The Fantasy Writers' Toolshed

I'm always keen to chat with book bloggers to get an insight into the latest trends in reading. Fantasy romances, for example, are particularly in demand right now. But as well as that, I'm always keen to chat with reviewers to learn more about their experiences. Above all, I want to know how I, and other writers like you, can forge better partnerships with them.I was delighted then to chat with Blaise Ancona from Under The Radar SFF Books about these very things. Blaise runs both a podcast and a website devoted to highlighting fantasy and sci-fi novels that haven't got the credit they deserve.What began as a lockdown hobby has grown into something quite remarkable. We talk about how it happened and his experiences as a book blogger. If you have any questions or requests, please write to us at [email protected] OUR WRITING COMMUNITYhttps://mailchi.mp/395aa89d6ec0/join-richie-billings-community-of-writersLEARN MORE ABOUT FANTASY WRITINGTo join our writing community and access our Panels feature, as well as join a weekly writing group, access exclusive interviews, discussions, fantasy writing classes, books and more head over to our Patreon page - https://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed OUR GUESTSBlaise Ancona of Under The Radar SFF Books - https://undertheradarsffbooks.com/ | https://twitter.com/undertheradarb2Sounds and editing by Odysy - https://www.youtube.com/c/Odysyx Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Learn the fantasy writing process from idea to publication, with practical insights on drafting, editing, and improving your writing from a bestselling author.What does a successful fantasy writing process actually look like—from first idea to finished, published novel?In this episode, I’m joined by bestselling author Stephen Aryan, whose novels with major publishers like Orbit and Angry Robot have established him as one of the leading voices in modern fantasy.We take an open and honest look at the full writing journey, covering both craft and career, including:How to develop ideas into compelling fantasy storiesThe reality of drafting and refining a novelEditing techniques that elevate your writingCreating memorable characters and immersive worldsWorking with literary agents and navigating publishingLessons from writing multiple fantasy novels at a professional levelThis conversation goes beyond surface-level advice, offering real insight into how a working author approaches the craft and business of writing.If you want to understand the fantasy writing process in depth—and improve your own approach—this episode delivers clear, practical guidance you can apply straight away.THE JUDAS BLOSSOMhttps://angryrobotbooks.com/books/judas-blossom/OUR GUESTStephen Aryan - https://stephen-aryan.com/ | Stephen's YouTube channel - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZlaVQ9rks4GaN-x3Jkos0AJOIN OUR WRITING COMMUNITYhttps://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed⁠LEARN MORE ABOUT FANTASY WRITINGTo join our writing community, access exclusive interviews, discussions, fantasy writing classes, books and more, head over to our ⁠Patreon⁠ page - ⁠https://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed⁠

In the final episode of 2023, we welcome Vickie Lan to the Toolshed, host of the Speculative Sandbox Podcast.Vickie is a specialist in deconstructing fantasy tropes. Her show sees her joined by top authors to discuss everything from The Chosen One to beardy wizard mentor figures. In our chat, we cover the epic fantasy quest—its classic features and how you can spin them. We also discuss tropes around resurrections and mentor figures, as well as tropes generally.And Vickie shares some fantastic examples of books and writers who have spun things to create something brilliant and original.If you have any questions or requests, please write to us at [email protected] OUR WRITING COMMUNITYhttps://mailchi.mp/395aa89d6ec0/join-richie-billings-community-of-writersLEARN MORE ABOUT FANTASY WRITINGTo join our writing community and access our Panels feature, as well as join a weekly writing group, access exclusive interviews, discussions, fantasy writing classes, books and more head over to our Patreon page - https://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed OUR GUESTSVickie Lan - https://vickielan.com/podcast | https://www.instagram.com/speculativesandboxSounds and editing by Odysy - https://www.youtube.com/c/OdysyxOTHER RESOURCESCharacter PlottingAvoiding Tropes And Cliches When Writing FantasyHow To Write A Battle Scene In A BookMen Writing Women Characters - Things To Watch Out ForExamples Of Sensory LanguageFree Worldbuilding Template And Guide Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Award-winning journalist and Afrofuturist author Denise Crittendon stops by the Toolshed to discuss her debut science fantasy novel, Where It Rains In Color, published by Angry Robot Books on 6th December 2022. Denise tells us about the new book, how she created her unique and incredible worlds and characters, and reveals some of her favourite writing tips. If you have any questions or requests, please write to us at [email protected] OUR WRITING COMMUNITYhttps://mailchi.mp/395aa89d6ec0/join-richie-billings-community-of-writersLEARN MORE ABOUT FANTASY WRITINGTo join our writing community and access our Panels feature, as well as join a weekly writing group, access exclusive interviews, discussions, fantasy writing classes, books and more head over to our Patreon page - https://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed OUR GUESTSDenise Crittendon - https://denisecrittendon.blog/ | https://twitter.com/denicrittendonSounds and editing by Odysy - https://www.youtube.com/c/OdysyxOTHER RESOURCESThe Best Podcasts About Writing - https://richiebilling.com/the-fantasy-writers-toolshed-podcast/best-podcasts-about-writingA Free Name Generator Tool For Knights - https://richiebilling.com/fantasy-name-generator/knight-name-generator Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Learn the fantasy writing process from bestselling author Mary E. Pearson, including character creation, worldbuilding, and how she crafts her YA novels.What can writers learn from one of the most successful voices in YA fantasy?In this episode, I’m joined by Mary E. Pearson, New York Times bestselling author and creator of the Remnant Universe, to explore her approach to storytelling and the