World-Building for Writers: Draw Lessons from The Walking Dead
Robert Kirkman, the author of "The Walking Dead," claims that world-building is the most important component of his writing process, thus this helps to explain the popularity of the praised comic book series. According to Kirkman's approach, he should really submerge himself in the fictional universe he creates so that the narrative might develop organically. The popularity of "The Walking Dead" and "Invincible" indicates how very successful this approach has been.
Value of World-Building in Literary Work
Whether a writer is creating a realist drama or a sci-fi adventure, the success of the work depends on creating a captivating and totally functional world. World-building is basically the cornerstone of the writing process. For serialized stories like "The Walking Dead," where a coherent and interesting storyline depends on thorough world-building, this is particularly true.
Approach To World-Building In The Walking Dead By Robert Kirkman
In his annotations for "The Walking Dead Deluxe #92," Kirkman underlines the need of world-building in revealing the actual character nature. He thinks that including people into a well-developed fictional environment enables natural character development. Words by Kirkman clearly reflect his philosophy:
"This is the most enjoyable part of writing for me to do—world-building. Characters can be simply dropped into stories; then, you can build as you go. You can make it seem like everything is precisely planned as long as you're careful, keep it consistent throughout, and avoid contradicting yourself; at best, half of what happens is, at least in my case."
The Authority of Natural Narrative In "The Walking Dead"
Kirkman argues that a consistent and well defined environment lets the characters' actions, reactions, and interactions naturally develop. This makes planning less significant than really living in the world and letting the narrative develop organically. Often, the best stories come from the circumstances created during the world-building process rather than from carefully thought out ahead plans.
Changing With the Times: An Essential Ability for Writers
The ability of a writer to properly adjust to changes as they present is among the most important ones she can have. Within the framework of "The Walking Dead Deluxe #92," Robert Kirkman draws attention to the development of Paul "Jesus" Monroe, a fan-favorite character. Kirkman acknowledges that initially he only knew he was good in combat; he did not really know the character. As the show developed, Jesus's part in the narrative grew organically, proving Kirkman's ability to change and grow characters as the universe of the work developed.
Organic Development: "The Walking Dead" Case Study
Robert Kirkman's commitment to world-building and letting the narrative develop naturally helps to explain the critical praise and ongoing popularity of "The Walking Dead." World-building transcends mere setting and story mechanics, even if some would link it only with those elements. It covers the general tone and style of the story as well as the reasons, deeds, and interactions among the characters. Together, these components produce a sense of realism and immersion into the fictional world.
Drawing Lessons From "The Walking Dead": Advice for Future Authors
Writers looking for ideas from Robert Kirkman's method of world-building can pick a lot of lessons from "The Walking Dead." The shocking violence and unexpected character deaths of the comic book series stand out as natural components of the world Kirkman painstakingly created. Though apparently harsh, these components greatly help the show to be successful. From dialogue to images, every component of "The Walking Dead" reflects deliberate world-building and offers a great tool for future writers.
Finally, world-building is a road towards success.
Highly successful writer Robert Kirkman offers insightful guidance for future authors: give world-building top priority and let the narrative to naturally develop. Writers can open fresh creative opportunities and finally create gripping and enduring stories by really inhabiting the world they create and letting the story develop naturally.
