Creating Life - the Podcast Transcripts
The Art of World Building, Book 4
Failed to add items
Add to Cart failed.
Add to Wish List failed.
Remove from wishlist failed.
Adding to library failed
Follow podcast failed
Unfollow podcast failed
3 months free
Creating Life - the Podcast Transcripts
Buy for $15.56
No default payment method selected.
We are sorry. We are not allowed to sell this product with the selected payment method
-
Narrated by:
-
Randy Ellefson
-
By:
-
Randy Ellefson
About this listen
Learning to create a unique, immersive life form one podcast episode at a time.
World building strategist Randy Ellefson turned his successful book series, The Art of World Building, into a popular podcast of the same name, with episodes loosely drawn from each book in the series. Fifteen episodes are collected here, based on a theme: They’re about creating life and inspired by chapters of that volume. Ranging from 25 to 35 minutes each, the episodes discuss gods, species/races, plants, animals, monsters, heroes, villains, and even the undead.
More improvisational and freewheeling than volume one, Creating Life - the Podcast Transcripts (The Art of World Building, Book 4) goes into more detail about everything. Different subjects that are found across volumes are woven together more fluidly here. While one entire episode covers something not found in volume one, the other episodes cover familiar territory but with a new spin. This edition is designed for those who want to dive deep and for fans of the podcast who’d like a permanent copy.
No other world building podcast provides transcripts you can take with you. Whether experts or beginners, storytellers, game designers, gamers, and hobbyists can take their fantasy and science fiction worlds to new levels, benefiting from the author’s quarter century of world building experience.
Build better, faster.
©2019 Randy Ellefson (P)2019 Randy EllefsonListeners also enjoyed...
-
Creating Life
- The Art of World Building, Volume 1
- By: Randy Ellefson
- Narrated by: Randy Ellefson
- Length: 5 hrs and 13 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4 out of 5 stars 25
-
Performance3.5 out of 5 stars 23
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 23
Creating a unique, immersive setting one life form at a time. This book is a detailed how-to guide on inventing the heart of every imaginary world - life. With chapters on creating gods, species/races, plants, animals, monsters, heroes, villains, and even undead, it draws on the author's quarter century of world building experience. Pointed questions, and an examination of answers and their repercussions, will help readers decide on goals, how to reach them, and whether they are even worth pursuing.
-
3 out of 5 stars
-
oh God don't let this guy read his books anymore!
- By Scott Fowler on 07-22-20
By: Randy Ellefson
-
On Writing and Worldbuilding - Volume I
- By: Timothy Hickson
- Narrated by: Larissa Thompson, Merphy Napier
- Length: 8 hrs and 20 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 275
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 231
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 227
Writing advice tends to be full of "rules" and "tips" which are either too broad to be helpful or outright wrong. In On Writing and Worldbuilding, we will discuss specific and applicable ideas to consider, from effective methods of delivering exposition and foreshadowing, to how communication, commerce, and control play into the fall of an empire.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
all hail mishka
- By M. M. on 03-25-21
By: Timothy Hickson
-
Super Structure
- The Key to Unleashing the Power of Story
- By: James Scott Bell
- Narrated by: James Scott Bell
- Length: 3 hrs and 9 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 42
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 38
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 37
Super Structure represents over two decades of research on what makes a novel or screenplay entertaining, commercial, original, and irresistible. Contrary to what some may think, structure is not a nasty inhibitor of creativity. Quite the opposite. Properly understood and utilized, structure is what translates story into a form audiences are wired to receive it.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
Help for crafting a great story
- By Robin on 01-09-21
By: James Scott Bell
-
Three Story Method
- Writing Scenes
- By: J. Thorn
- Narrated by: J. Thorn, Alicia McCalla, Valerie Ihsan, and others
- Length: 4 hrs and 49 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars 6
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 4
-
Story5 out of 5 stars 3
Publishing veteran and best-selling author J. Thorn reveals his proven system for writing delicious scenes based on his legendary "Supercharge Your Scene" challenge successfully completed by thousands of authors. This tight yet comprehensive book teaches you what you absolutely must know about writing snappy scenes, whether you're a plotter or pantser, short story dynamo or lifelong novelist, rock star indie or a trad pub professional. Developed from decades of classroom experience and used to revise millions of words, Thorn teaches you how to use simple tools to master your craft.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
The instruction is superb!
- By Mary Van Everbroeck on 09-02-22
By: J. Thorn
-
Worldbuilding for Fantasy Fans and Authors
- Forging Fantasy Realms, Book 1
- By: M.D. Presley
- Narrated by: Zac Katz-Stein
- Length: 10 hrs and 52 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 28
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 22
-
Story5 out of 5 stars 22
Be you an established planner, pantser, or unsure new author, this comprehensive guide has you covered. Adopting a "tools not rules" approach, you’ll discover dozens of definitive worldbuilding tricks and strategies, including surveys showing what audiences want; identifying ineffective, effective, and inspired worldbuilding; the ins and outs of immersion; enhancing audience experience with fantasy conceits; and the four Cs of worldbuilding.
