Worldbuilder's Anvil

Today's Topic - The Undercroft Strikes back.... with questions for Michael and Jeff Michael and I have asked lots of questions in the first 254 episodes. So for this episode, we are trying something new. We let our Facebook group The Fantasy Worldbuilder's Undercroft ask anything and to our surprise, they had some fun, tough, and good questions for us to answer in this episode.  Please Subscribe, Rate and Review us on iTunes For complete Fantasy Worldbuilding, show notes go to Gardul.com   Podcast Show Flow Facebook group thread with the questions If you are not a member you will have to ask to join make sure to answer the three questions. The Very cool and needed "Seize the GM" podcast of the Undercroft comedian Derek. Michael's Resources Use Gardul.com/Amazon when shopping online to help support the show Links ((((((((((((((((((((((((((( Visit Show notes ))))))))))))))))))))))))) https://www.gardul.com/blog/episode-241-5-steps-to-make-your-stories-more-compelling/   ((((((((((((((((((((((((((( Men

Monday Mini’s is where I talk about something I missed in the latest episode or funny moment that I had to cut when I was recording with Michael. They will premier in Facebook live videos typically Mondays @ 11 AM unless My Baby says otherwise on our page Gardul and then moved to our YouTube channel and finally the audio will be released on Fridays @ 12 PM ************************************************************************************* This mini-episode is brought to us by my new free project How to world build Sign up and get instant access to a course that shows how simple worldbuilding can be by creating a simple city in under 30 minutes. Sign up now at HowToWorldBuild.com ************************************************************************************* This missed moment: No Ghostbusters!!!!! Shows the mixing of genres Comedy and horror Simply worldbuilding that makes sense but is not over thought Realist does not make things better especially when dealing in fantasy, horror, or metaphysic

Today's Topic – We always worry if our stories are compelling, try these 5 steps One of the most common worries I hear from creatives is they are worried about making more compelling stories. This could be a topic for an entire podcast.  However, Michael and I identified the 5 most important ways you can make a more interesting story. Join Michael and I as we discuss this topic. Please Subscribe, Rate and Review us on 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 Links ((((((((((((((((((((((((((( Visit Show notes ))))))))))))))))))))))))) https://www.gardul.com/blog/episode-241-5-steps-to-make-your-stories-more-compelling/   ((((((((((((((((((((((((((( Mentions links ))))))))))))))))))))))))) https://www.gardul.com/blog/episode-241-5-steps-to-make-your-stories-more-compelling/   ((((((((((((((((((((((((((( Rate and Review us in iTunes ))))))))))))))))))))))))) http://www.gardul.com/blog/episode

Monday Mini’s is where I talk about something I missed in the latest episode or funny moment that I had to cut when I was recording with Michael. They will premier in Facebook live videos typically Mondays @ 11 AM unless My Baby says otherwise on our page Gardul and then moved to our YouTube channel and finally the audio will be released on Fridays @ 12 PM ************************************************************************************* This mini-episode is brought to us by my new free project How to world build Sign up and get instant access to a course that shows how simple worldbuilding can be by creating a simple city in under 30 minutes. Sign up now at HowToWorldBuild.com ************************************************************************************* This missed moment: Do not let the games control you Do you want to create or play video games? Understand why you choose the game over worldbuilding Distraction can be good Plan your time, understand what time you cannot control. Have time p

Today's Topic – Video games that help teach you to be better worldbuilder's There are many games that have taught me lessons about worldbuilding. Heck most things I do have an impact on how I worldbuild. I could have picked many games, however, I choose a few that I really think can help others better understand some systems that can give you information that helps make your worldbuilding better.  Please Subscribe, Rate and Review us on 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 Links ((((((((((((((((((((((((((( Visit Show notes ))))))))))))))))))))))))) https://www.gardul.com/blog/episode-253-lessons-for-worldbuilders-from-video-games/   ((((((((((((((((((((((((((( Mentions links ))))))))))))))))))))))))) https://www.gardul.com/blog/episode-253-lessons-for-worldbuilders-from-video-games/   ((((((((((((((((((((((((((( Rate and Review us in iTunes ))))))))))))))))))))))))) https://itunes.app

