In this episode, I break down how applying Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs to entire societies can make your sci-fi and fantasy worlds feel more authentic, cohesive, and full of natural conflict. I share how a world’s priorities shape culture, character motivation, and the pressure your protagonist pushes against — with clear examples from across the genre.

What We Cover:

• How Maslow’s Hierarchy applies to worldbuilding

• Why societal priorities create believable cultures

• How world needs generate organic conflict and stakes

• Using world structure to shape your protagonist’s journey

• How to layer world, plot, character, and theme together

• Practical examples pulled from well-known SFF stories

• How I used this framework in Ghosts of Rheynia

Books Mentioned:

• Red Rising by Pierce Brown

• The Will of the Many by James Islington

• The Black Coast by Mike Brooks

• Ghosts of Rheynia by Tim Facciola

Connect with Tim:

@timfacciola_theauthor | https://www.instagram.com/timfacciola_theauthor/

Are you a writer looking for support and community?

Apply here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSejci7iaHU3--TT8TOo82boYj7OsUIap3FscyQ4Qc2f8Z0EkQ/viewform?pli=1

A Vengeful Realm (3 book series):

Read Now | https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CK143ZK2?th=1&psc=1&geniuslink=true&ascsubtag=srctok-fa8927c1bf89b8e9&btn_ref=srctok-fa8927c1bf89b8e9

Everything Else: https://linktr.ee/timfacciola?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQMMjU2MjgxMDQwNTU4AAGn5saA9vSXWR3ZaWwp36EW6k8ODpvh7kXn0OFZG31laVfcLaRo0Yp5iXsQ7yM_aem_lLgKK_B-FaNQdH082Jj0sA&brid=7zdxVY9uZQo2BQ5KMAvcgQ