-
4 out of 5 stars
-
Stick to storytelling, not audience reaction
- By Historian1912 on 10-12-23
By: M.D. Presley
-
Writing Your Story's Theme
- The Writer's Guide to Plotting Stories That Matter (Helping Writers Become Authors)
- By: K. M. Weiland
- Narrated by: Sonja Field
- Length: 5 hrs and 48 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 70
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 51
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 51
Theme—the mysterious cousin of plot and character. Too often viewed as abstract rather than actionable, theme is frequently misunderstood and left to chance. Some writers even insist theme should not be purposefully implemented. This is unfortunate, because in many ways theme is story. Theme is the heart, the meaning, the point. Nothing that important should be overlooked. Powerful themes are never incidental. They emerge from the conjunction of strong plots and resonant character arcs.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
Worth a second read or listen
- By Chris S. Manion on 02-17-22
By: K. M. Weiland
-
Creating Life
- The Art of World Building, Volume 1
- By: Randy Ellefson
- Narrated by: Randy Ellefson
- Length: 5 hrs and 13 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4 out of 5 stars 25
-
Performance3.5 out of 5 stars 23
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 23
Creating a unique, immersive setting one life form at a time. This book is a detailed how-to guide on inventing the heart of every imaginary world - life. With chapters on creating gods, species/races, plants, animals, monsters, heroes, villains, and even undead, it draws on the author's quarter century of world building experience. Pointed questions, and an examination of answers and their repercussions, will help readers decide on goals, how to reach them, and whether they are even worth pursuing.
-
3 out of 5 stars
-
oh God don't let this guy read his books anymore!
- By Scott Fowler on 07-22-20
By: Randy Ellefson
-
On Writing and Worldbuilding - Volume I
- By: Timothy Hickson
- Narrated by: Larissa Thompson, Merphy Napier
- Length: 8 hrs and 20 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 275
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 231
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 227
Writing advice tends to be full of "rules" and "tips" which are either too broad to be helpful or outright wrong. In On Writing and Worldbuilding, we will discuss specific and applicable ideas to consider, from effective methods of delivering exposition and foreshadowing, to how communication, commerce, and control play into the fall of an empire.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
all hail mishka
- By M. M. on 03-25-21
By: Timothy Hickson
-
Super Structure
- The Key to Unleashing the Power of Story
- By: James Scott Bell
- Narrated by: James Scott Bell
- Length: 3 hrs and 9 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 42
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 38
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 37
Super Structure represents over two decades of research on what makes a novel or screenplay entertaining, commercial, original, and irresistible. Contrary to what some may think, structure is not a nasty inhibitor of creativity. Quite the opposite. Properly understood and utilized, structure is what translates story into a form audiences are wired to receive it.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
Help for crafting a great story
- By Robin on 01-09-21
By: James Scott Bell
-
Three Story Method
- Writing Scenes
- By: J. Thorn
- Narrated by: J. Thorn, Alicia McCalla, Valerie Ihsan, and others
- Length: 4 hrs and 49 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars 6
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 4
-
Story5 out of 5 stars 3
Publishing veteran and best-selling author J. Thorn reveals his proven system for writing delicious scenes based on his legendary "Supercharge Your Scene" challenge successfully completed by thousands of authors. This tight yet comprehensive book teaches you what you absolutely must know about writing snappy scenes, whether you're a plotter or pantser, short story dynamo or lifelong novelist, rock star indie or a trad pub professional. Developed from decades of classroom experience and used to revise millions of words, Thorn teaches you how to use simple tools to master your craft.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
The instruction is superb!
- By Mary Van Everbroeck on 09-02-22
By: J. Thorn
-
Worldbuilding for Fantasy Fans and Authors
- Forging Fantasy Realms, Book 1
- By: M.D. Presley
- Narrated by: Zac Katz-Stein
- Length: 10 hrs and 52 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 28
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 22
-
Story5 out of 5 stars 22
Be you an established planner, pantser, or unsure new author, this comprehensive guide has you covered. Adopting a "tools not rules" approach, you’ll discover dozens of definitive worldbuilding tricks and strategies, including surveys showing what audiences want; identifying ineffective, effective, and inspired worldbuilding; the ins and outs of immersion; enhancing audience experience with fantasy conceits; and the four Cs of worldbuilding.
