The Philosophy Behind My World-Building

I don’t start small when I build worlds—I start everywhere. My approach blends the macro and the micro, shaping continents and cities while refining the lives of the people who inhabit them. I think about forests, mountain ranges, and ruins, then zoom in on the individuals who live there, shaping their cultures, histories, and struggles.

My world-building style stems from years of playing tabletop RPGs. I consider the motivations of characters, cities at war, and cosmic events that can spark an epic adventure. I don’t always know where my players (or readers) might venture, but I believe I could step into this world and tell that part of the story.  This adds depth to the world and creates ripples throughout the narrative.  Many of my side characters have had arcs adjusted to fit the current story, but don’t be surprised if they return one day with a renewed sense of purpose.

The magic system I created isn’t just an add-on to the story; it shapes the realms. I consider how magic alters the laws of nature, influences governance, and changes how people travel. Magic in The Folded Realm is tied to the nervous system, meaning that learning to use it is just as much a personal and psychological journey as a physical or mystical one.

Another key element of my world-building is the gates. The Folded Realm hallways connect within and between worlds, which has consequences. I consider who controls the gates, how they impact conflicts big and small, and how they’ve shaped the realm’s history. If world-hopping is possible, what does that mean for trade, politics, and even mythologies? These questions keep my world dynamic and interconnected.

World-building is an ongoing process. I’ve framed out the critical events of the long story and written much of Book 2 and parts of Book 3 as the realms continue to evolve. The worlds I’ve created are more than a backdrop to the story. They’re living, breathing spaces that my characters get to explore, and I stop in to visit and tell their tale to you.