Lao Tzu said, "A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." But the journey of imagination begins with a single idea-one that can shape entire worlds, if you so choose. And no one knows that better than bestselling fantasy author Richard C. White, who brings his expertise for world building to this reference guide for writers interested in crafting their own storytelling environments. In Terra Incognito, White outlines the detailed steps by which writers can create the sort of countries, populations, governments, and militaries that are essential for building a three-dimensional fantasy world that will engage readers. You'll learn how to: Avoid the pitfalls of naming characters, regions, and countries Apply the technique of "outside in" to develop and then refine ideas for your world Create a world your readers can relate to, regardless of its technological levels Identify how to create backstories and conflict by observing how your world comes together Add details to make your story richer without overwhelming your readers Identify useful resources for research With the inspiration provided by Terra Incognito: A Guide to Building the Worlds of Your Imagination, you'll soon be on your way to constructing the framework for your own fantasy or science fictional realms-and taking readers along for the journey Includes an exclusive interview with New York Times bestselling fantasy author Tracy Hickman."