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World Building Made Easy #1
World-Building From the Inside Out
Go to the heart of your world and build it well!
Memorable world-building enhances story, attracts readership, and sells books! Find the core of your science fiction or fantasy people and instill your narrative with universal themes and concepts derived from real-world cultures.
-Explore different religions and governments with concise entries that include ideas for plot and character development -Develop key aspects of your society without getting caught up in unnecessary details -Learn how the deeper effects of appearance and location can enhance your narrative
World-Building From the Inside Out challenges you to go deep and build fantastical worlds that truly bring your story to life!
Memorable world-building enhances story, attracts readership, and sells books! Find the core of your science fiction or fantasy people and instill your narrative with universal themes and concepts derived from real-world cultures.
-Explore different religions and governments with concise entries that include ideas for plot and character development -Develop key aspects of your society without getting caught up in unnecessary details -Learn how the deeper effects of appearance and location can enhance your narrative
World-Building From the Inside Out challenges you to go deep and build fantastical worlds that truly bring your story to life!
62 pages, Paperback
Published May 11, 2016
21 people are currently reading
111 people want to read
About the author
Janeen Ippolito
40 books150 followersJaneen Ippolito does all the things! She’s an award-winning author of bestselling fiction, nonfiction, and poetry. She’s also an experienced editor, coach, and marketing strategist and ran a publishing house for seven years. She hosts the Author Culture podcast and is an in-demand teacher and speaker who helps authors grow their book businesses in healthy, sustainable ways. In her spare time, she helps her husband with his youth swordfighting programs, cooks fun food, reads whatever she feels like, and plays the ukulele. Connect with her at jiauthor.com.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
September 4, 2018
Listened to the audiobook version (thanks to the author for a free code to listen to it!).
This was an interesting listen--I probably would have gotten more out of it if I'd read it, because then I would have made a few notes, but given that I don't get around to reading non-fiction very much, it was rather handy to listen to here and there while taking walks or doing mindless tasks like laundry.
I enjoyed it on the whole. I don't know (yet) how practically helpful it will be for my own writing/worldbuilding, but it was definitely interesting. There's an idea or two that it got stirring, so I'm glad for that, and it's definitely thought-provoking.
I'm not much of a "do things by the books" person, so the idea of having to painstakingly go through each of the sections and build a culture and society in all those areas sounds excruciating to me... but others might find this very helpful. The different sections were enlightening and kind of look at "how things work"--even if sometimes I didn't quite agree that it needed to be that way. XD A lot of it was super fascinating! And the lists were helpful.
It's easy to get caught up in way too much minutiae when writing and worldbuilding, so I like to take things like this with a grain of salt, but if there's something that's helpful, go for it!
I'm definitely glad I read (er... listened to) this, and I'm grateful for some of the helpful tidbits and ideas and thoughts it was able to share. I will likely either re-listen to it or read a readable version of it at some point.
Yay for worldbuilding and adding depth and interest to our stories! :)
This was an interesting listen--I probably would have gotten more out of it if I'd read it, because then I would have made a few notes, but given that I don't get around to reading non-fiction very much, it was rather handy to listen to here and there while taking walks or doing mindless tasks like laundry.
I enjoyed it on the whole. I don't know (yet) how practically helpful it will be for my own writing/worldbuilding, but it was definitely interesting. There's an idea or two that it got stirring, so I'm glad for that, and it's definitely thought-provoking.
I'm not much of a "do things by the books" person, so the idea of having to painstakingly go through each of the sections and build a culture and society in all those areas sounds excruciating to me... but others might find this very helpful. The different sections were enlightening and kind of look at "how things work"--even if sometimes I didn't quite agree that it needed to be that way. XD A lot of it was super fascinating! And the lists were helpful.
It's easy to get caught up in way too much minutiae when writing and worldbuilding, so I like to take things like this with a grain of salt, but if there's something that's helpful, go for it!
I'm definitely glad I read (er... listened to) this, and I'm grateful for some of the helpful tidbits and ideas and thoughts it was able to share. I will likely either re-listen to it or read a readable version of it at some point.
Yay for worldbuilding and adding depth and interest to our stories! :)
March 22, 2017
I ordered this book and the workbook last Christmas and found it to be very helpful. At the time I had been working on an older WIP and after reading, can say I had more of an established "foundation" of the fantasy world I was working on.
Definitely a lot of good things on government and religion. I found both of those two topics to be the most helpful for me personally. Also, I thought the chapter about art very enlightening. It gave me a new perspective on art when world-building.
Overall, a great read that I plan to use again and again for future stories I work on.
Definitely a lot of good things on government and religion. I found both of those two topics to be the most helpful for me personally. Also, I thought the chapter about art very enlightening. It gave me a new perspective on art when world-building.
