Worldbuilder's Anvil

Today's Topic Downtime for Worldbuilders Recently, I was recording an episode for why Downtime is important on my other podcast The Small Biz Life. It is something I am passionate about because I want to be present in my life, I work ten hour days at my day job, Kristin and I are creating a media company, I volunteer time every week, plus I am writing a novel for NaNoWriMo. I love everything I do. However, I do not have extra hours in the week so I strategically use downtime. Downtime like a fine wine helps cleanse the palate of mind. I use it to get a better understanding of the world, which allows me to create more detail into my worlds. Downtime helps me learn from literature effective ways to deliver stories. Downtime like a fine wine helps cleanse the palate of mind. When your work day gets longer. You will run into a couple of major issues. First, you will lose productivity when you switch between completely different types of tasks. For Example, If I am meeting with someone about requirements for an upcoming project and then after the meeting I try and write a chapter for my fantasy novel, I will struggle. I will have trouble letting go of the details of the meeting, which will make it harder to get into the minds of the characters. I will also struggle with the types of words needed to keep the feel of my novel. The actual act of writing will be slower. Now, I will try and deal with this when scheduling my time. However, So times life will force you to schedule radically different task next to each other. When they do, I will take a break. I will jam out to some incredible music that makes me want to move. In the span of a five-minute break, I can free my mind of the last task and be more open to the next. I will get more writing do in a shorter period of time. Now Join Michael and I as we look at the was to use downtime in your favor as a worldbuilder. Please Subscribe, Rate and Review us on iTunesFor complete Fantasy Worldbuilding, show notes go to Gardul.com Show flow Downtime is essential in making us productive EPISODE 60 – DOWNTIME IS IMPORTANT Most important factor should be relaxing the mind, body, and emotional stress of life Worldbuilding bonus we can be inspired and relax at the same time. Move it move it Board Games with wife High Art Classic Literature The Great Courses Video Games 3x, Strategy, tactic, RPG (Never shooters) Great movies Theater Music Great magazines Watch out to make sure you do not overindulge Please Subscribe, Rate and Review us on iTunesFor complete Fantasy Worldbuilding, show notes go to Gardul.com The Worldbuilder's Task For The Day Look at your downtime, what helps you relax or improve your creativity. The Real-World task for the day Join us in our new facebook group. The Fantasy Worldbuilder's Undercroft Work on your word count! Michael's Resources Use Gardul.com/Amazon when shopping online to help support the show Images and quotes Please take a moment and comment below on this episode. I look forward to hearing from you about your Fantasy Worldbuilding adventures Listen to Worldbuilder's Anvil in iTunes or use Podcast Republic for your android device.

Today's Topic – Music for focus, energy, and increasing productivity. Music set to "Ruckus in B Minor". Why? It helps me focus. I struggle to focus. I have no diagnosis, it has just been something that I have had to learn to deal with in my life. For me Music is on of the best ways that I use to control the noise in my head. Having an army of Orcs raiding my mind, is something that never stops. It is much better than thinking about the real world at times. I can see the battles. I hear the conversation between characters. However, when I need to accomplish something. I need to control the focus. Now, understand I do not believe all music can help all people focus. You must always understand your Anthems, from the music you like to listen to while I am trying to focus Anthems Vs Working Music Anthems are the music I jam out to. There are certain songs that when I listen to I must sing too, play air too, or play air drums too. I use this music to effect mood, jump start energy, or relax. However, the music I work too, will have a rhythm that will help me drowned out most of the noise that distracts me. Now it can be very similar. "Bring the Ruckus" is an anthem that I cannot focus when I listen too. Now, I listen to a lot more than Wu-Tang Clan. However, what works for me will not work for me, might not work for you. Check out this episode and learn the works for Michael and me when using music to write. Music effects us differently. He uses video without sound to focus, something that would fail for me. Let us know how you use music, and what you do to focus. Please Subscribe, Rate and Review us on iTunesFor complete Fantasy Worldbuilding, show notes go to Gardul.com Show flow Music Therapy 73 trails and over 7000 patients Alleviates Manage Stress Enhances Memory Reduces pain medication Boosting mood (Bournemouth University Dementia Institute (BUDI)) Improves music skills, communication skills, friendships, and collaboration skills Tested on people with detention effect work for me Can be used to get your mind into the proper mindset to run Music to make me angry Sad Jeff Buckley hallelujah happy Helps focus Helps the conscious and Unconscious mind pay attention, especial the emotional Wu Tang Helps with energy and Productivity Thanks dopamine Beethoven, basically any EDM, Thrash Metal What to beware Music you are forced to sing along with (Back fire) You might look a little crazy to people who do not know you. Your Boss might not allow music Please Subscribe, Rate and Review us on iTunesFor complete Fantasy Worldbuilding, show notes go to Gardul.com The Real-World task for the day Join us in our new facebook group. The Fantasy Worldbuilder's Undercroft Work on your word count! Michael's Resources Work on your focus, let us know what works. Use Gardul.com/Amazon when shopping online to help support the show Images and quotes Please take a moment and comment below on this episode. I look forward to hearing from you about your Fantasy Worldbuilding adventures Listen to Worldbuilder's Anvil in iTunes or use Podcast Republic for your android device.

Today's Topic – Some more horror flicks to help you get through NaNoWriMo Nothing like a great horror flicks to take your minds off the problems in the real world. Have a good fright tonight to keep you focused on the prize of 50,000 words in a month. In a way this is an extension of episode 146. It does not follow the exact pattern. We really talk about movies that frighten us. The moves that work really really well for us, or possibly the movies that. All jokes aside. It was really the Omen that worked for me. I think it is by far one of them most frightening things I have ever encountered in fiction. If you have not seen it. You should really take advantage of it. After you finish your world count, take a break this even, after dark of course and take in this classic. For more suggestions and a lot more fun check out this episode. Watch Michael shine at one of his great skills, watching and then breaking down moves. Please Subscribe, Rate and Review us on iTunesFor complete Fantasy Worldbuilding, show notes go to Gardul.com The Real-World task for the day Join us in our new facebook group. The Fantasy Worldbuilder's Undercroft Michael's Resources Episode 146 We are going to give you the Frighteners Use Gardul.com/Amazon when shopping online to help support the show Images and quotes Please take a moment and comment below on this episode. I look forward to hearing from you about your Fantasy Worldbuilding adventures Listen to Worldbuilder's Anvil in iTunes or use Podcast Republic for your android device.

Today's Topic – A Halloween look at horror We are on the verge of NaNoWriMo. We are taking a bit of a break from the distracting. No inspiration or explanation about worldbuilding, Michael and I will be starting our Journey into horror. Enjoy the Trip. Now, take the time and take the plunge and join us in the NaNoWriMo plunge. Go to NaNoWriMo.org and enter a novel into the competition. If you want to connect up, My user is GardulWriter. And wish me extra luck since my niece is getting married this month so I need to travel during the month. Ah nothing like extra difficulty. Also, for those of you Kristin Ingram and I will be talking about how to turn you geek into a business on 11/6/2016 at Chibicon at the Springfield public Library in Springfield, MA. Please Subscribe, Rate and Review us on iTunesFor complete Fantasy Worldbuilding, show notes go to Gardul.com The Worldbuilding Task for the Day Let me know how you created your pantheon. The Real-World task for the day Make sure you follow your show format. Michael's Resources Episode 142 Let's Build the world, no let's create a story outline, Part Deux Use Gardul.com/Amazon when shopping online to help support the show Images and quotes Please take a moment and comment below on this episode. I look forward to hearing from you about your Fantasy Worldbuilding adventures Listen to Worldbuilder's Anvil in iTunes or use Podcast Republic for your android device.

