July 22, 2017
Questions to Ask When Creating Fictional Cities
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It's no secret I am a wild fan of world-building. Creating worlds that I can mold with my hands and mind is one of my favourite parts of writing, so I've decided to make "Questions to Ask When..." a permanent blog series!
Today's topic is creating fictional cities! Don't worry, the questions aren't just for fantasy cities: you can apply them to any city setting in your story.
1) What is the city called by its inhabitants? By outsiders? Does it have any nicknames?
2) What is the "hub" of the city? A market, shopping district, garden, etc.?
3) Are there any famous landmarks? Are they natural/geographical, such as a mountain, or man-made, like a clock tower?
4) Where does the city's government reside? A building or elsewhere? How does the city's government differ from the country it resides in, if at all?
5) Geographically speaking, where is the city? Besides a river, in a valley, in plains, by mines, etc.?
6) What is the city's water and/or food source? The river, the ocean, surrounding farms?
7) Why did this city grow from a town/village into its current state? Is it the capital, a hub for trade, a key resource area, or have some historical/religious significance?
8) What kind of defenses does it have? Walls? Buttresses? Guards/police who patrol?
9) What's the average income for its residents? What is the most common occupation?
10) What kind of architecture would be seen if you walked around its streets? Are most of the homes made of brick, wood, stone, cement, etc? Are paint colours vibrant or subdued? Do buildings crowd each other out, or are they evenly spaced? Does it change depending on the part of the city you're in?
11) How is the city with crime? Is it overrun by murder and theft, or is it fairly quiet and peaceful? Are criminals bold in flaunting their power (if any) or do they stick to secretive means?
12) Who holds the most power? The government, businesses, criminals, other organisations?
13) What does the city smell like? Does it reek of fish caught at the docks, thick perfume of blooming flowers, the stench of sewerage, etc.?
14) What kind of relationship do its inhabitants have with inhabitants of other cities? Are they friendly, rivals, neither?
15) Are there any places of religious gathering? (Eg. churches, temples, altars, etc.)
16) What are those secret spots that only long-term residents know about? Is there a "best cafe in the city", or peaceful garden tucked away from the hustle and bustle?
17) How popular is the city with outsiders/tourists? Is it a well-known travel destination, or more isolated?
18) What kind of cultures are seen in the city? Are its residents a singular ethnic culture, or a mix?
19) Does the city have any celebrations/festivals specific to itself? When and how are these celebrated?
20) What is the city's history? Has it been under siege or attack? What major historical events have taken place in its depths, if any?
Today's topic is creating fictional cities! Don't worry, the questions aren't just for fantasy cities: you can apply them to any city setting in your story.
1) What is the city called by its inhabitants? By outsiders? Does it have any nicknames?
2) What is the "hub" of the city? A market, shopping district, garden, etc.?
3) Are there any famous landmarks? Are they natural/geographical, such as a mountain, or man-made, like a clock tower?
4) Where does the city's government reside? A building or elsewhere? How does the city's government differ from the country it resides in, if at all?
5) Geographically speaking, where is the city? Besides a river, in a valley, in plains, by mines, etc.?
6) What is the city's water and/or food source? The river, the ocean, surrounding farms?
7) Why did this city grow from a town/village into its current state? Is it the capital, a hub for trade, a key resource area, or have some historical/religious significance?
8) What kind of defenses does it have? Walls? Buttresses? Guards/police who patrol?
9) What's the average income for its residents? What is the most common occupation?
10) What kind of architecture would be seen if you walked around its streets? Are most of the homes made of brick, wood, stone, cement, etc? Are paint colours vibrant or subdued? Do buildings crowd each other out, or are they evenly spaced? Does it change depending on the part of the city you're in?
11) How is the city with crime? Is it overrun by murder and theft, or is it fairly quiet and peaceful? Are criminals bold in flaunting their power (if any) or do they stick to secretive means?
12) Who holds the most power? The government, businesses, criminals, other organisations?
13) What does the city smell like? Does it reek of fish caught at the docks, thick perfume of blooming flowers, the stench of sewerage, etc.?
14) What kind of relationship do its inhabitants have with inhabitants of other cities? Are they friendly, rivals, neither?
15) Are there any places of religious gathering? (Eg. churches, temples, altars, etc.)
16) What are those secret spots that only long-term residents know about? Is there a "best cafe in the city", or peaceful garden tucked away from the hustle and bustle?
17) How popular is the city with outsiders/tourists? Is it a well-known travel destination, or more isolated?
18) What kind of cultures are seen in the city? Are its residents a singular ethnic culture, or a mix?
19) Does the city have any celebrations/festivals specific to itself? When and how are these celebrated?
20) What is the city's history? Has it been under siege or attack? What major historical events have taken place in its depths, if any?
That brings us to the end of the questions! I really hope they can be of help to you when brainstorming a city setting, or adding those juicy world-building features in edits!
Tell me about one of your fictional cities! What landmarks does it have? Who lives there? Oh, and are you a big fan of world-building too? Any suggestions of what theme to have for my next "Questions to Ask When..." post?
Good luck with your writing, and have a spectacular day! <3