Overall, a great read that I plan to use again and again for future stories I work on.
June 1, 2016
If you're feeling lost and uncertain where to focus, this is a good primer for creating world building that serves the plot rather than overwhelms it. It contains handy lists of religious and political systems and how they might factor into plots, things to think about, and some warnings about potential "black holes" that may suck you in and keep you from moving forward. All and all a useful primer/workbook for a budding speculative writer.
October 1, 2024
Note: Janeen will be revising and re-releasing this book soon, so the new edition will likely be much stronger and the weaknesses I addressed here may be addressed in the revision.
The first thing that stood out to me about this book when it arrived is how small it is; there are only about 60 pages of content to this book. The descriptions of it as a “primer” or “quick reference guide” are the most accurate. Janeen really does focus on the bare basics of each topic she covers in an effort to keep authors out of the weeds of “worldbuilder’s disease” as much as possible. If that’s what you’re looking for, this is the best I can recommend in terms of craft books.
Unfortunately, in some places it felt like this emphasis on simplicity cut out all nuance and turned things unrealistically black-and-white, which I believe can easily hurt the worldbuilding process and its support of themes and storytelling. There were also a number of places I felt the author’s bias on a topic came through very clearly, skewing the perception of certain worldbuilding options that could be used in more interesting ways. The appendix (chapter) on education felt especially narrow, and the government chapter had some inaccuracies in the way it defined certain systems along with a very American bias. Some bias is unavoidable, I know, but it made the options come across as very stereotyped. Again, if something very basic is what you’re looking for, this book might still be a helpful tool to start off with.
Another thing I noticed, as a side-effect of how brief Janeen kept the book, was that some of the organization was a little odd. When you only have a few chapters focusing on core topics, I guess you have to fit some smaller things in somewhere even if it’s not a perfect fit with the overarching topic. For example, the chapter on naming had a handful of points thrown in about language on a more general level, and “capitalism” started off the list of government structures despite being an economic system.
The strongest portions of this book, in my opinion, were the introduction, the chapters on art/media, the technology chapter, and the naming chapter. These felt the closest to the heart of the book’s premise and the most neutral in terms of how questions and options were presented (vs. the evident bias in some other chapters).
The book’s biggest weaknesses were, I think, largely side-effects of the focus on something simple and stripped-down for authors who need just the bare basics for a first draft. Some places felt like they’d been stripped down too far and key elements had been lost, the organization felt fudged in places, and a few points needed more research behind them. But if you’re an author who doesn’t want to get sucked down the worldbuilding rabbit hole and you’re looking for an introduction to the idea of building a culture around the idea of a cultural worldview, this is a decent primer.
The first thing that stood out to me about this book when it arrived is how small it is; there are only about 60 pages of content to this book. The descriptions of it as a “primer” or “quick reference guide” are the most accurate. Janeen really does focus on the bare basics of each topic she covers in an effort to keep authors out of the weeds of “worldbuilder’s disease” as much as possible. If that’s what you’re looking for, this is the best I can recommend in terms of craft books.
Unfortunately, in some places it felt like this emphasis on simplicity cut out all nuance and turned things unrealistically black-and-white, which I believe can easily hurt the worldbuilding process and its support of themes and storytelling. There were also a number of places I felt the author’s bias on a topic came through very clearly, skewing the perception of certain worldbuilding options that could be used in more interesting ways. The appendix (chapter) on education felt especially narrow, and the government chapter had some inaccuracies in the way it defined certain systems along with a very American bias. Some bias is unavoidable, I know, but it made the options come across as very stereotyped. Again, if something very basic is what you’re looking for, this book might still be a helpful tool to start off with.
Another thing I noticed, as a side-effect of how brief Janeen kept the book, was that some of the organization was a little odd. When you only have a few chapters focusing on core topics, I guess you have to fit some smaller things in somewhere even if it’s not a perfect fit with the overarching topic. For example, the chapter on naming had a handful of points thrown in about language on a more general level, and “capitalism” started off the list of government structures despite being an economic system.
The strongest portions of this book, in my opinion, were the introduction, the chapters on art/media, the technology chapter, and the naming chapter. These felt the closest to the heart of the book’s premise and the most neutral in terms of how questions and options were presented (vs. the evident bias in some other chapters).
The book’s biggest weaknesses were, I think, largely side-effects of the focus on something simple and stripped-down for authors who need just the bare basics for a first draft. Some places felt like they’d been stripped down too far and key elements had been lost, the organization felt fudged in places, and a few points needed more research behind them. But if you’re an author who doesn’t want to get sucked down the worldbuilding rabbit hole and you’re looking for an introduction to the idea of building a culture around the idea of a cultural worldview, this is a decent primer.
