Time to Write the Bible

I have heard it called the world bible. Until I heard that term, I just called it my rules file and character notes. I build mine as I write through the world for the first time, but at a bare minimum, you need to have one by the time you reach your first line of edits. Maybe you build it while you do your first read-through, but today I want to talk about what it is, why you need it, and what to put inside it. A world bible is a tool for authors making complex worlds. Whether you're building a high fantasy realm, a dystopian future, or an alternate reality, having a well-organized file that keeps the details in order helps maintain consistency and ensures you don't lose track of important information.

Write your Bible

Ideally, start your world bible early in the writing process. As soon as you begin developing your world, create a central location for your notes. This could be a physical notebook, a digital file, or a dedicated worldbuilding tool like World Anvil or Scrivener. I just use a Word file with headers. The goal is to have a system in place so you can document and reference important information as it comes to you. If you wait until later in the writing process, you'll risk inconsistencies or forgetting details—but those can be fixed if they’re small. The most important thing is not to pick the most expensive or most amazing tool—pick the tool you will use and that helps you. I like to have few things open and no internet on when I type, so for me, a Word file side by side with my main writing file is where it’s at. You may have to experiment to find your own way.

Your world bible should contain anything that is important to the world’s structure and the plot. Track important characters, both major and minor. Include their backstories, motivations, physical descriptions, relationships to each other, and what happens in the books—and even sometimes when. This helps maintain consistency with their behavior and helps you avoid contradictions.

This is where you document the key events that have shaped your world. Include the founding of nations, major wars, important inventions, and cultural revolutions. Be sure to note the impact these events have had on the current state of your world that the reader will see.

Detail the major cities, towns, landmarks, and regions. Include information on climate, terrain, and natural resources. A map can help visualize this and make your world feel tangible—and if you write fantasy or science fiction, it might be fun to sketch out.

Outline the customs, traditions, and social norms. Consider the structure of your societies: class systems, religion, politics, education, etc. Think about how people interact with one another and what defines their behavior.

If your world includes magic, advanced technology, or any supernatural elements, document the rules governing them. What are the limits of magic? How does technology impact society? What are its rules? Make sure to note any exceptions or contradictions within the system.

Don’t go overboard. While detail is important, avoid overwhelming yourself with unnecessary minutiae. Don’t create exhaustive backstories for every minor character unless they play a key role in the plot. Focus on the essentials. It’s tempting to write forever on the intricacies of your world’s magic system or technology, but keep the details relevant to your story. Unless something needs to be explained for the plot, character, or motivations, don't bog down the bible. Avoid adding details that don’t serve the story or world in some way. Every piece of worldbuilding should either enrich the plot, provide atmosphere, or help characterize the people within the world. If it doesn’t do these things, it might not belong in the world bible.

On the other hand, don’t neglect key elements. Failing to note the differences in culture, language, or tradition can result in a world that feels flat or unrealistic. Even minor variations in custom or etiquette can add a lot to a novel. Leaving rules for magic or technology vague can create plot holes or inconsistencies. Define the rules early on, and stick to them. Make sure that the consequences of using magic or technology are clearly understood within the world. The world’s governance systems and societal organization should be fleshed out, even if they aren’t central to your plot. They help establish the context in which your characters operate and the water in which your fish swim.

Keep your world bible organized in a way that’s easy to navigate for you. Divide sections logically and make sure to use an index or a table of contents. You can also use color coding, or even spreadsheets, to keep track of different elements. A physical notebook can be useful for quick reference but, in my opinion, can become unwieldy if it’s too large or disorganized.

In short, as you do your first edit—or better, as you do your first draft—it is imperative to build your world bible: your rule book from which to learn how to edit your creation. So, get writing, and go make the bible.