250-2 The Art of Immersion through Scientifically Realistic World-Building

Session: Deliver the Message: Harness Diverse Media and Divergent Methods to Describe and Depict Geoscience Information

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Abstract:

The trick to making an immersive setting within a made-up world is real, concrete details. It doesn’t matter if you’re writing about an ancient volcanic kingdom of darkness or a desert planet in a galaxy far far away. As a traditionally-published fantasy author, I’ve seen firsthand the power of relying upon geologic knowledge when crafting fantastical landscapes. Using examples from my published duology, Daughter of the Bone Forest and Daughter of the Cursed Kingdom, alongside other well-known fantasy and science-fiction novels, I will discuss the ways in which geology, geography, and geoheritage can be used to brainstorm fantastical settings and enhance them. This combination of science and the arts is a vital tool for science communication and public education, as story and oral heritage have been tools of education since the early days of civilization. By learning to harness this tradition, we can begin to fix misinformation, alter public opinion, and educate through entertainment. Whether we choose to educate about some of the biggest and most pressing concerns in the geoscience community, or simply use our knowledge to create immersive worlds that can better capture readers interest, the tools of the trade are valuable.

Geological Society of America Abstracts with Program. Vol. 57, No. 6, 2025

doi: 10.1130/abs/2025AM-10347

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