Monday Mini’s is were I talk about something I missed in the latest episode or funny moment that I had to cut when I was recording with Michael. They will premier in Facebook live videos typically Mondays @ 11AM unless My Baby says otherwise on our page Gardul and then moved to our YouTube channel and finally the audio will be released on Fridays @ 12 PM ************************************************************************************* This mini episode is brought to us by my new free project HowToWorldbuild.com Sign up and get instant access to a course that shows how simple worldbuilding can be by creating a simple city in under 30 minutes. Sign up know at HowToWorldBuild.com ************************************************************************************* This missed moment was in the segment about Christian Fantasy not as Historical Earth Fantasy The Chronicles of Naria By CS Lewis Did I screw up by saying Christian Fantasy is like a subset of Historical Earth Fantasy?     Gardul Facebook Page ht

Today's Topic – Looking back to make it up with Historical Fiction All the way back in episode 246 we set the stage for looking into the fantasy genre. This episode we take our look into the Historical Fiction Genre.  Please Subscribe, Rate and Review us on iTunes For complete Fantasy Worldbuilding, show notes go to Gardul.com Podcast Show Flow What is historical fantasy fiction? Tightly related genres Pros Cons Interesting works Interesting stories Who does it work for?   Michael's Resources Use Gardul.com/Amazon when shopping online to help support the show Links ((((((((((((((((((((((((((( Visit Show notes ))))))))))))))))))))))))) https://www.gardul.com/blog/episode-252-looking-at-historical-fantasy-fiction-for-creators/   ((((((((((((((((((((((((((( Mentions links ))))))))))))))))))))))))) https://www.gardul.com/blog/episode-252-looking-at-historical-fantasy-fiction-for-creators/   ((((((((((((((((((((((((((( Rate and Review us in iTunes ))))))))))))))))))))))))) http://www.gardul.com/blog/episode-

Today's Topic – Many topics one episode So we have done several episodes recently about individual questions from members of the undercroft.  This episode will cover several questions that I did not think I could talk about for an entire episode.  So other thanks must go out to our Facebook Undercroft Group. Please Subscribe, Rate and Review us on iTunes For complete Fantasy Worldbuilding, show notes go to Gardul.com Podcast Show Flow Lee How to design a high magic world without creating "magic superheroes." Evan and Robert - influences by other author’s work and concerns about being too similar 1) similarity with other’s works, 2) use of ordinary fantasy terms/beings(i.e., elves, orcs, dwarves) and their characteristics 3) “influence/homage” versus “plagiarism/copycat” in one’s work. Does seeing similar ideas (constructs, characters, deities, cultures, etc.) paralleled in separate worlds bother you? Michael's Resources Use Gardul.com/Amazon when shopping online to help support the show Links ((((((((((((

Today's Topic Okay you want to world build a fantasy culture with the mimicking or appropriating To be honest, this was a tough topic requested by Jonathan in our Facebook group, "The Fantasy Worldbuilder's Undercroft" The tough part of the question is it is two questions. How to create a fantasy culture inspired by culture and How to do to not culturally appropriate.  Join Michael and Jeffery as the talk about worldbuilding a culture without copying or appropriating the culture. Please Subscribe, Rate and Review us on 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   If you want to learn how to worldbuild or stop being stuck worldbuilding, sign up for our free course at HowtoWorldbuild.com Links ((((((((((((((((((((((((((( Visit Show notes ))))))))))))))))))))))))) https://www.gardul.com/blog/episode-250-how-to-use-real-world-cultures-without-outright-mimicking-or-appropriating/ (((((((((((((((((

Today's Topic What kind of worldbuilder are you I am a geek and I was thinking about the traits of a worldbuilder. Not just what makes us makes us a worldbuilder or how we worldbuild, but the attributes that affect how we build worlds. I am interested in exploring this to find our if we better identify how we build worlds we could maybe find out a better way for ourselves to FINISH worlds. Join Michael and I as we explore the six traits of why we worldbuild. Please Subscribe, Rate and Review us on 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 Links ((((((((((((((((((((((((((( Visit Show notes ))))))))))))))))))))))))) https://www.gardul.com/blog/episode-249-the-six-traits-of-worldbuilders/   ((((((((((((((((((((((((((( Mentions links ))))))))))))))))))))))))) https://www.gardul.com/ready   ((((((((((((((((((((((((((( Rate and Review us in iTunes ))))))))))))))))))))))))) https://itunes.apple.co

