Ready to construct galaxies and weave magic systems that feel undeniably real? In “World Building in Sci-Fi and Fantasy,” we move beyond the map-making to focus on the heart of immersive storytelling. You might be wondering: “How do I avoid the ‘info-dump’ trap?” or “Do I need to be a history professor to make my culture believable?” We’ll explore how recent hits like Katabasis by R. F. Kuang, Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros, and The Tainted Cup by Robert Jackson Bennett craft worlds that feel lived-in and vital. Let’s turn your wildest imaginings into a solid foundation for your next masterpiece.

Attendees will learn to:

• Design consistent magical or technological systems that drive your plot forward.
• Integrate “micro-details” of daily life to make your fictional cultures feel authentic.
• Balance expansive world-building with necessary pacing to keep your narrative moving.
• Avoid the dreaded info-dump by weaving world-specific details into character experiences.
• Develop a distinct “cultural geography” that informs your story’s conflict and themes.