: Re: Should I include an appendix for inessential, yet related worldbuilding to my story? I'm of the opinion that a story should stand on its own; any worldbuilding that is necessary for the plot

@Karen856

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An appendix such as a glossary, a geographic map, or a timeline is especially helpful when you have a collection of work in the same world. In the ideal, it is a quick way for a reader to see the relationship between works.

Although each of your works can stand alone, it may be helpful for an avid follower of your world to know how things fit together. If I pick up a book with the title "The Little Mermaid versus Hitler", I will know it is WW2 era, probably set in Denmark during the German occupation. The title "Stephanie versus Glisdhum" doesn't carry the same clear expectations.

I have found a glossary and geographic reference handy in some books. Consider the map I found helpful in "The Lord of the Rings". OTOH, the Elfish dictionary exceeded my need, so I don't read it.

For the appendix in this book, I would limit it to a few details that add spark to this book, and hint details you will expand in future books. Don't tell the story in the appendix, but create an expectation that this book is set in an organic context from which many more stories will grow.

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