January 15, 2017
Really great little book for getting ideas for world building. It had some great suggestions and some good prompts to get you thinking about different parts of a culture. Recommended!
July 17, 2020
A succinct overview of world-building with tips to keep the world from overtaking the story, handy reference sections, a great workbook that prompts further creativity. There’s a good dose of wry, subtle humor as well (something I always appreciate). Definitely something I’m going to reference often.
At first, I was disappointed in the first couple of chapters; “This is Information I cover on a regular basis,” I thought. “While it’s nice to have this all in one place instead of 3-5 tabs on the computer, it isn’t really worth the price of the book.” Then I cracked open the workbook.
The questions. The tips. They made all the difference. They got me excited and ready to dive back into a WIP that’s been stagnating on and off for...well, a couple years (I refuse to count the years because then I am going to be discouraged).
This definitely goes better with the workbook than it does by itself, but the book by itself is good for a humorous reference guide.
At first, I was disappointed in the first couple of chapters; “This is Information I cover on a regular basis,” I thought. “While it’s nice to have this all in one place instead of 3-5 tabs on the computer, it isn’t really worth the price of the book.” Then I cracked open the workbook.
The questions. The tips. They made all the difference. They got me excited and ready to dive back into a WIP that’s been stagnating on and off for...well, a couple years (I refuse to count the years because then I am going to be discouraged).
This definitely goes better with the workbook than it does by itself, but the book by itself is good for a humorous reference guide.
May 13, 2024
I listened to audio book recording which was performed well. This was quick, and I didn't find it as helpful as others because I already write my worlds with a focus on the inside. Others may enjoy this very much though, it just didn't expand very much on what I'm already doing. That isn't worth docking more than one star, still written well and very good resource!
December 31, 2023
Covers all the basics of worlduilding and provides lots of food for thought. It's more of an overview, so those looking for a deep dive might not find it super helpful. But it's great for inspiration and/or as an aid when feeling stuck.
September 8, 2017
Informative
Well written and informative. I have some new depth to add to my world building now. I enjoyed this book and the accompanying workbook.
Well written and informative. I have some new depth to add to my world building now. I enjoyed this book and the accompanying workbook.
March 25, 2018
This book has been extremely helpful as I work on worldbuilding for my novel.
March 26, 2018
Excellent lists to consider when building a world. Very concise.
July 23, 2018
Invaluable resource! Provides a practical approach with lots of helpful information and insights. I listened to the audio version, but have kindle version as well. Recommended.
November 21, 2018
Too vague and not detailed enough to be helpful. Each topic is given only a few paragraphs of overview before moving on to the next. Fifteen minutes on wikipedia would yield more information.
January 16, 2017
A short disclaimer: This review is a joint review for both World-Building From The Inside Out and its workbook.
Both World-Building from the Inside Out and its workbook did help me learn a thing or two by the time I finished reading them. But only one or two.
The books go into detail about worldbuilding aspects such as Religion, Government, Societal Structure, Art & Media, Technology, Naming, Food, Appearance, Location, Health & Medicine, Military, and Education.
Now, although this is all well and good, the books span less than 70 pages each and touch each subject briefly. If you are completely new to worldbuilding, I would say you should give it a shot, but if you aren't, then I definitely would not. If you have researched worldbuilding or spent any of your time learning what worldbuilding is, then you could easily teach yourself everything in these books without even reading them. Janeen and Julia both wrote a beautiful book that touches each aspect that was previously stated with a nice tone and in an easy to understand kind of way.
For the $4 price tag, a 70-page book has the title of World-Building from the Inside Out, you'd expect a book that touches every kind of worldbuilding tool for a writer. And my expectations were thrown out the window. Not only that, but I bought both books at $4 each.
I've bought $4, $5 and $6 books that truly touch everything that they should, books on scene creation that show you almost everything to do with building scenes, character books that teach you everything you need to create wonderful characters. Each one of those books had 100-300 pages of great and insightful information.
I hate to say it, but World-Building from the Inside Out and its workbook hardly helped me at all and it was a waste of $8. I wish I could give these books a better review, but with how much I taught myself with worldbuilding thus far, I can't say that I enjoyed or really learned anything with these two books.
Both World-Building from the Inside Out and its workbook did help me learn a thing or two by the time I finished reading them. But only one or two.
The books go into detail about worldbuilding aspects such as Religion, Government, Societal Structure, Art & Media, Technology, Naming, Food, Appearance, Location, Health & Medicine, Military, and Education.
