Isekai and Worldbuilding: 50 Questions For Creatives: Way With Worlds, #22

By Steven Savage

 

Isekai is a popular genre - with a legacy going back long before the popular term.  However, when characters switch worlds, unique worldbuilding challenges confront the author.  How can we explore the rich challenges of world-changing protagonists without falling into tropes or missing great opportunities?

This book is a helpful series of 50 questions, as well as follow-up exercises and more, to help you think about Isekai-style tales in your world.  From unexpected side effects to possibly destroying society by innocently changing the arts, you'll find plenty to make you think.

Waking up in a new world may challenge your protagonist, but it also challenges you as a creator . . .

• Language: English
• Publisher: Steven Savage
• Release date: Feb 27, 2024
• ISBN: 9798223364450

Steven Savage

Steven Savage is a biologist, natural history writer, lecturer, and an associate member of the Institute of Biology in England. He teaches about ocean biology and has written more than thirty-seven natural history books for children.

Book preview

Isekai and Worldbuilding:

50 Questions For Creatives

(The Way With Worlds Series)

(First Edition)

By Steven Savage

Copyright © 2024 by Steven Savage

All Rights Reserved. The materials in this book are provided for the personal use of the purchaser of the book. No redesign, editing, reproductions, or creations of a derivative work from these materials is permitted without the permission of Steven Savage. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever, including but not limited to, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without written permission – except for the inclusion of quotations in a review or personal use.

The information in this book is offered with the understanding that it does not contain legal, financial, or other professional advice. Those interested in such advice should consult a competent, properly-certified professional.

While it is the sincere intent of this publication to provide accurate information in regard to the subject matter, the authors and all those affiliated with the publication of this book assume no responsibility for events occurring to any person or entity taking action or refraining from action as a result of the material in this publication.

This book is not completely comprehensive. Some readers may wish to consult additional forms of information, some of which are provided inside this book.

This book is provided as is without warranty of any kind.

AUTHOR: Steven Savage

www.StevenSavage.com

www.InformoTron.com

EDITOR: Bonnie Walling

Table of Contents

Title Page

Other Books by Steven Savage

Keep Up With The Author

Introduction

How To Use This Book

The Questions

The Method

Traits and Abilities

The Travelers

The Motivations

The People

Cultural Impacts

Historical Impact

Education

Science

The Arts

Want More Worldbuilding?

About The Author

Other Books by Steven Savage

A Bridge To The Quiet Planet: A Tale Of Dead Gods And Living Stories

A School of Many Futures: A Story Of Mystic Destinies And Questionable Decisions

Her Eternal Moonlight: Sailor Moon's Female Fans In North America, An Unauthorized Examination (with Bonnie Walling)

The Way With Worlds Series www.WayWithWorlds.com

Way With Worlds Book 1: Crafting Great Fictional Settings

Way With Worlds Book 2: Details And Discussion

Way With Worlds Minibook Series

The Creativity Series

The Power Of Creative Paths

The Art Of The Brainstorm Book

Agile Creativity

Think Agile, Write Better

The Focused Fandom Series

Focused Fandom: Cosplay, Costuming, And Careers

Focused Fandom: Fanart, Fanartists, and Careers

Convention Career Connection

The Career Series

Fan To Pro: Leveling Up Your Career Through Your Hobbies

Epic Resume Go!

Resume Plus

Quest For Employment

Skill Portability

Keep Up With The Author

Keep up with all my books by subscribing to my newsletter. You'll get updates on my projects, free content, and more!

You can find out more about what I'm doing at www.StevenSavage.com

You can get my newsletter at www.AskStevenSavage.com

If you enjoy this series, please check out www.WayWithWorlds.com

You can find my books and more free resources at www.InformoTron.com

Introduction

When I was young – in the 1970’s – I was introduced to Edgar Rice Burrough’s Barsoom series. Written starting in 1912, it at first focused on John Carter, a wandering soldier on Earth who was psychically transported to Mars. Eventually eleven novels, some made of previous short stories, chronicled the adventures of John and other heroes and heroines.

Of course, John’s adventures were part of a classic form of story where someone is transported to a radically different world or time. This kind of world-hopping appeared in fiction from science-fiction to fantasy, romance to serious gritty drama. It’s something people today would call Isekai.

Isekai as a term became popular – really kind of omnipresent – as the genre became prominent in Japan. As I write this, it’s still quite common, often centering on a person transported to a fantasy world with game-like mechanics. I say often, because there are many variants and deconstructions.

As I saw Isekai become so prominent, it made me realize how we now had a pop-culture term that encompassed so much. John Carter’s sword-swinging adventures with his ultimate alien wingman Tars Tarkas were Isekai. So, were comedy romances a friend loved about transported Elves and Vikings.

Thus, I realized it was time to add Isekai to my worldbuilding books. This was not only a now-common genre, it had been with us all along and had fantastic worldbuilding possibilities.

Thus, it was added to my series on Worldbuilding. That has its own story . . .

Many years ago, I published a column series on worldbuilding called Way With Worlds, taking what I'd learned from writing, gaming, and coaching people. Years later, I revived and re-wrote it, including knowledge I'd gained from various projects and experiences. After that re-write, it became a book series because I wanted to preserve it in a more accessible form.

As I worked on those books, I realized that people need specific coaching on various subjects. I decided to create a book that would be like sitting down with me to get help, asking questions designed to help you find your answers. This way, you get an easy-to-use, in-depth guide on the subject you need as a worldbuilder.

So, the questions await, and you've got a world to create. Let's go!

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