Have you ever tried to world-build and found yourself caught up in the mechanics of an idea? I had heard of this phenomenon but largely did my best to ignore it for I perceived it too likely to keep me from getting my "job" done--namely, the first draft of my story. However, I allowed myself an unusual amount of freedom yesterday and built an imaginary university. A university in which I cannot decide whether I would enjoy being a teacher or a student more. My dream university.
The realist in me kept saying, "Stop! You're wasting time! No one will need to know all this stuff when they read your story. You're just trying to delay 'actual' writing." The dreamer, and the ultimate winner of the argument, shot back, "If I am the writer and I want to spend time on the university design, then I am certainly allowed to do so! What is a university without organization, without a mission statement, without career paths, without design?"
I realized two things during my "work". I learned that I enjoy thinking about education, especially in terms of structural organization and curriculum design. Perhaps it is one of the odd products of homeschooling that I am still so mentally engaged in the structure and method of curriculum design. In homeschooling, I had the opportunity to look through catalogs and think about what curriculum series I would like to use. I attended one or two homeschool conferences and wandered through the curriculum fair. It was so much fun! I especially enjoyed the language curriculums. *ahem* Back to the topic.
To summarize, when you are writing your story, I think it is wise to give yourself permission to explore your own interests; your own fascination may astound you. Whether in learning or reading, I have more often been interested in the tone and enthusiasm of the speaker than the subject matter itself. Interest appears to be a powerful thing.
What are your thoughts on world-building? Is it fun? Boring? Irritating? Did you learn anything about yourself from your efforts?
