Worldbuilding in Fantasy and Sci-Fi Stories

Since the task of explaining the different elements of worldbuilding in a fantasy or sci-fi world is gargantuan, I’ve decided to break it up into its various elements. Click on one of the links below to learn more.

(Not all of the links are active yet as this section of the website is still under construction. Thank you for your patience.)

Human/Human-like Culture

This section will cover the many different aspects of human and human-like culture, from religion and customs to history and technology.

fantasy worldbuilding human culture human-like culture

Geography and Ecology

This section will cover the physical world that your characters will move through, as well as the plant and animal life that inhabit your world.

Magic

Both fantasy and science fiction have elements that make the impossible possible. This section covers how to create magic systems that make sense and add not only to the world you’ve created, but also enhance your story and give your characters opportunities to change and grow–or fall.

worldbuilding magic fantasy mage lightning magic

Challenges in Worldbuilding

Building an entire world is challenging. This section covers what these problems might be and how to avoid them.

worldbuilding fantasy landscape exploding volcano storm

Adding Supplemental Materials to Your Books

This section covers the many different types of supplemental materials you might want to add to your book to enhance your readers’ understanding of the world you created.

  • Character Spotlight: Cadmus Brand

    Character Spotlight: Cadmus Brand

    Meet Cadmus Brand, the gladiator who is the last remaining magic-wielder in Muspelheim and the main character of Muspell’s Sons! Forged in the brutal arenas of Muspelheim, Brand is more than just a warrior—he’s a spark of rebellion in a world dominated by the demonic kashmari. Brand must rise as a hero…or watch his people…

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  • The Seventh Tower Series Book Review

    The Seventh Tower Series Book Review

    My book review of The Seventh Tower series by Garth Nix

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  • Making a Mess with Papers – Rift War Chronicles: Muspelheim Book 2 Edition

    Making a Mess with Papers – Rift War Chronicles: Muspelheim Book 2 Edition

    Jillian Jacobs celebrates the completion of “The Shackles of a Mountain Lord” by imitating a tradition inspired by Brandon Sanderson’s team, where they toss final drafts down the stairs. This fun and cathartic release marks the end of a long writing journey, and the author intends to continue the tradition for future books.

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