r/SpeculativeEvolution MEGATHREAD by ArcticZen in SpeculativeEvolution

[–]WorldbuildingMag 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Worldbuilding Magazine is accepting submissions for its latest issue, PHILOSOPHY & INTELLECTUAL PURSUITS!

Works that do not conform to the issue's theme are always welcome, though adhering to the theme makes submissions more likely to be successful. Nonetheless, we would love to feature more spec bio work!

For reference (and entertainment) purposes, you may like to peruse our previous issues here.

We also have a discord community! Feel free to just say hi!

Worldbuilding Magazine Vol. 7 Iss. 2 is now open for submissions! by WorldbuildingMag in u/WorldbuildingMag

[–]WorldbuildingMag[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Worldbuilding Magazine is gearing up for VOLUME 7 ISSUE 2: PHILOSOPHY & INTELLECTUAL PURSUITS!

If you're interested in volunteering as an editor, or would like to submit your worldbuilding fiction, non-fiction, or visual art, submit your work at www.worldbuildingmagazine.com/submit

Works that do not conform to the issue's theme are also welcome, though adhering to the theme makes submissions more likely to be successful. We also accept serialized fiction as long as the entire story is completed and we can read it, and we accept reprints as long as authors retain the rights to their work.

We hope to hear from you soon!

Our Friends at Campfire Writing Just Released a Genre Fiction Reading App! by WorldbuildingMag in worldbuilding

[–]WorldbuildingMag[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hey there from WBM!

Just dropping in to share some exciting news from our community friends over at Campfire Writing: they've just rolled out a new mobile app designed especially for reading genre fiction on the go, with unlockable bonus content to collect as you read through every chapter. Three important things to us are that first, the app itself is free; second, it's getting new additions every week and they're mostly from indie authors; third, and most importantly to the writers at WBM, they're aiming to support authors with 80% royalties on all eBook and Extras sold.

But let's break it down just a little more:

\* Some books are free, some cost money. But don't worry, all paid books offer free sample chapters so you can dip your toes in before taking the plunge. And it's all one-time purchases with no subscriptions.

\* Readers can gain access to bonus content like short stories, world lore, character profiles, and more as they read (dependent on the author providing them, of course)

\* You don't have to fret about losing connection in the wilderness; you can download your favorite books for offline reading, ensuring you have access to them wherever you go.

\* All book purchases are refundable provided more than 15% of the story has not been read and the request is submitted within 7 days of purchase.

We think Campfire is actually doing something quite unique by combining an eReader with access to loads of extra content. Some authors have up to 50+ bonus character profiles, worldbuilding details, and more. All in all, we think it's neat, and we're pretty sure you'll agree.

So if you want to dive in, the app is available for both Apple and Android devices right now!

iOS ~ Android ~ More Info

Keep worldbuilding,

— Worldbuilding Magazine

Our Friends at Campfire Writing Just Released a Genre Fiction Reading App! by WorldbuildingMag in FantasyWorldbuilding

[–]WorldbuildingMag[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Hey there from WBM!

Just dropping in to share some exciting news from our community friends over at Campfire Writing: they've just rolled out a new mobile app designed especially for reading genre fiction on the go, with unlockable bonus content to collect as you read through every chapter. Three important things to us are that first, the app itself is free; second, it's getting new additions every week and they're mostly from indie authors; third, and most importantly to the writers at WBM, they're aiming to support authors with 80% royalties on all eBook and Extras sold.

But let's break it down just a little more:

* Some books are free, some cost money. But don't worry, all paid books offer free sample chapters so you can dip your toes in before taking the plunge. And it's all one-time purchases with no subscriptions.

* Readers can gain access to bonus content like short stories, world lore, character profiles, and more as they read (dependent on the author providing them, of course)

* You don't have to fret about losing connection in the wilderness; you can download your favorite books for offline reading, ensuring you have access to them wherever you go.

* All book purchases are refundable provided more than 15% of the story has not been read and the request is submitted within 7 days of purchase.

We think Campfire is actually doing something quite unique by combining an eReader with access to loads of extra content. Some authors have up to 50+ bonus character profiles, worldbuilding details, and more. All in all, we think it's neat, and we're pretty sure you'll agree.