fantasy writing process.We dive into both craft and career, including:Mary E. Pearson’s fantasy writing process from idea to finished bookHow she builds immersive worlds within the Remnant UniverseTechniques for creating compelling, memorable charactersInsights into writing YA fantasy that resonates with readersLessons from her latest book MorrighanPractical writing advice for authors at every stageThis is an in-depth, honest conversation packed with insights from a top-tier fantasy author.If you’re a fan of Mary E. Pearson or want to improve your own fantasy writing, this episode offers a masterclass in storytelling, worldbuilding, and craft.OUR GUESTMary E. Pearson - https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250868350/morrighan | https://www.marypearson.com/ | https://www.instagram.com/maryepearson/JOIN OUR WRITING COMMUNITYhttps://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed⁠LEARN MORE ABOUT FANTASY WRITINGTo join our writing community, access exclusive interviews, discussions, fantasy writing classes, books and more, head over to our ⁠Patreon⁠ page - ⁠https://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed⁠

In the latest episode of The Fantasy Writers' Toolshed podcast, I welcome author Nandi Taylor who's achieved remarkable things on Wattpad.As someone who's never used the platform before, I invited Nandi along to tell us how she managed to accrue nearly 2 million reads of her novel, Given.Nandi explains her methods, how Wattpad works, and the opportunities that are out there for other writers.If you have any questions or requests, please write to us at [email protected] OUR WRITING COMMUNITYhttps://mailchi.mp/395aa89d6ec0/join-richie-billings-community-of-writersLEARN MORE ABOUT FANTASY WRITINGTo join our writing community and access our Panels feature, as well as join a weekly writing group, access exclusive interviews, discussions, fantasy writing classes, books and more head over to our Patreon page - https://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed OUR GUESTSNandi Taylor - https://twitter.com/nandi_taylorSounds and editing by Odysy - https://www.youtube.com/c/Odysyx Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this instalment, Janina and Lucy from The Fey Fellowes podcast return for a chat about the age-old tales of Beowulf and King Arthur. We look at the story behind these two tales and how they've endured for so long. We also explore the influence that they've had on the founders of the fantasy genre, such as Tolkien and CS Lewis. And we consider what writers can learn from these classic epics. If you have any questions or requests, please write to us at [email protected] access exclusive interviews, discussions, fantasy writing classes, books and more head over to our Patreon page - https://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed If you're interested in fantasy writing classes, head here - https://richiebilling.com/fantasy-writing-classesLearn more about the fantasy writing podcast here - https://richiebilling.com/welcome/the-fantasy-writers-toolshed-podcast REGISTER FOR THE EMAIL MARKETING CLASShttps://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/email-marketing-for-authors-tickets-428073548507JOIN OUR WRITING COMMUNITYJoin our community here - https://bit.ly/join-our-writing-groupOUR GUESTSJanina Arndt and Lucy Atkinson - The Fey Fellows Podcast - https://www.instagram.com/feyfellowspodcast/ / https://anchor.fm/fey-fellows-podcastSounds and editing by Odysy - https://www.youtube.com/c/Odysyx Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, I'm joined by science fiction and fantasy literary agent Laura Bennett of the Liverpool Literary Agency. Laura talks us through what it's like to be an agent, telling us about reviewing queries, signing writers, contracts, pitching to publishers and editors, and current market trends (you'll never guess what's making a comeback).If you have any questions or requests, please write to us at [email protected] access exclusive interviews, discussions, fantasy writing classes, books and more head over to our Patreon page - https://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed If you're interested in some of my fantasy writing classes, head here - https://richiebilling.com/fantasy-writing-classesLearn more about the fantasy writing podcast here - https://richiebilling.com/welcome/the-fantasy-writers-toolshed-podcast JOIN OUR WRITING COMMUNITYJoin our community here - https://bit.ly/join-our-writing-groupOUR GUESTSLaura Bennett - https://twitter.com/LosbennettThe Liverpool Literary Agency - https://www.liverpool-literary.agency/Sounds and editing by Odysy - https://www.youtube.com/c/Odysyx Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ready to take your worldbuilding to the next level? Discover four powerful techniques used by today’s top fantasy authors to create worlds that feel alive.In this episode of The Fantasy Writers’ Toolshed, Richie Billing shares four essential worldbuilding tips that go far beyond the basics. These lessons come from years of trial and error, personal experience, and insights from some of the best fantasy writers and worldbuilders in the industry — many of whom have appeared on this very podcast.Worldbuilding can be both exhilarating and overwhelming. You’ve got maps, histories, religions, languages, and politics to think about — but which details truly matter? Richie distils the chaos into four clear, actionable principles that help writers focus on what really brings a fictional world to life.In this episode, you’ll learn:The most overlooked rule of effective worldbuilding — and how it transforms your storytelling.How to balance imagination and realism so readers never feel lost.Why purposeful detail beats encyclopaedic exposition every time.How to connect your setting directly to plot and character motivation.Ways to use sensory description and emotion to make worlds feel tangible and lived in.Why consistency is the secret weapon of great fantasy settings.Richie also reveals his favourite fantasy worldbuilding resources, including templates, reading lists, and examples of how top authors structure their fictional worlds. You’ll find links to free tools, worldbuilding exercises, and inspiration from across the fantasy community.Key takeaways:Learn 4 essential worldbuilding tips that save time and strengthen your story.Understand how to weave culture, conflict, and geography seamlessly into your plot.Discover what separates a good fantasy world from an unforgettable one.Get fantasy writing advice that helps you plan, write, and refine more confidently.Whether you’re creating a sprawling epic world or a single village setting, this episode will give you the tools and mindset to make your fictional universe feel authentic and compelling.RESOURCESDownload A Free Worldbuilding Template - https://richiebilling.com/worldbuildingFANTASY WRITING BOOKS, CLASSES AND TOOLS⁠⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed ⁠⁠⁠JOIN OUR DISCORD COMMUNITY⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://mailchi.mp/395aa89d6ec0/join-richie-billings-community-of-writers⁠⁠⁠

