Developmental Editing for Worldbuilding Webinar
This 45-minute webinar outlines a framework for tackling worldbuilding problems when revising your novel or completing a developmental edit of someone else's work.
You will receive a video version of the webinar, an audio-only version, a transcript of the recording, the slides, and a resource sheet with links to other worldbuilding resources and my worldbuilding Q&A service.
Worldbuilding is tricky, no?
There’s a lot to consider, from flora and fauna to bakery items (oh, the bakery items!), historical eras, and magic systems. All these different levels can generate confusion and be difficult to separate out.
And then there’s the fact that any world you create is really a comparison with our own world. Even if you keep things simple and just introduce one tiny change or kind of magic to our world, there are still ripple effects to consider.
This webinar cuts through this confusion with a simple framework for assessing the strengths and weaknesses of worldbuilding in your novel. It outlines six elements of strong worldbuilding, and then covers common problems – mostly linked to the absence or too-strong presence of these elements.
In the first part of the webinar, I present my own definition of worldbuilding, showing how it is distinct from setting.
I then link worldbuilding to what I call these six elements (6 “C”s) of worldbuilding: creative, complete, consistent, compelling, conscious, and credible worldbuilding. (These build on MD Presley's 4 "C"s.)
I introduce some general worldbuilding distinctions:
- macro versus micro worldbuilding
- exploratory versus detailed worldbuilding
- top-down versus bottom-up worldbuilding
And then I briefly discuss genre-specific worldbuilding problems, such as time travel, the masquerade, and mortal–immortal romances.
Finally, I outline seven common worldbuilding problems and how to notice and solve them.
This webinar best suits authors and editors who want to improve their practical knowledge of worldbuilding and use these insights to improve the manuscripts they work on.
It is for:
- Beginner and intermediate fantasy or speculative fiction writers
- Fiction developmental editors
- Writers at all levels of nonfiction or other fiction genres curious about worldbuilding
It is not for:
- Advanced speculative fiction writers
- Editors who have attended my CIEP Worldbuilding for Fiction Editors workshop (because the content overlaps significantly with this)
Your webinar host:
My name is Dr Andy Hodges. I've been supporting fiction writers and scholars for over ten years, and I've been fully self-employed since 2019, working on many wonderful fantasy and science fiction novels.
My approach to editing and teaching is author-centered – I'm curious about your writing context and how your writing fits into your life and personal goals. I won’t offer one-size-fits-all prescriptions (*cough* Save the Cat!). Instead, I treat frameworks as experiments that may or may not suit your novel.
Equally, I’m not a “yes” person who will tell you that your writing is awesome when parts of it need heavy work. I see my role as being a critical and caring companion, challenging you to improve your work and level up.
I’m especially careful about and sensitive to publishing traditions beyond Anglo-American publishing. I love building relationships with authors across languages and cultures. I call this approach "Editing Otherwise," and it's embedded in my writing too, so check out my manifesto and blog for more information.
Oh, and I’m queer and use he/they pronouns. I love working on SFF projects with awesome queer representation!
ACCESSIBILITY: You will receive a transcript and an audio-only version of the webinar alongside the video. If you have any additional accessibility needs, drop me (Andy) a line: info@thenarrativecraft.com
REFUND POLICY: Refunds are not available because of the nature of the product, so please be sure you want to purchase it when you do. You can send any feedback on the webinar to me (Andy): info@thenarrativecraft.com
DISCOUNTS: Solidarity discounts are freely available for marginalized people to use if needed.
Please use the solidarity discounts only if you really need them, not because you prefer to pay a lower rate.
Besides your current financial situation, please consider your identity-based privilege, relative earning potential, and access to financial support from your family/network.
Paying the standard rate if you’re able allows me to offer discounts.
TO PAY A DISCOUNTED RATE: Use the code SOLI50 for 50% off, or SOLI100 for 100% off.