As Brief Encounter (1) was from a different universe, I thought I’d post today about some of my worldbuilding rules.
I’m currently writing/plotting in four (I think 
) universes. Where each universe is a unique time and place with its own worldbuilding rules.
Land of the Fey – Set at some time in the past, after Shakespeare but before the Industrial Revolution, but with the caveat that they have really great teeth. LOL - history isn’t my strong point. Any human scenes tend to take place in England as that country is a Fey stronghold and is where Titania has chosen to set up her court.* However, the Land of the Fey itself is fluid as regards location – for example trolls may choose to emerge in Norway.
* Unlike mainland Europe which is a vampire stronghold, the British Isles are vampire free, mainly because of the strong Fey presence.
The Pack – Set in the same world as the Land of the Fey, but five or six hundred years in the future. Primarily concerned with the life adventures of a developing pack of werewolves, and vampire clans. (The Bargain is set in this universe)
Five Brothers – Completely separate universe to the Land of the Fey. No magic. An almost typical fantasy set up with perhaps a little steampunk thrown in. (Brief Encounter is set here)
Sci-fi – This universe doesn’t yet have a name. But again – no magic. Instead it’s set in a far future where space travel is possible, so essentially technology replaces magic. I have a few ideas pottering round in my head as to what I want to do with this one.
When I come up with an idea, I try to see which universe (if any) it fits into. For one thing, that immediately helps with the type of story I can tell. For example, if the story has magic in it, it has to go into the Land of the Fey or Pack universe. And if I can’t make it fit by bending the rules (not break them) then I have to think about creating a new universe in which the story will fit.
