How to Build a Fantasy World That Feels Real • Reedsy

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📚 Overview

Every great fantasy novel transports readers somewhere unforgettable — but behind every vivid setting is a carefully constructed world. In this live masterclass, bestselling author A.Y. Chao will reveal how to design fantasy worlds that feel rich, lived-in, and emotionally resonant.

You’ll explore approaches to worldbuilding that balance sensory detail, history, and culture — and learn how to weave those elements naturally into your story without overwhelming the reader. Whether you’re dreaming up a single kingdom or an entire multiverse, you’ll leave with practical tools to make your world come alive.

Schedule

EVENT

3pm - 4pm EST

Fantasy Worldbuilding with A.Y. Chao

In this masterclass, you will learn:

How to create immersive, authentic fantasy settings
A framework for analyzing and expanding your worldbuilding
How to set the right tone, atmosphere, and “vibes”
Smart ways to reveal world details without infodumps

Stay tuned for a live Q&A with A.Y. Chao, where you can ask your own worldbuilding questions and get direct feedback from an expert storyteller.

Speakers

A.Y. Chao

Author

Alice is the #1 Sunday Times bestselling author of Shanghai Immortal and Paris Celestial. She’s lived in Calgary, Taipei, Paris, Stockholm, Beijing, London, and Hong Kong. She’s enjoys exploring in her stories the interplay between self-perceived and imposed identity and how that impacts our sense of belonging. Alice lives in London with her geo-historian hubby, chatterbox daughter, and sweet rescue pup. Find her online at aychao.com and @ay_chao on Instagram.