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Worldbuilding for Masochists

worldbuildingformasochists
Worldbuilding
Fantasy Literature
Writing Process
Fantasy Writing
Publishing Industry
Monsters
Romance
Folklore
Science Fiction
Character Development
Mythology
Writing
Fantasy Romance
Romantic Fantasy
Queer Representation
Consent
Fantasy
Heroism
Magic Heist
Shakespeare

A podcast by three fantasy authors who love to overcomplicate their writing lives and want to help you do the same.

PublishesTwice monthlyEpisodes182Founded7 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
BooksPerforming ArtsArts

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Artwork for Worldbuilding for Masochists

Latest Episodes

In previous episodes, we've discussed how some genres are more aesthetic-driven (like sci fi & fantasy) and others are more structure-driven (like romance and mystery). So how do subgenres within SFF play with elements of both? How can we blend trope... more

Faith is an element of society that intersects with a lot of other structures of power and privilege -- So what do we need to think about when incorporating real-world religions into our fantasy worlds and stories? Guest Vaishnavi Patel joins us to d... more

It's an oft-cited (though poorly citationed) aphorism of writing that you should “chase your character up a tree and throw rocks at them." Well, worldbuilding is what gives you the tree and the rocks! So how does your world provide opportunities and ... more

Music is a cultural universal, something human societies have been producing since our very earliest days – So how do we use it when writing novels? How do we put the audial experience onto the page? Guest Mia Tsai joins us to discuss how to go beyon... more

Key Facts

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Recent Guests

Vaishnavi Patel
Author of Kaikeyi, Goddess of the River, Ten Incarnations of Rebellion, and We Dance Upon Demons
Author
Episode: Episode 179: That's Me in the Spotlight, Worldbuilding My Religion, ft. VAISHNAVI PATEL
Carissa Broadbent
Author of Crowns of Nyaxia; Romanticy author
Author
Episode: Episode 178: Character and Conflict, ft. CARISSA BROADBENT
Mia Tsai
Author of adult speculative fiction and musician
Author; Musician
Episode: Episode 177: Getting in Tune: Music in Worldbuilding, ft. MIA TSAI
Hannah HM Long
Canadian fantasy author writing for Titan Books
Titan Books
Episode: Episode 176: Atmospheric Conditions, ft. H.M. LONG
Amélie Wen Zhao
Author of Chinese fantasy, known for works like "The Scorpion and the Night Blossom."
Author
Episode: Episode 175: Folklore Monsters and Their Origins, ft. AMÉLIE WEN ZHAO
Andrea G. Stewart
Epic fantasy author and guest enterer of the Three Timers Club
andreagstewart.com
Episode: Episode 174: Stress-Testing Your Worldbuilding, ft. ANDREA STEWART
Aparna Verma
Author of The Ravens Trilogy, including The Phoenix King and The Burning Queen.
Self-published author
Episode: Episode 168: It's Bigger on the Inside... of Book Two, ft. APARNA VERMA
Nia Davenport
Adult fantasy and YA author, known for writing science fantasy and recently branching into romantasy.
Episode: Episode 167: Spice Up Your Worldbuilding. ft. NIA DAVENPORT
Alix E. Harrow
Author of fantasy novels including The Ten Thousand Doors of January and The Once and Future Witches
Self-published
Episode: Episode 166: The Histo-Remix, ft. ALIX E. HARROW

Hosts

Marshall Ryan Maresca
Co-host and fantasy author, known for insightful discussions about worldbuilding and fantasy literature.
Cass Morris
Co-host and fantasy author, recognized for her engaging storytelling and contributions to discussions about writing techniques.
Natanya Barron
Co-host and fantasy author, bringing expertise in worldbuilding and cultural narratives to conversations about fiction.

Reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars from 545 ratings
  • Excellent podcast! I love hearing about all the work and thought that goes into fiction books.

    Podcast Addict
    5
    Drysword
    2 months ago
  • Insightful and Entertaining

    A charming podcast which never fails to make me think over my worldbuilding and enhance it over and over again.

    The hosts are credible and qualified fantasy writers, alongside being funny and interesting, and often have guest stars which inject the experience with credible expertise on the specific subjects they choose to cover.

    It’s fascinating, insightful, and inspiring! I highly recommend to anyone who enjoys fantasy, whether they write, worldbuild, or even just read (knowing how the sauce... more

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    ChainmailPick
    United Statesa year ago
  • Absolute favourite podcast

    I never thought I’d find a group of people that are as nerdy and obsessed about worldbuilding as I am, a perfect mix of educational, funny and creatively stimulating, there’s nothing I like more than putting this podcast on to get the creative juices flowing or to learn how to push my world building farther.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    otakulivia
    Canadaa year ago
  • A View from A Star .:.. stars that is!

