I am Nerd! Creator of worlds!

Throughout my TV career, world-building has been a thing. Figuring out the state of the galaxy for STAR TREK: DISCOVERY. The ins and outs of the elevated espionage wars of ALIAS. The various sectors, threats, and paranormal rules for LOST island. After a nerd life playing DUNGEONS AND DRAGONS, this came easily to me.

Whether you’re crafting a new show, game, or movie, the more thought you can apply to the consistency of your make-believe world, the better.

So, in this Scribblers Toolbox post, let’s explore world-building in a way that makes these elements feel organic and integral to the narrative. How about we follow the HEROES model? An NBC show from mid-2000’s about ordinary people gaining extraordinary abilities.

How would we craft a compelling and coherent universe where some individuals gain superpowers, adding the element of a clean energy source like cold fusion?

Establish clear rules and limitations for your world's unique elements —

For superpowers, consider questions like. How do individuals acquire these powers? What are the specific abilities, strengths, and weaknesses? Are there any societal or legal regulations surrounding their use?

For cold fusion, outline the fundamental principles of this new technology. How was it discovered or harnessed? What are the environmental, political, and economic implications? Are there any side effects or drawbacks?

Explore the impact on society —

Superpowers and free energy would undoubtedly have profound effects on the world. How do people with powers integrate into society? Are they heroes, outcasts, or something in between?

What industries would be affected by the new energy source, and how does it reshape the global economy? How does this technology change daily life, transportation, and urban planning?

Create a clear and compelling origin story —

Provide context for your world's transformation. Whether a scientific breakthrough or a cosmic event, a compelling origin story adds depth and intrigue. Share this backstory effectively within the plot to engage the audience and give them critical context for your narrative.

Develop relatable characters —

Your characters should exist harmoniously within this new world. Create grounded and relatable protagonists and antagonists who reflect the world's changes. How have superpowers affected their lives, ambitions, and relationships? Do characters possess unique perspectives or roles in the new and transformative clean energy industry?

Foreshadow and plant clues —

Compelling world-building involves subtle foreshadowing and planting clues throughout the story. Hint at the existence of superpowers and the clean energy source early on, sparking curiosity and anticipation. But leave gaps in your narrative to explore downstream. Akin to the Mystery Boxes of LOST and ALIAS.

Address ethical and moral dilemmas —

Superpowers and groundbreaking technologies would raise ethical and moral dilemmas. Are there debates over who should have access to clean energy? What ethical dilemmas arise from using superpowers, and how do characters navigate this new reality?

Maintain consistency —

Consistency is key to building a believable and sustainable fictional universe. Ensure that the rules and consequences you establish at the beginning of your story are adhered to throughout. This consistency helps maintain immersion and keeps the audience invested. If your new intellectual property is successful enough to expand, the rules will have been established for any creative partners who climb aboard the creative journey.

Use subplots to explore the world —

Integrate relatable and compelling subplots that delve deeper into the world you've created. These side narratives can provide additional context, introduce new facets of your universe, and provide opportunities for character development.

Reveal the unknown gradually —

While world-building is essential, resist the urge to frontload information. Gradually unveil details about superpowers and clean energy as the plot unfolds. Stepping out these revelations will keep the audience engaged and curious. Just don’t keep that Mystery Box closed for too long, or you run the risk of frustrating the audience.

Collaborative creation —

It takes a village to build a universe. Don't hesitate to seek feedback and the input of others. Share your world-building ideas and welcome any thoughtful insights from your comrades. There’s fun to be had in considering the various “What ifs?” with your team.

By following these steps, you’ll bring authentic vibes to your fictional fantasy world while building robust sandboxes where your creative partners can play; with less risk, their well-intended and valuable contributions will shatter the reality of your new IP.