In this episode, I'm joined by Dr Enn Burke for a fascinating discussion about sociology and villainous and deviant characters. We discuss how societal influences like upbringing, peer groups, and oppressive policies like the drug war can impact and shape society. And ultimately, how that influences your characters.If you have any questions or requests, please write to us at [email protected] access exclusive interviews, discussions, fantasy writing classes, books and more head over to our Patreon page - https://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed If you're interested in some of my quick, easy-to-understand fantasy writing classes, head here - https://richiebilling.com/fantasy-writing-classesLearn more about the fantasy writing podcast - https://richiebilling.com/welcome/the-fantasy-writers-toolshed-podcast RESOURCESTips On Writing A Villain - https://richiebilling.com/writing-tips/thebadguysWhat Is Characterization? - https://richiebilling.com/welcome/the-writers-toolshed/writing-tips/what-is-characterizationMichel Foucault - Discipline & PunishThe House I Live In - Film JOIN OUR WRITING COMMUNITYJoin our community here - https://bit.ly/join-our-writing-groupOUR GUESTSEnn Burke of Ripped From The Headlines - rippedheadlinespod.comSounds and editing by Odysy - https://www.youtube.com/c/Odysyx Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you like to write fantasy or perhaps historical fiction, then you may have encountered the idea of the medieval knight. They were walking tanks back in their day and held a significant amount of societal influence. But being so powerful, they were also prone to corruptive behaviours, particularly seen in the Hundred Year War between England and France. In this latest episode of The Fantasy Writers' Toolshed podcast, our oracle of history, Aidan Mattis of The Lore Lodge podcast, joins me for a chat about knights of the middle ages.We look at how they developed, their roles and lives, the code of chivalry that was designed to help keep them in check, and how writers can apply all of this to their stories. Get in touch: [email protected] access exclusive interviews, discussions, fantasy writing classes, books and more head over to our Patreon page - https://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed If you're interested in some of my quick, easy-to-understand fantasy writing classes, head here - https://richiebilling.com/fantasy-writing-classesFANTASY WRITING RESOURCESMedieval Armor and Fantasy - https://richiebilling.com/fantasy-writing/a-fantasy-writers-guide-to-armorMedieval Weapons and Fantasy - https://richiebilling.com/fantasy-writing/a-fantasy-writers-guide-to-weaponryWorldbuilding and Religion - https://richiebilling.com/worldbuilding/worldbuilding-religionJOIN OUR WRITING COMMUNITYJoin our community here - https://mailchi.mp/be6082d43b39/the-writers-toolshed OUR GUESTSAidan Mattis - The Lore Lodge Podcast - YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/thelorelodgeSounds and editing by Odysy - https://www.youtube.com/c/Odysyx Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we march forth with our series on creating three-dimensional characters.Political psychologist and YouTuber Abby returns to discuss the psychology of villains and heroes.We dive into the types of psychological traits that villains and heroes have, how they develop those traits and how we can use this psychological insight to create and get into the minds of our protagonists and antagonists. This is just the first episode of a duology on villains and heroes; in an episode to come soon, sociologist Dr Enn Burke returns to look at the sociological considerations behind our villainous and heroic characters. Be sure to subscribe or follow us on Spotify, iTunes, YouTube and the like so you don't miss an episode!Get in touch: [email protected] access exclusive interviews, discussions, fantasy writing classes, books and more head over to our Patreon page - https://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed If you're interested in some of my quick, easy-to-understand fantasy writing classes, head here - https://richiebilling.com/fantasy-writing-classesFANTASY WRITING RESOURCESHow To Write Bad Guys And Villains - https://richiebilling.com/writing-tips/thebadguysThe Ultimate List Of Worldbuilding Resources - https://richiebilling.com/worldbuilding/worldbuilding-resourcesA Guide To Character Development - https://richiebilling.com/writing-tips/character-developmentJOIN OUR WRITING COMMUNITYJoin our community here - https://mailchi.mp/be6082d43b39/the-writers-toolshed OUR GUESTSAbby from Political Psych With Abby - https://www.youtube.com/c/PoliticalPsychwithAbby / Latest ep - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P8_O1reY3qcSounds and editing by Odysy - https://www.youtube.com/c/Odysyx Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We're both thrilled and honoured to welcome to the Toolshed award-winning author of many incredible Science Fiction and Fantasy books, Adrian Tchaikovsky.In this special episode, we discuss how to come up with ideas and develop them into stories. We dive into worldbuilding, character creation, plotting and theme. And we go beyond the writing process to discuss the publishing industry and working with the likes of editors and agents. It's an episode packed with insights and writing advice and guidance, provided by one of the genre's leaders and a master of the craft. Get in touch: [email protected] access exclusive interviews, discussions, fantasy writing classes, books and more head over to our Patreon page - https://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed If you're interested in some of my quick, easy-to-understand fantasy writing classes, head here - https://richiebilling.com/fantasy-writing-classesFANTASY WRITING RESOURCESA guide to fantasy armor - https://richiebilling.com/fantasy-writing/a-fantasy-writers-guide-to-armorExamples of the 5 senses in writing - https://richiebilling.com/writing-tips/using-the-5-senses-in-writingDemon name generator tool - https://richiebilling.com/welcome/the-writers-toolshed/fantasy-writing/fantasy-name-generator/demon-name-generator-female-maleDownload a free worldbuilding template - https://richiebilling.com/worldbuildingJOIN OUR WRITING COMMUNITYJoin our community here - https://mailchi.mp/be6082d43b39/the-writers-toolshed OUR GUESTSAdrian Tchaikovsky - https://adriantchaikovsky.com/books.html / https://amzn.to/3z2B2HTSounds and editing by Odysy - https://www.youtube.com/c/Odysyx Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we reveal publishing insights and tips on making successful submissions for short stories and novels. We also take a look at the methods people have used to secure funding for their book projects on Kickstarter.I welcome Willow Becker and Christi Nogel from Weird Little Worlds Press who have had tremendous success with Kickstarter—their last campaign hit its fundraising target in just 36 hours! We discuss fantasy author Brandon Sanderson's Kickstarter campaign too, and we go over some do's and don'ts when it comes to submitting stories to publishers.Get in touch: [email protected] access exclusive interviews, discussions, fantasy writing classes, books and more head over to our Patreon page - https://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed If you're interested in some of my quick, easy-to-understand fantasy writing classes, head here - https://richiebilling.com/fantasy-writing-classesFANTASY WRITING RESOURCESWorldbuilding Template and Guide - https://richiebilling.com/worldbuildingFree Book Description Generator For Amazon And Goodreads - https://richiebilling.com/amazon-goodreads-book-description-generatorHow To Find Podcasts For Writers - https://richiebilling.com/welcome/the-fantasy-writers-toolshed-podcast/how-to-find-podcasts-for-writersJOIN OUR WRITING COMMUNITYJoin our community here - https://mailchi.mp/be6082d43b39/the-writers-toolshed OUR GUESTSWillow Becker and Christi Nogel - Weird Little Worlds Press - https://weirdlittleworlds.com/Sounds and editing by Odysy - https://www.youtube.com/c/Odysyx Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Discover how people entertained themselves in the Middle Ages, from taverns and bards to games and feasts, and how to use these details to build richer, more immersive fantasy worlds.Entertainment in the Middle Ages wasn’t just a luxury. It was a vital part of daily life, shaping culture, community, and storytelling across every level of society.In this episode, I’m joined by Aidan Mattis, creator of The Lore Lodge Podcast, to explore the real ways people found fun, meaning, and escape in medieval times.We break down the reality behind medieval entertainment and how you can use it in your writing, including:The role of bards, troubadours, and storytellersWhat taverns were really like (and why they mattered)Popular medieval games, hobbies, and pastimesFeasts, festivals, and social gatheringsHow entertainment reveals class, culture, and characterIf you want to bring your fantasy worlds to life with authentic detail, this episode will show you how entertainment can add depth, realism, and texture to your setting.ABOUT AIDAN MATTISAidan Mattis - The Lore Lodge Podcast - https://www.youtube.com/c/thelorelodgeJOIN OUR WRITING COMMUNITYhttps://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed⁠LEARN MORE ABOUT FANTASY WRITINGTo join our writing community, access exclusive interviews, discussions, fantasy writing classes, books and more, head over to our ⁠Patreon⁠ page - ⁠https://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed⁠

Learn how to write compelling ghost stories, including key techniques for atmosphere, tension, and how the genre influences fantasy storytelling.Ghost stories are one of the oldest and most enduring forms of storytelling—but writing one that truly unsettles and lingers with readers takes skill.In this episode, I’m joined by Janina Arndt and Lucy Atkinson from The Fey Fellows Podcast to explore what makes ghost stories work—and how they connect to the wider fantasy genre.We break down both the craft and the tradition of ghost storytelling, including:What defines a ghost story and its core featuresHow to build atmosphere, tension, and dreadTechniques for writing haunting, memorable scenesClassic and modern examples—and why they workThe influence of ghost stories on fantasy storytellingCommon mistakes to avoid when writing supernatural fictionIf you want to write ghost stories that genuinely unsettle readers and add depth to your fantasy writing, this episode will show you how to do it right.OUR GUESTSJanina Arndt and Lucy Atkinson - The Fey Fellows Podcast - https://www.instagram.com/feyfellowspodcast/ / https://anchor.fm/fey-fellows-podcastJOIN OUR WRITING COMMUNITYhttps://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed⁠LEARN MORE ABOUT FANTASY WRITINGTo join our writing community, access exclusive interviews, discussions, fantasy writing classes, books and more, head over to our ⁠Patreon⁠ page - ⁠https://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed⁠

In this episode, we take a look at the jobs and occupations we often see in the fantasy genre. From bards to blacksmiths, a lot of these roles take inspiration from those carried out by people in the medieval period.So to enlighten us on the subject, history whizz Aidan Mattis from The Lore Lodge podcast joins me for an in-depth chat on the subject.Get in touch: [email protected] access exclusive interviews, discussions, fantasy writing classes, books and more head over to our Patreon page - https://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed If you're interested in some of my quick, easy-to-understand fantasy writing classes, head here - https://richiebilling.com/fantasy-writing-classesRESOURCESThe Life Of A Medival Lord - https://richiebilling.com/fantasy-writing/the-life-of-the-medieval-lordThe Pesky Peasantry Of The Middle Ages - https://richiebilling.com/fantasy-writing/lives-of-medieval-peasantsJOIN OUR WRITING COMMUNITYJoin our community here - https://mailchi.mp/be6082d43b39/the-writers-toolshed OUR GUESTSAidan Mattis - The Lore Lodge - https://www.youtube.com/c/TheLoreLodge