Workshop: Worldbuilding for Fantasy That's Rooted in the Real: Daniel José Older
Daniel José Older is the award-winning author of both young adult and adult books. His books include Star Wars: Last Shot (Del Ray, 2018) and the forthcoming middle-grade historical fantasy Dactyl Hill Squad (Scholastic, September 2018). His New York Times best-selling YA novel, Shadowshaper (Scholastic), was a New York Times Best Book of the Year and has been optioned by Tony-winning actress Anika Noni Rose. Daniel’s other books include the Bone Street Rumba novels, including Midnight Taxi Tango and Half-Resurrection Blues (Penguin). He is the winner of the International Latino Book Award, and has been nominated for the Kirkus Prize, the Locus and World Fantasy Awards, and the Andre Norton Award. Older is chiefly known for his urban fantasy, creating a deeply realistic view of New York City while weaving in complex fantasy elements. He likens his approach to music, "where story is melody and worldbuilding is harmony." The worldbuilding underpins everything and supports...