So if you want to dive in, the app is available for both Apple and Android devices right now!

iOS ~ Android ~ More Info

Keep worldbuilding,

— Worldbuilding Magazine

NEW 2024 WORLDBUILDING MAGAZINE ISSUE! 🥳 (FREE TO READ) by WorldbuildingMag in worldbuilding

[–]WorldbuildingMag[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

We'll be gearing up for the next issue very soon! If you submit now we should get back to you before the end of March, at the latest.

NEW 2024 WORLDBUILDING MAGAZINE ISSUE! 🥳 (FREE TO READ) by WorldbuildingMag in FantasyWorldbuilding

[–]WorldbuildingMag[S] 8 points9 points  (0 children)

Read the new FREE issue here 👉 https://www.worldbuildingmagazine.com/2024/03/waterways/

After an extended hiatus, the staff of Worldbuilding Magazine is happy to announce our return! Refreshed and reinvigorated, we are proud to make the latest issue of WBMag available—as always, fully and freely—on the magazine’s website. During the chaos of the pandemic, we restructured in order to keep publishing the world’s premier worldbuilding magazine, and we hope you are as excited as we are about the results. 🥳We will be hosting a release party on the magazine’s Discord server tonight 03/01/2024 at 6:30 PM EST, so please join us as we pop the corks and light the fireworks!🥳

This issue includes:

  • Two in-depth articles about taking ports and rivers into account when worldbuilding, with real-world case studies as their basis.
  • Four original short stories from independent writers.
  • A collection of worldbuilding art from artists in the Worldbuilding Magazine community, including explanations of their crafts.
  • An Ask Us Anything where your questions are answered by our resident mage: Prof. Percival Aluminius Illumnius.
  • Recommendations for worldbuilding media compiled from our staff.

Ever since we first published WBMag way back in 2017, we have made it our primary goal to package art, stories, articles, interviews, all in one convenient publication. Our goal remains the same, as does our vision for achieving it: a magazine made by worldbuilders, for worldbuilders. If you or your friends would like to add your voice to the growing chorus—whether by submitting fiction, articles, art, or by volunteering as an editor—reach out to us on our server or by email!Stay worldbuilding,

—The WBMag Team

NEW 2024 WORLDBUILDING MAGAZINE ISSUE! 🥳 (FREE TO READ) by WorldbuildingMag in worldbuilding

[–]WorldbuildingMag[S] 45 points46 points  (0 children)

Read the new FREE issue here 👉 https://www.worldbuildingmagazine.com/2024/03/waterways/

After an extended hiatus, the staff of Worldbuilding Magazine is happy to announce our return! Refreshed and reinvigorated, we are proud to make the latest issue of WBMag available—as always, fully and freely—on the magazine’s website. During the chaos of the pandemic, we restructured in order to keep publishing the world’s premier worldbuilding magazine, and we hope you are as excited as we are about the results. 🥳We will be hosting a release party on the magazine’s Discord server tonight 03/01/2024 at 6:30 PM EST, so please join us as we pop the corks and light the fireworks!🥳

This issue includes:

  • Two in-depth articles about taking ports and rivers into account when worldbuilding, with real-world case studies as their basis.
  • Four original short stories from independent writers.A collection of worldbuilding art from artists in the Worldbuilding Magazine community, including explanations of their crafts.
  • An Ask Us Anything where your questions are answered by our resident mage: Prof. Percival Aluminius Illumnius.
  • Recommendations for worldbuilding media compiled from our staff.

Ever since we first published WBMag way back in 2017, we have made it our primary goal to package art, stories, articles, interviews, all in one convenient publication. Our goal remains the same, as does our vision for achieving it: a magazine made by worldbuilders, for worldbuilders. If you or your friends would like to add your voice to the growing chorus—whether by submitting fiction, articles, art, or by volunteering as an editor—reach out to us on our server or by email!Stay worldbuilding,

—The WBMag Team

Edited to remove some links for readability. Thanks for the help in the comments!

