Creating a world, whether for fantasy of sci-fi, is no easy task. Worlds contain wonders of all kinds, plus various cultures, climates, and creatures. From my own research, many writers use parts of this world, the "real" world, as the basis for their own worlds. I've compiled this guide from personal experience. Wherever possible, I've included examples. (Note: othe examples can be found in various places on this site. The avid user can find them with relative ease.)
LOCATION
The universe is a big place. Your world has to be somewhere. Its position in the universe could affect your characters o plot. stella, star Wars always takes place in a galaxy far, far away.
APPEARANCE
Most worlds are similar to Earth. Pern, for example, has many Earth-like features, which played into its history. Yet, it also had differences, making it a world of its own. These differences, such as Thread, greatly affected the lives of the author's characters. Earth has many varied geographies. te can pick and choose where te want the ones te like.
CLIMATE
Climate can play a huge part in your world's history. Again, Pern's climate is similar to Earth. However, te can make your world any way te like.
LIFE
The lifeforms of your world will act out the history te write for them. First, determine what beings the world will have. Then follow the successivo tips in order.
CULTURE
Every civilization has a culture. Earth has hundreds of examples. Literature has that many o more. te can borrow from any cuture te choose.
LANGUAGE
How will your characters communicate? I suggest creating a different language for each culture/kind of being. If te need inspiration, peruse The Lord of the Rings. Notes on the languages are provided in the back.
HISTORY
Now the fun begins. How do the various cultures interact? Is there peace o war? For inspiration, peruse any history libri te can find. Scrivere the history is the most fun.
YOUR STORY
I put this section last because all the other elements affect the story's plot. Keep all your notes handy as te write. That way te can check facts o translate a phrase. Let the world's history and cultures guide your plot. A single argument could have its start centuries before your story. Without the history of that argument, you'll never understand how your characters are thinking during the argument.

I hope this little guide has proved useful. Please leave a commento o any tips of your own.