I've finally decided to dedicate some time to writing a fantasy novel (likely evolving into a series) that has been percolating in my head for years. I'm at the daunting and dreaded stage of worldbuilding and I'd love to hear from other aspiring/established authors as to what sort of processes they use to make their imagined realms a seeming reality. I currently have a very rough concept of the world itself and the city & region in which much of the story will take place, but when it comes to culture/religion/mythos I'm not quite sure where to begin.

Tips/tricks/comments are welcome. Let's turn this into a worldbuilding resource.

I have been published twice in books, and have published my own hardcopy so far. I have yet to finish my Novel, but it's well in the works and the momentum only keeps building. If you're intrerested in hearing my method to the madness, PM me.

Right on .. best of luck finishing the novel!

Any other input?

I find that the best way to start out your book is going to be, even though they are a pain in the ass, an outline. If the world you are creating is original, render it. Make the world, a map or something will do just fine. If you do make a map, it must be very defined. Next outline the diff characters and their roles in the story, protagonist; antagonist; dynamic; etc. After that get a rough-draft plot summary, this will take the longest. After you've made the plot summary, go through and decide a summary for each chapter. By this time you will have created the heart, brain and skeleton of your piece, and all you have to do is go back in and fill in the details. If you need a more specific outline, let me know I'll show you the one I created.

I'm aware of the overall process of novel writing and I'm looking for feedback on worldbuilding, a specific stage of that process. I agree that creating a map is likely the best place to start as politics, culture and even religion can be influenced by geography.

yep

Anyone else care to share their experiences?