Worldbuilding for Masochists
@worldbuildcast.bsky.social
5x Hugo Award Finalist podcast about fantasy worldbuilding, hosted by nerds who love to overcomplicate things: Marshall Ryan Maresca, Cass Morris, and Natania Barron
worldbuildingformasochists.podbean.com
worldbuildingformasochists.podbean.com
Reposted by Worldbuilding for Masochists
An excellent thread, and honestly one of the reasons I sometimes think there was an upside to my first deal being so fraught. I was disabused of any illusions pretty quickly, and as a result, I'll certainly never expect one step forward to promise another.
I think one of the hardest things about being a career writer in traditional publishing is that writing attracts the neurodivergent brain while the variable reinforcement schedule punishes it. We are all the rat at the water bottle, waiting for the hit of cocaine. You get one win, and you need MORE.
November 20, 2025 at 4:18 PM
An excellent thread, and honestly one of the reasons I sometimes think there was an upside to my first deal being so fraught. I was disabused of any illusions pretty quickly, and as a result, I'll certainly never expect one step forward to promise another.
Reposted by Worldbuilding for Masochists
I do not know why my "sleepwalkers mysteriously walk across a violent, divided America during an unfolding pandemic being investigated by a rogue government-built AI" novel WANDERERS is a buck-ninety-nine for your electromagnetic book reader of choice, but it is, so go enjoy an on-sale apocalypse?
November 20, 2025 at 6:54 PM
I do not know why my "sleepwalkers mysteriously walk across a violent, divided America during an unfolding pandemic being investigated by a rogue government-built AI" novel WANDERERS is a buck-ninety-nine for your electromagnetic book reader of choice, but it is, so go enjoy an on-sale apocalypse?
Reposted by Worldbuilding for Masochists
If you are wondering about my extensive backlist, and which book/series might best fit your current reading needs/tastes, I wrote this post for you (boy-band style):
imakeupworlds.com/index.php/20...
imakeupworlds.com/index.php/20...
Where Should I Start With Your Novels? | I Make Up Worlds
imakeupworlds.com
November 20, 2025 at 11:00 PM
If you are wondering about my extensive backlist, and which book/series might best fit your current reading needs/tastes, I wrote this post for you (boy-band style):
imakeupworlds.com/index.php/20...
imakeupworlds.com/index.php/20...
Reposted by Worldbuilding for Masochists
This week, I withdrew from a speaking engagement at a public university because they sent me a list of prohibited “words & concepts.” I will not humor this censorship. It does a disservice to the stories I’m discussing & the audience, who deserve unfettered access to information & conversation.
November 20, 2025 at 10:20 PM
This week, I withdrew from a speaking engagement at a public university because they sent me a list of prohibited “words & concepts.” I will not humor this censorship. It does a disservice to the stories I’m discussing & the audience, who deserve unfettered access to information & conversation.
Reposted by Worldbuilding for Masochists
Writers: If you've been working on a piece for a while and you aren't sure if it still needs more tweaks, or if you've entered the anxiety-editing phase, Monday's Patreon class is for you. To attend with a free 7-day trial, choose the Livestreaming Classes tier or above. patreon.com/maryrobinette
November 21, 2025 at 9:16 PM
Writers: If you've been working on a piece for a while and you aren't sure if it still needs more tweaks, or if you've entered the anxiety-editing phase, Monday's Patreon class is for you. To attend with a free 7-day trial, choose the Livestreaming Classes tier or above. patreon.com/maryrobinette
Reposted by Worldbuilding for Masochists
Last night I and Kirsten Beyer were guests on the live podcast Salon Trek. We talked about the development of the STAR TREK: KHAN audio drama series from CBS and Realm, and reveal some behind-the-scenes technobabble we cut while writing KHAN, and voice-casting issues.
youtube.com/live/wyPC1gY...
youtube.com/live/wyPC1gY...
Salon Supplemental: Kirsten Beyer and David Mack
YouTube video by The Salon | A Star Trek Podcast
youtube.com
November 21, 2025 at 9:31 PM
Last night I and Kirsten Beyer were guests on the live podcast Salon Trek. We talked about the development of the STAR TREK: KHAN audio drama series from CBS and Realm, and reveal some behind-the-scenes technobabble we cut while writing KHAN, and voice-casting issues.
youtube.com/live/wyPC1gY...
youtube.com/live/wyPC1gY...