    I’ve most recently finished writing ‘The Vein of Altria’ book 1/3 (in my editor’s hand at the moment)… book 2/3 is in the works! I can’t even begin to express my gratitude… the series of topics explored, the guests, the translations to our own life etc… simply put, A must listen podcast for you aspiring writers!!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    KrisTheodore
    United States2 years ago
  • In MAAAAH Review… the Gods said "LET THERE BE A REVIEW!" And there was a review. Now the review was a form and empty, whiteness covered the screen. And in the whiteness there shall be worldbuilding. And the worldbuilding shall be for masochists! And the Gods saw that it was good. Fast forward a few COVID years… but was it 100 episodes good? Probably, I haven't finished them all yet. 4 stars… I don't care for the swearing, this means I can't listen when kiddos are around :( also I listen at 1.1... more

    Audible
    5
    Allen B
    United States3 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Insightful and entertaining discussions with credible hosts and guests.
Listeners appreciate the thoughtful exploration of worldbuilding topics and engaging narratives.
Great community atmosphere that encourages discussion and shared passion for fantasy.
A perfect mix of educational content and humor for aspiring writers.
The podcast inspires creativity and offers practical writing advice.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#103
Finland/Arts/Books
Apple Podcasts
#167
New Zealand/Arts/Books
Apple Podcasts
#212
Denmark/Arts/Books
Apple Podcasts
#222
Austria/Arts/Books

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Episode 179: That's Me in the Spotlight, Worldbuilding My Religion, ft. VAISHNAVI PATEL
Q: What's a memorable example of reimagining a myth you worked with?
One of the most fun examples is presenting a version of the Ramayan where Buddhists influence the story enough to prevent the hero from killing the villain, thereby creating a version tailored to Buddhist ethics while still fitting within Hindu mythic frames.
Episode 179: That's Me in the Spotlight, Worldbuilding My Religion, ft. VAISHNAVI PATEL
Q: How do you approach incorporating real-world religions into fantasy without offending practitioners?
By making deliberate, informed choices, recognizing the fluid and diverse nature of each tradition, and using fiction to explore nuance rather than to prescribe a single correct interpretation.
Episode 177: Getting in Tune: Music in Worldbuilding, ft. MIA TSAI
Q: What makes worldbuilding with music feel authentic beyond adding lyrics?
Focus on relationships, emotional impacts, and the social setting of performances; show how music moves people, not just what is sung. Consider who is present, how a scene is experienced, and how the music changes characters.
Episode 175: Folklore Monsters and Their Origins, ft. AMÉLIE WEN ZHAO
Q: Is your fantasy set in a fantastical version of China, or is it secondary world fantasy inspired by China?
It varies by my work, but my current duology incorporates escapist romantic elements inspired by Chinese culture while still being set in a fictional world.
Episode 175: Folklore Monsters and Their Origins, ft. AMÉLIE WEN ZHAO
Q: Why do you love worldbuilding and what is something about it that you really like digging into?
I love that worldbuilding allows me to relive and re-experience my favorite parts of stories, but also to create something new from those inspirations.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Worldbuilding for Masochists

What is Worldbuilding for Masochists about and what kind of topics does it cover?

Exploring the creative intricacies of worldbuilding, this podcast features a trio of seasoned fantasy authors who engage in lively discussions about the complexities and joys of constructing fictional universes. Episodes cover a broad spectrum of themes, from magic systems and cultural narratives to storytelling techniques and the emotional landscapes tied to the writing process. With a mix of humor and insight, the hosts share personal anecdotes, tackle listener questions, and invite special guests, all while encouraging writers to embrace both the challenges and the creative potential inherent in worldbuilding.

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Which podcasts are similar to Worldbuilding for Masochists?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Worldbuilding for Masochists:

1. Writing Excuses
2. If Books Could Kill
3. 99% Invisible
4. Imaginary Worlds
5. Gastropod

How many episodes of Worldbuilding for Masochists are there?

Worldbuilding for Masochists launched 7 years ago and published 182 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on Worldbuilding for Masochists?

Recent guests on Worldbuilding for Masochists include:

1. Vaishnavi Patel
2. Carissa Broadbent
3. Mia Tsai
4. Hannah HM Long
5. Amélie Wen Zhao
6. Andrea G. Stewart
7. Aparna Verma
8. Nia Davenport

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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