Today's Topic – How do technology and cultural ideas spread? I was asked a great question about how technology spread by Lee. And to be honest this leads to the great question of how do ideas spread. Join Michael and I as we talk in depth about the way the process works in real life and how can we use this when creating fantasy worlds.  Please Subscribe, Rate and Review us on iTunes For complete Fantasy Worldbuilding, show notes go to Gardul.com Podcast Show Flow Inspired by my learns from Edwin Barnhart, Ph.D. and Professor Amanda H. Podany, Ph.D Things to consider Who has the time to come up with new idea's and why food matters Where do people move Before Localized cultures After localized cultures After the bronze age Michael's Resources Use Gardul.com/Amazon when shopping online to help support the show Links ((((((((((((((((((((((((((( Visit Show notes ))))))))))))))))))))))))) https://www.gardul.com/blog/episode-248-how-do-ideas-spread-from-lees-the-effects-and-spreading-of-technology-in-the-world/

Today's Topic Prep than start your novel writing Each November we hear stories of people running into walls as the start their NaNoWriMo adventure. Heck, we are human we have hit walls as well. So We are refining our guide to 9 steps to prep for NaNoWriMo so we can finish together. If you are interested in starting NaNoWriMo or you want to learn a way to help prep for novel writing when you have a job, and life join Michael and Jeffery as we explore these 9 steps. Please Subscribe, Rate and Review us on 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 Episode 132 How do I write 50,000 words #NaNoWriMo when I work and have a life? Episode 195 Check yourself before you wreck yourself Episode 142 Let’s Build the world, no let’s create a story outline, Part Deux Episode 140 A Perfect Example of why planning is needed for NaNoWriMo and actual brainstorming for a new story  Episode 147 Horror Flicks to He

Today's Topic – A Look at the Types of Fantasy Today Michael and Jeffery are talking how we think you can look at the subgenres as a creative when you are looking to figure out exactly what to create in next. Please Subscribe, Rate and Review us on 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 Links ((((((((((((((((((((((((((( Visit Show notes ))))))))))))))))))))))))) https://www.gardul.com/blog/episode-246-the-big-fantasy-genre-breakdown/   ((((((((((((((((((((((((((( Mentions links ))))))))))))))))))))))))) Fantasy Subgenres Guide http://bestfantasybooks.com/fantasy-genre.php   ((((((((((((((((((((((((((( Rate and Review us in iTunes ))))))))))))))))))))))))) http://www.gardul.com/blog/episode-230-the-orcs-of-gardul/   ((((((((((((((((((((((((((( Like our Facebook Page ))))))))))))))))))))))))) https://www.facebook.com/GardulStories/   ((((((((((((((((((((((((((( Join our Facebook Group ))))))

Today’s Topic Jon Metcalf and how he uses worldbuilding with his day job. Jon is a great friend and founder of Integrity Martial Arts of Enfield, CT.  We chat about creativity and how Jon uses worldbuilding in unconventional ways in his business.  Please Subscribe, Rate and Review us on iTunes For complete Fantasy Worldbuilding, show notes go to Gardul.com Show Flow Tell us about your latest work? How do you connect your worldbuilding back to The Story? When did you know you had a love for worldbuilding? Tell a STORY about how you knew you love building worlds. What was your “I can” experience? Tell a STORY about it. Biggest achievement to date? Tell a STORY of your biggest achievement to date. When you learned of it. What was its impact on your progress as an author and a worldbuilder? What real-world advice do you wish you had known sooner? Tell a quick STORY about some task that could have gotten you started sooner as a writer Michael's Resources Use Gardul.com/Amazon when shopping online to help suppo

Today's Topic - The last word on the Infinity War for realz Only months late, Michael and Jeffery take a look at the MCU's. It was too long for an episode.  So, we do it in at least two. However, join us in this spoiler ridden episode as we review from the arrival of Thor, Groot, and Rabbit to Wakanda covering our ideas, theories, and worldbuilding problems in Marvel's Infinity War. Please Subscribe, Rate and Review us on 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 Links ((((((((((((((((((((((((((( Visit Show notes ))))))))))))))))))))))))) https://www.gardul.com/news/244-the-last-word-on-the-infinity-war-for-real/   ((((((((((((((((((((((((((( Mentions links ))))))))))))))))))))))))) https://www.gardul.com/news/244-the-last-word-on-the-infinity-war-for-real/   ((((((((((((((((((((((((((( Rate and Review us in iTunes ))))))))))))))))))))))))) http://www.gardul.com/blog/episode-230-the-orcs-of

