Documenting My Book Writing Journey: Week 9 (11 Tips to Use Geography in Your Worldbuilding)

Are we already to week 9? Holy cow! Just writing this down I feel like a miscounted (I probably did - it happens a lot). 

Anyway, you've probably noticed I've been working a lot on worldbuilding. It's so fun! It's also so necessary, because worlds that are super developed not only help you with the plot, but they hook the reader (and an agent...if you catch my drift). 

So while we're still talking about worldbuilding, I put together 11 tips that help with creating realistic world geography. This is stuff I use and that I teach my students - I'm so excited to share it with you!

I remember the first time I watched The Lord of the Rings and was immediately inspired to sit down and create my own huge world map for my characters to explore. Then I sat down to create it and...crickets. Turns out, creating landscapes and geography can be really daunting, especially if it's the first time you've ever done something on that scale. 

Creating unique landscapes for your fantasy world can be a challenging task, especially when inspiration seems to be in short supply. But don't worry, inspiration can be found all around you. Whether you're feeling stuck or simply looking to add more depth and originality to your settings, here are eleven things I've learned in my many years of worldbuilding to help you generate fresh ideas and craft compelling landscapes for your stories.

If you want a more comprehensive approach to worldbuilding, make sure you grab The Ultimate Worldbuilding Manual. This thing is a BEAST and makes worldbuilding 100% easier. 

Tip #1: Explore Real-World Geographies

I love maps. I mean, I LOVE maps. My grandfather, when he was alive, used to send them to me any time he found them. I've spent over a decade poring over old maps of various things - maps that go beyond geographical descriptions and into more niche topics, like the concentration of fossils in certain lands, or the way ice carved out certain terrain. Most of my fantasy world maps came from real-world places I've either seen or read about, and if you look hard enough, you'd probably recognize some of the geological features that exist in our world. 

Real-world landscapes are a treasure trove of inspiration. Study diverse environments such as deserts, rainforests, mountains, and coral reefs. Pay attention to the unique features, flora, and fauna of these places. Consider how you can blend elements from different regions to create a setting that feels both familiar and fantastical.

Tip #2: Combine and Reimagine

A really nice perk about being a nerd is that there is a lot of different information rattling around in my head. When I say I love research, it's because I love research. Nothing excites me more than learning something new, especially about the different people groups that exist on the earth (I should have been an anthropologist, now that I'm thinking about it). I do research on these people groups for the fun of it, not because it fits into anything I'm writing, so when it's time to do a little bit of embellishment in my work, I already have a lot to draw from. 

Researching a variety of people groups from different regions impacts your work because it forces you to see each individual tree instead of the whole forest, so to speak. When you research something outside of what you know, it can help you evaluate what you're actually writing about in ways that you may have missed before. When you do it enough, you can start to combine different cultures in your own work to create something new and unique. The only way this works, however, is if you have an existing knowledge of what is already out there. 

You can do this with different landscapes, too (especially if there's magic involved - oh the possibilities!) Think about combining features from multiple environments to create something new. For example, imagine a floating island with the ecosystem of a rainforest, or a desert with crystal formations instead of sand dunes. By mixing and matching different elements, you can create landscapes that are truly one-of-a-kind.

Tip #3: Use Art and Photography

When I started college, I started out with a concentration in English, and every single semester I took at least one class on Shakespeare (he's my special interest, leave me alone). However, although I'd like to tell you that I learned all my worldbuilding from the master himself, I didn't. What really taught me about building landscapes for my fantasy worlds were all the art classes I had to take to get into my second major, Motion Pictures. 

These art classes taught me not just about line and detail and color grading - they taught me how to see the environment I was looking at. How to describe it. How to unsee it and see it again. Because of this new-found sight (which is really funny to me, given that without my glasses I'm nearly blind) I started learning how to use the visual world around me to create new landscapes for fantasy worlds. 