Sounds and editing by Odysy - https://www.youtube.com/c/Odysyx Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In part three of our series on creating lifelike characters, we welcome political psychologist, Abby, back to the Toolshed for a discussion on moral psychology.We discuss human morality, specifically looking at what makes people tick, how people justify their actions, and how we decide what’s right and what’s wrong. If you're looking for writing advice on creating villains of all types—from the morally grey to the downright evil—as well as heroes driven by moral motivations, then this episode is for you.Get in touch: [email protected] access exclusive interviews, discussions, fantasy writing classes, books and more head over to our Patreon page - https://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed If you're interested in some of my quick, easy-to-understand fantasy writing classes, head here - https://richiebilling.com/fantasy-writing-classesRESOURCESA guide to character development - https://richiebilling.com/writing-tips/character-developmentHow to carry out character plotting - https://richiebilling.com/writing-tips/character-plottingWhat is characterization? - https://richiebilling.com/welcome/the-writers-toolshed/writing-tips/what-is-characterizationFantasy name generator - https://richiebilling.com/welcome/the-writers-toolshed/fantasy-writing/fantasy-name-generatorJOIN OUR WRITING COMMUNITYJoin our community here - https://mailchi.mp/be6082d43b39/the-writers-toolshed OUR GUESTSAbby from Political Psych With Abby - https://www.youtube.com/c/PoliticalPsychwithAbby / Latest ep - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P8_O1reY3qcSounds and editing by Odysy - https://www.youtube.com/c/Odysyx Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Discover how Dungeons & Dragons influenced modern fantasy, from iconic tropes to worldbuilding techniques and storytelling styles used by writers today.Few things have shaped modern fantasy as much as Dungeons & Dragons. From character archetypes to entire worldbuilding systems, its impact runs deep across books, games, and storytelling as a whole.In this episode, I’m joined by Janina Arndt and Lucy Atkinson from The Fey Fellows Podcast to explore exactly how DnD has influenced the fantasy genre—and what writers can learn from it.We break down the key ways DnD has shaped fantasy storytelling, including:How DnD influenced modern fantasy tropes and archetypesThe impact of role-playing on character creation and storytellingWorldbuilding lessons writers can take from DnD systemsWhy DnD inspires so many writers to create their own storiesThe crossover between tabletop gaming and fantasy fictionHow to use DnD-style thinking to improve your writingIf you write fantasy—or want to understand the genre more deeply—this episode reveals how one game helped shape the stories we tell today.OUR GUESTSJanina Arndt and Lucy Atkinson from the Fey Fellows Podcast - https://www.instagram.com/feyfellowspodcast/JOIN OUR WRITING COMMUNITYhttps://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed⁠LEARN MORE ABOUT FANTASY WRITINGTo join our writing community, access exclusive interviews, discussions, fantasy writing classes, books and more, head over to our ⁠Patreon⁠ page - ⁠https://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed⁠

You can find all manner of weapons in the fantasy genre. From giant swords to magical axes, writers have conjured all manner of deadly devices over the years. In this episode, we take a look at the inspiration for fantasy weapons, exploring their medieval roots. We discuss the practicalities of using weapons--how heavy are swords and how to pierce plate armour--to the reasons why they were designed. You'll be sure to find lots of inspiration for your own writing along the way.If you have any questions or requests, please write to us at [email protected] access exclusive interviews, discussions, fantasy writing classes, books and more head over to our Patreon page - https://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed If you're interested in some of my quick, easy-to-understand fantasy writing classes, head here - https://richiebilling.com/fantasy-writing-classesRESOURCESFantasy Weapons Guide - https://richiebilling.com/fantasy-writing/a-fantasy-writers-guide-to-weaponryFantasy Armor Guide - https://richiebilling.com/fantasy-writing/a-fantasy-writers-guide-to-armorCheck out our fantasy name generator - https://richiebilling.com/welcome/the-writers-toolshed/fantasy-writing/fantasy-name-generator JOIN OUR WRITING COMMUNITYJoin our community here - https://bit.ly/join-our-writing-groupOUR GUESTSAidan Mattis of The Lore Lodge Podcast - https://www.youtube.com/c/TheLoreLodgeSounds and editing by Odysy - https://www.youtube.com/c/Odysyx Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the podcast, I welcome sociologist and fantasy book lover Dr Enn Burke to the Toolshed to teach us how sociological factors can help shape our characters.It's the ideal episode to learn more about how to create fictional characters that almost feel as alive as real people. Sociology plays a huge part in how we're made up. It relates to everything ranging from our childhood, like how we were raised and the friends we chose to hang around with, all the way to whether or not we're religious, and what job we do.If you're a writer, you're bound to learn something new to help you create your fictional characters.You can also find the latest calls for submissions, an update on my lists of fantasy publishers, and our community announcements.If you have any questions or requests, please write to us at [email protected] access exclusive interviews, discussions, fantasy writing classes, books and more head over to our Patreon page - https://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed If you're interested in some of my quick, easy-to-understand fantasy writing classes, head here - https://richiebilling.com/fantasy-writing-classesLearn more about the fantasy writing podcast - https://richiebilling.com/welcome/the-fantasy-writers-toolshed-podcast RESOURCESView the list of fantasy novel publishers - https://richiebilling.com/welcome/writing-tools/list-of-fantasy-publishersWhat Is Characterization? - https://richiebilling.com/welcome/the-writers-toolshed/writing-tips/what-is-characterizationJOIN OUR WRITING COMMUNITYJoin our community here - https://bit.ly/join-our-writing-groupOUR