Welcome to my newsletter!

"Without this, your characters drift in a lifeless void."

Forgive me, Reader,

Originally, I planned to continue a piece about the question “what if” and the powers one can gain from asking that question when determining a plot, character, or story structure. And trust me, we’ll get to that in an upcoming issue.

But as I sat with my notebook and a favorite cup of tea, something else pushed its way to the front of my creative mind: the incredible power of world-building — not just for fantasy or sci-fi tales, but for any story that wants to pull us in and make us care.

Whether you’re writing about a detective in 1940s Harlem, a teenager navigating high school in the Midwest, or an alien rebel stranded on a distant moon, your story’s world shapes your characters’ choices, language, fears, and dreams.

I’ve had the pleasure of building a number of story worlds over the years, from historical adventures to near-future thrillers. And one truth holds no matter the setting: details matter, but they must serve the story.

So, this week, I offer you three questions to sharpen your world-building:

1. What rules govern this world?​
   Whether it’s physics, politics, or social norms — what can and can’t happen here?
2. What does your character notice about this world?​
   The way a world is perceived can tell us volumes about the character themselves.
3. What has changed recently in this world — and who’s affected?​
   A world in motion is a world with tension and potential for story.

Ask these as you write. Or better yet, let your characters ask them — and see what answers come.

What’s Your Take?

What world are you building right now? Is it a twist on the familiar or something entirely new? I’d love to hear about it.

Hit reply and share a little — or a lot. I always read what you send.

– Alex

P.S. If you’re struggling to get your fictional world off the ground, let’s talk. You can book a free 15-minute QUICK TIP CALL.

Or check out Episode 367 of Tell The Damn Story, where Chris and I go deep on the power of “what if.”

Let me know.

Alex Simmons

PS: Remember to celebrate your work.⁠

CASE in point (pun intended) ... ⁠

The NEW Release of my SHERLOCK HOLMES MYSTERY PLAY IS HERE!​

ON AMAZON

From the anthology that included Amiri Baraka & August Wilson...⁠

Now, a theatrical mystery all its own.⁠

Sherlock Holmes and the Hands of Othello is ...

🕯️ Ghosts. Assassins. Secrets. A murder that echoes through history swirls around the family of a Black theater family.

Inspired by real-life experiences of Ira Aldridge.

🎭 A FREE preview of the first two scenes is now available. Plus several other free bonuses.⁠

So join the investigation.⁠

​CLICK on the Link TO GET YOUR COPY!​

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Have questions? DM me (@AlexSimmonsSays). Or email me at: GoWriteForIt@gmail.com.

(*I'll share more about my sci-fi novel in the coming weeks.)

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If you need help telling your stories, Click Below and let me know.