Reposted by Worldbuilding for Masochists
COVER REVEAL: My next book is a standalone science fiction cyberpunk thriller starring aging corporate samurai. The Last Contract of Isako will be out on May 5, 2026 from @orbitbooks.bsky.social. Can't wait to share it with you. Thank you to @tommypocket.bsky.social for this kickass cover ⚔️
November 22, 2025 at 1:13 AM
COVER REVEAL: My next book is a standalone science fiction cyberpunk thriller starring aging corporate samurai. The Last Contract of Isako will be out on May 5, 2026 from @orbitbooks.bsky.social. Can't wait to share it with you. Thank you to @tommypocket.bsky.social for this kickass cover ⚔️
NEW EPISODE: Episode 168: It's Bigger on the Inside... of Book Two, ft. the incomparable @aparnaverma.bsky.social.
Listen now: https://worldbuildingformasochists.podbean.com/e/episode-168-its-bigger-on-the-inside-of-book-two-ft-aparna-verma/
Listen now: https://worldbuildingformasochists.podbean.com/e/episode-168-its-bigger-on-the-inside-of-book-two-ft-aparna-verma/
November 20, 2025 at 11:46 PM
NEW EPISODE: Episode 168: It's Bigger on the Inside... of Book Two, ft. the incomparable @aparnaverma.bsky.social.
Listen now: https://worldbuildingformasochists.podbean.com/e/episode-168-its-bigger-on-the-inside-of-book-two-ft-aparna-verma/
Listen now: https://worldbuildingformasochists.podbean.com/e/episode-168-its-bigger-on-the-inside-of-book-two-ft-aparna-verma/
Reposted by Worldbuilding for Masochists
Whenever people diss the romance genre or act as if it is by definition second-rate, I think about how genuinely difficult it is to write a truly effective (and non wince-inducing) consensual sex scene (whether cute, fun, passionate, tragic, comedic, horny, moving, etc). Especially an explicit one.
November 14, 2025 at 11:04 PM
Whenever people diss the romance genre or act as if it is by definition second-rate, I think about how genuinely difficult it is to write a truly effective (and non wince-inducing) consensual sex scene (whether cute, fun, passionate, tragic, comedic, horny, moving, etc). Especially an explicit one.
Reposted by Worldbuilding for Masochists
NEW EPISODE: Episode 167: Spice Up Your Worldbuilding. ft. @niadavenport.bsky.social!
Let's get spicy! We talk all sorts of, ahem, arrangements, with our incredible special guest. Bring a glass of water, maybe... ;)
Listen now: https://bit.ly/WFMPOD167
#Worldbuilding
Let's get spicy! We talk all sorts of, ahem, arrangements, with our incredible special guest. Bring a glass of water, maybe... ;)
Listen now: https://bit.ly/WFMPOD167
#Worldbuilding
November 6, 2025 at 2:15 AM
NEW EPISODE: Episode 167: Spice Up Your Worldbuilding. ft. @niadavenport.bsky.social!
Let's get spicy! We talk all sorts of, ahem, arrangements, with our incredible special guest. Bring a glass of water, maybe... ;)
Listen now: https://bit.ly/WFMPOD167
#Worldbuilding
Let's get spicy! We talk all sorts of, ahem, arrangements, with our incredible special guest. Bring a glass of water, maybe... ;)
Listen now: https://bit.ly/WFMPOD167
#Worldbuilding
NEW EPISODE: Episode 167: Spice Up Your Worldbuilding. ft. @niadavenport.bsky.social!
Let's get spicy! We talk all sorts of, ahem, arrangements, with our incredible special guest. Bring a glass of water, maybe... ;)
Listen now: https://bit.ly/WFMPOD167
#Worldbuilding
Let's get spicy! We talk all sorts of, ahem, arrangements, with our incredible special guest. Bring a glass of water, maybe... ;)
Listen now: https://bit.ly/WFMPOD167
#Worldbuilding
November 6, 2025 at 2:15 AM
NEW EPISODE: Episode 167: Spice Up Your Worldbuilding. ft. @niadavenport.bsky.social!