Today's Topic The gods of Gardul In my fantasy universe, I was looking to play with the idea of what would it be like if the gods of mythology where real. What would it look like? To be quite honest, it is horrible. So, to make a compromise. I create a race of other worldly beings who can indirectly effect the world. They are not a good bunch; they are everything nasty about the Greek gods. And they have one goal, to feed. Foods in the realm of the godlings equals faith. Not just believe, but the expression of faith. So, to gain strength the gods battle for the hearts and minds of the people of Gardul. They will do anything to increase their base of believers. Join Kristin and I in this episode as we explore the gods of Gardul. Please Subscribe, Rate and Review us on iTunesFor complete Fantasy Worldbuilding, show notes go to Gardul.com Podcast Show Flow The Gods Festus (Fe) – order and Forge Mystr (My) – goddess of life Boriek (Bo) – chaos Misac (Mi) – god of emotion from Bo Twins Tempo (Te) [goddess of time] and Febos (Fb) [god of the elements] From FE & MY Mrryih (Mr) [goddess of nature] FE & BO Thrax (Th) [god of revenge] Killing of MI Velusius (Ve) [god of law] Killing of MI Geramyndi (Ge) [god of death] FE and Mr Luna (Lu) [goddess of love] MY and Mi Llivian (Ll) [goddess of magic] MY and MR How the pantheon works Goal is faith Gods of Baurhdrakkeim List of the major gods or thing with god like powers Unotihrïr Good and Holy Konsudd (Bo) : kahon - Zud: Chief god War, learning, and Magic Drakk (Fe) : draak : Becomes Chief God after the split of clans. Protection, Poetry, Hearth Twinn (Fb) :tavin: God of the Sky Frommin (Fe) : Fram - in: God of Sun and Forge Germmig (Fb) : Germ-ig: God of Sumer Rain and Wind Qanya (Mr) :Kan-Ja: Goddess of Winter, Fertility and Death Darriq (Mv) : Dar - ic: Goddess of Love, Hospitality, Home Cehgebb (Ll) : seh - geb: Magic Wija (Mi) : Vija: Nature Cïheim (Ve) : So - Heim: Harvest and Justice Dambigh (Te) :Dom-bigh: Mountains and River Otihrïr Holy Yiggensemmenqhi (Ve) : Jigen – Zemen - Khi: Good world protector Kliqnemmegur (Mr) : Klik – neme - gur: Neutral world protector Lignemmer (Mi) : Lig - nemer: Evil world protector Trappiqen (Bo) :Trop - iken: Chaos and Storms Mirhceratt (My) : Mir - sherat: Leader of the Elves Cesson (Te) : Sezan: Leader of the Split People Berotihrïr Bad and Holy Quqqel (Th) : Kukal: Revenge and moon Äcckoi (Ge) :Askai: Heat, Sand, Death Wissmennom (Fe) :Viz - Menom: Leader of the Gaints Hilloq (My) : Hel - ak: Leader of the Wyrm Menno (Bo) :Mena: Leader of the Cursed Ailleo (Mi) : ahilea: Leader of the Sand People and Night Magic Krammqren (Lu) : Krahm - Kren: Leader of the Dwarfs The Worldbuilding Task for the Day Let me know how you created your pantheon. The Real-World task for the day Make sure you follow your show format. Michael's Resources Episode 120 The one thing you need to create a naturalist fantasy culture Episode 143 Worldbuilding Inspiration from the Electric Universe Watch the Thunderbolts of the gods on YouTube and check out the Thunderbolts Project Use Gardul.com/Amazon when shopping online to help support the show Images and quotes Please take a moment and comment below on this episode. I look forward to hearing from you about your Fantasy Worldbuilding adventures Listen to Worldbuilder's Anvil in iTunes or use Podcast Republic for your android device.

Today's Topic – Following the tragedy through a society Please Subscribe, Rate and Review us on iTunesFor complete Fantasy Worldbuilding, show notes go to Gardul.com So often as authors we tap into the emotion of tragedy for our stories. The tragedy could be limited to a few people, neighborhood, a nation, or even an entire world. We focus on the emotions. However, do we think about the effects on society? It is these ripples that often have a lasting impact on the larger community. It was the Hindenburg crash that ended the age of the blimp and led to the new commercial airlines. Inspired by the potential problems caused by the train crash in Hoboken, NJ. Michael and I will talk about the impacts of real life tragedies and how they can inspire more detail in fantasy stories. The Worldbuilding Task for the Day Find strange inspiration in the life around you? The Real World task for the day Share the podcast out with two friends that would love to hear more about Worldbuilding. Michael's Resources Use Gardul.com/Amazon when shopping online to help support the show Images and quotes Please take a moment and comment below on this episode. I look forward to hearing from you about your Fantasy Worldbuilding adventures Listen to Worldbuilder's Anvil in iTunes or use Podcast Republic for your android device.

Today's Topic – Fantasy worldbuilding inspired by the Electric Please Subscribe, Rate and Review us on iTunesFor complete Fantasy Worldbuilding, show notes go to Gardul.com Podcast Show Flow What is the electric universe? From Gravity to Relativity to Electric Electromagnetics is the connecting force of the universe not gravity Deep electrical impacts happened on planets in the early solar system Leads to lighting connection in mythology Leads to early symbology for all cultures What If electricity connected everything? How new theory causes strife in cultures and internally in science Could electric be the core of magic? Could egg-shaped orbits cause a massive shift in magic on a world? The Worldbuilding Task for the Day Find strange inspiration in the life around you? The Real World task for the day Watch the Thunderbolts of the gods on YouTube and check out the Thunderbolts Project Michael's Resources Episode 106: Language First Culture Create Use Gardul.com/Amazon when shopping online to help support the show Images and quotes Please take a moment and comment below on this episode. I look forward to hearing from you about your Fantasy Worldbuilding adventures

Today's Topic – The actual look at creating a story outline Please Subscribe, Rate and Review us on iTunesFor complete Fantasy Worldbuilding, show notes go to Gardul.com Podcast Show Flow Outline Needs Mission Statement An idea of the world (Mechanic to Framework) An Idea of a story Scope (Beckett to Epic) Idea(s) of setting Idea(s) of conflict Idea(s) of Plot (Spark to Arc) Idea(s) about Resolution Ideas about some characters (Need or Fluff) Determine plot Driven vs Character Driven (event's vs internal struggles) Create Outline Go over the basics of what I look for in a story outline Cover Mission Statement for the story Create a story outline Flesh out story into chapters Define acts Add in additional chapters to balance out acts Add in characters need for each chapter Add in extras characters Add in location(s) for chapters Add in important prop(s) The Worldbuilding Task for the Day Brainstorm and create outline The Real World task for the day Watch Liana Kerzner's Gamer's Guide to Feminism Michael's Resources Episode 140 A Perfect Example of why planning is needed for NaNoWriMo and actual brainstorming for a new story Use Gardul.com/Amazon when shopping online to help support the show Images and quotes Please take a moment and comment below on this episode. I look forward to hearing from you about your Fantasy Worldbuilding adventures Listen to Worldbuilder's Anvil in iTunes or use Podcast Republic for your android device.

Today's Topic – Let's Play DeScriptors to test our Fantasy World. So, we have made it to the third session of the play session for Michael. So far, I have focused on making him have a bad day. He is target. His wine stash, and private stash for the duke has been stolen. His house wine has been ruined. He is out of wine and all while the duke is about to arrive to make a special visit to one of his smaller castles. Nerves are already high amongst the servants since the Duke is supposed to make an announcement. And the servants are worried that the change is coming. They understand that the strategic importance of the castle has faded. We will start with by dealing with the mysterious old man, Marion, and his goat bride. However, danger will be on the rise. The mysterious villain will arrive soon. What is his plan? Check out as Michael learns his options are narrowing and his time is running out. Please Subscribe, Rate and Review us on iTunesFor complete Fantasy Worldbuilding, show notes go to Gardul.com Podcast Show Flow DeScriptors Elements Testing Qïmi (Kemi) Taurqïmi Duke Aziniter, lord of Mellnaras, warden of Kleinphar Mystery villain Scene(s) In Search of a Groom A touching goat wedding Enter the Bard … for real Protecting the Wine … Crap The Worldbuilding Task for the Day N/A The Real World task for the day N/A Michael's Resources DeScriptors, A word game micro RPG Enter the Wine Steward Session 1 Enter the Wine Steward Session 2 Eric The Half a Bee Temple of Doom, Heartless Scene Use Gardul.com/Amazon when shopping online to help support the show

Today's Topic – Why planning a story is important before NaNoWriMo So the plan matched the show flow, it was simple. I would go over abstractly what I look for in an outline to use for writing. It would achieve my goal about talking about outlining. It would help Michael prepare an outline for NaNoWriMo 2016. Please Subscribe, Rate and Review us on iTunesFor complete Fantasy Worldbuilding, show notes go to Gardul.com However, as you listen to the show you will learn that is not what we achieved in the episode. Michael and I had very different ideas of what outlining means. And Also, He had really spent most of his initial planning focused on world building, not thinking about a story. The trap that does not kill us, makes us stronger. I think it ended up being a great example of a risk world builders fall into. It is easy to confuse good world building with story planning. You are thinking out scenarios that could happen in your world. If you are like me, you are visualizing scenes of it playing out. Little stories that you might confuse with the story you are planning to tell in your new world. The scenes are great. However, we are still not planning the story. Now, if we are lucky we might be able to use some of those scenes in our head. But, they could be completely useless for the story we want to tell. We did not accomplish what we thought we were going to do. However, it maybe became a better episode. It shows that as writers, we can get ahead of ourselves. We should not be afraid to take a step back to ensure we are properly prepared. And imagine if he started NaNoWriMo thinking the story was in his head. Might he have sabotaged himself before he started? Please Subscribe, Rate and Review us on iTunesFor complete Fantasy Worldbuilding, show notes go to Gardul.com Podcast Show Flow Go over the basics of what I look for in a story outline Cover Mission Statement for the story Create a story outline Flesh out story into chapters Define acts Add in additional chapters to balance out acts Add in characters need for each chapter Add in extras characters Add in location(s) for chapters Add in important prop(s) The Worldbuilding Task for the Day Create a story Outline! Okay let's Brainstorm so we can start working on a story. The Real World task for the day Make sure you communicate with people to understand what is needed before you start, and do not Michael's Resources Episode 109 Organize your Fantasy Worldbuilding with 9 Tools Small Biz Life Podcast Episode 28 POST-IT NOTE BRAINSTORMING Use Gardul.com/Amazon when shopping online to help support the show Images and quotes Please take a moment and comment below on this episode. I look forward to hearing from you about your Fantasy Worldbuilding adventures Listen to Worldbuilder's Anvil in iTunes or use Podcast Republic for your android device.