Now, although this is all well and good, the books span less than 70 pages each and touch each subject briefly. If you are completely new to worldbuilding, I would say you should give it a shot, but if you aren't, then I definitely would not. If you have researched worldbuilding or spent any of your time learning what worldbuilding is, then you could easily teach yourself everything in these books without even reading them. Janeen and Julia both wrote a beautiful book that touches each aspect that was previously stated with a nice tone and in an easy to understand kind of way.
For the $4 price tag, a 70-page book has the title of World-Building from the Inside Out, you'd expect a book that touches every kind of worldbuilding tool for a writer. And my expectations were thrown out the window. Not only that, but I bought both books at $4 each.
I've bought $4, $5 and $6 books that truly touch everything that they should, books on scene creation that show you almost everything to do with building scenes, character books that teach you everything you need to create wonderful characters. Each one of those books had 100-300 pages of great and insightful information.
I hate to say it, but World-Building from the Inside Out and its workbook hardly helped me at all and it was a waste of $8. I wish I could give these books a better review, but with how much I taught myself with worldbuilding thus far, I can't say that I enjoyed or really learned anything with these two books.
August 31, 2016
So far in my writing, I've stayed with the real world. I always admired the fantasy and science fiction writers who came up with whole worlds. I thought, "I can't do that."
My muse didn't hear that detail.
I've been brewing a science fiction concept for the last several months. I think I have some cool character and plot concepts, but I need to develop a solid world for them to dwell in. I'm so happy that I found World-Building From the Inside Out.
Janeen is a student of anthropology and cross-cultural studies, so she has the perfect background to write this book. It is a short guide, but it packs a punch. She just doesn't take a person through a series of questions, but she layers it through her anthropological lens to help a writer build a society from a solid foundation that will inform the whole world you are building. There's different theories on society building, but Janeen's approach is a very thorough and detailed one, stemming from the cultures deepest values/religion and moving out from there.
It also doesn't waste time on a bunch of superfluous prose. She explains her points and moves on. It is a short reference book at 57 pages, but it is well worth it. I highly recommend it.
My muse didn't hear that detail.
I've been brewing a science fiction concept for the last several months. I think I have some cool character and plot concepts, but I need to develop a solid world for them to dwell in. I'm so happy that I found World-Building From the Inside Out.
Janeen is a student of anthropology and cross-cultural studies, so she has the perfect background to write this book. It is a short guide, but it packs a punch. She just doesn't take a person through a series of questions, but she layers it through her anthropological lens to help a writer build a society from a solid foundation that will inform the whole world you are building. There's different theories on society building, but Janeen's approach is a very thorough and detailed one, stemming from the cultures deepest values/religion and moving out from there.
It also doesn't waste time on a bunch of superfluous prose. She explains her points and moves on. It is a short reference book at 57 pages, but it is well worth it. I highly recommend it.
October 13, 2016
This author shows skill and conveying information at a user friendly and funny at times book. Secondly, I would wish they were more examples in other works from other works that would be applied to the story but it is still a joy to read in thus and the workbook. Lastly, if there was a way to incorporate a tiny piece of the workbook into the book such as a demo world building in which you follow along with the author and there would be safer in example one example key I to be used so that one can see if there correctly applying what they've learned for each chapter. One still can apply such, but some people learn another way. I feel this would be a complete four stars for me if there was a little bit more quizzes in the book. Once again, it is still a great book out there that one should have on their shelf.
August 12, 2016
This textbook is a valuable resource for both veteran and novice teachers to spark, guide, and deepen creativity. It can be an immense challenge to create a world and characters that are well rounded, but Janeen Ippolito uses her expertise as an anthropologist, linguist, and author to help other authors develop their stories and get to know their characters. By focusing on different areas in each chapter (everything from food to education to naming), Ippolito brings structure and clarity to the often murky process of channeling imagination into coherent stories.
February 4, 2017
World-Building
This is a compact reference book. It touches on the most basic ingredients needed to make a world for your book. Keep it handy when you want a tale that rings true to life.
This is a compact reference book. It touches on the most basic ingredients needed to make a world for your book. Keep it handy when you want a tale that rings true to life.
Read
August 10, 2016This is a great resource for speculative fiction writers, whether you're building a world from the ground up or just looking to fill in the holes of a world you've already created. Unlike a lot of resources, this one cuts right to the heart of cultures and asks fun and engaging questions about your society, encouraging authors to consider their character's worldview, which will make our stories better and deeper.
May 10, 2019
Having writers block, where either the characters glare silently at you because you're not writing, or they have all gone to another room and closed the door, is very irritating. Having them glare because you just can't figure out how to write what's going on even though they told you, is also frustrating. This book was a great help, because it gave me somewhere to start in figuring out what was going on, and helped me be able to see what to do so I could actually see what was going on in the story and write it. This book was a tremendous help to me, and I look forward to any other reference books that this author writes.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews