TJ's Top Secret Plans for 2024

Make things, share things, teach things!

Reflecting on 2023

In all of my previous experiences in worldbuilding, I wrote a list of what core articles I wanted to make and then felt like I had to create all the ingredients and small pieces first to flesh it out. It resulted in me putting things off and then when it came to finally writing those chonky important concepts - I felt burnt out, overwhelmed, and unsatisfied with the outcomes.
So for WorldEmber2023, I took a completely different approach and started tackling the core articles first - I thought it would be really difficult but actually I enjoyed it so much more! Despite not knowing anything about this new world I'm making, starting with the basics and then elaborating on the details afterwards really helped me get excited about my worldbuilding again!
I completed my initial goal for WorldEmber of 10,000 words, and even pushed ahead to my stretch goal of 25k :D I'm really pleased with my progress and I had so much fun with it!

10k complete!

25k complete!

New Year's Resolutions

My new year's worldbuilding resolutions for 2024 are:

1. Keep doing the things that work well for me!
2. Make a world map (I'll be loosely following guides from Artifexian and Madeline James Writes)
3. Create more things in between challenges :)

I spoke more about worldbuilding resolutions and my top tips recently on World Anvil's livestream! You can re-watch it here :D

I also launched my Ko-fi this month and will be sharing more throughout the year :D

Reading Inspirations

SANT

World: Vertinall • Author: Alex (TheDumbOwl)

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Three things I learnt from this article:

1. Familiar concepts with fun twists are relatable and memorable
2. Illustrations that convey the energy and vibe of the article add so much immersion!
3. Narrative styles break up the norm from wiki-style worldbuilding :D

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The entirety of Serukis' WorldEmber progress

World: Etrea • Author: Dr Emily Vair-Turnbull

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Three things I learnt from thes articles:

1. Articles don't have to be long to be interesting and immersive!
2. A quality cover image really sets the tone for the location
3. Having many expanded stubs allows for a richly interconnected world, and will come in handy for map pins later!

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Savelan Geography Lesson

World: Malkora • Author: Polina "Line" Arteev

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Three things I learnt from this article:

1. The tone of the article is really immersive and makes you feel like you're in the world
2. Hand-drawn art and illustrations really bring the setting and characters to life
3. Quotes bring further depth to the characters and that's something I aspire to achieve in my world, too!

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Corralum Scales

World: Ethnis • Author: Barron

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Three things I learnt from this article:

1. Character's tellings of events make the condition feel believeable, real, and scary
2. Having illustrations to accompany the description adds shock value and memorable details
3. Breaking up the layout into different sections makes it really engaging and interesting to explore

_{Content warning:graphic descriptions of a flesh-eating disease and amuptation}

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Anthro

World: Ethnis • Author: Ademal

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Three things I learnt from this article:

1. I love the idea of bridging the gap between different tropes & genres, and Jacky has done it perfectly with this article!
2. Having a clear summary intro to start with gives a great overview that makes you want to read more
3. I love the list of terminology used in the article and what each means

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Bug

World: Computer Adventures • Author: Sh4d0wPh03n1x

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Three things I learnt from this article:

1. Abstract concepts personified as characters makes them easier to understand (and love!)
2. Everything about this world's CSS theme tells you exactly what the world is about :D
3. Including fun facts makes articles memorable and super interesting!

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Trinket Chest

World: Cathedris • Author: Stormbril

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Three things I learnt from this article:

1. Hidden easter eggs make exploring the world even more fun!
2. Adding hints to nudge you into picking a side is very engaging
3. Having your friends find more trinkets than you causes mad FOMO ask me how I know xD

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Magic

World: Vazdimet • Author: Morgan Biscup

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Three things I learnt from this article:

1. Having a magic/tech tree is great to visualise which types branch from one another
2. Adding quotes about magic helps to explain how people in the universe feel about it
3. I love how well connected this article is to other aspects of the universe for further exploration!

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Peace Bird

World: Symbols of Power • Author: Naelin

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Three things I learnt from this article:

1. BIRB! I love seeing how the species is depicted in different ways
2. Explaining what this creature symbolises helps connect it to other parts of the world and cultures
3. I love the geographic distribution map to see where it can be found!

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Bean Baking

World: Yonderverse • Author: Mochi

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Three things I learnt from this article:

1. Food is always interesting to read about!
2. It opens up so many connections to culture, history, and geographic regions of the world
3. I want to fill my world with tasty treats like this article :D

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Upcoming Events 2024

Here's an unofficial list of anticipated events coming up in World Anvil this year - keep an eye on the World Anvil Blog for announcements and official dates!

Jan

New Years Resolutions Challenge
Forge the Future Survey
WorldEmber Community Voting Form
WorldEmber Awards Ceremony

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Feb

Unannounced challenge

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Mar

WorldbuildingCon
Worldbuilding showcase awards self-submission period

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Apr

The likely return of #AdventureApril

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May

???

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Jun

Summer Camp prep month

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Jul

Worldbuilding Summer Camp

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Aug

The likely return of a reading challenge

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Sep

Unannounced challenge

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Oct

The likely return of #Spooktober
WorldAnvil's birthday stream

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Nov

WorldEmber prep month
(Unofficial) NaNoWriMo

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Dec

WorldEmber