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

I love this book. With printable access to extra worksheets, you can write out your exercises in this book without fear of running out of space or changing your mind. Rebekah brought together various aspects of worldbuilding with questions I’ve never even considered for my own worlds such as birth/death rituals, how architecture affects and is affected by the world and climate, vegetation, and the science/religion/magic conundrum. ~ 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