Today's Topic – First Generation Naturalistic Fantasy World So, we have been asking ourselves lots of questions. Enough Questions, It is time to start building. We are also not looking to build just any type of world. We want to build a naturalistic framework fantasy world. Please Subscribe, Rate and Review us on iTunesFor complete Fantasy Worldbuilding, show notes go to Gardul.com So the goal is not to lay out the world the way we like it. We want to set up the way we want our world to evolve. There are a few things we need to know when we are down. We need to know the major geography of the world. We need to know the temperature and rainfall patterns. We need to know where are early cultures and races exist. Things to keep in mind for making the first generation world The major things for climate are understanding the influence of the sun, ocean currents and air streams. We also need to know the coastline and mountains. This information will tell us where the rain goes and stops. Where the rivers start and end. We know all we need to understand the climate of our planet and where our starting cultures should go. So join Michael and We walk you through creating a first generation fantasy world. Please Subscribe, Rate and Review us on iTunesFor complete Fantasy Worldbuilding, show notes go to Gardul.com Podcast Show Flow Layout Coast Place your mountains Understand your sun and where it delivers the most heat Currents and winds Conveyor currents Wind Streams Surface currents Cyclone Areas Seasonal Variances Long-term variances Le Nino / La Nina Windward / Leeward side of the mountains Mountain Altitude Rivers and Lakes Vegetation Location of Proto-cultures and Races The Worldbuilding Task for the Day Create a first generation world The Real World task for the day Keep or start paying into your karmic bank for NaNoWriMo Michael's Resources Use Gardul.com/Amazon when shopping online to help support the show

Today's Topic – Types of Fantasy worlds to create Please Subscribe, Rate and Review us on iTunesFor complete Fantasy Worldbuilding, show notes go to Gardul.com We talk about all sorts of things on the show, Zombies created by ants or defined the type of world builder you are? However, I have never really defined what types of worldbuilding projects you might create. We look at the types of realism, either naturalistic, mosaic, or fantastic. We do not determine realism based on the level of magic that many people would. We look at the how the worlds develop. In addition to the Level of Realism, we look at the Scale of Purpose. Are you trying to create the world that you are going to keep reusing or a world meant to tell one story? The less you plan the world, the less detail you will need to create. Michael returns from his great orc war of I-84 and joins me as we finally look at the types of fictional worlds you create. Please Subscribe, Rate and Review us on iTunesFor complete Fantasy Worldbuilding, show notes go to Gardul.com Podcast Show Flow Level of Realism Naturalistic Mosaic Fantastic Scale of Purpose Framework to World for Story The Worldbuilding Task for the Day Determine your level Realism and your world's The Real World task for the day Prepare for the New Destiny Expansion http://amzn.to/2cqmxlA Michael's Resources Density Rise of Iron http://amzn.to/2cqmxlA Episode 79: Ant Zombie Over Lords http://gardul.com/blog/episode-79-ant-zombie-over-lords/ Episode 80: What Type of Worldbuilder are you? http://gardul.com/blog/episode-80-what-type-of-worldbuilder-are-you/ Use Gardul.com/Amazon when shopping online to help support the show Images and quotes Please take a moment and comment below on this episode. I look forward to hearing from you about your Fantasy Worldbuilding adventures Listen to Worldbuilder's Anvil in iTunes or use Podcast Republic for your android device.

Today's Topic – Patterns for Fantasy Worldbuilding Evolution Please Subscribe, Rate and Review us on iTunesFor complete Fantasy Worldbuilding, show notes go to Gardul.com If you listen to this show; you will have heard me talk about evolving creatures, races, cultures, or technology. After listening back to my older episodes, I decided to take a break from what I was planning to do and talk about what do I mean when I talk about evolution in fantasy worldbuilding. However, before you listen I want to tell you what I do not mean. I do not create all the life on my planet from the first single cell that divides itself. Sure, it would be much more realistic. However, I am not conceited enough to think I am smart enough to do this. I also prefer storytelling. So, join Kristin and me as we look at how to create the illusion of evolution to create a more naturalistic world for my true passion, framework worldbuilding. Please Subscribe, Rate and Review us on iTunesFor complete Fantasy Worldbuilding, show notes go to Gardul.com Podcast Show Flow Patterns of Evolution Develop Beliefs Think about inspirations and new Stimuli develop Cultural Norms Create First Gen Language and Religion Add New Technology and History Stimuli for bronze age Adapt Culture, Language, and Religion Add New Technology and History Stimuli for Iron Age Adapt Culture, Language, and Religion (Consider New Religions) Continue until you reach tech Level desired; making sure that you track details about any people and locations you name along the way Ensure the name matches the language developed The Worldbuilding Task for the Day Creating a protoculture from your world The Real World task for the day Learn more about bootstrapping your geek into a business by attending the SmallbizLife Live Bootstrapping webinar. Click here to learn more. Michael's Resources Learn everything at The Great Courses Use Gardul.com/Amazon when shopping online to help support the show

Today's Topic – Part One Specific Questions to ask yourself when creating a new fantasy worldbuilding project Questions are at the heart of any world building. Back in episode 7 started the conversation how I start creating a naturalistic framework fantasy world. I start with what I like to call the Basics Breakdown. I do this to create an inventory of ideas that I what to make sure are considered when I create my world. Please Subscribe, Rate and Review us on iTunesFor complete Fantasy Worldbuilding, show notes go to Gardul.com Once I have identified the list of idea, I am free to start exploring the ideas. Now, I never lock myself into needing to use the ideas. However, I can refer to them to see if they can inspire me along the way. In this episode, Michael and I will revisit the Basics Breakdown and ask specific questions and then talk about the answers I would give to the questions about my fantasy world, Gardul. We cover the areas of Rules for a fantasy universe, figure out what is unique about the solar system Gardul is in, and what are important about the physical geography of Gardul. We are looking for ways to differentiate it from Earth; the only planet we know to compare it to. Podcast Show Flow The Basics Questions What is different between your fantasy world and earth? What can be seen in the night sky? What are the natural wonders of the world? What geography features that stick out? The Worldbuilding Task for the Day Start thinking about the fundamental questions about your fantasy world? The Real World task for the day Find more ways to exercise Michael's Resources Episode 7: Worldbuilding Basics Breakdown Dune Use Gardul.com/Amazon when shopping online to help support the show Images and quotes Please take a moment and comment below on this episode. I look forward to hearing from you about your Fantasy Worldbuilding adventures Listen to Worldbuilder's Anvil in iTunes or use Podcast Republic for your android device.

Today's Topic – Part One Specific Questions to ask yourself when creating a new fantasy worldbuilding project Questions are at the heart of any world building. Back in episode 7 started the conversation how I start creating a naturalistic framework fantasy world. I start with what I like to call the Basics Breakdown. I do this to create an inventory of ideas that I what to make sure are considered when I create my world. Please Subscribe, Rate and Review us on iTunesFor complete Fantasy Worldbuilding, show notes go to Gardul.com Once I have identified the list of idea, I am free to start exploring the ideas. Now, I never lock myself into needing to use the ideas. However, I can refer to them to see if they can inspire me along the way. In this episode, Michael and I will revisit the Basics Breakdown and ask specific questions and then talk about the answers I would give to the questions about my fantasy world, Gardul. We cover the areas of Rules for a fantasy universe, figure out what is unique about the solar system Gardul is in, and what are important about the physical geography of Gardul. We are looking for ways to differentiate it from Earth; the only planet we know to compare it to. Podcast Show Flow The Basics Questions What is different between your fantasy world and earth? What can be seen in the night sky? What are the natural wonders of the world? What geography features that stick out? The Worldbuilding Task for the Day Start thinking about the fundamental questions about your fantasy world? The Real World task for the day Find more ways to exercise Michael's Resources Episode 7: Worldbuilding Basics Breakdown Dune Use Gardul.com/Amazon when shopping online to help support the show

