#JanuaryWorldbuilding
A good old notebook! At least for my worldbuolding notes.
But for somethings I use Freeform, Notes, and Pages for digital stuf like timelines, plotting etc.
I also like to use the handy dandy baby name websites lol (though, Ive yet to actually do that for this wip)
A good old notebook! At least for my worldbuolding notes.
But for somethings I use Freeform, Notes, and Pages for digital stuf like timelines, plotting etc.
I also like to use the handy dandy baby name websites lol (though, Ive yet to actually do that for this wip)
#JanuaryWorldbuilders What apps, programs, tools have you used to help with your worldbuilding? Do you use anything for storing notes, making maps, randomly generating names, keeping a timeline or a calendar? Tell us about it! Please no GenAI🚫
January 31, 2026 at 2:42 PM
#JanuaryWorldbuilding
A good old notebook! At least for my worldbuolding notes.
But for somethings I use Freeform, Notes, and Pages for digital stuf like timelines, plotting etc.
I also like to use the handy dandy baby name websites lol (though, Ive yet to actually do that for this wip)
A good old notebook! At least for my worldbuolding notes.
But for somethings I use Freeform, Notes, and Pages for digital stuf like timelines, plotting etc.
I also like to use the handy dandy baby name websites lol (though, Ive yet to actually do that for this wip)
#JanuaryWorldbuilding for the most part i just used my brain, but ive been trying to do more notebooking for a lot of the world building aspects since my brain has gotten foggy over the years(probably thanks to two rounds of COVID)
#JanuaryWorldbuilders What apps, programs, tools have you used to help with your worldbuilding? Do you use anything for storing notes, making maps, randomly generating names, keeping a timeline or a calendar? Tell us about it! Please no GenAI🚫
January 31, 2026 at 5:16 AM
#JanuaryWorldbuilding for the most part i just used my brain, but ive been trying to do more notebooking for a lot of the world building aspects since my brain has gotten foggy over the years(probably thanks to two rounds of COVID)
#JanuaryWorldbuilding
Heh, weapons. And warfare. Because that’s important and I know nothing about that.
But! I’m also researching about realistic topography, since I want my map to make sense (mostly)
Heh, weapons. And warfare. Because that’s important and I know nothing about that.
But! I’m also researching about realistic topography, since I want my map to make sense (mostly)
#JanuaryWorldbuilders, what research are you currently doing for your worldbuilding? Or what have you looked up recently? if nothing else, do you have any fun facts you want to share with the rest of us? 👀
January 30, 2026 at 1:19 PM
#JanuaryWorldbuilding
Heh, weapons. And warfare. Because that’s important and I know nothing about that.
But! I’m also researching about realistic topography, since I want my map to make sense (mostly)
Heh, weapons. And warfare. Because that’s important and I know nothing about that.
But! I’m also researching about realistic topography, since I want my map to make sense (mostly)
#JanuaryWorldbuilding The biggest thing I want to work on this year is the smaller portions of my world. This exercise has actually been fantastic, because it’s making me think about things I haven’t worked on yet. Broader parts of the world, different facets of the economy, so much to choose from!
We're in the extra days of January! From here until Feb, I'll ask some broader questions, #JanuaryWorldbuilders
Today's Q: What are you planning to work on this year? Particularly in regards to writing and worldbuilding, but feel free to talk about anything
Today's Q: What are you planning to work on this year? Particularly in regards to writing and worldbuilding, but feel free to talk about anything
January 30, 2026 at 12:08 AM
#JanuaryWorldbuilding The biggest thing I want to work on this year is the smaller portions of my world. This exercise has actually been fantastic, because it’s making me think about things I haven’t worked on yet. Broader parts of the world, different facets of the economy, so much to choose from!
#JanuaryWorldbuilding
Well, the main goal is to finish my rough draft of Dear Knight.
I’d also like to start working on an illustrated book?
And non writing related, I’d like to get a job 😅 currently I’m volunteering at a thrift store (I get to sort books!) and I may try to actually work there
Well, the main goal is to finish my rough draft of Dear Knight.
