Navigating World-Building: Bottom-Up vs. Top-Down

This chapter investigates the contrasting methods of bottom-up and top-down world-building in storytelling, emphasizing how each approach shapes narrative depth and authenticity. It discusses the implications of these methods on character conflicts and societal commentary, underscoring the importance of a writer's passion and skill. Through a variety of examples from speculative fiction, the chapter highlights the necessity of balance in crafting compelling stories that resonate with real-world dynamics.