4]

Thanks for this helpful video. I seem to be on a good way, because even before watching I had covered most of the points you mentioned. But I got some additional ideas through this video. Which is great, because my sister, who is my most critical test reader, would have definitely picked on those parts.

[@JackrabbitArchive]

THANK YOU my world building has been crap for a while you have helped me out

[@queendsheena1]

This is the advantage of pantsing. We'll get to that 100 page world building outline time suck later (yeah I'm not doing that shit, ever). To the first (draft) page! Thanks Jenna! Enjoy watching your videos.

[@makaylabjornstad6656]

Thank you so much for this. Just like the "World building dont's" video, this helped me on an intense scale. I was wondering if you might consider doing the do's and dont's on building a species if you haven't already done so? That would be intensely helpful. Thank you again!

[@eeksgames1800]

Extremely Inspiring. I took notes. Thank you.

[@fiktivhistoriker345]

What is mostly overlooked or forgotten is the economy, trade and currency. How do people make a living? How do your heros pay for their expensive armour? How do the pay in the tavern or in the space cantina?