Most authors of fantasy and science fiction are familiar with the term "world-building." For those unacquainted with the term, it means what it sounds like it means. World-building, according to Merriam-Webster, is "the art of creating a new fictional world." 

With that said, if you're looking for an article on how to build your fantasy or science fiction world, this is not it. This article focuses on the potential problematic end result of world-building that is seldom addressed but often causes authors to stress. 

So, what is the empty world dilemma? 

The empty world dilemma is a term I coined after reading several well-built worlds that lack plots. Often, authors will begin with an idea and they will branch off in three separate directions: character-building, world-building, and plot-building. 

Less often do authors strike a balance with all three; at the very least there should be an equilibrium between two of the three things. 

If you find yourself lost in world-building and lack a compelling plot, then keep the following in mind when you're trying to sort your way out of your world-building mess.

You will need to spend an equal amount of time on each portion, but most importantly you will want to know if your story is narrative-driven or character-driven. 

This is important to know because it will help guide you on what parts of your world to use for your story. 

Don't over extend your world into a galaxy. I have worked with and know a handful of aspiring authors who have gotten so lost that their focus on world-building caused them to expand past the stars of their world and beyond even their own galaxy. There's no problem with that, but it is extremely unnecessary if it has nothing to do with your plot. 

No one will be annoyed if you tell them the name of all the five moons of your planet, but it will definitely be annoying to hear about them if it has nothing to do with moving the story forward. You're trying to make your story compelling, not boring. 

Now, how does one keep their story compelling while trying to immerse readers? Refrain from "info dumping." If you don't know what that means, I'll keep it short and simple. Info dumping can refer to both the world and your plot. Shoving information down your audience's throat is never the way to go. It can alienate readers into thinking you're dumbing down your story so they can understand, even if your true intention was to help immerse them. 

According to tvtropes.org, "info dumping" is specifically, "a type of Exposition that is particularly long or wordy." 

Of course, it can also be done in a way that isn't obvious, intrusive, or patronizing. How is that done exactly? Well, I'll have to write about it another time. 

Lastly, know when to delete it. 

What is "it" exactly? "It" is the unnecessary stuff I keep talking about. 

It is amazing that you have created your own world with its rich histories, political systems, religions, and so on. But if it is absolutely irrelevant, take it out of your story. You don't necessarily have to delete it, because perhaps you can use it for another story or another time, nevertheless, if it has nothing to do with your plot now, cut it. 

To achieve a balance and offer your readers a compelling story you need to understand that most of the time you build your world around your plot, not the other way around.