GUESTSEnn Burke of Ripped From The Headlines - rippedheadlinespod.comSounds and editing by Odysy - https://www.youtube.com/c/Odysyx Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this edition, I'm joined by our oracle of medieval history, Aidan Mattis, for a chat about the food and cuisines of the Middle Ages—something I think is definitely skipped by writers.Folklorists Janina Arndt and Lucy Atkinson also join me for an in-depth chat about fairytales—what are they, what can we learn from them, and how to write your own.You can also find a bunch of calls for submissions and all of the latest writing news, such as the takeover of Smashwords by Draft2Digital.If you have any questions or requests, please write to us at [email protected] access exclusive interviews, discussions, fantasy writing classes, books and more head over to our Patreon page - https://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed If you're interested in some of my quick, easy-to-understand fantasy writing classes, head here - https://richiebilling.com/fantasy-writing-classesLearn more about the podcast - https://richiebilling.com/welcome/the-fantasy-writers-toolshed-podcast RESOURCESThe Life Of A Medieval Lord - https://richiebilling.com/fantasy-writing/the-life-of-the-medieval-lordThe Knight Of Chivalry - https://richiebilling.com/welcome/the-writers-toolshed/fantasy-writing/knight-of-chivalryHow To Make A Fantasy Map - https://richiebilling.com/fantasy-writing/how-to-make-a-fantasy-mapThe Different Subgenres Of Fantasy - https://richiebilling.com/fantasy-writing/the-many-sub-genres-of-fantasyJOIN OUR WRITING COMMUNITYJoin our community here - https://mailchi.mp/be6082d43b39/the-writers-toolshed OUR GUESTSJanina Arndt and Lucy Atkinson from the Fey Fellows Podcast - https://www.instagram.com/feyfellowspodcast/Aidan Mattis from The Lore Lodge - https://www.youtube.com/c/TheLoreLodgeSounds and editing by Odysy - https://www.youtube.com/c/Odysyx Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we dive into the process of creating lifelike characters by examining psychology—what makes people who they are? What drives them and why? Political psychologist and YouTuber Abby explains all in our illuminating discussion that's bound to inspire some ideas for your fantasy characters.I also share a very simple yet very effective method of creating suspense. And there are some interesting calls for submissions, as well as a mixed bag of news, but things I think you need to know about.If you have any questions or requests, please write to us at [email protected] access exclusive interviews, discussions, fantasy writing classes, books and more head over to our Patreon page - https://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed If you're interested in some of my quick, easy-to-understand fantasy writing classes, head here - https://richiebilling.com/fantasy-writing-classesLearn more about the podcast - https://richiebilling.com/welcome/the-fantasy-writers-toolshed-podcast RESOURCESTools Writes Can Use To Build Suspense - https://richiebilling.com/writing-tips/tools-writers-can-use-to-build-suspenseA Guide To Writing Prose - https://richiebilling.com/writing-tips/what-is-prose-writingFantasy Names Generator - https://richiebilling.com/welcome/the-writers-toolshed/fantasy-writing/fantasy-name-generator/humanForeshadowing In A Story - https://richiebilling.com/writing-tips/what-is-foreshadowing-in-a-story-definition-examplesJOIN OUR WRITING COMMUNITYJoin our community here - https://mailchi.mp/be6082d43b39/the-writers-toolshed OUR GUESTSAbby from Political Psych With Abby - https://www.youtube.com/c/PoliticalPsychwithAbbySounds and editing by Odysy - https://www.youtube.com/c/Odysyx Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In our first episode of the new year, I explore evolution and worldbuilding in the fantasy genre with author and YouTuber, Rachel Emma Shaw. We look at how playing around with this particular element can lead to original and exciting ideas. Lucy Atkinson and Janina Arndt from The Fey Fellowes Podcast also join me for a chat about Greek Mythology and how writers can find inspiration in exploring it. And I share the results of my little short story experiment which you can try too. As always, you can listen on every major streaming platform. And if you listen on Spotify, I'd be ever so grateful if you could kindly give the show a rating. It's a new feature and your honest opinion would mean a lot. Write to us at [email protected] us on Patreon and get fantasy writing books and writing classes, workshops and courses - https://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed Learn more about the podcast - https://richiebilling.com/welcome/the-fantasy-writers-toolshed-podcast RESOURCESHow To Build A Fantasy World - https://richiebilling.com/welcome/the-writers-toolshed/fantasy-writing/natural-worldbuilding-guideWOMBO Dream - https://www.wombo.art/A Guide To StoryOrigin - https://richiebilling.com/welcome/the-writers-toolshed/writing-tips/5-reasons-why-every-writer-should-use-storyoriginJOIN OUR WRITING COMMUNITYJoin our community here - https://mailchi.mp/be6082d43b39/the-writers-toolshed OUR GUESTSJanina Arndt and Lucy Atkinson from the Fey Fellows podcast - https://open.spotify.com/show/3fZb25t8f4KdW6x7y5zv6v?si=e74e177759d3422e Rachel Emma Shaw - https://www.youtube.com/c/TheLoreLodge Sounds and editing by Odysy - https://www.youtube.com/c/Odysyx Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we're donning our helmets and hefting our axes and shields before diving headfirst into battle with a look at medieval warfare. We'll tell you everything you need to know about making your fantasy battles as realistic and gritty as possible, as well as giving you a few neat ideas to use. We're also looking at folklore, one of the main inspirations for the fantasy genre. We share our favourite folkloric tales and discuss how you can use these as inspiration for your own fantasy stories and worldbuilding. And we've also got the latest calls for submissions, community announcements, and some very interesting news on creating book covers using artificial intelligence. Write to us at [email protected] us on Patreon and get fantasy writing books and writing classes, workshops and courses - https://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed Learn more about the podcast - https://richiebilling.com/welcome/the-fantasy-writers-toolshed-podcast RESOURCESA Guide To Writing Fight and Battle Scenes - https://richiebilling.com/welcome/the-writers-toolshed/fantasy-writing/how-to-write-fight-scenesFantasy Writing Classes - https://richiebilling.com/fantasy-writing-classesWOMBO Dream - https://www.wombo.art/JOIN OUR WRITING COMMUNITYJoin our community here - https://mailchi.mp/be6082d43b39/the-writers-toolshed OUR GUESTSJanina Arndt and Lucy Atkinson from the Fey Fellows podcast - https://open.spotify.com/show/3fZb25t8f4KdW6x7y5zv6v?si=e74e177759d3422e Aidan Mattis from The Lore Lodge podcast - https://www.youtube.com/c/TheLoreLodge Sounds and editing by Odysy - https://www.youtube.com/c/OdysyxLearn more about Richie Billing - http://richiebilling.