Today's Topic – Session Two of Enter the Wine Steward The beta testing of my world continues. If you do not have a background in Roleplaying games, you might not have thought about testing your world this way. However, it is nothing new. Many of the worlds I read about came from Dungeons and Dragons. According to the wiki, over sixty authors and covering eleven fantasy worlds. Please Subscribe, Rate and Review us on iTunesFor complete Fantasy Worldbuilding, show notes go to Gardul.com And these are not just authors famous to role-players, R.A Salvatore, Douglas Niles, Margaret Weis, and Tracy Hickman have made the Forgotten Realms and Dragonlance worlds that are known to people how have never played Dungeons and Dragons. Gaming will not make better at writing. However, you will be a better storyteller Now, I believe there are only two things that will make you better at writing, and that is reading and writing. However, running a story based RPG will make you a much better storyteller. Your players will help you learn, what works for them, what they want more of. And what they do not want. You will have to listen to the players and be willing to change. However, it is easier to change your world, characters, and storytelling techniques when you are playing a game than when you get feedback on your 100,000-page novel. Best of all, you will be trained to get past writer's block. When you are playing a game, you are not given the opportunity to be blocked. The players will want to play. At first, you might struggle. However, you will create a tool bag of storytelling tricks that you can use to propel the story ahead, Join Michael and I on our second session testing out my world using DeScriptors by Matthew Bannock. Please Subscribe, Rate and Review us on iTunesFor complete Fantasy Worldbuilding, show notes go to Gardul.com Podcast Show Flow DeScriptors Elements Testing Qïmi (Kemi) Taurqïmi Duke Aziniter, lord of Mellnaras, warden of Kleinphar Mystery villain Starter Scene(s) The Courtyard The Kitchen The Dukes Chambers The Cellar The Castle Hall The Town Gate The Goat Merchant? The Worldbuilding Task for the Day N/A The Real World task for the day Thoughts and prayers for Jeff's knee problem Michael's Resources Episode 127: Wine, Dine, and Testing Time Session 1 of Enter the Wine Steward Episode 124: The Pregame show DeScriptors, A word game micro RPG Images and quotes

Today's Topic – My success in NaNoWriMo starts with Time Management Most of my life, I have waste and an incredible amount of time on because of the excuse. I do not have enough time. Heck, if you would have asked me a month ago. I would have told you that I have about 2 extra hours a week. Please Subscribe, Rate and Review us on iTunesFor complete Fantasy Worldbuilding, show notes go to Gardul.com It is funny what you can learn about yourself in fifteen minutes. For example, I really have about nineteen extra hours a week. It might not be the amount of hours that I want to dedicate to podcasting and writing. However, It is lots more time than I thought. It really makes my part-time business a part-time job. Join Kristin and I as we look at Time budgets. And after you listen to the episode, please join the newsletter and get a free excel Time Budget sheet at Gardul.com/NL Podcast Show Flow Most important tool What time feels like Time Budget Master Schedule, Calendar, and Next Actions The Worldbuilding Task for the Day Create your own time budget for NaNoWriMo The Real World task for the day Start using a time budget to maximize your time to hustle Michael's Resources Dave Ramsey's Money Budget Tool Episode 132 How do I write 50,000 words #NaNoWriMo when I work and have a life? Use Gardul.com/Amazon when shopping online to help support the show Images and quotes Please take a moment and comment below on this episode. I look forward to hearing from you about your Fantasy Worldbuilding adventures Listen to Worldbuilder's Anvil in iTunes or use Podcast Republic for your android device.

Today's Topic – If you work full time, there are things you can start doing now to lead to success in NaNoWriMo 2016 I can be a planner. However, there are times I fall behind. Like This month, I have been hitting conventions. I have been to Podcast Movement 2016 and Launch Out St Louis. I am behind so this intro will be shorter than I want. In life you have to be flexible and adjust, However, with proper planning and plotting we can avoid situations like this Join us as we discuss a plan for people who work and have lives to complete the annual 50,000 words in a month challenge called NaNoWriMo For complete Fantasy Worldbuilding, show notes go to Gardul.com Please Subscribe, Rate and Review us on iTunes Podcast Show Flow Subject Outline Schedule Meals and other real world stuff Writing for Bulk Learn your worldbuilding needs The Worldbuilding Task for the Day Figure out what you need The Real World task for the day Start sucking up to your spouse now Michael's Resources Use Gardul.com/Amazon when shopping online to help support the show Images and quotes Please take a moment and comment below on this episode. I look forward to hearing from you about your Fantasy Worldbuilding adventures Listen to Worldbuilder's Anvil in iTunes or use Podcast Republic for your android device.

Today's Topic – What if 2% of your population just disappeared? Before, I start yapping about worldbuilding. I need to take a moment to thank you for the listening to the show. We hit 40,000 downloads on the podcast in July of 2016 just before this showed aired. It might not be the biggest show in the world. However, it grew much larger and faster than I could ever dream. So, Thank you, dear listener. Michael and I really love the show. However, knowing there are so many of you out there keeps pushing us to do a better job at creating the show. We are a small indie studio, so we know it wasn't us but you the listener that gives this show more success than we can believe. For complete Fantasy Worldbuilding, show notes go to Gardul.com Please Subscribe, Rate and Review us on iTunes Worldbuilding is driven by questions So the question we would like to explore today is, "What would happen if 2% of the world's population vanished?" I really have to think the HBO series the Leftovers for the question. I started watching the show, and it made me think. How would the world react to such an event? It is horrible. However, it would not come close to an apocalyptic event. However, it should have a truly massive impact. Our world has about 7.4 Billion people in it according to Census.gov. That would mean over 140 Million people or 1 in 50 people would just randomly disaster in a day. Sounds pretty horrible to me. 1 in 50 is bad, but there is some good news in the scenario In 2015 the population of the earth grew at about 84 million in a year according to the worldmeter.info website. So even if the rate of population growth slowed, the earth's population would return to current levels in around 2 years. So this theoretic tragedy mystery in perspective, it is bad. However, it does not put the future of mankind at risk. So join Michael and I today as we brainstorm stories and worldbuilding changes to the world based on this question what you would do? Podcast Show Flow Brainstorm the premise of the HBo Series, "Leftovers' That is it, and we held ourselves back and still got over thirty minutes The Worldbuilding Task for the Day What would happen in your world if 2% of the population just disappeared? The Real World task for the day Hug the person that you would miss the most if they would suddenly disappear Michael's Resources Interview with Dawn Metcalf HBO's The Leftovers Use Gardul.com/Amazon when shopping online to help support the show Images and quotes Please take a moment and comment below on this episode. I look forward to hearing from you about your Fantasy Worldbuilding adventures Listen to Worldbuilder's Anvil in iTunes or use Podcast Republic for your android device.

Today's Topic – Finding the Balance needed in your fantasy story As a Worldbuilder and a storyteller, there are many things to worry about. Does our story rock? Have we represented out fantasy world correctly? Did I sell more books than people I know? This is a short list. I am sure you can come up with a myriad of others as well. However, One of the less obvious questions; did we strike a balance? Visit the gardul.com for the show notes Please Subscribe, Rate and Review us on iTunes What the heck is balance? Balance can mean many things. Should one of our races dominated the other? If not what is holding them back? Much of originality, it is one of the most abstract questions in worldbuilding. We have to remember that balancing is an art, not a science. Our goal should not be to set the balance dial to the middle. We have to consider many different things and balance the story to where we need it to maximize the entertainment of the reader. What are we trying to balance? Does the plot not have the proper flow? Do you have to rush the third act of the story just to finish under 1.2 Million words? Is one of our characters to powerful? Do you notice all the questions? If you are like me, you might have asked too many questions. Check out the episode as Michael and I explore the art of balancing the story. Podcast Show Flow Balance <> equal Things to consider balancing Story vs. Plot Over Powered Characters Look out for the Deus ex machina solutions to problems The Worldbuilding Task for the Day Outline your story, figure out what parts are extending the story and what parts are part of the plot. Make sure you have the balance. The Real World task for the day Watch Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the lost ark The Tease Enter the Bard Session 2 Michael's Resources Use Gardul.com/Amazon when shopping online to help support the show