Today's Topic - The last word on Marvel's Infinity War, part two Only months late, Micheal and Jeffery take a look at the MCU's. It was too long for an episode.  So we really do it in at least two. However join us in this spoiler ridden episode as we review from our rise of Howard the Duck to the beginning of the final battle(s) covering our ideas, theories, and worldbuilding problems in Marvel's Infinity War. Please Subscribe, Rate and Review us on 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 Links ((((((((((((((((((((((((((( Visit Show notes ))))))))))))))))))))))))) https://www.gardul.com/blog/episode-243-the-last-word-on-the-infinity-war-part-2/   ((((((((((((((((((((((((((( Mentions links ))))))))))))))))))))))))) https://www.gardul.com/blog/episode-243-the-last-word-on-the-infinity-war-part-2/   ((((((((((((((((((((((((((( Rate and Review us in iTunes ))))))))))))))))))))))))) http://www

Today's Topic – The last word on the Infinity War, part one Only months late, Michael and Jeffery take a look at the MCU's. It was too long for an episode.  So we really do it in at least two. However join us in this spoiler ridden episode as we review from Thor's defeat to [place] covering our ideas, theories, and worldbuilding problems in Marvel's Infinity War. Please Subscribe, Rate and Review us on 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 Links ((((((((((((((((((((((((((( Visit Show notes ))))))))))))))))))))))))) https://www.gardul.com/blog/episode-242-the-last-word-on-the-infinity-gauntlet/   ((((((((((((((((((((((((((( Mentions links ))))))))))))))))))))))))) https://www.gardul.com/blog/episode-242-the-last-word-on-the-infinity-gauntlet/   ((((((((((((((((((((((((((( Rate and Review us in iTunes ))))))))))))))))))))))))) http://www.gardul.com/blog/episode-230-the-orcs-of-gardul/   (

Today's Topic – We always worry if our stories are compelling, try these 5 steps One of the most common worries I hear from creatives is they are worried about making more compelling stories. This could be a topic for an entire podcast.  However, Michael and I identified the 5 most important ways you can make a more interesting story. Join Michael and I as we discuss this topic. Please Subscribe, Rate and Review us on 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 Links ((((((((((((((((((((((((((( Visit Show notes ))))))))))))))))))))))))) https://www.gardul.com/blog/episode-241-5-steps-to-make-your-stories-more-compelling/   ((((((((((((((((((((((((((( Mentions links ))))))))))))))))))))))))) https://www.gardul.com/blog/episode-241-5-steps-to-make-your-stories-more-compelling/   ((((((((((((((((((((((((((( Rate and Review us in iTunes ))))))))))))))))))))))))) http://www.gardul.com/blog/episode

Today's Topic – Creating a new ritual for the baurhdrakkiem Today Michael and I are creating a cultural rite for death for the baurhdrakkeim. They are at the center of the first series of novels that I am working on.  This is not relevant to the stories to date. However, we thought it would be fun for this episode. So join us as Michael guides me through the process. Please Subscribe, Rate and Review us on iTunes For complete Fantasy Worldbuilding, show notes go to Gardul.com  Podcast Show Flow What does the culture believe happens after death? Is the afterlife here or somewhere else? What should the survivor do once a person dies? Are there conditions that change the rite? Is there magic either sympathetic or active does this believe change Does the rite extend past people? Are there variations in the religion, think Orphic  How complex is the ritual? Does the person have to do something before they die? Can the religious ceremony be used for other things? Fear or accepting of death Does the end benefit t

Today's Topic – Creatives have many excuses for stopping being creative, however telling ourselves we have time is the worst excuse. As creatives grow up, we often tell ourselves we will work on the art later because we will have time later. I hope you do, however, life might not give you the time you want.  Join Michael and I as we go into the very personal topic. Please Subscribe, Rate and Review us on iTunes For complete Fantasy Worldbuilding, show notes go to Gardul.com Podcast Show Flow We will have time to do this later Why we lie to ourselves Why the lie can cause us problems The Truth What you can do today Michael's Resources Use Gardul.com/Amazon when shopping online to help support the show Links ((((((((((((((((((((((((((( Visit Show notes ))))))))))))))))))))))))) https://www.gardul.com/blog/episode-237-jim-iv-on-worldbuilding-and-making-video-games-part-2/   ((((((((((((((((((((((((((( Mentions links )))))))))))))))))))))))))   ((((((((((((((((((((((((((( Rate and Review us in iTunes )))))))