I’d also like to start working on an illustrated book?
And non writing related, I’d like to get a job 😅 currently I’m volunteering at a thrift store (I get to sort books!) and I may try to actually work there
We're in the extra days of January! From here until Feb, I'll ask some broader questions, #JanuaryWorldbuilders
Today's Q: What are you planning to work on this year? Particularly in regards to writing and worldbuilding, but feel free to talk about anything
Today's Q: What are you planning to work on this year? Particularly in regards to writing and worldbuilding, but feel free to talk about anything
January 29, 2026 at 1:15 PM
#JanuaryWorldbuilding
Well, the main goal is to finish my rough draft of Dear Knight.
I’d also like to start working on an illustrated book?
And non writing related, I’d like to get a job 😅 currently I’m volunteering at a thrift store (I get to sort books!) and I may try to actually work there
Well, the main goal is to finish my rough draft of Dear Knight.
I’d also like to start working on an illustrated book?
And non writing related, I’d like to get a job 😅 currently I’m volunteering at a thrift store (I get to sort books!) and I may try to actually work there
Oof I’m later than usual lol #JanuaryWorldbuilding
This is wip idea, and maybe not the most original but I had a concept for a large Trojan horse-esque weapon, but it mimics a dragon (which are now extinc) and can shoot…things…
I drew it forever ago for a different wip, but now I can’t find it 🤷♀️
This is wip idea, and maybe not the most original but I had a concept for a large Trojan horse-esque weapon, but it mimics a dragon (which are now extinc) and can shoot…things…
I drew it forever ago for a different wip, but now I can’t find it 🤷♀️
Heya, #JanuaryWorldbuilders! Today's military/warfare question: What are some large-scale weapons or siege engines used in your world? Have you ever written a scene with those? Also, feel free to yap about siege warfare in general. What other strategies do they employ?
January 27, 2026 at 11:11 PM
Oof I’m later than usual lol #JanuaryWorldbuilding
This is wip idea, and maybe not the most original but I had a concept for a large Trojan horse-esque weapon, but it mimics a dragon (which are now extinc) and can shoot…things…
I drew it forever ago for a different wip, but now I can’t find it 🤷♀️
This is wip idea, and maybe not the most original but I had a concept for a large Trojan horse-esque weapon, but it mimics a dragon (which are now extinc) and can shoot…things…
I drew it forever ago for a different wip, but now I can’t find it 🤷♀️
#januaryworldbuilding Orbital weapons. Most nations deploy orbital weapon platforms; legally these are non-nuclear but everyone knows there are nukes in orbit. They come in a few flavors including anti-satellite, anti-station, anti-missile, and anti-ground. Most are kinetic-based.
Heya, #JanuaryWorldbuilders! Today's military/warfare question: What are some large-scale weapons or siege engines used in your world? Have you ever written a scene with those? Also, feel free to yap about siege warfare in general. What other strategies do they employ?
January 27, 2026 at 7:13 AM
#januaryworldbuilding Orbital weapons. Most nations deploy orbital weapon platforms; legally these are non-nuclear but everyone knows there are nukes in orbit. They come in a few flavors including anti-satellite, anti-station, anti-missile, and anti-ground. Most are kinetic-based.
#JanuaryWorldbuilding
the idea is that people learn military tactics and fighting skills pretty much from birth (males at least).
Everyone in Caldrath is paranoid that a war will happen (and them being the smallest kingdo) decided that everyone should be able to fight if need be. 1/
the idea is that people learn military tactics and fighting skills pretty much from birth (males at least).
Everyone in Caldrath is paranoid that a war will happen (and them being the smallest kingdo) decided that everyone should be able to fight if need be. 1/
#JanuaryWorldbuilders. Hello, friends! Today's military worldbuilding question: what kind of training do troops go through? Do they learn to use weapons? Go through obstacle courses? Do they do drills or learn discipline? Or are they thrown into the frontline as cannon fodder?
January 25, 2026 at 2:45 PM
#JanuaryWorldbuilding
the idea is that people learn military tactics and fighting skills pretty much from birth (males at least).
Everyone in Caldrath is paranoid that a war will happen (and them being the smallest kingdo) decided that everyone should be able to fight if need be. 1/
the idea is that people learn military tactics and fighting skills pretty much from birth (males at least).
Everyone in Caldrath is paranoid that a war will happen (and them being the smallest kingdo) decided that everyone should be able to fight if need be. 1/
#januaryworldbuilding Advanced militaries of the latter 21st century are terrifying to fight. Big armies are a thing of the past: every soldier is trained to an extremely high level with grueling training regimens that would match early 21st century special forces training.
#JanuaryWorldbuilders. Hello, friends! Today's military worldbuilding question: what kind of training do troops go through? Do they learn to use weapons? Go through obstacle courses? Do they do drills or learn discipline? Or are they thrown into the frontline as cannon fodder?
January 25, 2026 at 7:04 AM
#januaryworldbuilding Advanced militaries of the latter 21st century are terrifying to fight. Big armies are a thing of the past: every soldier is trained to an extremely high level with grueling training regimens that would match early 21st century special forces training.
#januaryworldbuilding Cpt. Luke Sikorsky, USMC, Leader of the Venom Clan, the gang that rules Block 5-7. Scarred body and soul by the things he did fighting all over the world he defected from the military and wound up in Kilo Complex. Active by nature, he took over a small gang and then a Block.
Hello, #JanuaryWorldbuilders! We're doing military/warfare week in our fictional worlds. Do any of your armies have a notable general or commander? Who are they and what are they like? Are they well-respected or feared by their soldiers? How strategic are they?
January 24, 2026 at 12:57 PM
#januaryworldbuilding Cpt. Luke Sikorsky, USMC, Leader of the Venom Clan, the gang that rules Block 5-7. Scarred body and soul by the things he did fighting all over the world he defected from the military and wound up in Kilo Complex. Active by nature, he took over a small gang and then a Block.
#JanuaryWorldbuilding
Oh. Uh. *cough*
I have not thought of this at all.
I also *just* realized the only real military is from Caldrath….
I just discovered a ✨Plot Hole✨
I guess Caldrath would have a very established system for this, would prepare rations, have an abundance of medical supplies
Oh. Uh. *cough*
I have not thought of this at all.
I also *just* realized the only real military is from Caldrath….
I just discovered a ✨Plot Hole✨
I guess Caldrath would have a very established system for this, would prepare rations, have an abundance of medical supplies
#JanuaryWorldbuilders! Today's military/warfare related Q: How does your world's military handle food and medical care for its soldiers? Do they have MREs, or the medieval equivalent? Supply lines? Foraging off the land? What kind of skills do the medics have?
January 23, 2026 at 2:18 PM
#JanuaryWorldbuilding
Oh. Uh. *cough*
I have not thought of this at all.
I also *just* realized the only real military is from Caldrath….
I just discovered a ✨Plot Hole✨
I guess Caldrath would have a very established system for this, would prepare rations, have an abundance of medical supplies
Oh. Uh. *cough*
I have not thought of this at all.
I also *just* realized the only real military is from Caldrath….
I just discovered a ✨Plot Hole✨
I guess Caldrath would have a very established system for this, would prepare rations, have an abundance of medical supplies
#JanuaryWorldbuilding
Mars has been at war with Earth, off and on, since they got their independence. Earth wants their colony back and will take any pretext to fight.
By book 3, an open civil war is in progress between the People's Army and the Imperial Guard.
Mars has been at war with Earth, off and on, since they got their independence. Earth wants their colony back and will take any pretext to fight.
By book 3, an open civil war is in progress between the People's Army and the Imperial Guard.
#JanuaryWorldbuilders We talked about weapons and armor, now for the wars. This week's worldbuilding questions are about your fictional world's wars and militaries. Today's Q: Are there any current wars in your WIP and is your MC involved?
January 22, 2026 at 12:39 PM
#JanuaryWorldbuilding
Mars has been at war with Earth, off and on, since they got their independence. Earth wants their colony back and will take any pretext to fight.