Today's Topic – The Originality Trap And How To Avoid It! I have spent countless hours working on being original. It was truly a concern. I worried about my clothes, my music, my art, and my fantasy world. I wanted everything to be original. However, I like most people failed at the task. I read books people did not read. I played games that others made fun of. I wore all black, just like most of my friends. I listened to metal, unlike all of the other people. I wish I could have learned the truth earlier. I was not original; I was just not mainstream. However, I could not have been original. At least not by my definition, I was merely an arrogant jerk who like to think less of people who I thought brought into the system. The End of originality And was I not only not original. I was an idiot. It took me well over twenty years to figure it out. I started to figure it out in 1999 when Stardust came out from Neal Gaiman. Many of my players teased me when Neal had a city called Highwall. How dare he! I had been using that name for a decade. So, to proof my originally, I wrapped up that game and started a new game that took place in space. I could force the players to fly away from my embarrassment of the City of Highwall. In my fantasy world, Gardul. There were a few being called gods. They gain power through belief. So, I wanted to have them use the players to battle each other to gain power. The older gods would try and seize the power away from the newer gods. I was so proud of my story. During the early stages of the story, one of my friends commented how he loved this game. It was just like a book called, "American Gods." I was insulted, I denied it and to prove my point I had them shoot and kill and themselves at a previous point in time. This created a paradox that destroyed the universe. A storyteller scorned Honestly, I was so agitated that I have never spoken to Neal again. Of course, again might be a bit of a stretch since I had never had the fortune of meeting Mr. Gaiman. However, the incident did teach me a lesson. No one can be completely original. Let's Face it, even if a person could survive doing nothing that has never been done before, which is impossible. The had an origin from two other people. What is originality? The truth is if I had thought about what it means to be original instead of worrying about what people perceived me to be. I could have saved a lot of time. Because the reality is as similar as all human beings are there are no two exact copies. The environment effects all of us differently. My exact taste in music, art, and entertainment is closely matched by my friends. However, they are never exactly the same. And at a more fundamental way, we vary at a genetic level. And thanks to a study about identical twins, by Geneticist Carl Bruder, he found even that there were subtle differences in them. http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/identical-twins-genes-are-not-identical/ However, the fact we are all individuals does not meet my need for being creative when I write. So, I decided to look up in the dictionary what it means to be originality and according to oxford I have two choices: "The ability to think independently and creatively" or "The quality of being novel or unusual." First choice for the win! Now, I have, to be honest. The second choice stood out to me. However, I had to dismiss because "novel or unusual" are too subjective. What is novel to me a white male who was born in Indiana and now lives in Connecticut might not be all that novel to an Assamese female from India. And even if we do agree something is novel, there will be a troll on the internet that calls us both idiots. So, that really leaves me with the ability to think independently and creatively. Now, I know what you are thinking. The troll will still call me an idiot because they are still objective terms. And, you are right. However, I think they can be used in non-subjective ways. So we will just pretend that I am correct. Now, I will wait for a few moments if you want to troll me in the comments. http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/us/definition/american_english/originality What is originality not? Now, Since I have spent years as an information technology analyst. I have to say what is out of scope. What I do not mean by being original in my mind. First, writing about underrepresented peoples, cultures, or genders will not make a work original. Even, if you think there should be more books written from different perspectives that will not in and of itself make it original. Even, if you hate political correctness and want to belittle the underrepresented characters, you are not original. Also, rewriting the nouns to other nouns. If you call your rabbit a smeerp. Does not make it original. In fact, besides not be original as an author you will only create more work for yourself having to convey the sense that a smeerp is a rabbit. Frack, If you are going to go to all the effort to create a noun go al

Today's Topic – Seven basic Fantasy Worldbuilding questions that would have made my life easier. Worldbuilding is the art of creating a fictional setting. I achieve this by asking lots of questions. I first asked questions about the overview of the setting. I then grab important details and ask more questions. I will repeat this process until I have what I need to start storytelling. I only end the process when I am done telling stories in a given world. I am not the only person to look at Worldbuilding this way. There is an article about Fantasy Worldbuilding Questions by Patricia C. Wrede on the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America website. Or go check out the 20 World Building Questions for Authors to Ask Themselves post by JS Morin or The Ultimate Guide to World-Building: How To Write Fantasy, Sci-Fi And Real-Life Worlds post on writersedit.com. There are also countless other great articles with great questions you should ask yourself when you are worldbuilding. However, I wish I asked myself some questions before I started. So, check out the episode and let us know what your answers are to the seven questions below. Podcast Show Flow Why do I want to world build? What do I want to world build? What Genre do I want to build for? What are the worlds we know about? What changes would I make? What kind of world do I want to make? What type of word builder am I? The Worldbuilding Task for the Day The Worldbuilding Task for the DayAsk yourself the questions and use that as a goal when creating your world The Real World task for the day Call home before you finish work for the day and ask if you need to pick anything up on your way home. The Tease How to create the most original story, EVER! Please Subscribe, Rate and Review us on iTunesFor complete Fantasy Worldbuilding, show notes go to Gardul.com Michael's Resources Artifexian Episode 112: Magic Vs Technology? http://gardul.com/blog/episode-112-magic-vs-technology/ Episode 106: Language First Culture Create Shadowrun Cyberpunk 2020: The Roleplaying Game of the Dark Future Twilight (The Twilight Saga, Book 1) Fifty Shades of Grey Alice in Wonderland Wizard of Oz Episode 80: What Type of Worldbuilder are you? The Building of Worlds by Rajan Khanna Batman Ten Nights of the Beast No. 420 Jun 1988 (Part Four of Four) Use Gardul.com/Amazon when shopping online to help support the show Images and quotes Please take a moment and

Today's Topic – Our First story session of Enter the Steward. Okay back in episode 124, Michael and I talked about live-playing a story to talk about the city of Qïmi. The point of the story was to explain how to use role-playing games to test out new fantasy worlds. If you are a Game Master or a Dungeon Master you are thinking, "Duh" You might be thinking that the point of new fantasy worlds is for playing in games. However, the idea is really for people who create worlds for other reasons. Maybe you are an author or game maker, well then this is an option to explore elements of your world and have fun doing it. What is DeScriptors? DeSpriptors is a quick play RPG that was created by Matthew Bannock. The basic idea is that your DeScriptor is a noun or two that describes your character. You also start off with four adjectives. These can be bid to overcome your challenges. Michael and I choose this system since it is story driven, not math and dice driven. However, If you like games like GURPS and Dungeons and Dragons you can use whatever you like. If you would like a review for the system go here and check one out at neuronphaser. Or since the system needs one page to describe the rules and show examples just download the game. Background Qïmi is a town of shrinking strategic importance. However, due to its castle and location near the Grandknight's Highway, it is of growing importance as a trading center for the Duchy of Mellnaras. The current lord is Duke Aziniter, Lord of Mellnaras, the Warden of Kleinpar. The castle inside the town where Michael's character is the Wine steward is properly referred to as Taurqïmi. However, Many of the locals would call it the castle or Qïmituar since the local language is starting to fragment from the culture who settled the land. The lords and the peasants who interact with them are always the last to adopt the changing language. That is just the way the culture rolls. What am I looking for in the Test? Now, I could just ask Michael questions. However, In my opinion, that is only part of the process. I will look to see what he ask and how he reacts as it is happening. I will determine if the question is a character or player asking. If it is a question the character is asking, then I will look to address that in future stories as part of my narration. However, If the play is confused or looking for more background. I will determine if the information is important to future stories and how can I work that information into my story without the readers or players feeling like they are reading an encyclopedia. So, Michael and I are experimenting with a format type. We hope you love it. If you have suggestions on how to make it better. Please give me feedback @JefferyWIngram on Twitter. Podcast Show Flow DeScriptors Quick background Qïmi (Kemi) Duke Aziniter, lord of Mellnaras, warden of Kleinphar Starter Scene(s) The Cellar The Inn Please Subscribe, Rate and Review us on iTunes For complete Fantasy Worldbuilding, show notes go to Gardul.com The Tease Evolution, Microevolution, and stagnant worlds. Michael's Resources Episode 124: The Pregame show DeScriptors, A word game micro RPG

Today's Topic – Kaizen boards can be used for an entire host of organizational needs Have you ever wasted months trying to organize a path to get something done? And after spending hundreds of hours did not even set started on what you were planning. I have this problem with the large task and any task that I subconsciously fear. I plan and study, but forget to act on the task. I started a more constant way of planning that I learned about at work it is a Kaizen board. Check out the episode to learn specifically how I have adopted it for my naturalistic framework world-building. I will show you how to create a Podcast Show Flow Kaizen boards are a simple progress tracking device. Michael learns an old word Parts of the Kaizen Master State List Kaizen board for your Kaizen boards for any task The Worldbuilding Task for the Day Create and use a kaizen board and see if it works for you The Real World task for the day Think of a book you don't want to read. Do not read it, go and get a book you want to read and read it. The Tease Kaizen Boards for Worldbuilding Please Subscribe, Rate and Review us on iTunesFor complete Fantasy Worldbuilding, show notes go to Gardul.com Michael's Resources Episode 80: What Type of Worldbuilder are you? Download a PDF of the Master State List Kaizen board Download a PDF of a Kaizen board for creating a specific Fantasy State Kaizen Board state (this is the classic Kaizen form) Use Gardul.com/Amazon when shopping online to help support the show

Today's Topic – Learn to developer the world like a character Much like we can define the type of Worldbuilder we are. It is important to know how we want to develop our world. We can use evolution, stagnant, and microevolution. We are not talking the myths, but how to develop your world. For these purposes, true evolution is not a great path. It would take way to build 13 billion years of history. A However, if you join us today to learn about microevolution and three hacks to get us to a naturalist end without the time cost. Podcast Show Flow Evolution Weakness increases chance of change Impossible to scale Most Naturalistic Very Time consuming Hack is to start right before your storytelling begins Stagnant The exist because I am No Scale needed You get what you want Can seem disconnected Think before you build Microevolution Pockets of evolution when needed Look at the inputs to determine the output More Scale Approximates a naturalistic setting Leave gaps that can be filled in poorly Hack use a document to track the gaps you know about until they need to be filled in The Worldbuilding Task for the Day Define what type of world you have The Real World task for the day Remember those you love who have passed The Tease Kaizen Boards for Worldbuilding Michael's Resources Episode 80: What Type of Worldbuilder are you? Use Gardul.com/Amazon when shopping online to help support the show