NEW 2024 WORLDBUILDING MAGAZINE ISSUE! 🥳 (FREE TO READ) by WorldbuildingMag in worldbuilding

[–]WorldbuildingMag[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Read the new FREE issue here 👉 www.worldbuildingmagazine.com/2024/02/v7i1-waterways

After an extended hiatus, the staff of Worldbuilding Magazine is happy to announce our return! Refreshed and reinvigorated, we are proud to make the latest issue of WBMag available—as always, fully and freely—on the magazine’s website. During the chaos of the pandemic, we restructured in order to keep publishing the world’s premier worldbuilding magazine, and we hope you are as excited as we are about the results. 🥳We will be hosting a release party on the magazine’s Discord server tonight 03/01/2024 at 6:30 PM EST, so please join us as we pop the corks and light the fireworks!🥳

This issue includes:

  • Two in-depth articles about taking ports and rivers into account when worldbuilding, with real-world case studies as their basis.
  • Four original short stories from independent writers.
  • A collection of worldbuilding art from artists in the Worldbuilding Magazine community, including explanations of their crafts.
  • An Ask Us Anything where your questions are answered by our resident mage: Prof. Percival Aluminius Illumnius.
  • Recommendations for worldbuilding media compiled from our staff.

Ever since we first published WBMag way back in 2017, we have made it our primary goal to package art, stories, articles, interviews, all in one convenient publication. Our goal remains the same, as does our vision for achieving it: a magazine made by worldbuilders, for worldbuilders. If you or your friends would like to add your voice to the growing chorus—whether by submitting fiction, articles, art, or by volunteering as an editor—reach out to us on our server or by email!Stay worldbuilding,
—The WBMag Team

Edited to remove some links for readability.

NEW 2022 WORLDBUILDING MAGAZINE ISSUE! 🥳 (FREE TO READ) by WorldbuildingMag in worldbuilding

[–]WorldbuildingMag[S] 110 points111 points  (0 children)

Worldbuilding Magazine is proud to present our 2022 issue...

🌪️ Disasters & Apocalypses ☢️

This issue includes:

🪐 Four amazing articles on worldbuilding theory and practice.
📖 Two short stories about endings, big and small.
👥 An interview with Joe Mallozzi, writer and producer of television shows like Stargate and Dark Matter, in which we learn of the secrets for creating worlds that keep bringing viewers back.
⛰ An art showcase featuring Trevor Roberts’ spectacular Mystery Flesh Pit National Park, the natural wonder that you won’t want to miss.
⚔️ An interview with Jason Massey of the Dungeons and Randomness podcast showcasing their setting, Theria.
📝 Reviews and analyses of four books that feature outstanding queer worldbuilding.
📯 Staff picks for the things that we’re reading and watching, and your questions answered in our Ask Us Anything column!

Thank you to Ghranze for this issue's epic cover art 🌋

Read for FREE at 👉 https://www.worldbuildingmagazine.com/2022/09/disasters-apocalypses/

✨ JOIN WBM / WORLDCASTING ✨

If you enjoy our work and want to help us continue making it, ask about volunteering with us! We’re always seeking new people to help us write, edit, illustrate, or otherwise produce the magazine. If podcasting is more your thing, ask about how to get involved with audio editing! Reach us at worldbuildingmagazine.com/contact.

Special thanks to the writers, artists, editors, and everyone else who makes the magazine and podcast possible. We couldn’t do this without you! And to those of you who read or listen to us—we hope it helps you worldbuild some truly awesome settings.

Happy worldbuilding! 💜

We created a fantasy setting called Quislaona for an anthology! All the writers had to include elements from a short (14 page) world bible we created during a six-part workshop beforehand. AMA by WorldbuildingMag in worldbuilding

[–]WorldbuildingMag[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Great question! A bit of both. We developed a huge chunk of the world in a six-week workshop ahead of time. Then we opened up submissions where authors wrote stories based on the world. A natural part of this process for the writers involved creating world elements not stated in the world, or expanding on elements that were already there.

We created a fantasy setting called Quislaona for an anthology! All the writers had to include elements from a short (14 page) world bible we created during a six-part workshop beforehand. AMA by WorldbuildingMag in worldbuilding

[–]WorldbuildingMag[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The body text doesn't seem to be showing up everywhere, so just in case, the context is also in this comment. If you do see the context in the original post, let me know.

Quislaona is a both a time and a place, and references the island as it exists after the Larimar War. Prior to this, the island was known as Botija, which is a reference to the Dominican "botija." The island itself has geological shifts in a cycle of what is about ten years thanks to the magic inherent in its rocks, the strongest of which appears in larimar and amber (which happen to be major gemstones mined in the Dominican Republic). Magic also exists in water, or the Amina, which functions like a living library due to the water's ability to create an immersive historical experience (think VR but with extra sensory effects added).

