New Worlds Series Reading Order

Step into a world of your own making . . . Worldbuilding is one of the great pleasures of writing science fiction and fa… Step into a world of your own making . . . Worldbuilding is one of the great pleasures of writing science fiction and fantasy -- and also one of its greatest challenges. Award-winning fantasy author Marie Brennan draws on her academic training in anthropology to peel back the layers of a setting, going past the surface details to explore questions many authors never think to answer. She invites you to consider the endless variety of real-world cultures -- from climate to counterfeiting, from sumptuary laws to slang --and the equally endless possibilities speculative fiction has to offer. This volume collects essays from the first year of the New Worlds Patreon. read more

In this guide, award-winning author Marie Brennan guides you through new aspects of worldbuilding and how they can gener… In this guide, award-winning author Marie Brennan guides you through new aspects of worldbuilding and how they can generate stories. From beauty to books, from tattoos to taboos, these essays delve into the complexity of different cultures, both real and imaginary, and provide invaluable advice on crafting a world of your very own. read more

The boundless complexity of worldbuilding can create a daunting challenge for writers of science fiction and fantasy. In… The boundless complexity of worldbuilding can create a daunting challenge for writers of science fiction and fantasy. In the third volume of the NEW WORLDS series, award-winning fantasy author and former anthropologist Marie Brennan provides not only the building blocks for creating a setting, but advice on exposition and other aspects of craft. Whether you need guidance on security or sanitation, demographics or demons or drugs, you're sure to find inspiration here.This volume collects essays from the third year of the New Worlds Patreon. read more

Escape into another world . . . Bathing and banking, animals and adultery: human culture contains a truly daunting array… Escape into another world . . . Bathing and banking, animals and adultery: human culture contains a truly daunting array of elements. The fourth volume of the NEW WORLDS series takes readers on a tour of all-new topics, delving into everything from childbirth to dream interpretation to the importance of generosity, as award-winning fantasy author and former anthropologist Marie Brennan continues her in-depth exploration of worldbuilding in science fiction and fantasy. This volume collects essays from the fourth year of the New Worlds Patreon. read more

Bring a new world to life . . . In science fiction and fantasy, anything can provide color and conflict -- from soldiers… Bring a new world to life . . . In science fiction and fantasy, anything can provide color and conflict -- from soldiers, to schools, to shops, to sexuality. Continuing her comprehensive NEW WORLDS series of worldbuilding guides, award-winning fantasy author and former anthropologist Marie Brennan takes a deep dive into monarchy and democracy, natural disasters, warfare, gender, and the subtleties of language variation both in the world and on the page. This volume collects essays from the fifth year of the New Worlds Patreon. read more

Realms of story and wonder . . . New topics take center stage in this volume of award-winning author Marie Brennan’s set… Realms of story and wonder . . . New topics take center stage in this volume of award-winning author Marie Brennan’s set of worldbuilding guides for science fiction and fantasy writers. Ranging from the poverty-stricken reality of beggars and servants up to the heights of imperial rule, from the solidarity of guilds and unions to the spirituality of saints and miracles, the NEW WORLDS series offers insights into every corner of human society. This volume collects essays from the seventh year of the New Worlds Patreon. read more

Worlds without end . . . From weathered ancient megaliths to the glory of a solar eclipse, from the tricks of propaganda… Worlds without end . . . From weathered ancient megaliths to the glory of a solar eclipse, from the tricks of propaganda to the world's oldest profession, award-winning author Marie Brennan leads writers of science fiction and fantasy through far-flung corners of society and culture in the eighth volume of her NEW WORLDS series of worldbuilding guides. This volume collects essays from the eighth year of the New Worlds Patreon. read more