Today's Topic – Showing the setup for using gaming to beta test a fantasy world Okay, we just want an excuse to play a game. You got me. However, I truly believe that we can both have fun and work. So, we hacked a plan. One that would allow us to test out a new episode type and fulfill Michael's desire to play in another one of my stories. The major goal is to entertain you. If it does not work, please let us know. In addition to entertainment, we want to show how you could use role-playing games to test out Worldbuilding elements and to help improve your storytelling techniques. It is really like coauthoring a story. Michael will be in charge of his character. I will be in charge of everything else. Now, it is important to note that one storyteller to one player is not an optimal number to start out with. A good number of players is three to five for a new RPG GM or DM. It allows you to treat players like a multi-cat household. They can help keep each other entertained while you figure out what you are doing next. I do hope you are entertained. Authors let me know, are you going to run a game-based in your world? DMs and GMs let me know are you tempted to try your hand at sharing a static story with the world? Podcast Show Flow Why is RPG gaming a good use of time for fiction writers? Qïmi (Kemi) Duke Aziniter, lord of Mellnaras, Warden of the Kleinphar Wine Steward for Tuarqïmi (Caste of Tuarqïmi) Michael's Character's largest problem What we are testing The roundup Please Subscribe, Rate and Review us on iTunes For complete Fantasy Worldbuilding, show notes go to Gardul.com The Worldbuilding Task for the Day Pick a place and people to test out elements of your world The Real World task for the day Start working on your beach body (I already have one thanks to mind over matter) The Tease Evolution, Microevolution, and stagnant worlds. Michael's Resources Episode 118: Power of interactive storytelling Part 1 http://gardul.com/blog/episode-118-power-interactive-gaming-part-1/ DeScriptors, A word game micro RPG https://www.facebook.com/DeScriptors/?__mref=message_bubble Use Gardul.com/Amazon when shopping online to help support the show

Today's Topic – Make your geek official. 3 easy steps to start a small business and a path to marketing yourself Hey, let's start off serious. How many authors have you read that you had never heard of before you bought their book? I have a few. Many coffee table books. And I have bought a few and had a few given to me gifts. I am much pickier with Games. If I do not know it, I will not buy it. I am stuck in my ways. Now, I have several friends who have large game collections. I will try out most games with them before I buy any. Know, Since I have started the Worldbuilder's Anvil. I have had the chance to talk to many people who have great talents in writing, game design and other parts of geekery. There is an amazing amount of talent. Great storytellers and talented individuals all around. Many of them spend most of their waking hours working and then again on their passion of choice. Most end up doing very little with it. They share their passion with a few lucky people they know. Another lot of them release content through traditional means or through their own personal financial risk. They launch their work and then move on to the next project. Grimm Truth about creative products Some get it, the hustle and work. However, they most have no background in business or marketing. They are creators. They love the craft. They hope or maybe even expect that the quality of their work will one day be noticed. However, the truth is that many of us will have trouble selling our products. According to Bowker Reports over 2 million new ISBN numbers were released in 2012. And the trend from 2002 to the projected 2013 numbers are grimmer the number of new releases has grown 470%. What happens if you make money? And then, what happens if your product sells. So you actually make money. You have to pay for graphics, editing, layout work and marketing. After that, the government will want you to give them a portion. You could work for years and never keep a dime. Even if you are not an author, How much money do you spend on accessories, materials, and conventions? It is lucky we love what we do because most forms of creative arts are very expensive. However, with the price of less than an hour of your time. We can get you started on a path that will help you make the most of what you do. Kristin and I will show you three simple steps on how to set you geekery into a business. It is simpler than you think. It should take you less than a day and probably less than $50. We will also share with you the basics we have learned to create a foundation for online marketing. Do not lose hope, Start Smart I am not trying to affiliate market you any products or services here. I am really trying to get more geeks to share more of their content with the world. I believe many of you have fans out there who would love to buy what you should be selling. Heck, I might even be one of them. And it truly hurts me that most people will not take a few simple steps to protect themselves and try and get their art into other people's hands. I will be joined by Kristin Ingram today. She is my co-host on another podcast called Small Biz Life. She is a CPA and the director of The Masters of Accounting and Taxation and the University of Hartford. She has spent a year working with small business on how to become more profitability. If you want to learn more about our business side, check out our business bios here. Podcast Show Flow The Mechanics of how to start a business. Focus on your brand. Business License (Or Trade Name Certificate) Federal Employer Identification Number IRS Website: https://www.irs.gov/Businesses/Small-Businesses-&-Self-Employed/Apply-for-an-Employer-Identification-Number-(EIN)-Online Separate bank accounts The path to starting marketing your products (books, art, or other geek good.) One website to hold all your geek-related Email list Take the time to learn what it takes to sell the book. Please Subscribe, Rate and Review us on iTunes For complete Fantasy Worldbuilding, show notes go to Gardul.com The Worldbuilding Task for the Day Pick one item you have made in the past and start putting together a plan on how to sell it. The Real World task for the day Ask ten people you know; that are interested in what you plan to sell and ask them if they join your email newsletter. The Tease The Pregame Sow Michael's Resources Small Biz Life Podcast Dungeon Masters Guild Bowker Reports Books Jab Jab Jab Right Hook Use Gardul.com/Amazon when shopping online to help support the show Images and quotes Please take a moment and comment below on this episode. I look forward to hearing from you about your Fantasy Worldbuilding adventures Listen to Worldbuilder's Anvil in iTunes or use Podcast Republic for your android device.

Today's Topic – Preventing your fantasy world from blowing up I am not going to talk about preventing errors in stories or fatal world building flaws that will lose you, readers. I am talking building a story towards a world apocalypse, but then adverting it. It is a popular story type. It creates a lot of the same tension as destroying the world. However, you are not left with a post-apocalyptic world. Now you might have guessed from episode 86, 87, and 88. Michael and I love fictional worlds blowing up and consuming post-apocalyptic fiction. You might have even cried a bit if you performed the Worldbuilder task for those episodes and destroyed your world, to that we say, "Thanks!" However, in today's episode. We will be talking about why it might be a useful story to create. People do seem to love them. They are thrilling. And it might be possible to make them without turning the story into a horrible disaster trope. However, as a show, we would like to encourage you to consider really just blowing the hell out of it. It really is quite fun and therapeutic. Enjoy the episode and comment below to tell us what we missed. Podcast Show Flow Is your story about the apocalypse the prevention of said event? Why prevent the Apocalypse? Great story Nature of Mankind. How to prevent? Characters, plot devices that will kill off your world as it is known. What are the consequences of prevention? Please Subscribe, Rate and Review us in iTunes For complete Fantasy Worldbuilding show notes go to Gardul.com Michael's Resources Episode 86: First you made your fantasy world… now blow it up part 1 Episode 87: First you made your fantasy world… now blow it up part 2 Episode 88: First you made your fantasy world… now blow it up part 3 Movies Independence day Armageddon Deep Impact Rock Jocks Dr. Strangelove Fail Safe Eye in the Sky Core 2012 Games Pandemic Plague Inc Dig Asteroids Use Gardul.com/Amazon when shopping online to help support the show White Wolf's Werewolf the Apocalypse Use Gardul.com/Amazon when shopping online to help support the show Images and quotes The Worldbuilding Task for the Day Write an apocalypse prevention tale, or turn it into a failed prevention and email us a copy. The Real World task for the day Spring cleaning in preparation for the enjoyment of the season forthcoming rebirth The Tease The basics of turning your passion into a business? Please take a moment and comment below on this episode. I look forward to hearing from you about your Fantasy Worldbuilding adventures Listen to Worldbuilder's Anvil in iTunes or use Podcast Republic for your android device.

Today's Topic – Humor in your fantasy world An Orc walks into a bar. He reaches over the bar and grabs a keg of ale and starts to walk out. The bartender says, "Hey are you going to pay for that?" The orc says, "By my Axe." The bartender responds, "Maybe after you pay for the Ale." Now that you know for sure that I do not write humor. We can get started. Humor is often thought of as the driver of comedies. It is important. However, that is not what we are talking about today. We are talking about today. We are talking about using humor to add tension in a story. Now, we have all had a moment where we are watching a movie or reading a book and the drama or tension overwhelms us. We become numb to it. Join Michael and Jeffery as they look at ways to incorporate humor into your story to avoid falling into that trap. Enjoy the episode and comment below to tell us what we missed. Podcast Show Flow Humor is not just for comedy Humor relieves stress and tension, in stories and in life Stories with no humor do not feel right to readers The Class clown Humor creates a psychological response Supporting the story The Jester Character from Shakespeare Please Subscribe, Rate and Review us in iTunes For complete Fantasy Worldbuilding show notes go to Gardul.com Michael's Resources Books Richards Bachman's (Stephen King) "The Running Man" Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep (Blade Runner) Philip K Dick Not A Crack in Time but Time out of Joint Philip K Dick Shows Firefly Star Trek Movies Serenity Scream Nightmare on Elm Street Freddy vs Jason Galaxy Quest Star Trek Matrix Ex Machina Monty Python's Quest for the Holy Grail Blade Runner Games White Wolf's Werewolf the Apocalypse Use Gardul.com/Amazon when shopping online to help support the show Images and quotes The Worldbuilding Task for the Day Add humor to a dark or twisted tail you have written The Real World task for the day Egg Michael's Car The Tease Preventing a world apocalypse Please take a moment and comment below on this episode. I look forward to hearing from you about your Fantasy Worldbuilding adventures Listen to Worldbuilde

