Worldbuilding Better (or Worse) Worlds - with Grist
Every novel creates a world. While some are only a few degrees away from our own, others are fantastical imaginings of realities far from ours. But whether it's domestic drama or space opera, the worldbuilding must be plausible.
Why is humanity able to imagine these fictional worlds, yet still struggle to believe our own can change? Learn from professional 'world builders' about sparking people's imagination for change.
Moderated by Tory Stephens, who leads Grist's Climate Fiction program 'Imagine 2200: Climate Fiction for Future Ancestors', our panel of novelists will answer key questions. Where do writers find the raw materials for imagined futures? Why are utopias so much rarer than dystopias in fiction? How can we all learn the tools of worldbuilding?
The conversation will span history, climate, hope, and the practical craft of making an invented world feel real.
The session also celebrates the US launch of Solitaire Townsend’s Godstorm, set in an alternative history where the Roman Empire discovered fossil fuels, never fell, and has spent two thousand years burning its way to modernity.
Following the main session, book signings will take place.
Speakers include:
Tory Stephens, Climate Fiction Creative Manager & Network Weaver, Grist
Solitaire Townsend, debut novelist
Jo Piazza, bestselling novelist