-
4 out of 5 stars
-
Stick to storytelling, not audience reaction
- By Historian1912 on 10-12-23
By: M.D. Presley
-
Writing Your Story's Theme
- The Writer's Guide to Plotting Stories That Matter (Helping Writers Become Authors)
- By: K. M. Weiland
- Narrated by: Sonja Field
- Length: 5 hrs and 48 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 70
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 51
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 51
Theme—the mysterious cousin of plot and character. Too often viewed as abstract rather than actionable, theme is frequently misunderstood and left to chance. Some writers even insist theme should not be purposefully implemented. This is unfortunate, because in many ways theme is story. Theme is the heart, the meaning, the point. Nothing that important should be overlooked. Powerful themes are never incidental. They emerge from the conjunction of strong plots and resonant character arcs.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
Worth a second read or listen
- By Chris S. Manion on 02-17-22
By: K. M. Weiland
-
Dialogue
- The Art of Verbal Action for Page, Stage, and Screen
- By: Robert McKee
- Narrated by: Robert McKee
- Length: 11 hrs and 10 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 843
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 714
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 703
In Dialogue, Robert McKee offers in-depth analysis for how characters speak on the screen, on the stage, and on the page in believable and engaging ways. From Macbeth to Breaking Bad, McKee deconstructs key scenes to illustrate the strategies and techniques of dialogue. Dialogue applies a framework of incisive thinking to instruct the prospective writer on how to craft artful, impactful speech.
-
3 out of 5 stars
-
Not suited for audio
- By Smith on 03-04-17
By: Robert McKee
-
The Secrets of Character
- Writing a Hero Anyone Will Love
- By: Matt Bird
- Narrated by: Eric Michael Summerer
- Length: 8 hrs and 17 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 71
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 53
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 52
The hardest yet most essential element of writing great fiction is character—specifically, creating a central hero who is relatable, compelling, and worth the audience's precious time. In this entertaining and practical guide, popular blogger, writing coach and screenwriter Matt Bird breaks down what makes characters embraceable and unforgettable, and presents insider tips and tricks for writers of all levels and genres.
-
1 out of 5 stars
-
I can't take writing advice from someone like this
- By Nam Hien Nguyen on 03-21-24
By: Matt Bird
-
Kobold Guide to Roleplaying
- Kobold Guides
- By: Keith Ammann, Ginny Di, Clint McElroy, and others
- Narrated by: Ray Greenley
- Length: 4 hrs and 12 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 12
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 11
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 11
There’s a reason it’s called a tabletop roleplaying game. Taking on the personae of different characters in the story brings a richness and depth to the experience and can make your game sessions exciting and memorable. But how can the poor, harried Game Master wrangle a whole slew of unique personalities on top of all the other work that goes into preparing each week? The Kobold Guide to Roleplaying has the answers you seek.
-
3 out of 5 stars
-
Ugh.
- By Michael on 04-17-24
By: Keith Ammann, and others
-
Write Your Novel from the Middle
- A New Approach for Plotters, Pantsers and Everyone in Between
- By: James Scott Bell
- Narrated by: James Scott Bell
- Length: 2 hrs and 4 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 359
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 306
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 303
what if it's not the beginning or the end that is the key to a successful book? What if, amazing as it may seem, the place to begin writing your novel is in the very middle of the story? According to writing teacher James Scott Bell, that's exactly where you'll find your story's heart and heat. Bell's "Mirror Moment" is the secret, and its power is available to any writer, at any stage of the writing process...Bell presents a truly unique approach to writing a novel, one that will stand the test of time and serve you all your writing life.
-
4 out of 5 stars
-
Bell's excellent advice, less well conveyed
- By Jennifer on 09-14-20
By: James Scott Bell
-
The Convoluted Universe: Book One
- By: Dolores Cannon
- Narrated by: Randal Schaffer, Cherise Knapp
- Length: 21 hrs and 59 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars 2,190
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 1,882
-
Story5 out of 5 stars 1,876
The Convoluted Universe: Book One is the sequel to The Custodians. This book contains some of the more complicated concepts in metaphysics that Dolores Cannon discovered through 20 years of using deep hypnosis to explore the subconscious mind. This audiobook is intended for those listeners who want their minds expanded by the more complicated metaphysical ideas that border on quantum physics.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
a masterpiece, not for overly indoctrinated
- By jabari jackson on 11-08-19
By: Dolores Cannon
-
Reframe Your Brain
- The User Interface for Happiness and Success
- By: Scott Adams
- Narrated by: Andrew Baldwin
- Length: 7 hrs and 33 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 245
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars 208
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 208
In Reframe Your Brain, Scott Adams, the contrarian genius behind Dilbert and author of the most influential personal success book of all time—How to Fail at Almost Everything and Still Win Big—gives you the complete operating system for lasting happiness.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
More impactful than any other self help book.