Today's Topic - Creations Myths are the key to understanding your fantasy cultures Creation myths are a great place to start when developing a new Fantasy Culture. *Stops listens for a drum roll. However, only seeing a group of crickets he quickly moves on* Yes, it is a bad joke. However, there's truth in them thar words. Yes, truth. We often try and understand the cultures in our fantasy worlds. However, how often to we look at the myths of the cultures. We often on think them up when they are needed. However, If you are building a naturalist fantasy world. It really is in your best interest to create a basic outline for the important myths. This will tell you what the early culture found important, and once you know that building religion. In today's episode, we are looking at the themes for ten earth cultures and a quick bonus myth from the dragon culture on Gardul. Join us for some inspiration and practice at creating creation myths for your fantasy cultures. Enjoy the episode and comment below to tell us what we missed. Podcast Show Flow Categories for this wonderfulwiki page on a List of Creation Myths Out of Chaos Earth Driver Out of nothing Emergent World Parent Please Subscribe, Rate and Review us in iTunes For complete Fantasy Worldbuilding show notes go to Gardul.com Michael's Resources Use Gardul.com/Amazon when shopping online to help support the show The Worldbuilding Task for the Day Create a Creation Myth The Real World task for the day Step outside and enjoy the world you live in. The Tease Humor in your Fantasy World

Today's Topic - How I use Role-playing games to test out my world and practice my storytelling techniques I love gaming. I have been running campaigns and stories since I was a preteen. They inspire my imagination. They make me dream. However, as I have been getting older, I have stopped playing them as much. I am two busy. I do not have the time to waste on having fun? Luckily, I overthink things. I know the rewards that I have earned from telling stories through tabletop role-playing games. It makes me a creative thinker. I am always sought out at work for creative problem solving. I never get stuck writing a story because I create a character that I cannot motivate to continue down the plot line. I have also had the benefit of improving and testing my world over years. I have learned what works and what does not work for me. It has made both my storytelling and my world building become more effective over time. Join Michael and me as we talk about the benefits of tabletop RPGs for authors of all stripes. Enjoy the episode and comment below to tell us what we missed. Podcast Show Flow Types of collaboration Peers Lead and Players Free for All Develop the location Plot Outline Major NPCs Please Subscribe, Rate and Review us in iTunes For complete Fantasy Worldbuilding show notes go to Gardul.com Michael's Resources Use Gardul.com/Amazon when shopping online to help support the show DeScriptors by Matthew Bannock

Today's Topic - Using the power of interactive storytelling to give you control over the characters and plot in your narratives I have had the pleasure of talking to many writers. It always shocked me that so many authors I talked to being tricked by authors or scenes that would make the get stuck in their latest story. Now, I do not want to sound cocky. I do get stuck. My problem for me is time; I work a full-time job, I have this podcast, and I am also on the Small Biz Life podcast. However, I have never felt stopped by my narrative. So being and explorer, I searched for a reason that I would not get stuck in a narrative over writers with more experience have trouble getting stuck telling a story. All I could figure out was it had nothing to do with a difference storytelling skills. However, most of my experience telling stories was much more interactive. I have a background in acting, oral storytelling, and tabletop roleplaying. I truly believe that improve acting skills and tabletop storytelling really developed my skills working with a story that I didn't have complete control over. I was forced to learn ways to keep moving the story ahead to the conclusion that I wanted. Enjoy the episode and comment below to tell us what we missed. Podcast Show Flow Oral Storytelling Acting Video Games Board Games Tabletop Games D&D, AD&D, dnd, D20 GURPS DeScriptors Please Subscribe, Rate and Review us in iTunes For complete Fantasy Worldbuilding show notes go to Gardul.com

Today's Topic - Using composition notebooks so you do not lose your Unicorns, spackle, and Twilight posters Years ago, I had a great idea. It involved something with Unicorns, spackle, and a Twilight poster. It was awesome. It was going to be a starter for an alternate earth where I could write urban fantasy. I was laughing, and my heart strings got plucked like a banjo. The problem was by the time I got home that was all I could remember. I cannot even remember how I could connect unicorns, spackle and Twilight poster. Well, except for using spackle to paste the poster to the unicorn. Now, I do find the idea amusing. However, I have no idea why I would think it would make an interesting alternate earth. So, I realized I had a problem. I cannot remember all the good ideas I have. So, I started looking for a good way to keep track of my great ideas by projects. Check out the episode and see the system I currently use to track my ideas. And yes, I used composition notebooks. Enjoy the episode and comment below to tell us what we missed. Podcast Show Flow The beauty of composition notebooks in Technicolor. Drawing pad (optional) Assign a color to a project (Book planning, Worldbuilding, online platform, or other) Use one notebook for your random ideas or future project starter Store remove the sketches from the drawing pad in the appropriate notebook IMPORTANT, create digital files when you get home. Organize them and make sure they are stored online. Carry the books with you and leave them on your nightstand when you go to bed. Please Subscribe, Rate and Review us in iTunes For complete Fantasy Worldbuilding show notes go to Gardul.com Michael's Resources Use Gardul.com/Amazon when shopping online to help support the show Images and quotes The Worldbuilding Task for the Day Create a notebook for your next project. The Real World task for the day Keep the notebooks close to you at all times The Tease The Power of interactive storytelling Please take a moment and comment below on this episode. I look forward to hearing from you about your Fantasy Worldbuilding adventures Listen to Worldbuilder's Anvil in iTunes or use Podcast Republic for your android device.

Today's Topic - A system for tracking the Technology Level in a Fantasy world. As I have evolved as a Worldbuilder. I have always struggled with how to track technology level. The GURPS tech level system. It is very simple and might work for many people. However, it never quite worked for me in my fantasy setting. I believe that the technology of an area can grow up at different rates than they do on earth. We have seen evidence of this on earth. So, I spent way too much time modifying it to cover basic spheres of technology. I have identified nine basic spheres of technology. The basic area's I believe cover all the basics of areas of technology what are used in what we call civilizations. I also add magic to track its progression. I track magic because I believe that the inclusion of magic can change the rate at which technologies grow. Now, take a minute and join Michael and me as we look at the Simple, Succinct Technology Level Method. Enjoy the episode and comment below to tell us what we missed. Podcast Show Flow Agriculture Energy Communication Engineering Trades Transportation Cultural Religious Scientific Magic Please Subscribe, Rate and Review us in iTunes For complete Fantasy Worldbuilding show notes go to Gardul.com Michael's Resources Episode 5: Fantasy and Technology do mix Episode 80: What Type of Worldbuilder are you? Use Gardul.com/Amazon when shopping online to help support the show Images and quotes The Worldbuilding Task for the Day Write a fighting scene The Real World task for the day Watch the Story of Maths The Tease Notebooks of Doom Please take a moment and comment below on this episode. I look forward to hearing from you about your Fantasy Worldbuilding adventures Listen to Worldbuilder's Anvil in iTunes or use Podcast Republic for your android device.

Today's Topic - Fantasy Storytelling and 7 Highly effective combat scene tips As humans, we are always looking to improve ourselves. We go online or read books that will help expand us. As fantasy world builder's, we also look to do the same for our crafts. Part of that craft is storytelling. We might write, run tabletop games, or create another form of media. However, we need an outlook for our world. We either interact with players or readers through the story to accomplish this. One of the most important ways we interact is fighting scenes. Join Jeffery and Michael as the cover seven habits that are essential to all fighting scenes. Do you follow these habits? From battles to one-on-one combat, do not forget these steps to get the most of your fictional stories. Plus, a bonus story about the first meeting of the Norman war machine and the Turks in Anatolia that could forever change your mental image of knights charging into combat. Enjoy the episode and comment below to tell us a combat scene. Podcast Show Flow Use it to advance your story Understand the goal of the scene Decide on real versus Fiction Ensure the characters are represented Tell a mini story of the fighting style Understand the fight Make the fight effect the characters Bonus Tip Don't Forget the reader Please Subscribe, Rate and Review us in iTunes For complete Fantasy Worldbuilding show notes go to Gardul.com

