Foundations of Worldbuilding with Kirsten Rohla

Worldbuilding is part of the writing process where you construct an imaginary world for your stories to take place. Whether you want to write an epic fantasy or futuristic setting, create a Dungeons and Dragons campaign for friends, or just enjoy imagining an alternate reality, worldbuilding is a great place to start. 

The first goal of worldbuilding is to have fun. The second is to create a world stable enough to support a complex story and characters that won’t fall apart when challenged. In this workshop, we’ll explore easy ways to draw maps, identify conflicts and rules, explore magic and technology, create new species and language, and consider individual world elements and needs. There will be time to brainstorm, share work, and receive feedback both formally and informally; but most important: you will leave class with a fleshed-out world and the tools to expand it, use it as a novel or role playing game setting, or create as many more fantastic worlds as you want.

Kirsten Rhola lives in Joseph, Oregon, and has been writing her whole life. She is an enthusiastic life-long learner, loves a relaxing day on the lake, and works hard to keep her dog in the good life. She has also earned a BA in Creative Writing and Secondary Education; an MA in Curriculum & Instruction; an editing certificate; and taught literature and writing for fifteen years.