- By $cott Piggot Airmont on 08-29-23
By: Scott Adams
-
Our Magnificent Bastard Tongue
- The Untold History of English
- By: John McWhorter
- Narrated by: John McWhorter
- Length: 5 hrs and 22 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4 out of 5 stars 4,048
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 3,420
-
Story4 out of 5 stars 3,396
A survey of the quirks and quandaries of the English language, focusing on our strange and wonderful grammar. Why do we say "I am reading a catalog" instead of "I read a catalog"? Why do we say "do" at all? Is the way we speak a reflection of our cultural values? Delving into these provocative topics and more, Our Magnificent Bastard Tongue distills hundreds of years of fascinating lore into one lively history.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
Great for casual linguists
- By Bertie on 01-11-10
By: John McWhorter
-
Making Sense
- Conversations on Consciousness, Morality, and the Future of Humanity
- By: Sam Harris
- Narrated by: Sam Harris, David Chalmers, David Deutsch, and others
- Length: 22 hrs and 26 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 592
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 487
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 481
Sam Harris—neuroscientist, philosopher, and bestselling author—has been exploring some of the most important questions about the human mind, society, and current events on his podcast, Making Sense. For Harris, honest conversation, no matter how difficult or controversial, represents the only path to moral and intellectual progress. This audiobook includes talks with Daniel Kahneman, Timothy Snyder, Nick Bostrom, and Glen Loury, on topics that range from the nature of consciousness and free will, to politics and extremism, to living ethically.
-
1 out of 5 stars
-
Audiobook review (just a podcast collection)
- By Amazon Customer on 12-21-20
By: Sam Harris
-
Critical Thinking
- An Essential Guide to Improving Your Decision-Making Skills and Problem-Solving Abilities Along with Avoiding Logical Fallacies and Cognitive Biases
- By: Jerrell Forman
- Narrated by: Ivan Busenius
- Length: 3 hrs and 19 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 25
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 25
-
Story4 out of 5 stars 25
Are you having problem with separating fake news from real ones? Are you sometimes wondering if you are being fooled? Does the uncertainty mean that you are having problems with taking the right decisions? If so, then you've come to the right place. You see, analyzing information and making sound decisions doesn't have to be difficult. In fact, it's easier than you think. This audiobook will teach you how to quickly analyze the input that is given to you and improve your decision making and problem-solving skills.
-
3 out of 5 stars
-
Hard to get through the audiob due to the narrator
- By j on 07-28-23
By: Jerrell Forman
-
Dark Psychology Secrets
- How to Handle a Toxic Person Learning the Art of Reading People Through the Techniques of Manipulation, Mind Control and Persuasion
- By: Daniel Brain
- Narrated by: Jim Rising
- Length: 3 hrs and 38 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 29
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 28
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 28
Are you curious to discover dark psychology? Want to know all the secrets and techniques to learn to defend yourself and not be manipulated by anyone? The art and science of mind control and manipulation are what is referred to as dark psychology. Dark psychology is where individuals use certain tactics of persuasion, motivation, coercion, or manipulation to achieve their goals at the expense of others.
-
1 out of 5 stars
-
Unlistenable - Was this thing computer generated?
- By Anthony Feldhaus on 07-14-23
By: Daniel Brain
-
The Concise Guide to Improving Your Social Skills
- How to Quickly Improve Your Communication Skills, Overcome Shyness and Develop Interpersonal Abilities
- By: Jason Flemming
- Narrated by: Oliver Hunt
- Length: 1 hr and 59 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars 51
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars 16
-
Story5 out of 5 stars 16
Learn how to quickly gain confidence and skills to socialize and communicate with anyone in any situation. Always know what to say. Never again be afraid to be assertive. Learn the art of charisma. Approach any situation with a calm confidence. Best-selling author and international speaker Jason Flemming brings you the ultimate step-by-step, concise, easy-to-follow guide to social skills. Learn how to quickly become a more confident and capable person.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
Social Skills book
- By Anonymous User on 07-24-21
By: Jason Flemming
-
There Is No God and He Is Always with You
- A Search for God in Odd Places
- By: Brad Warner
- Narrated by: Brad Warner
- Length: 7 hrs and 13 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 194
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 169
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 169
Brad Warner was initially interested in Buddhism because he wanted to find God, but Buddhism is usually thought of as godless. In the three decades since Warner began studying Zen, he has grappled with paradoxical questions about God and managed to come up with some answers. In this fascinating search for a way beyond the usual arguments between fundamentalists and skeptics, Warner offers a profoundly engaging and idiosyncratic take on the ineffable power of the "ground of all being."
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
Uncontroversially Thorough
- By Zach Wilson on 04-17-17
By: Brad Warner