When we think of worldbuilding, our minds often drift to the expansive universes of fantasy and science fiction. However, worldbuilding is just as crucial in non-fiction writing. Whether you are crafting a historical account, a memoir, a travel guide, or an investigative piece, creating a vivid and engaging world can significantly enhance your narrative. Here’s more on how to worldbuild in non-fiction!

Bringing the Reader into Your World

1. Setting the Scene

In non-fiction, setting the scene is essential for providing context and grounding your reader. A well-described environment helps the audience visualize where events are taking place, making the narrative more immersive. For instance, when writing about a historical event, ask yourself:

• What does the landscape look like?
• What do the buildings look like? What style of architecture?
• What does a day-in-the-life look like in this time period or environment?

Having a clear vision of these sorts of details can help transport readers back in time, enriching their understanding and engagement.

2. Creating Emotional Connection

Worldbuilding in non-fiction allows you to connect readers emotionally to your subject. By vividly describing the sights, sounds, and smells of a place, you can evoke emotions that resonate with the audience. For example, in a memoir, try exploring the following details when writing about a specific location:

• What was the atmosphere of the space like?
• What kind of art or decor was on the walls?
• What smells were in the air?
• What sounds were close, versus ones in the distsance?
• Was the air muggy or dry?

Sharing the details of a space, be it your childhood home or the atmosphere of your favorite café, can evoke nostalgia and empathy, drawing readers deeper into your personal story.

3. Enhancing Credibility

Detailed worldbuilding can enhance the credibility of your non-fiction work. Accurate and precise descriptions demonstrate thorough research and knowledge, building trust with your readers. In investigative journalism, for instance, providing a detailed depiction of a crime scene or the inner workings of a particular institution can lend authority to your narrative and persuade readers of your findings.

(But wait, there’s more!)

Techniques for Effective Worldbuilding in Non-Fiction

1. Research and Observation

Thorough research is the backbone of effective worldbuilding in non-fiction. Gather as much information as possible about your subject, including historical records, personal testimonies, and visual aids like photographs and maps. Observation is equally important. When writing about a contemporary setting, spend time there, noting the details that make the place unique.

2. Sensory Details

Incorporate sensory details to create a vivid and immersive experience. Describe the colors, sounds, textures, and smells that define the environment. For example, in a travel guide, don’t just mention the landmarks; describe the scent of street food, the hum of city traffic, and the feel of ancient stone underfoot. These details make your writing come alive.

3. Human Stories

People are central to worldbuilding in non-fiction. Including personal stories and anecdotes can bring your setting to life. Interview individuals who have experienced the events you’re describing or who inhabit the place you’re writing about. Their perspectives add depth and authenticity to your narrative.

4. Contextual Information

Provide context to help readers understand the significance of your setting. Historical, cultural, and social contexts can enrich your worldbuilding. For example, when writing about a historical site, explain its significance in history, the events that took place there, and its impact on the present.

So What Does it All Mean?

Worldbuilding in non-fiction is about creating a rich, immersive context that engages readers and deepens their understanding. By setting the scene, evoking emotions, and enhancing credibility, you can transform factual writing into a compelling narrative. Through meticulous research, sensory details, human stories, and contextual information, you can build a world that captivates and informs, making your non-fiction work resonate with readers long after they’ve turned the last page.