Covering everything from Architecture to Zoology, The A-Zs of Worldbuildingis a comprehensive workbook on how to build a fictional world from scratch. Evidently.

Each chapter provides some background on the chosen topic, giving examples of how that specific aspect may affect people or culture, both individually and as a whole. This is followed by exercises: questions about the topic, plus guidance on things to think about in answering those questions, which I found useful. A lot of times, I give up on workbooks because the questions are either too vague or too difficult to answer–and then everything goes all over the place. However, with the guided questions, Loper provides a structure that is both general (if you’re experienced and just need a checklist) and focused (if you still need help figuring out what’s going on). ~ Goodreads review

The A-Zs of Worldbuilding is a very well written and comprehensive book. It’s informative and has a strong author voice. And, because of the subject matter, it even covers the importance of diversity. I would recommend it to any writer who is building a world from scratch, and also to those who are writing a story using a setting with which they are not very familiar. ~ Goodreads review

“…This book’s format will guide you through the creation of a whole new world, crafted from your own imagination and with the prompts on these pages, including the obvious necessities (what is the family structure, where do they live, what do they wear, and eat, and create?) as well as the politics and belief systems that will enrich the literary home for your characters and their adventures, giving them things to strive to attain, and logical obstacles to block their way…” ~ Excerpt from Goodreads review