Creating a Fictional Galaxy: Worldbuilding to Visualization
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
I’m sci-fi writer Casey Hudson, and I’m worlbuilding SPACE for my Drifting Amalgams universe. Here’s how I’m transforming worldbuilding questions and real science into a galaxy and beyond.
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Check out the YouTube version of this blog post.
Worldbuilding Galaxy without Being Overwhelmed
When worldbuilding space, it’s easy to get carried away. You could design every planet, every star, every system, and all the objects in between.
But why?
To stay focused on writing, I like to ask myself about the people who care about that space.
Are they observers? Explorers? Freight operators? How much of the great beyond are they really going to encounter?
For instance, my Drifting Amalgams universe encompasses one full galaxy. And the full extent of that galaxy is only important to one entity: the galaxy-wide company IndServ.
They endeavor to control space travel. Which sounds like a lot.
But I really only need to figure out what resources they care about and how they’re managing them.
Starting with how they ship goods long distance.
Worldbuilding Space Lane Alternatives
The sci-fi idea of hyperspace routes is interesting, but with this type of travel, people don’t typically run into anything–including each other.
I want more storytelling options, so I’m rethinking space transit in the Drifting Amalgams universe.
I’m going to keep FTL. Because time dilation.
And I’ll add in AI navigation so ships can modify course at faster-than-light speeds.
Now, ships could, conceivably, crash–if their AI is subpar.
And they can run out of resources. Water for hydration and hygiene. Fuel. And what about resupply and repair?
There are plenty of avenues for narrative intrigue.
Now… I just need to up the stakes a bit.
Creating a Fictional Galaxy Monopoly
The spacecraft of my Drifting Amalgams universe face obstacles, but space is still vast.
I need to make my space “smaller” for more believable conflict.
I can do that by limiting access to resources.
If I keep present-day challenges like optimal launch sites and times, I can give priority access to a single entity.
Like IndServ. The mining and shipping superpower of the universe.
If I fully open airspace to IndServ as well, they can control launch and re-entry access.
How? By scheduling so many shipments that they render the area too busy for others.
And, IndServ focused early efforts on mining and refining resources that they can provide in-flight.
They effectively own space.
Now that’s a galactic power worthy of sci-fi conflict.
Making an Orrery: Model of a Sci-Fi Stellar System
Did you know: IndServe supports well over 300 stellar bodies.
From water mining to spacecraft fueling, we’ve explored more of the great beyond than anyone else.
Help your child explore the stars with a buildable model of their favorite planetary system.
With fully movable gears and accurate coloring, IndServ orreries make the perfect gift to create wonder and expand astronomy knowledge.
Get yours today!
Until next time, keep creating.