Let's get spicy! We talk all sorts of, ahem, arrangements, with our incredible special guest. Bring a glass of water, maybe... ;)
Listen now: https://bit.ly/WFMPOD167
#Worldbuilding
Let's get spicy! We talk all sorts of, ahem, arrangements, with our incredible special guest. Bring a glass of water, maybe... ;)
Listen now: https://bit.ly/WFMPOD167
#Worldbuilding
Reposted by Worldbuilding for Masochists
Good morning to everyone on this joyous morning in America but also to @alixeharrow.bsky.social who's latest book THE EVERLASTING is #14 on the USA Today Bestsellers list.
www.usatoday.com/booklist
www.usatoday.com/booklist
Best-selling Booklist – USA TODAY
Explore best-selling books, reviews, and recommendations at USA Today's Best-selling Booklist. Discover captivating fiction, inspiring non-fiction & expert critiques.
www.usatoday.com
November 5, 2025 at 1:58 PM
Good morning to everyone on this joyous morning in America but also to @alixeharrow.bsky.social who's latest book THE EVERLASTING is #14 on the USA Today Bestsellers list.
www.usatoday.com/booklist
www.usatoday.com/booklist
Reposted by Worldbuilding for Masochists
In THE PHOTONIC EFFECT, Captain Demora Kim of the starship Horizon has a greyhound named Indy, rescued from an underground track on a Mars colony.
This is Indy in real life, our first racer rescue.
Request THE PHOTONIC EFFECT on Netgalley now! www.netgalley.com/catalog/book...
This is Indy in real life, our first racer rescue.
Request THE PHOTONIC EFFECT on Netgalley now! www.netgalley.com/catalog/book...
October 30, 2025 at 8:54 PM
In THE PHOTONIC EFFECT, Captain Demora Kim of the starship Horizon has a greyhound named Indy, rescued from an underground track on a Mars colony.
This is Indy in real life, our first racer rescue.
Request THE PHOTONIC EFFECT on Netgalley now! www.netgalley.com/catalog/book...
This is Indy in real life, our first racer rescue.
Request THE PHOTONIC EFFECT on Netgalley now! www.netgalley.com/catalog/book...
Reposted by Worldbuilding for Masochists
I LIKE BIG BIRDS AND I CANNOT LIE
Manticore-hunting Ester and Zahra, her mythic creature partner in crime, are a fantastic character study of grief and obsession and the bonds of trauma and ultimately hope. They’re also just hard af. They make Fonda Lee’s Untethered Sky one of my favorite works of monster hunter fiction.
October 30, 2025 at 8:52 PM
I LIKE BIG BIRDS AND I CANNOT LIE
Reposted by Worldbuilding for Masochists
Can I put a free audiobook in your trick-r-treat bag?
Trick or treat! I have one free copy of the WEARING THE LION audiobook and I want to give it out to a lucky trick-or-treater. I'll draw the winner at random in a few days.
To enter: show me a costume you loved wearing, or tell me your favorite Halloween costume.
(Follow me so I can DM you later!)
To enter: show me a costume you loved wearing, or tell me your favorite Halloween costume.
(Follow me so I can DM you later!)
October 30, 2025 at 9:53 PM
Can I put a free audiobook in your trick-r-treat bag?
Reposted by Worldbuilding for Masochists
I want to be clear that I'm not promising you'll get to meet Elsie, but... we are doing a trial to see how she does at a book event tonight in D.C.
Oh, also @sentencebender.bsky.social and I will be there with our new book APPREHENSION/RED STAR HUSTLE
littledistrictbooks.com/products/app...
Oh, also @sentencebender.bsky.social and I will be there with our new book APPREHENSION/RED STAR HUSTLE
littledistrictbooks.com/products/app...
Apprehension / Red Star Hustle Author Event
Join us October 29, 2025 at 7pm for a Conversation Apprehension by Mary Robinettte Kowal and Red Star Hustle by Sam J. Miller. ApprehensionA family vacation arranged by Bonnyjean, a grieving mother, ...
littledistrictbooks.com
October 29, 2025 at 1:53 PM
I want to be clear that I'm not promising you'll get to meet Elsie, but... we are doing a trial to see how she does at a book event tonight in D.C.
Oh, also @sentencebender.bsky.social and I will be there with our new book APPREHENSION/RED STAR HUSTLE
littledistrictbooks.com/products/app...
Oh, also @sentencebender.bsky.social and I will be there with our new book APPREHENSION/RED STAR HUSTLE
littledistrictbooks.com/products/app...
Reposted by Worldbuilding for Masochists
We use history a lot in our worldbuilding, whether as a direct re-interpretation or as inspiration for a secondary world. So… why? And what choices do we need to examine as we do so? @alixeharrow.bsky.social joins us to discuss weaving history into fiction.
Link: bit.ly/WFMPOD166
Link: bit.ly/WFMPOD166
October 24, 2025 at 2:03 AM
We use history a lot in our worldbuilding, whether as a direct re-interpretation or as inspiration for a secondary world. So… why? And what choices do we need to examine as we do so? @alixeharrow.bsky.social joins us to discuss weaving history into fiction.
