“Rules” For Creating a Believable Fictional World

1.     Consistent Behavior of Characters

• Foreshadowing: add detail in plot that suggests change in character is likely à scatter appropriately in right parts of exposition and dialogue

2.     Avoid “The Easy Fix” | Avoid Surprising Plot Elements

•  “out of nowhere” is no good à ex. Killing a character off with a “twist”

3.     Foreshadow Your Props in Plot

4.     Accurately Portray the Outside Reality

• Check your facts (this cannot be emphasized enough with reality-based fiction). The Atlantic Ocean is always on the East Coast of the United States.

• Experienced Readers v. Care-free readers – ALWAYS side with experience

5.     Pay Attention to Cause & Effect Relationships Between Characters and Environment

6.     NO Coincidences