

The Worldbuilder’s Tavern
Emma Maione, Allison Alexander, and Christiana Jones
Welcome to The Worldbuilder’s Tavern — where great books meet creative minds.
Twice a month, we explore the worlds inside your favourite sci-fi and fantasy novels and build our own right alongside them. Whether you're constructing your next novel, TTRPG setting, or just love speculative fiction, pull up a chair at the Tavern!
Twice a month, we explore the worlds inside your favourite sci-fi and fantasy novels and build our own right alongside them. Whether you're constructing your next novel, TTRPG setting, or just love speculative fiction, pull up a chair at the Tavern!
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jul 23, 2025 • 45min
3.22 Post-Apocalyptic: The Last of Us
In this episode, we're talking about writing and worldbuilding in the post-apocalyptic with zombies TV show (based on the video game series of the same name), The Last of Us.
Proprietor's Pick: The Girl with All the Gifts by M.R. Carey (Disclosure: we are a Bookshop.org affiliate, so if you purchase through these links, we will earn a small commission AND you will support an indie bookstore!)
Intro and outro music: "The Tavern" by Michael Ghelfi
Visit the Tavern: Website | Discord | TikTok
Listen to our Worldbuilding Workshop bonus episodes by joining our Patreon
Support Haneen's family in Gaza

Jul 9, 2025 • 55min
3.21 Paranormal Romance: Twilight
In this episode, we're talking about writing and worldbuilding in the paranormal romance novel Twilight by Stephanie Meyer.
Proprietor's Pick: Immortal Dark by Tigest Girma (Disclosure: we are a Bookshop.org affiliate, so if you purchase through these links, we will earn a small commission AND you will support an indie bookstore!)
Intro and outro music: "The Tavern" by Michael Ghelfi
Visit the Tavern: Website | Discord | TikTok
Listen to our Worldbuilding Workshop bonus episodes by joining our Patreon
Support Haneen's family in Gaza

Jun 25, 2025 • 40min
3.20 Children’s Fantasy: How to Train Your Dragon
In this episode, we're talking about the writing and worldbuilding in the children's fantasy (with vikings) movie How to Train Your Dragon.
Proprietor's Pick: Impossible Creatures by Katherine Rundell (Disclosure: we are a Bookshop.org affiliate, so if you purchase through these links, we will earn a small commission AND you will support an indie bookstore!)
Intro and outro music: "The Tavern" by Michael Ghelfi
Visit the Tavern: Website | Discord | TikTok
Listen to our Worldbuilding Workshop bonus episodes by joining our Patreon
Support Haneen's family in Gaza

Jun 11, 2025 • 45min
3.19 Urban Fantasy: Jade City
In this episode, we're talking about the writing and worldbuilding in the urban fantasy novel Jade City by Fonda Lee. (Disclosure: we are a Bookshop.org affiliate, so if you purchase through these links, we will earn a small commission AND you will support an indie bookstore!)
Proprietor's Pick: The Sword of Kaigen by M.L. Wang
Intro and outro music: "The Tavern" by Michael Ghelfi
Visit the Tavern: Website | Discord | TikTok
Listen to our Worldbuilding Workshop bonus episodes by joining our Patreon
Support Haneen's family in Gaza

May 28, 2025 • 48min
3.18 Children’s Sci-Fi: Animorphs
In this episode, we're talking about the writing and worldbuilding in the sci-fi alien invasion series Animorphs by K.A. Applegate.
Proprietor's Pick: Ice Wolves by Amie Kaufman (Disclosure: we are a Bookshop.org affiliate, so if you purchase through these links, we will earn a small commission AND you will support an indie bookstore!)
Intro and outro music: "The Tavern" by Michael Ghelfi
Visit the Tavern: Website | Discord | TikTok
Listen to our Worldbuilding Workshop bonus episodes by joining our Patreon
Support Haneen's family in Gaza

May 14, 2025 • 46min
3.17 Fantasy Heist: The Lies of Locke Lamora
In this episode, we're talking about the writing and worldbuilding in the fantasy novel The Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch.
Proprietor's Pick: Foundryside by Robert Jackson Bennett (Disclosure: we are a Bookshop.org affiliate, so if you purchase through these links, we will earn a small commission AND you will support an indie bookstore!)
Intro and outro music: "The Tavern" by Michael Ghelfi
Visit the Tavern: Website | Discord | TikTok
Listen to our Worldbuilding Workshop bonus episodes by joining our Patreon
Support Haneen's family in Gaza

Apr 30, 2025 • 40min
3.16 Gothic Romance: Crimson Peak
In this episode, we're talking about the writing and worldbuilding in the gothic romance movie Crimson Peak.
Proprietor's Pick: The Dark Window by Rachel Gillig (Disclosure: we are a Bookshop.org affiliate, so if you purchase through these links, we will earn a small commission AND you will support an indie bookstore!)
Intro and outro music: "The Tavern" by Michael Ghelfi
Visit the Tavern: Website | Discord | TikTok
Listen to our Worldbuilding Workshop bonus episodes by joining our Patreon
Support Haneen's family in Gaza

Apr 16, 2025 • 39min
3.15 LitRPG: Dungeon Crawler Carl
In this episode, we're talking about the writing and worldbuilding in the sci-fi/LitRPG novel Dungeon Crawler Carl by Matt Dinniman. (Disclosure: we are a Bookshop.org affiliate, so if you purchase through these links, we will earn a small commission AND you will support an indie bookstore!)
Proprietor's Pick: The Wandering Inn by pirateaba
Intro and outro music: "The Tavern" by Michael Ghelfi
Visit the Tavern: Website | Discord | TikTok
Listen to our Worldbuilding Workshop bonus episodes by joining our Patreon
Support Haneen's family in Gaza

Apr 2, 2025 • 44min
3.14 Sci-Fi Procedural: Fringe
Dive into the intriguing world of the sci-fi series Fringe, where strange events unfold as the Fringe Division investigates. Explore the complex character dynamics, especially between Walter and Peter, amidst a nostalgic blend of body horror and crime fiction. The hosts analyze the show's gripping storytelling and character development, highlighting ethical dilemmas faced by its protagonists. Plus, discover a thrilling concept for a new series featuring alternate universes and get insights into unconventional world-building techniques that keep audiences on the edge of their seats.

Mar 19, 2025 • 45min
3.13 Epic Fantasy: The Will of the Many
In this episode, we're talking about the writing and worldbuilding in the epic fantasy novel The Will of the Many by James Islington.
Proprietor's Pick: Red Sister by Mark Lawrence (Disclosure: we are a Bookshop.org affiliate, so if you purchase through these links, we will earn a small commission AND you will support an indie bookstore!)
Intro and outro music: "The Tavern" by Michael Ghelfi
Visit the Tavern: Website | Discord | TikTok
Listen to our Worldbuilding Workshop bonus episodes by joining our Patreon
Support Haneen's family in Gaza