If you''re doing anything sci-fi, you''ve got to read the classics: Heinlein, Bradbury and Asimov are must-reads. There''s some good modern sci-fi, and the Japanese have been getting into it with some hip new ideas in the last couple of decades, so you might want to explore some anime.

For fantasy, some basic understanding of Tolkien is critical, if only to know what''s a rip-off in other works, so you can avoid perpetuating it. D&D is good, but don''t just make a computerized P&P game. Authors like David Eddings, Anne McCaffrey (sp?) and Robert Jordan (huge Tolkien ripoff, but some good stuff of his own) can be helpful, but don''t be afraid of classics. Ivanhoe is a great one to read. It''s the Matrix of classical literature: Every fight is epic, and every character is a one-man army, but it isn''t cheesy, and the death toll is about four, not counting background battles.

For world-building, it''s always good to study up on religions, creation myths, and general mythology. The Greek and Norse myths are everywhere, in one form or another, and Celtic stuff isn''t far behind. All are rich traditions. Eastern religions and mythologies are often more difficult for Western readers to access, but can be fertile sources of inspiration. Maori, Aborigine and American Indian traditions are also good. Don''t be cheap with research. It''s good to read this stuff, even if you only ever use a tiny bit of it.

If you don''t mind some lame content, look into the "hipper", newfangled religions, like Wicca. Sure, it''s ancient, but the books you''ll find are mostly about overcoming pimples and hexing boys to ask you out. It''s a feminist movement, but its roots are in very deep stuff, and it addresses things like dreams in ways that many other traditions don''t.