Link: bit.ly/WFMPOD166
Link: bit.ly/WFMPOD166
Reposted by Worldbuilding for Masochists
Since this etymology gets discussed with improbable frequency on @worldbuildcast.bsky.social 😂
Ok, so let's talk a little bit about how the Romans understand magic and why they think putting phallus-shaped objects (fascina, sing. fascinum) are witch-craft related and how that connects to our word 'fascinate.' 1/
Hmmm: Borrowed from Latin fascinātus (“to enchant, bewitch, fascinate”) [makes sense so far] from fascinum (“a phallus-shaped [lol wut] amulet [wait what] worn around the neck [WHAT THE TARPEIAN FUCK] in Ancient Rome; witchcraft”) ... itself of obscure origin.
October 26, 2025 at 3:33 AM
Since this etymology gets discussed with improbable frequency on @worldbuildcast.bsky.social 😂
We use history a lot in our worldbuilding, whether as a direct re-interpretation or as inspiration for a secondary world. So… why? And what choices do we need to examine as we do so? @alixeharrow.bsky.social joins us to discuss weaving history into fiction.
Link: bit.ly/WFMPOD166
Link: bit.ly/WFMPOD166
October 24, 2025 at 2:03 AM
We use history a lot in our worldbuilding, whether as a direct re-interpretation or as inspiration for a secondary world. So… why? And what choices do we need to examine as we do so? @alixeharrow.bsky.social joins us to discuss weaving history into fiction.
Link: bit.ly/WFMPOD166
Link: bit.ly/WFMPOD166
What are you writing this evening? Any intriguing worldbuilding tidbits to share?
October 24, 2025 at 1:55 AM
What are you writing this evening? Any intriguing worldbuilding tidbits to share?
Reposted by Worldbuilding for Masochists
As a bonus, in our Discord you may encounter friends from fabulous podcasts such as @hugospodcast.com, @octothorpecast.bsky.social, and @worldbuildcast.bsky.social, all in furtherance of my ultimate goal to create the megafancast, Hugoctothorpe Building There for Girl Masochists!
Hello friends, we made a Discord server since the demise of the other site and the horrors of FB have made it tough to just chat about books. Comment or DM if you'd like an invite link!
September 28, 2025 at 5:23 PM
As a bonus, in our Discord you may encounter friends from fabulous podcasts such as @hugospodcast.com, @octothorpecast.bsky.social, and @worldbuildcast.bsky.social, all in furtherance of my ultimate goal to create the megafancast, Hugoctothorpe Building There for Girl Masochists!
If you're a fan of mythical beasties, we've got the episode for you. Biology, ecology, and some plain good fun.
#worldbuilding
bit.ly/WFMPOD1163
#worldbuilding
bit.ly/WFMPOD1163
September 14, 2025 at 4:00 PM
If you're a fan of mythical beasties, we've got the episode for you. Biology, ecology, and some plain good fun.
#worldbuilding
bit.ly/WFMPOD1163
#worldbuilding
bit.ly/WFMPOD1163
Reposted by Worldbuilding for Masochists
We talk to @devafagan.bsky.social about worldbuilding religions, including when you, the creator, has given your world a specific afterlife, or what does "faith" mean when Gods are actually walking around, and what exactly IS the Bajoran religion on DS9, anyway?
Fantasy religions often feel like reskins either of ancient Greek or Norse pantheons or of the medieval Catholic church. But what more interesting choices can we make when building faith within an invented world?
@devafagan.bsky.social joins us to explore some of the options!
bit.ly/WFMPOD162
@devafagan.bsky.social joins us to explore some of the options!
bit.ly/WFMPOD162
August 28, 2025 at 5:14 PM
We talk to @devafagan.bsky.social about worldbuilding religions, including when you, the creator, has given your world a specific afterlife, or what does "faith" mean when Gods are actually walking around, and what exactly IS the Bajoran religion on DS9, anyway?
Fantasy religions often feel like reskins either of ancient Greek or Norse pantheons or of the medieval Catholic church. But what more interesting choices can we make when building faith within an invented world?
@devafagan.bsky.social joins us to explore some of the options!
bit.ly/WFMPOD162
@devafagan.bsky.social joins us to explore some of the options!
bit.ly/WFMPOD162
August 28, 2025 at 4:58 PM
Fantasy religions often feel like reskins either of ancient Greek or Norse pantheons or of the medieval Catholic church. But what more interesting choices can we make when building faith within an invented world?
@devafagan.bsky.social joins us to explore some of the options!
bit.ly/WFMPOD162
@devafagan.bsky.social joins us to explore some of the options!
bit.ly/WFMPOD162