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we take a look at the interesting relationship between magic systems and science with fantasy author Rachel Emma Shaw.We also take a look at day to day life in the medieval period to provide you with ideas and inspiration for your worldbuilding and fantasy stories.And I reveal the early results from my Book Blogger Survey, essential listening for anyone pitching to book reviewers and book bloggers right now.Plus, I also have some news from the world of writing and our community announcements.The Fantasy Writers’ Toolshed is a bi-weekly fantasy writing podcast with new episodes out on 14th and 28th of each month. Our purpose is to create a show that’s as helpful, interesting and entertaining for fantasy writers as possible. Write to us at [email protected] us on Patreon and get fantasy writing books and writing courses - https://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed Learn more about the podcast - https://richiebilling.com/welcome/the-fantasy-writers-toolshed-podcast RESOURCESThe Lives Of Medieval Lords - https://richiebilling.com/fantasy-writing/the-life-of-the-medieval-lordThe Pesky Peasantry Of The Middle Ages - https://richiebilling.com/fantasy-writing/lives-of-medieval-peasantsThe Lives Of Medieval Women - https://richiebilling.com/fantasy-writing/maidens-wives-and-widows-the-lives-of-women-during-the-middle-agesThe Book Blogger Survey - https://forms.gle/TC59tvLFEMXTJT776Article - https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/feb/27/a-dirty-secret-you-can-only-be-a-writer-if-you-can-afford-itList of 250+ Book Reviewers - https://richiebilling.com/welcome/writing-tools/list-of-book-reviewersJOIN OUR WRITING COMMUNITYJoin our community here - https://mailchi.mp/be6082d43b39/the-writers-toolshed OUR GUESTSAidan Mattis from The Lore Lodge podcast - https://www.youtube.com/c/TheLoreLodge Rachel Emma Shaw from the Science In Fantasy YouTube channel - https://www.youtube.com/c/RachelEmmaShawSounds and editing by Odysy - https://www.youtube.com/c/Odysyx Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we take a look at worldbuilding, specifically the scientific side, and how writers can make use of the likes of biology to create unique and interesting worlds.We also take an in-depth look at archery, particularly from the medieval period.And we also explore Norse mythology, something that's grown in popularity over recent years.We also share the latest calls for submissions and our community announcements.The Fantasy Writers’ Toolshed is a bi-weekly fantasy writing podcast with new episodes out on 14th and 28th of each month. Our purpose is to create a show that’s as helpful, interesting and entertaining for fantasy writers as possible. Write to us at [email protected] us on Patreon and get fantasy writing books and writing courses - https://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed Learn more about the podcast - https://richiebilling.com/welcome/the-fantasy-writers-toolshed-podcast RESOURCESNatural Worldbuilding - Richie's comprehensive guide to building a fantasy world - https://richiebilling.com/welcome/the-writers-toolshed/fantasy-writing/natural-worldbuilding-guideFantasy and Archery - The Ultimate Guide - https://richiebilling.com/welcome/the-writers-toolshed/fantasy-writing/archery-and-fantasy-a-complete-guideJOIN OUR WRITING COMMUNITYJoin our community here - https://mailchi.mp/be6082d43b39/the-writers-toolshed OUR GUESTSJanina Arndt and Lucy Atkinson from the Fey Fellows podcast - https://open.spotify.com/show/3fZb25t8f4KdW6x7y5zv6v?si=e74e177759d3422e Aidan Mattis from The Lore Lodge podcast - https://www.youtube.com/c/TheLoreLodge Rachel Emma Shaw from the Science In Fantasy YouTube channel - https://www.youtube.com/c/RachelEmmaShaw and check out Rachel's latest book, Sacara Nights - https://amzn.to/3F9eLIJSounds and editing by Odysy - https://www.youtube.com/c/OdysyxLearn more about Richie Billing - http://richiebilling.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we look at how to edit a novel, the mythologies and folkloric tales that have inspired the fantasy genre, and we take a look at the diseases that ravaged the medieval era.We also share the latest calls for submissions and our community announcements.The Fantasy Writers’ Toolshed is a bi-weekly podcast with new episodes out on 14th and 28th of each month. Our purpose is to create a show that’s as helpful, interesting and entertaining for fantasy writers as possible. Write to us at [email protected] consider supporting us on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed Learn more about the podcast - https://richiebilling.com/welcome/the-fantasy-writers-toolshed-podcast RESOURCES[Download] - Step by step guide on how to edit a novel - https://bit.ly/how-to-edit-a-novel Killer Diseases Of The Middle Ages - https://richiebilling.com/fantasy-writing/killer-diseases-of-the-middle-ages How To Edit A Novel - https://richiebilling.com/writing-tips/how-to-edit-novel JOIN OUR WRITING GROUPJoin our community - https://mailchi.mp/be6082d43b39/the-writers-toolshed OUR GUESTSJanina Arndt and Lucy Atkinson from the Fey Fellows podcast - https://open.spotify.com/show/3fZb25t8f4KdW6x7y5zv6v?si=e74e177759d3422e Aidan Mattis from The Lore Lodge podcast - https://www.youtube.com/c/TheLoreLodge Sounds and editing by Odysy - https://www.youtube.com/c/OdysyxLearn more about Richie Billing - http://richiebilling.