Look at a piece of art created by a painter - bonus points if it's someone from the impressionistic era. Heck, I'll be specific - go get a landscape made by Vincent Van Gogh, if you have no inspiration (Van Gogh is always my inspiration). Look at how they looked at the world and try to see what they see. And go look for some more. Get your hands on as much landscape art as you can and use it to inspire your own vision of your fantasy world. 

A big challenge newbie writers face is that they can't see the world they're trying to create. Newsflash: if you can't see it, I, the reader, can't see it either. So go get yourself some artwork the next time you sit down to create visual landscapes and get to work.

Visual art and photography can provide a wealth of ideas for landscapes. Browse through art books, visit museums, or search online for landscape photography. Look for interesting compositions, color palettes, and textures that you can incorporate into your own creations. Artists often have a unique way of interpreting the natural world that can inspire new directions for your settings.

Tip #4: Draw from Mythology and Folklore

There are two ways mythology and folklore can help you create unique landscapes in your stories. The first is that we can study how real-world cultures explain the creation of the world in myths and legends (Greek mythology comes to mind, although just about everywhere has an interesting creation story). The second is that in learning creation stories from real-world cultures, we can craft creation stories of our own and use them to shape the landscapes our characters will see. 

For example: When the Moon Hatched by Sarah A. Parker had a really interesting idea when she created "moons" in her world that were actually dragons, and when those moons "fell", the impact created some of the world that the characters see. This is a really interesting take and throws the reader into a very different world. She also takes into account the gods and goddesses who might facilitate the geography in the world, and made that geography crucial to understanding the magical mechanics. In using mythology, she physically shaped the world that the characters traverse and I, the reader, could vividly see it in my mind's eye. Isn't that awesome?

If you're not going to include a creation story in your world, that's totally fine - but I would still encourage you to study the creation stories of other cultures and take note on what they consider to be important. How do they characterize the different features of the earth? What relationship do they have with the forces that crafted those features? Do they tend to be more intelligent or haphazard when crafting the world? Even exploring these things without the intention of copying them into your world can be interesting, so I'd love to encourage you to give it a shot.

Tip #5: Experiment with Climate and Weather

Have you ever thought about the personality of weather?

Maybe I'm weird (not maybe, I AM weird) but this is something I like to think about a lot. Does the weather in this region have a personality? Is it determined by a supernatural force? Is it trying to convey something? Is the weather sick? 

When it comes to landscape and geography, understanding the weather has a huge impact on the world as a whole. If your weather has a personality, it will definitely shape the land. Consider Dune by Frank Herbert. His desert planet Arrakis has every opportunity to be extremely boring, but Herbert did his due diligence and gave the weather and climate a personality. There are storms and cataclysmic events that determine how people live, move around, sleep, eat, and relate to one another. The physical landscape (the dunes) is the result of the personality of an exploited planet. To me, that's pretty heckin' cool. 

If someone could take something as boring as a desert and turn into something that created not one but two record-breaking films (not including the original film from the 80s, the films inspired by it, and whatever happens after this is written) then imagine what a little personality could do to your story?

Climate and weather can dramatically influence the appearance and atmosphere of a landscape. Consider how different weather patterns and climatic conditions can shape your world. Imagine a land where it always rains, a region with extreme seasonal changes, or a place where magical storms occur. Weather can add dynamic elements and challenges to your setting.

Tip #6: Incorporate Unique Flora and Fauna

Something that instantly comes to mind with this one is Avatar (James Cameron, 2009). The reason I chose a movie over a book for this section is simple: I want you to really see the crazy flora and fauna I'm talking about when it comes to your unique landscapes. 

Avatar has its issues, but what it does well is the way it takes things that should be known to us (like jungle vegetation) and puts a crazy twist on it to make it new. That is what really stands out in epic worldbuilding: something that starts familiar and grows into something that takes your breath away.

Introducing unique plants and animals can make your landscapes feel more vibrant and alive. Think about how the environment influences the development of these organisms. What adaptations might they have? How do they interact with the landscape and each other? Creating a cohesive ecosystem can add depth and believability to your world.

