Making sure your references are properly recontextualised
Creating a believable, dynamic, and original environment is key to successful worldbuilding. Drawing inspiration from real-life examples and integrating mythologies, folklore, and historical events can enhance authenticity and relatability. However, to avoid making your world a mere clone of ours, it is important to thoroughly reimagine and recontextualize these real-world inspirations.
In this blog post, we will explore the role of references in worldbuilding, techniques for recontextualizing references, balancing references with originality, and the ethical considerations involved.
Understanding the role of references in worldbuilding
In fiction writing, references to certain events, cultures, or historical periods can help create a more immersive and believable world for the reader. These references can also add depth and complexity to the story's characters and plot.
Drawing inspiration from real-life examples
Studying different cultures, societies, and environments can help people gain a better understanding of the world and its diversity, leading to a richer and more inclusive global community.
Integrating mythologies, folklore, and historical events
Incorporating ideas or inspiration from various sources can enhance the richness and intricacy of your fictional world. This can be achieved by taking elements from different cultures, historical periods, or even scientific concepts. For example, you could incorporate elements of ancient mythology in your fantasy world or use cutting-edge technology concepts to create a sci-fi world.
Techniques for recontextualizing references
Recontextualizing your references might mean presenting them differently or providing more information to make them more relevant to your topic and easier for your audience to understand.
Adapting references to your story's context
Altering details in order to fit a particular narrative, and combining multiple sources to create a unique and distinctive story or perspective is an excellent strategy for adapting your references to your story’s context.
Creating parallels and analogies
Highlight similarities and differences between your world and the reference, utilising allegory and symbolism to enhance meaning.
Integrating references into your world's culture and history
Weave references into the fabric of your world, considering the impact they might have on societal development.
Balancing references with originality
While references can enrich your world, it's important to balance them with originality:
Ensure references serve a purpose
Enhance your story or worldbuilding without relying on gratuitous or excessive references.
Maintain a distinct and unique world
Encourage creativity and innovation while avoiding clichés or stereotypes.
Ethical considerations in recontextualizing references
When recontextualising references, keep in mind the following ethical considerations:
Respect cultural sensitivities
Acknowledge the origins and significance of references, avoiding cultural appropriation or misrepresentation.
Ensure accuracy and authenticity
Conduct thorough research to avoid perpetuating harmful stereotypes or misconceptions.
Tips for effective recontextualization in worldbuilding
To effectively recontextualise references in your worldbuilding, it is essential to approach the task with care and patience. Here are some tips to help you along the way:
Develop a deep understanding of your references
Take the time to explore the nuances of the original source material, and consider how these nuances can be reimagined in your story. Allow yourself to get lost in the world of your references and see where your imagination takes you.
Engage in continuous learning and exploration
The more you know about the world, the more you can draw upon it in your writing. Take the time to learn about different cultures, historical events, and scientific discoveries, and consider how these can be incorporated into your worldbuilding.
Experiment with various approaches to re-contextualisation
There is no one-size-fits-all solution to reimagining references. Try different techniques, such as changing the setting, shifting the perspective, or altering the characters, and see what works best for your world and story. Don't be afraid to take risks and try new things; the best stories often come from unexpected sources.
Properly contextualizing references is essential for successful worldbuilding. By thoughtfully integrating real-world inspirations into your fictional universe, you can create a unique, dynamic, and engaging environment for your readers to explore. As you embark on your worldbuilding journey, remember the importance of balancing references with originality and respecting the sources from which you draw inspiration. With careful consideration and creativity, your world can become a captivating and immersive experience for your readers.
