Our discussion of integrating religion and faith into your fantastical world continues! In this episode, guest Aparna Verma joins us to examine the deep connections between religious belief and the choices your characters make. How do they negotiate their relationship with their faith and the stories that go along with it? What happens when, thanks to a prophecy, they become one of those stories?
Religion can be a powerful force moving politics and social dynamics -- especially when not everyone agrees on the interpretation of a text or a vision! Both your protagonists and antagonists can use faith to manipulate the ends they desire, although, as many historical and fictional narratives have demonstrated, that can also swiftly spiral out of control. Building a multifaceted religious landscape in your world will give you so many plot hooks and character motivations to weave together, helping to make your world feel fuller and more lived-in!
Editor's Note: In the intro, Marshall calls this episode 110, but we apparently forgot how to count. It's 109!
[Transcript TK]
Our Guest: Aparna Verma was born in India and immigrated to the United States when she was two-years-old. She graduated from Stanford University with Honors in the Arts and a B.A. in English. The Phoenix King is her first novel.
When she is not writing, Aparna likes to ride horses, dance to Bollywood music, and find old cafes to read myths about forgotten worlds. You can connect with Aparna on Twitter and Instagram at @spirited_gal.
Episode 29: Cornerstones and Building Blocks
Episode 28: Framing the Concept
Episode 27: Potpourri 2: 2 Pot, 2 Pourri (Welcome to Season 2!)
Episode 26: Take Pride in your Worldbuilding featuring K.A. DOORE!
Episode 25: Rebel Scum and the Evil Empire Featuring ANDREA STEWART!
Episode 24: Dress for the Quest You Want Featuring MELISSA CARUSO!
Episode 23: We Are Gathered Together Featuring TOCHI ONYEBUCHI!
Episode 22: First We Eat (Featuring CASS MORRIS!)
Episode 21: Medicine and the Concept of the Body (Featuring FREYA MARSKE!)
Episode 20: When Two Wizards Love Each Other Very Much... (feat. Cat Sebastian!)
Episode 19: Triskadekaphilia
Episode 18: Monuments and Wonders
Episode 17: A Brief History of... (featuring S.A. Chakraborty)
Episode 16: A Game of Anything But Thrones
Episode 15: Potpourri
Episode 14: Have Yourself A Merry Little Something
Episode 13: And Now A Reading From The Sacred Text... (feat. Tasha Suri)
Episode 12: The Play’s The Thing (feat. Cass Morris!)
Episode 11: Threads of Life
Episode 10: Death Becomes Us
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free
Lit Society: Books and Drama
Ex Libris
Write The Book: Conversations on Craft
Anne of Green Gables
Pollyanna
Fresh Air
Myths and Legends