Latest in Culture
Episode 218: Infernal Realms
I have my ticket for Australia
Episode 180: Using Music in Fiction
Most people enjoy music, but how should it be used in fiction?
Six Tips for Taking Inspiration From History
How to use Earth's past to build one for your fictional world.
Six Ways Rapid Communication Changes a Fantasy Setting
What happens when sword-and-sorcery societies get their hands on instant messaging.
Episode 114: Depicting Post-Scarcity Societies
This week we address a listener question: How do you depict post-scarcity societies?
Creating Realistic Cultures
How to flesh out your fictional society, from their clothes to their money to their myths.
Episode 74: Religion in Spec Fic
Religion! That sounds like an easy topic.
Episode 68: Deep Worldbuilding Part 2
Mike brings Chris and Oren back for a deeper dive into the depths of deep worldbuilding.
Seven Easy Tips for Writing a Diverse Story
These quick fixes will improve your story's representation—and with practice, become second nature.
Episode 67: Deep Worldbuilding
Chris, Mike, and Oren get into the weeds of worldbuilding.
Matriarchies, Patriarchies, and Beyond
How your writing can do better at gender rep, however your story's society handles it.
Episode 59: Should You Base Your Setting on History?
Chris, Mike, and Oren discuss the ups and downs of using history in worldbuilding.
Using Taboos in a Culture
What your culture says "no" to says a lot about that culture.
Overcoming the Myth of Barter
Why this economic system is a bad idea for stories—and what to do instead.
Adding Dance to Your Fictional Culture
How to find the right beat for your fantastical world to step to.
Choosing Music and Instruments for Your Culture
How your fictional world's melodies can boost the stories you tell in it.
Alan