Want to build fictional worlds that feel genuinely inhabited? This is the place to start.
I’m Michael Kilman, an applied anthropologist, author, and educator. For over a decade I’ve been teaching writers, game designers, and filmmakers how to use anthropological thinking to build more believable cultures, more coherent societies, and more immersive worlds. Anthropology gives you something most worldbuilding advice doesn’t: a century of real research on how cultures actually work.
Below you’ll find essays on anthropological worldbuilding, recorded panels, podcast appearances, and resources from my live Ask an Anthropologist about Worldbuilding series on YouTube. If you want to go deeper, my co-written book Build Better Worlds: An Introduction to Anthropology for Game Designers, Fiction Writers, and Filmmakers is the most comprehensive resource I’ve put together on the topic.
And if you want hands-on help with your specific project, I offer worldbuilding consultations. The first 15 minutes are free.
Articles On How to Use Anthropology to Build Fictional Worlds
Want a deeper examination of worldbuilding? Check out our book Build Better Worlds an Introduction to Anthropology for Game Designers, Fiction Writers, and Filmmakers on Amazon!!! This book has all the building blocks needed for building a more authentic and immersive world based on real social science!
Why Your Narrative Design Team Needs an Anthropologist
Worldbuilding Part 1 – Using Anthropology to Build Worlds
Worldbuilding Part 2 – Key Elements of Cultures
Worldbuilding Part 3 – Constructing Characters and Identity
Why the Hell Did They Do That: How To Understand People or Characters
Worldbuilding Part 4 – Six Things To Think About When Constructing Myth In Fiction
Worldbuilding Part 5 – Monsters, Aliens, and Evil Androids an Exploration of Fear and Anxiety
Worldbuilding Part 6: Cognitive Maps, Magic, and Super Powers
Worldbuilding Part 7: Schismogenesis, Taboo, and Identity
17 Things I learned From Teaching Anthropology and Cultural Diversity
Podcasts, Videos, and Recordings on Worldbuilding and Diversity
Worldbuilding on the Cheap: A Recording of a Panel Discussion(Cosine Comicon January 2020)
Recorded Panels from Denver Fan Expo 2021 on Myth/Religion and Worldbuilding
Adding Diversity to Your Writing: A Panel Discussion from Cosine 2023
Build Better Worlds: Anthropology for Writers: Podcast Episode on The Creative Penn Podcast
Guest Spot on This Anthro Life Podcast
What’s Your World Look Like? Beyond the Pen Podcast
Build Better Worlds Chapter Reading and Q&A on Worldbuilding by Michael Kilman and Kyra Wellstrom
Michael Kilman and Kyra Wellstrom: Anthropology & Speculative Fiction (HPSfAA Fall Conference 2020)
I Did a Ted Talk on Anthropology, Worldbuilding and Why Diversity Matters
General Writing Craft
Be A Better Writer: Resources And Tips To Improve Your Craft
Master Four Elements of a Scene to Enhance Your Fiction Writing
Rereading to Improve Your Craft
What My Characters Taught Me About Writing
Your Book Idea Probably Isn’t Original: Here’s Why That Doesn’t Matter
The Importance of Storytellers and Douglas Adams (Excerpt for the Battle for Langeles)
Loridian's Laboratory 