By book 3, an open civil war is in progress between the People's Army and the Imperial Guard.
Mars has been at war with Earth, off and on, since they got their independence. Earth wants their colony back and will take any pretext to fight.
By book 3, an open civil war is in progress between the People's Army and the Imperial Guard.
#JanuaryWorldbuilding
Ohhh... this is an excuse for me to get into something fun. Because while conventional arms law on Pendan isn't that interesting, there's an aspect that I feel is a great question for high fantasy worldbuilding
How do you legislate the use of magic?
🧵
Ohhh... this is an excuse for me to get into something fun. Because while conventional arms law on Pendan isn't that interesting, there's an aspect that I feel is a great question for high fantasy worldbuilding
How do you legislate the use of magic?
🧵
Good morning, #JanuaryWorldbuilders! What kind of laws exist regarding the use of weapons in your world? Can anyone use or carry them? Are they usable only by a certain class? Or only after you've been trained in its use? Are some weapons banned entirely?
January 21, 2026 at 11:34 AM
#JanuaryWorldbuilding
Ohhh... this is an excuse for me to get into something fun. Because while conventional arms law on Pendan isn't that interesting, there's an aspect that I feel is a great question for high fantasy worldbuilding
How do you legislate the use of magic?
🧵
Ohhh... this is an excuse for me to get into something fun. Because while conventional arms law on Pendan isn't that interesting, there's an aspect that I feel is a great question for high fantasy worldbuilding
How do you legislate the use of magic?
🧵
#januaryworldbuilding Within Kilo Complex, the artificial city most the story place in, residents have no constitutional rights and so no right to possess arms - defined normally as firearms. Possession of one could subject the holder to arrest or summary execution depending on context or whim.
Good morning, #JanuaryWorldbuilders! What kind of laws exist regarding the use of weapons in your world? Can anyone use or carry them? Are they usable only by a certain class? Or only after you've been trained in its use? Are some weapons banned entirely?
January 21, 2026 at 5:57 AM
#januaryworldbuilding Within Kilo Complex, the artificial city most the story place in, residents have no constitutional rights and so no right to possess arms - defined normally as firearms. Possession of one could subject the holder to arrest or summary execution depending on context or whim.
#januaryWorldbuilding #redspinet
Oh we've got everything you can think of. Including but not limited to: swords (enchanted and not), knifes (same), maces, fists, body augmentation (arms and feet that are weapons, there's non weapon ones as well), as well as touch and close range spells.
Oh we've got everything you can think of. Including but not limited to: swords (enchanted and not), knifes (same), maces, fists, body augmentation (arms and feet that are weapons, there's non weapon ones as well), as well as touch and close range spells.
Hey there, #JanuaryWorldbuilders! Yesterday I asked about ranged weapons, so today is for melee/close-range weapons! Whacha got for me? Are people using swords and maces? Got any cool polearms? Or are your characters conducting business with their fists, teeth, and claws?
January 20, 2026 at 7:32 PM
#januaryWorldbuilding #redspinet
Oh we've got everything you can think of. Including but not limited to: swords (enchanted and not), knifes (same), maces, fists, body augmentation (arms and feet that are weapons, there's non weapon ones as well), as well as touch and close range spells.
Oh we've got everything you can think of. Including but not limited to: swords (enchanted and not), knifes (same), maces, fists, body augmentation (arms and feet that are weapons, there's non weapon ones as well), as well as touch and close range spells.
#JanuaryWorldbuilding
Im starting to think Knight is going to be the only character featured this week 😅
So.
Knight is almost always seen in his black Armour. the metal is a rare material that only forms along the canal of The Between. (technically more of a rock than a metal)
Im starting to think Knight is going to be the only character featured this week 😅
So.
Knight is almost always seen in his black Armour. the metal is a rare material that only forms along the canal of The Between. (technically more of a rock than a metal)
#JanuaryWorldbuilders Heya! I can't let it ONLY be weapon talk this week! What kind of armor do your characters wear? Or what kind generally is made in your world? What material is it made from?
January 18, 2026 at 1:32 PM
#JanuaryWorldbuilding
Im starting to think Knight is going to be the only character featured this week 😅
So.
