Anytime you write a story that breaks the boundaries of the “normal” world, you need to do what’s called world building. Do it right, and you’ll transport your readers to an amazing place they’ve never been. Do it wrong, and it will kill your story faster than a stake through the heart.

Whether you’re talking about magic, monsters, aliens, space travel, whatever it is you want to write about, there’s an art to world building.

Here are four tips to help you do it right.