by Janet Forbes

“If you strike me down, I shall become more powerful than you can possibly imagine,” says Obi Wan Kenobi. 

It’s a really cool line. But as someone who writes Science Fiction and Fantasy, a little bell goes off in my head.… Read the post

by Janet Forbes

What is a fantasy race - and how is it different from a fantasy species?

A lot of worldbuilders get confused between these terms. Because even in our world, people are really complicated. And a lot of the language traditionally used to describe fantasy people is old, and steeped in problematic historical baggage.… Read the post

by Janet Forbes

Who do you cry out for when you’re in pain? Is it God? Your mom? Or do you try to stifle your cries?

We’re all a product of our environment: of our parents, our education, our morals and taboos.… Read the post

by Janet Forbes

It’s called the worldbuilding trap.

Worldbuilders disease.

In fact, it seems like worldbuilding is Public Enemy #1 amongst writers. 

But why?

Some of the biggest, best, and most memorable books - especially, but not only, books in genre fiction - are steeped in worldbuilding.… Read the post