Knight is almost always seen in his black Armour. the metal is a rare material that only forms along the canal of The Between. (technically more of a rock than a metal)
Im starting to think Knight is going to be the only character featured this week 😅
So.
Knight is almost always seen in his black Armour. the metal is a rare material that only forms along the canal of The Between. (technically more of a rock than a metal)
#JanuaryWorldbuilding
Magical weaponry is weaponry to the Aetheri. Background magic tends to result in their weapons all being a little enchanted. Blades that hold their sharpness without a whetstone, razorcapes that flap dramatically without breeze, that kinda thing
🧵
Magical weaponry is weaponry to the Aetheri. Background magic tends to result in their weapons all being a little enchanted. Blades that hold their sharpness without a whetstone, razorcapes that flap dramatically without breeze, that kinda thing
🧵
#JanuaryWorldbuilders, do you have any magical or otherwise special/important weapons or armor in your world? What do they do? Is there lore or a story behind how they came to be? Has is always been special or was it made that way through some critical event?
January 17, 2026 at 11:52 AM
#JanuaryWorldbuilding
Magical weaponry is weaponry to the Aetheri. Background magic tends to result in their weapons all being a little enchanted. Blades that hold their sharpness without a whetstone, razorcapes that flap dramatically without breeze, that kinda thing
🧵
Magical weaponry is weaponry to the Aetheri. Background magic tends to result in their weapons all being a little enchanted. Blades that hold their sharpness without a whetstone, razorcapes that flap dramatically without breeze, that kinda thing
🧵
There is a legendary smith who forges ideas into blades. One of their most famous, Warbringer, is a sword made of righteous rage.
…its current owner is a cat demon.
#januaryworldbuilding #writesky #writingcommunity
…its current owner is a cat demon.
#januaryworldbuilding #writesky #writingcommunity
#JanuaryWorldbuilders, do you have any magical or otherwise special/important weapons or armor in your world? What do they do? Is there lore or a story behind how they came to be? Has is always been special or was it made that way through some critical event?
January 17, 2026 at 5:06 AM
There is a legendary smith who forges ideas into blades. One of their most famous, Warbringer, is a sword made of righteous rage.
…its current owner is a cat demon.
#januaryworldbuilding #writesky #writingcommunity
…its current owner is a cat demon.
#januaryworldbuilding #writesky #writingcommunity
#JanuaryWorldbuilding
The antagonist in this story is a highly skilled necromancer, so her weapons are the people & creatures she raises to do her bidding. One could also argue that the terror & despair she inflicts upon the masses (via undead army) is also a weapon by itself.
The antagonist in this story is a highly skilled necromancer, so her weapons are the people & creatures she raises to do her bidding. One could also argue that the terror & despair she inflicts upon the masses (via undead army) is also a weapon by itself.
#JanuaryWorldbuilders. We talked about the MC (or another important character) yesterday. This time: what about their opposite? A villain? A foil? Someone else of importance in the story or lore? What weapon does that character use?
January 16, 2026 at 5:05 PM
#JanuaryWorldbuilding
The antagonist in this story is a highly skilled necromancer, so her weapons are the people & creatures she raises to do her bidding. One could also argue that the terror & despair she inflicts upon the masses (via undead army) is also a weapon by itself.
The antagonist in this story is a highly skilled necromancer, so her weapons are the people & creatures she raises to do her bidding. One could also argue that the terror & despair she inflicts upon the masses (via undead army) is also a weapon by itself.
#januaryworldbuilding In the Projects most people wear the cheapest possible clothing because that's all they can afford on the bare minimum UBI the government provides. Everything is mass produced in automated factories in a few standard sizes and all of it starts falling apart depressingly quickly
#JanuaryWorldbuilders! This week is about broad societal questions. What kind of clothes or accessories are worn in your MC's society? Feel free to post pictures of your characters if their clothes are a good representation of what is worn! It can be for everyday use or for special occasions.
