: Re: What are the pros and cons of building the setting before the characters and story I have a science-fiction setting I have been kicking around for sometime, but I am not sure how to go about

@Hamaas631

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This isn't the pros and cons as such, but here's my approach that should help influence your decision.

I always introduce elements of the setting via the actions of my character. You should never stop the story progressing, even to describe.

See this example (excuse the arbitrary nature of it):

The hallways were made from a unique metal alloy only found on the planet Andromeda 6, and as a result, it was one of the most expensive ships in the fleet

This is preferred:

John's steps clanged against the hallway interior, which was clad in Andromeda 6's signature metal alloy; he could easily see why this was one of the most expensive ships in the fleet.

Same information, but the first example stalls the story to explain, whereas the 2nd example explains and sheds light on the setting whilst the story is progressing. Describe around the actions of the scene, don't describe and then act.

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