Tip #7: Consider Geological Features

Geology plays a crucial role in shaping landscapes. Experiment with different geological formations such as towering cliffs, vast caverns, and volcanic plains. Think about how geological activity, like earthquakes or volcanic eruptions, could alter the terrain and create dramatic features.

One of my favorite experiences in reading fantasy is when the author clearly knows the tectonic plate activity of her world. (Why tectonic plates? Because they determine the geological features of just about everything). Even if your world is created by gods and goddesses; even if the center of your world is actually the dwelling place of a secret race of dragons - even if the world is flat, or built in the clouds, or whatever - it's important to know how the physical feature of the world move, because this is what creates the geology of the world. 

Although in our own world we may not consider geology all too often, the truth is that the field of geology is crucial to understanding not just how our world was formed but what it is going to do next. Geology determines how and where we build our houses, what industries are sustainable in which locations, and so much more. So if you skipped your geology class in college or tuned it out in high school, it's time to pick up a book or watch a documentary and get a feel for all of the ways the geological features of the earth impact us today. 

This is honestly one of the things I like about being a writer: I have an interest in just about everything, and that interest is rewarded in the form of extremely well-built fantasy worlds. It's not even that difficult to achieve, it just takes a little bit of curiosity to pull it off. 

Tip #8: Imagine the Impact of Magic

In a fantasy world, magic can be a powerful force that shapes the environment. Consider how magical phenomena might influence the landscape. Perhaps a powerful spell has turned a forest to stone, or ancient magic causes a river to flow uphill. Magic can add an extra layer of intrigue and uniqueness to your settings.

When you use magic this way, you tie in not just the geographical features of a scene but the emotional ones as well (read more about this in Tip #9). The impact of magic on a world can significantly alter how it is perceived, and can be used to shower your reader in all kinds of unexpected twists and turns. 

Here's something to consider: think about an action movie you've seen recently (or not recently; some of us don't like action movies) and think about the aftermath of the battles. New York City is usually a victim of large-scale devastation, and yet somehow it always goes back to the way it was before the battle. This is extremely unrealistic an example you should not follow. The only reason I even bring it up is to point out that here is a missed opportunity - when the directors could have taken that moment to show the impact of power, they just...went back to normal. Like it didn't matter at all. 

Your story can and must be different. What types of landscapes are shaped by magical battles? Or magical emotions? Or creatures that thrive on magic? If there was a war that turned everything to stone, I want to know about it - and your readers will, too. Don't be afraid to leave permanent damage on your world, and don't be afraid to let that damage create the landscape your characters traverse. This is how you're going to make something truly special and unique.

Tip #9: Use Emotional Landscapes

As any good real-estate agent will tell you, the secret it: location, location, location!

I'm not a real-estate agent (and I don't intend to be one, although you never know) but the rule stands in fantasy worldbuilding as well. Think about how the landscape can reflect the emotional tone of your story or the inner world of your characters. A bleak, desolate wasteland might symbolize despair, while a lush, vibrant forest could represent hope and renewal. Using landscapes to enhance the emotional impact of your story can create a deeper connection with your readers.

Someday I will remember the name of the book I read and link it here, but the author  Ursula K. LeGuinn stands out in my mind when it comes to creating emotional landscapes. (I think it's the Wizard of Earthsea - I'll check and update it when I can). These landscapes not only have an emotional impact on your character, but on the reader as well - which is why it's important that when you're trying to get your fantastical point across, you consider where the point will be made. 

If your character is feeling lonely and misunderstood, don't put them in a field full of luscious grass and a blue sky (or do, if you're going for cruel irony) but instead put them somewhere that will worsen and exacerbate their mood. When you use emotional landscapes, you also stand a chance at putting the reader in that same frame of mind, and this is crucial if you want to build the deep immersion that makes for excellent storytelling. 