January 13, 2026 at 7:27 AM
#januaryworldbuilding In the Projects most people wear the cheapest possible clothing because that's all they can afford on the bare minimum UBI the government provides. Everything is mass produced in automated factories in a few standard sizes and all of it starts falling apart depressingly quickly
January 11, 2026 at 10:48 AM
#januaryworldbuilding AI, actually. At some point before the present AI models became complex enough to wake up. Some aren't must smarter than animals, even the ones that can talk to humans - that smart, funny, eloquent chatbot might have the self-awareness of a particularly smart rat.
#JanuaryWorldbuilders For me, one of the most enjoyable things about worldbuilding is coming up with grand ideas: scenery, a building, a tree, a planet, anything you consider big, beautiful, imposing, grand, majestic... pick your synonym. Tell me about it
January 10, 2026 at 9:21 AM
#januaryworldbuilding AI, actually. At some point before the present AI models became complex enough to wake up. Some aren't must smarter than animals, even the ones that can talk to humans - that smart, funny, eloquent chatbot might have the self-awareness of a particularly smart rat.
#januaryworldbuilding For my cyberpunk story? There's a lot I won't explain outright but the big secrets? Those are going to be revealed by the last page. They're central to the story and its resolution.
#JanuaryWorldbuilders, good day! In worldbuilding, sometimes we get deep into figuring out how things work because we want to explain it to the reader. Today, I ask you for the opposite: what is something that you intend to leave mysterious? What doesn't get explained?
January 10, 2026 at 9:17 AM
#januaryworldbuilding For my cyberpunk story? There's a lot I won't explain outright but the big secrets? Those are going to be revealed by the last page. They're central to the story and its resolution.
#januaryworldbuilding Maybe a little too late but
Surveillance. They're always watching. Surveillance is omnipresent: cameras and microphones everywhere and maybe other stuff. The government and the corps are always watching and they know absolutely everything. Privacy is something only money buys.
Surveillance. They're always watching. Surveillance is omnipresent: cameras and microphones everywhere and maybe other stuff. The government and the corps are always watching and they know absolutely everything. Privacy is something only money buys.
#JanuaryWorldbuilders, good morning! In the same vein as yesterday's question, what's something terrifying or scary in your world? Do you have any haunted places? Desolate, lonely places? Any site where something dreadful happened?
January 10, 2026 at 8:43 AM
#januaryworldbuilding Maybe a little too late but
Surveillance. They're always watching. Surveillance is omnipresent: cameras and microphones everywhere and maybe other stuff. The government and the corps are always watching and they know absolutely everything. Privacy is something only money buys.
Surveillance. They're always watching. Surveillance is omnipresent: cameras and microphones everywhere and maybe other stuff. The government and the corps are always watching and they know absolutely everything. Privacy is something only money buys.
#JanuaryWorldbuilding
In Neon Mercy classism is sadly alive and well.
the ultra rich corporation owners run the major cities. In Free Zones its all about who has the muscle/guns. In the Wastes its all about who can scavenge resources. There are bastions of communal care in Free Zones and Wastes tho
In Neon Mercy classism is sadly alive and well.
the ultra rich corporation owners run the major cities. In Free Zones its all about who has the muscle/guns. In the Wastes its all about who can scavenge resources. There are bastions of communal care in Free Zones and Wastes tho
Welcome to the second week of #JanuaryWorldbuilders! The theme of this one is SOCIETY. Again, relatively broad for now. We'll delve into more weeds later in the year. Today's Q: Talk about social classes. How are they handled? Do they have hierarchies? Nobles and commoners? Or is it classless?
January 8, 2026 at 6:44 PM
#JanuaryWorldbuilding
In Neon Mercy classism is sadly alive and well.
the ultra rich corporation owners run the major cities. In Free Zones its all about who has the muscle/guns. In the Wastes its all about who can scavenge resources. There are bastions of communal care in Free Zones and Wastes tho
In Neon Mercy classism is sadly alive and well.
the ultra rich corporation owners run the major cities. In Free Zones its all about who has the muscle/guns. In the Wastes its all about who can scavenge resources. There are bastions of communal care in Free Zones and Wastes tho