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
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I'm going to do a little thread on how the money from books works for traditionally published authors because people have questions, and this is always useful info to share IMO. First, a big disclaimer that every contract is different, and there are a million factors that can change things. 1/
November 26, 2025 at 2:12 PM
I'm going to do a little thread on how the money from books works for traditionally published authors because people have questions, and this is always useful info to share IMO. First, a big disclaimer that every contract is different, and there are a million factors that can change things. 1/
Reposted by Worldbuilding for Masochists
After a long journey, we have finally arrived at THE VILLA, ONCE BELOVED. I’m so grateful for getting to tell this complex and horrifying Gothic tale, and especially proud as I think this is my best work to date. I hope you all fall in love with it as much as I have. … ⬇️
November 26, 2025 at 4:10 PM
After a long journey, we have finally arrived at THE VILLA, ONCE BELOVED. I’m so grateful for getting to tell this complex and horrifying Gothic tale, and especially proud as I think this is my best work to date. I hope you all fall in love with it as much as I have. … ⬇️
Reposted by Worldbuilding for Masochists
Hey, props to writers who got literally anything done this year.
November 26, 2025 at 7:11 AM
Hey, props to writers who got literally anything done this year.
Reposted by Worldbuilding for Masochists
Excellent thread by @portersqbooks.bsky.social on supporting local book stores.
Why not preorder Star Wars: Low Red Moon from them? The title was inspired by one of their locals! portersquarebooks.com/book/9780593...
Then submit the preorder for a free book plate! readstarwars.com/lrm-preorder
Why not preorder Star Wars: Low Red Moon from them? The title was inspired by one of their locals! portersquarebooks.com/book/9780593...
Then submit the preorder for a free book plate! readstarwars.com/lrm-preorder
We know that, for a ton of reasons, a lot of folks don't have as much to spend as they'd like this holiday season. Sooooooo, here's a thread of things you can do that will support your local indie bookstore or other business WITHOUT spending any more than you intended...
November 26, 2025 at 11:13 PM
Excellent thread by @portersqbooks.bsky.social on supporting local book stores.
Why not preorder Star Wars: Low Red Moon from them? The title was inspired by one of their locals! portersquarebooks.com/book/9780593...
Then submit the preorder for a free book plate! readstarwars.com/lrm-preorder
Why not preorder Star Wars: Low Red Moon from them? The title was inspired by one of their locals! portersquarebooks.com/book/9780593...
Then submit the preorder for a free book plate! readstarwars.com/lrm-preorder
Reposted by Worldbuilding for Masochists
Had a blast talking Canadian vs American publishing w/ @premeemohamed.com @gregoryawilson.com @valerievaldes.bsky.social last night. If you missed it, go watch the whole right now on YouTube!
www.youtube.com/watch?v=WUM4...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=WUM4...
Arv streams a discussion of American/Canadian pub. w Brandon Crilly,Premee Mohamed,& Valerie Valdes!
YouTube video by Arvan Eleron
www.youtube.com
November 27, 2025 at 12:50 AM
Had a blast talking Canadian vs American publishing w/ @premeemohamed.com @gregoryawilson.com @valerievaldes.bsky.social last night. If you missed it, go watch the whole right now on YouTube!
www.youtube.com/watch?v=WUM4...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=WUM4...
GO FORTH AND BUY
it's here
it's QUEER
it's the
2025 Queer Adult SFF Books list!!!!
🌈📚🌈📚🌈📚🌈
it's QUEER
it's the
2025 Queer Adult SFF Books list!!!!
🌈📚🌈📚🌈📚🌈
2025 Queer Adult Science Fiction & Fantasy Books
Welcome to the 2025 list of queer adult science-fiction and fantasy books! If you’re new to this dance, this list and the ones before (see: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019) are my answer t…
kadoore.com
November 27, 2025 at 1:44 AM
GO FORTH AND BUY
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?
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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...
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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/
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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 😂