{EP. 1} Books to Inspire Your Worldbuilding

In our very first episode, we take a look at the books that inspired us in our worldbuilding and writing. We thought it would be a piece of cake to name all the books that helped us create our own fantasy worlds, but it turned out to be quite difficult. The result: Apparently Genny is super into Greek mythology and Katrina is obsessed with Irish folklore. 

If you get nothing else from this episode, hopefully you're inspired to broaden your horizons and realize that when it comes to fantasy, there are no books you SHOULD read. It is a genre of absolute freedom, and with that said, the only thing we recommend is to go out there and find what it is that gets your creative juices flowing. 

If you'd like a little guidance on where to start looking for world-building inspiration, here's our list plus a few extras!

• Introduction to Mythology: Contemporary Approaches to Classical and World Myths by Eva M. Thury and Margaret K. Devinney
• The Odyssey by Homer
• The Theogony by Hesiod
• Faery Tale: One Woman's Search for Enchantment in a Modern World by Signe Pike
• Old Ways, Old Secrets of Pagan Ireland by Jo Kerrigan
• Enchantment of the Faerie Realm by Ted Andrews
• Earth, Air, Fire and Water by Scott Cunningham
• Myths & Folklore of Ireland by Jeremiah Curtin
• The Element Encyclopedia of Magical Creatures by John Matthews
• 185 Tips on World Building by Randy Ellefson
• Fantasy World-Building: A Guide to Developing Mythic Worlds and Legendary Creatures by Mark Nelson
• On Writing and Worldbuilding: Volume I by Timothy Hickson
• Worldbuilding for Fantasy Fans and Authors by M. D. Presley 
• The Planet Construction Kit by Mark Rosenfelder

DISCLAIMER: As our first episode ever, there are some audio kinks...but we're nearly pros by episode 3, so bear with us!

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Let us know what you thought of our episode! You can reach us on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, or email writingthebroomstick@gmail.com.

Hey! Do you like Celtic folklore, YA urban fantasy, AND free stuff? Read the first three chapters of Katrina’s debut novel, “The Wise One”.

And, if you want to see what Genny’s reading lately, check out her Goodreads review page.