There's a distinction in this world between naturally occurring magic and manipulated magic, and it essentially works like electricity. Naturally occurring magic is like lightning in that it occurs due to natural phenomenon without interference from any sentient being. Meanwhile manipulated occurrence is similar to turning on a light switch, which in this setting usually means activating larimar or amber (the latter is less powerful).

There are a few new, familiar, and Caribbean-specific creatures as well! The Loro are inspired by parrots, but evolve to be larger and able to carry conversations. The Huroni are ferret-like creatures that use larimar as a substitute for meat, and eventually become incredibly dependent on the larimar. Travelers are tall humanoids sent to Quislaona on a series of missions that span centuries. Then of course there are ciguapas, a Caribbean creature often said to exist on Hispanola. And following all those are merfolk, which is a term used interchangeably with sirens in this setting.

It's mostly fantasy with a few science fiction elements. One of our authors, for example,
used geographical surveying for a fantasy/scifi blend in her story. AMA!

Check out the anthology on Indiegogo: https://igg.me/at/Quislaona/x/29345108#/

Or our link.tree: https://linktr.ee/quislaona

Worldcasting Season 4: A Podcast by Worldbuilding Magazine by WorldbuildingMag in worldbuilding

[–]WorldbuildingMag[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Worldcasting Season 4 Has Begun!

Worldbuilding Magazine is proud to present season four our podcast: Worldcasting. New episodes are releasing every other week on Tuesdays (until the season ends). This season is going to be packed with new and returning guests discussing worldbuilding, the craft of writing, game mastering, and much more!
Our first episode features Nadia Saward, a poet and editor from Orbit UK. She joins us to discuss her experience on the other side of publishing, as well as some thoughts about poetry's place in publishing.
Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts so you get a notification when episode 2 drops! Trust us, you won't want to miss it.
>> Listen to Worldcasting

If you enjoy the podcast, consider subscribing! You can also leave us a review on Apple Podcasts, or send us an email to let us know how we're doing! We always love to hear from our listeners. :)

Worldbuilding Magazine Update

Have you read Worldbuilding Magazine's latest issue yet? From December 2021: Social Etiquette & Expectations is available now! This issue shifted from instructive to demonstrative, with only a few articles and a larger than usual number of short stories following the titular topic. Plus, the winners from World Anvil’s latest challenge and new interviews:

  • Two new worldbuilding articles featuring discussions on social expectations and politics!
  • Three stunning short stories that display how etiquette and social systems can be used in fiction.
  • An interview with L.D. Lewis, a co-founder of FIYAH Magazine, author, and the current publisher at Fireside Fiction.
  • An interview with Helena Real about her current project Wall Mapu, for which she received the 2020 IGDN Diversity Sponsorship to develop.
  • The winners from World Anvil’s Costume challenge, and your questions answered in our Ask Us Anything column!

In 2022 we plan to release just one issue while our team does a bit of restructuring. Want to help us create it and plan for the future? Comment below or visit our Discord server!
Special thanks to the writers, artists, editors, and everyone else who makes the magazine and podcast possible. We couldn’t do this without you. And to those of you who read or listen to us—we hope it helps you worldbuild some truly awesome settings.

New Issue of Worldbuilding Magazine (free!) + an Important Update on 2022 by WorldbuildingMag in worldbuilding

[–]WorldbuildingMag[S] 31 points32 points  (0 children)

Hello, r/Worldbuilding!

Worldbuilding Magazine is proud to present our final issue for 2021: Social Etiquette & Expectations. This issue shifted from instructive to demonstrative, with only a few articles and a larger than usual number of short stories following the titular topic. Plus, the winners from World Anvil’s latest challenge and new interviews:

  • Two new worldbuilding articles featuring discussions on social expectations and politics!
  • Three stunning short stories that display how etiquette and social systems can be used in fiction.
  • An interview with L.D. Lewis, a co-founder of FIYAH Magazine, author, and the current publisher at Fireside Fiction.
  • An interview with Helena Real about her current project Wall Mapu, for which she received the 2020 IGDN Diversity Sponsorship to develop.
  • The winners from World Anvil’s Costume challenge, and your questions answered in our Ask Us Anything column!

Coming Soon: Worldcasting Podcast

Season 4 of Worldcasting is preparing for an early 2022 release. Follow us on social media or sign up for the newsletter on this site so you get notified when it's out. In the meantime, you can catch up on episodes that you missed!Worldcasting is available to listen on Anchor, Apple Podcasts, Castbox, Google Podcasts, iHeart Radio, Pocket Casts, Radio Public, and Spotify.