Today's Topic - Fantasy Storytelling made easy, treat groups of people like a character Relations are at the heart of every… relationship. Yeah, that is a pretty lame line. I cannot help it. I am full of lame lines. With that in mind, let us move forward into relationships. If you are like me, the relationship pattern is one that happens between individuals. We know these types of interactions. They happen to us every day. If we are not caught up in the emotion of the actual relationship, they are easy to see. I think that is why reality television is so popular. It can be entertaining to watch people engage in the same, or hopefully worse, mistakes we have been caught up in with our relations. I do not go for the melodrama of reality television. I am more old school; I watch people in real life, not in reality shows. If I have time where ever I go, I like to watch people interacting. It does not only teach us how individuals treat each other. It does not only give me ideas for scenes I will right out in the future. It teaches me how to treat groups interacting with other groups. So take a trip with Michael and I as we discuss how groups like a nation can interact with other nations, much like you treat your arch rival. Enjoy the episode and comment below to tell me how you overcome your fears. Podcast Show Flow What is it important to treat groups like people? Mechanics of turing a county into a character Other groups to treat like characters Cultures Communities Factions like political parties Relationship tropes Arch rival Forbidden Love / Lost Love death of . . . Best Friends / Betrayal Mentor / Pupil (Poopal) Fish out of water Reluctant Ally Please Subscribe, Rate and Review us in iTunes For complete Fantasy Worldbuilding show notes go to Gardul.com

Today's Topic - Don't Let fear stop you from sharing your world Have you ever really wanted something? As you started to move forward, you begin to hear little voices in your head that keep telling you why you will fail. I have heard these voices. As a matter a fact, when you listen to the episode. You will hear Michael support me to sharing the complete message. Why it is important to listen to the voices of fear that run through you head when you are trying to create. Michael and I talk about a quick and easy system to identify, analyze, and find out the real risk of fear. So, check out this episode. It will not only help you when you are world building. It can help you live a richer life. And when your life is better, and you better understand yourself, you will be able to create and share more of you world and stories. Enjoy the episode and comment below to tell me how you overcome your fears. Podcast Show Flow Why is addressing your fear important It Can Kill Your World Before it starts Your world is like a bad ending to a Neverending story You are good enough, even if others are doing it great You never finish your story The Three steps you need to address your fears Write down what the voices tell you and Ask what are they really telling you Ask yourself, "Why Not?" What is the worst that could happen if you go for it? (Hint: I will die is rarely the real answer) Please Subscribe, Rate and Review us in iTunes For complete Fantasy Worldbuilding show notes go to Gardul.com Images and Quotes Resource and Micheal's Picks Jeff Goins Tim Grahl Chandler Bolt Start: Punch Fear in the Face, Escape Average and Do Work that Matters The Worldbuilding Task for the Day How would a change in the technology level affect your world? The Real World task for the day Build a cotton gin or watch a science documentary The Tease Stop letting fear stop you. Please take a moment and comment below on this episode. I look forward to hearing from you about your Fantasy Worldbuilding adventures Listen to Worldbuilder's Anvil in iTunes or use Podcast Republic for your android device.

Today's Topic - Fantasy Tech Level Sword and sorcery sells. Middle-earth might still be the first thing that comes to mind when we think of Fantasy worlds. The first thing we think of with fantasy is Middle Age period western fantasy fiction. However, we need not stop there when creating new worlds. Especially when we create a framework fantasy world. When The world the exist it should evolve over time into and possible beyond the Middle Ages. Michael and I will expand on the topic of technology from episode 5. Enjoy the episode and comment below to let me know what tools you use to organize your creativity fantasy worldbuilding. Podcast show notes How to choose your Tech Level Missing Technology? How do the cultures evolve new Technology? What impact will changes in the level have? Will changes affect your story? How should he technology evolve in your world? Magic Vs Technology? Please Subscribe, Rate and Review us in iTunes For complete Fantasy Worldbuilding show notes go to Gardul.com

Today's Topic - The importance of Color in Fantasy Worldbuilding Podcast show notes Symbology - Basic to Complex Why is Color important? How is color used when developing a world? How far is the reach of color? Culture, Religion, And State Please Subscribe, Rate and Review us in iTunes For complete Fantasy Worldbuilding show notes go to Gardul.com

Today's Topic - Let's Build a Solar System for your fantasy world. Scope Sun(s) Planet and Moon(s) Other visible planets What about comets and other signs in the skies Beyond the Visible night Please Subscribe, Rate and Review us in iTunes For complete Fantasy Worldbuilding show notes go to Gardul.com

Podcast show notes Notebooks Pen and Paper Graph Paper Cam Scanner Spark Planner Post-it notes brainstorming Plots and Timeline management kaizen board Donuts or Snickers Whiteboard Excel Campaign Cartographer 3 Fractal Terrains 3 Scrivener Wordpress .Com or .Org Google Drive Why I do it all Please Subscribe, Rate and Review us in iTunes For complete Fantasy Worldbuilding show notes go to Gardul.com

Today's Topic - Philosophy culture building in Fantasy Worldbuilding Review of the basics of culture building check out this episode We learn the importance of Exit D Cover Michael's Lack of bullet points on the white board Explanation of Michael's Philosophy-first concept From the Worldbuilder's Level to the Cultures level Cultural philosophical ideal vs Actual philosophy reality cultural norms Benefits of contradiction Various cultures philosophies discussed ... yep 100s a day Eagle Warriors of the Aztecs and human sacrifice Jeff's view of incorporating themes into stories and worlds Please Subscribe, Rate and Review us in iTunes For complete Fantasy Worldbuilding show notes go to Gardul.com

Today's Topic - Fallout 4 World Review Basics Episode 65: Erratic Explorers visit Earth Alternate Earth Year 2287 in Boston, MA For more check out Wikia Factions Minutemen The Institute Railroad Brotherhood of Steel Places Northern Border Concord, Ma to Salem, Ma Souther Border Sherbon, Ma to Quincy, Ma I-95 corridor through Boston, Ma Fenway, Northend, Back bay (Missing Hannover Street and Newbury Street) Races Humans Ghouls Super Mutants Synths Why It works Very Immersive In-game Worldbuilding Drama / Humor Tough Choices Please Subscribe, Rate and Review us in iTunes For complete Fantasy Worldbuilding show notes go to Gardul.com

Today's Topic - Language First Culture Create Inspiration - Cwerin and Mystratos Reordering Culture Creation Why I like it? When to avoid it Please Subscribe, Rate and Review us in iTunes For complete Fantasy Worldbuilding show notes go to Gardul.com

Today's Topic - Goals and Your Word of the Year Vision Goal One Year Five Year Ten Year Goals Move you to vision Personal Business Creative Spiritual Action Items Weekly actions that help achieve your goals Your future should determines your now Please Subscribe, Rate and Review us in iTunes For complete Fantasy Worldbuilding show notes go to Gardul.com

The Rating: This is an basic topic Today's Topic - Fantasy Worldbuilding Culture Rebuild Part 2 If you missed part 1 check it out. Religion Local Chief god per tribe World was created in a great flood a god was sacrificed to create humanity Sacrifices to the gods are important Marriage is important ritual any thing unnatural could be supernatural Salvation is like a happy place to fish, farm, and hunt Evil people reincarnate, because this life is hell Water must be processed, normal water can kill Common food and drink Food is lots of vegetable, and sea food. Land meat is supplemental and looked down on. Art, Dress, and music art starts with knot working and geometric shapes. Alphabet is based on blocks from elven language Dress is functional leather and cloth Most colors are based on local plant or earth tones a blue article will be used by the local chief Please Subscribe, Rate and Review us in iTunes For complete Fantasy Worldbuilding show notes go to Gardul.com

The Rating: This is an basic topic Today's Topic - Fantasy Worldbuilding Culture Rebuild Shared Experience Village based tribal culture Shared symbolism Color Blue local gods and minor gods for important visible geography Shared Beliefs and Norms Lunar Based Culture Tribal independence Each Tribe has there local chief god Lunar Culture Language Based 0n the Breton Language Words based on blocks Top down writing Please Subscribe, Rate and Review us in iTunes For complete Fantasy Worldbuilding show notes go to Gardul.com

The Rating: This is an intermediate topic Today's Topic - Let's Build a Mythology Themes to the stories Reinforce cultural norms Tone Consistent Prose Over the top Epic Elements Covers Cultural Norms Its Fake Follows Cultural Logic Please Subscribe, Rate and Review us in iTunes For complete Fantasy Worldbuilding show notes go to Gardul.com

The Rating: This is an basic topic Today's Topic - Let's Build a fantasy Villain Why Cat Mummies were made Increasing invasions Lose of cultural control of Egypt Persia and Commercial Mummies Greece and Govermeny Mummies Please Subscribe, Rate and Review us in iTunes For complete Fantasy Worldbuilding show notes go to Gardul.com

The Rating: This is an basic topic Today's Topic - Let's Build a fantasy Villain Types of Villains Reluctant, Psychopath, Sociopath, Supernatural, Accidental, Misguided, Fanatic and All in Our's is a Misguided Fanatic Purpose - Protect family from Prince Hogar's family Motivation - fear of family losing wealth and good name Perspective - From the noble class of Baurhdrakkas Attributes and Traits CW Princess Young Adult Naive Social Thief Askerii Agent Hand Maiden is only real friend Quirks Hair Twirler Spitefully Fake Big Actions (Larger than life) TBD in a future story Please Subscribe, Rate and Review us in iTunes For complete Fantasy Worldbuilding show notes go to Gardul.com