Tip #10: Take Inspiration from Dreams and Imagination

Sometimes the best ideas come from within. Allow yourself to daydream and let your imagination run wild. Visualize different settings and jot down any ideas that come to mind, no matter how strange they may seem. Your subconscious can be a powerful source of creativity, leading you to unexpected and unique landscapes.

Did you know that entire layout of my novel came from one dream I had when I was seven? True, it started as a fanfiction, but the point remains - you never know just how handy those dreams can be. 

A writing professor I knew in college taught me to always keep a notepad by the bed, in case I wake up with an interesting dream I needed to jot down. Although I ignored her advice and opted for sticky notes instead, I've realized over the last decade that those two or three moments after you wake up are crucial; often in the time it takes you to get up, walk into your home office, and write it down, you've already forgotten. That's why it's always a good idea to keep a pen and paper within reach. 

And who knows? Maybe you'll write down something not just interesting, but prophetic! (It's never happened to me, but there's always a first time!)

Tip #11: Use the Seasons to Your Advantage

Although the temptation to rush through a narrative may be there, using the changing of the seasons for worldbuilding inspiration is a GODSEND. Here's exactly what I mean:

I've been working on a quest-narrative that takes the characters through all types of different climates and ecosystems. Some of them are hot, some of them are cold, some of them are pretty moderate. Sometimes I work on whatever I'm feeling like working on - but if I'm sitting in a season that matches up with something going on in my book, I stop and take notice of exactly how it feels. 

One of the stories takes place on a tropical island - so whenever I'm in Florida (which is not nearly as often as I'd like) I make sure to connect with that narrative. I use the season I'm in to help me write little details about the world I'm creating - down to the sticky-sweaty feeling you get in a humid tropical clime in July. Weird, but it works. 

What's Next?

If you're struggling with any part of the writing process, or if you're looking to dig even deeper into your novel, then there's something you need to grab. It's called The Ultimate Worldbuilding Manual, and it walks you through each part of worldbuilding, to an extensive degree. 

Here's exactly what's inside: 

• Geography, Weather, and Landscapes: Shape your world’s physical environment, from towering mountains and vast oceans to unpredictable weather patterns and unique biomes.
• Political Systems, Hierarchies, and Power Structures: Define the ruling systems of your world, whether monarchies, democracies, or shadowy organizations controlling everything behind the scenes.
• Societies and Cultures (Belief Systems, Traditions, Languages): Develop deep and immersive cultures, complete with traditions, languages, and belief systems that shape everyday life.
• Technology or Magic Systems: Determine whether your world thrives on cutting-edge technology, intricate magic, or a fusion of both, ensuring internal logic and balance.
• Economics and Trade Worksheet: Create a functional economy, from currency and trade routes to resource distribution and black markets.
• Magic System Builder: Craft a compelling and balanced magic system with clear rules, costs, and limitations to keep it engaging and believable.
• History & Mythology Builder (Bonus): Build a rich historical and mythological backdrop, from ancient wars to divine interventions, that shapes the present world.
• Flora & Fauna Guide (Bonus): Develop unique ecosystems, complete with plants, animals, and mythical creatures that feel authentic to your world’s climate and geography.
• Cultural Aesthetics & Architecture Guide (Bonus): Define the artistic and architectural styles of different civilizations, making cities and settlements feel visually distinct and immersive.
• Laws, Justice & Crime Systems (Bonus): Establish the legal systems of your world, detailing crime, punishment, law enforcement, and underground organizations.
• Religion & Spirituality Workbook (Bonus): Create belief systems, gods, rituals, and religious conflicts that shape morality, traditions, and societal norms.

If you've worked with any of my guides before, then you probably know about my question-and-answer method. This is the method I use for all of my writing projects, and the key piece that works so well is that it asks open ended questions to spark your creativity - 

Meaning that it works well for every project, regardless of genre, style, or even if you've used the guide before. 

(So you can use this over and over and over). 

Click here to take the next step on your book writing journey. I'm cheering for you! 

Happy Writing! 

Rachel