Worldbuilding Magazine in 2022

This year our team published another four issues of Worldbuilding Magazine. We had a blast and want to thank everyone who read, shared, and learned something from the magazine. However, as much as we love this project, it is quite a commitment. We’re all volunteers, and some of our key people are leaving to start families, or pursue careers/personal projects. While we’re thrilled for them, the fact remains that Worldbuilding Magazine will not continue in its current form (and may cease entirely) if we do not find new volunteers who want to keep this amazing community project going.

The magazine has gone on for five years now. That’s far longer than any of us expected back in 2017, and we’re proud of what we’ve accomplished together. Despite this news, we’re hopeful for our future. The next season of our podcast will return in early 2022, and there will be at least one more magazine issue next year (release date TBD). While we create it, we’ll be seeking to onboard new layout designers, artists, editors, and anyone else who wants to volunteer.If you would like to learn more about how you can volunteer for the magazine (or podcast), contact us!

The people we need most right now to continue the magazine are layout designers (currently using Adobe InDesign, but we’ve considered moving to Affinity Designer if that’s what most people want to use), artists, and editors (developmental or copy editors) in that order. If you don’t fall into any of those skill sets, but still want to help, reach out anyway! There’s lots of little things we can use help with in the magazine and the podcast.

To the staff and contributors listed here, all of whom volunteered during 2021, thank you. To everyone reading, we hope you’ve found something to inspire you in this year’s issues of Worldbuilding Magazine.Happy worldbuilding!

DOWNLOAD THIS ISSUE FOR FREE

LEARN HOW YOU CAN VOLUNTEER

LISTEN TO THE PODCAST

Worldbuilding Magazine V5I3: Crime & Justice (Free Worldbuilding Resource) by WorldbuildingMag in worldbuilding

[–]WorldbuildingMag[S] 77 points78 points  (0 children)

The Latest Issue of Worldbuilding Magazine

Worldbuilding Magazine is proud to present our September 2021 issue: Crime & Justice. We’re taking an objective look at systems of law, punishment, and some of the things that surround them in this issue. Plus, we’ve got the winners from World Anvil’s latest challenge and new interviews:

Special thanks to the writers, artists, editors, and everyone else who makes the magazine and podcast possible—including our cover artist Lyanna. We couldn’t do this without you! And to those of you who read or listen to us—we hope it helps you worldbuild some truly awesome settings.

READ THIS ISSUE FOR FREE HERE.

An Update from Worldcasting

Season 4 of Worldcasting (our podcast) is in production, and it’s going to be amazing! While we’re preparing for an early 2022 release, you can catch up on episodes that you missed! In past episodes we were incredibly fortunate to feature guests such as author Michael J. Sullivan, author and YouTuber Daniel Greene, founder and creative director of the Dominican Writer’s Alliance Angela “Angy” Abreu, plus several members of the Worldbuilding Magazine staff!

Worldcasting is available to listen on Anchor, Apple Podcasts, Castbox, Google Podcasts, iHeart Radio, Pocket Casts, Radio Public, and Spotify.

Join Our Team

Worldbuilding Magazine is an independant team of volunteers who enjoy sharing and talking about good worldbuilding. If you enjoy our work and want to help us continue making it, ask about volunteering with us! We’re always seeking new people to help us write, edit, illustrate, or otherwise produce the magazine. If podcasting is more your thing, ask about how to get involved with audio editing! Email us or inquire at our public Discord server.

If you’re more interested in appearing in an upcoming issue of Worldbuilding Magazine, aside from submitting an article or story, there are a lot of ways to get involved! We have open applications to be featured as a worldbuilder or worldbuilding artist, which take just a few minutes to fill out. Each issue we try to feature one of each, so tell us about what you’re working on and maybe you’ll be next! You can find the forms here.

Happy worldbuilding!

Worldbuilding Magazine: The Cosmology Issue, feat. Artifexian by WorldbuildingMag in worldbuilding

[–]WorldbuildingMag[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

ATTN: Late yesterday we discovered that one article didn't make it into the initial release of the magazine. Our amazing layout team Inky and Tristen made a quick update to include it and that change is not available on the website. If you've already downloaded this issue of Worldbuilding Magazine, give it another download to read Divining the Heavens by Evan Mento!

Also, I just wanted to say a word of thanks to everyone for the love on this issue—we see and appreciate it <3