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, we're delighted to welcome Evan Gow to the Writer's Toolshed for a very special chat about Story Origin, the book marketing platform Evan's created by hand.Story Origin brings together a host of different book marketing services, such as group promotions, newsletter swaps, advanced reader copy distribution and book reviews.Evan has built this all with user feedback and continues to add new features, as well as develop existing ones. He and Richie chat about the creation process, Story Origin's key features, and Richie explains how he utilises its features to grow his mailing list each month.To learn more about Story Origin head here - https://storyoriginapp.com/Or to read Richie's guide on 5 reasons why every writer should use Story Origin, go here - https://richiebilling.com/welcome/the-writers-toolshed/writing-tips/5-reasons-why-every-writer-should-use-story-originPlease consider supporting us on Patreon! (https://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed). You can join our community of writers, get access to exclusive fantasy writing workshops, and copies of acclaimed books on how to write fantasy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this mini-episode, JM gives his editor’s perspective on submissions and short stories in particular.He provides some quick tips on manuscript format and cover letters, and then he identifies some of the recurring issues he sees in the short fiction submissions he’s been receiving, namely point of view, character arcs, and length.JM’s tips on short stories: https://ofmetalandmagicpublishing.wordpress.com/2021/05/30/on-writing-short-fiction-writing-in-short/Tips on cover letters (for short fiction): https://www.janefriedman.com/perfect-cover-letter-advice-lit-mag-editor/Richie's tips on writing cover letters: https://richiebilling.com/writing-tips/a-quick-guide-to-cover-letters Please consider supporting us on Patreon! (https://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed). You can join our community of writers, get access to exclusive fantasy writing workshops, and copies of acclaimed books on how to write fantasy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Learn how to create memorable fantasy names for characters, cities, and worlds, with practical rules to avoid confusion and improve readability.Naming is one of the trickiest parts of fantasy writing. A great name can bring a world to life—while a bad one can confuse readers and pull them out of the story.In this episode, I’m joined by J.M. Williams to break down how to create fantasy names that are clear, immersive, and memorable.We cover the key principles behind effective naming in fantasy, including:How to create names that feel unique without being confusingWhy overly complex names (and too many apostrophes) can hurt your storyNaming conventions for characters, cities, and entire worldsHow culture, language, and history influence believable namesTechniques to make names easier for readers to rememberCommon naming mistakes—and how to avoid themIf you want your fantasy world to feel richer and more cohesive without overwhelming your readers, this episode will give you the tools to name everything with confidence.JOIN OUR WRITING COMMUNITYhttps://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed⁠LEARN MORE ABOUT FANTASY WRITINGTo join our writing community, access exclusive interviews, discussions, fantasy writing classes, books and more, head over to our ⁠Patreon⁠ page - ⁠https://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed⁠

In this episode, Richie is joined by PR guru and award-winning writer, Alex Greenwood, who shares some fantastic marketing tips that writers can utilise as lockdown begins to ease. From book launches to signings, we cover it all.As well as chatting about marketing, Alex also shares lots of great insights on writing mystery and thriller novels, two genres quite similar to the fantasy genre in some respects.Please consider supporting us on Patreon! (https://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed). You can join our community of writers, get access to exclusive fantasy writing workshops, and copies of acclaimed books on how to write fantasy.Links:Alex Greenwood's website > http://alexgpr.com/PR After Hours podcast > https://prafterhours.com/Mysterious Goings On podcast > https://mgopod.com/Learn more about the John Pilate Mysteries > https://www.amazon.com/gp/kindle/series/B07PQM8HVM/Richie's guide to growing a mailing list > https://richiebilling.com/book-marketing/fast-way-to-grow-your-mailing-listOf Metal and Magic Publishing > https://ofmetalandmagicpublishing.wordpress.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Learn how to build immersive fantasy worlds with practical techniques from a real-life worldbuilder who transformed his home into a living fantasy setting.Worldbuilding is at the heart of great fantasy—but how do you create a world that truly feels real, lived-in, and immersive?In this episode, I’m joined by John Tarrow, a fantasy author and real-life worldbuilder who has spent over 25 years transforming his home into the extraordinary Talliston House and Gardens.We explore how building a physical fantasy world has shaped John’s approach to writing—and what writers can learn from it.Inside the episode:The core principles of immersive fantasy worldbuildingHow real-world design can improve your fictional settingsCreating history, culture, and depth that readers can feelPractical worldbuilding techniques you can apply immediatelyHow environment shapes character and storyCommon worldbuilding mistakes—and how to avoid themIf you want to create fantasy worlds that feel tangible, believable, and unforgettable, this episode will show you how to bring your setting to life—on the page and beyond.ABOUT JOHN TARROWFind out more about Talliston House > https://www.talliston.com/Learn more about John > https://www.tarrow.co.uk/JOIN OUR WRITING COMMUNITYhttps://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed⁠LEARN MORE ABOUT FANTASY WRITINGTo join our writing community, access exclusive interviews, discussions, fantasy writing classes, books and more, head over to our ⁠Patreon⁠ page - ⁠https://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed⁠

In this episode, JM reflects on the first few months in his role as editor-in-chief for Of Metal and Magic Publishing. He discusses upcoming releases, including Pariah's Lament and Call of the Guardian, and provides some crucial tips and advice on when it comes to submitting stories to publishers.As always, get in touch if you have a question or query by clicking here. Please consider supporting us on Patreon! (https://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed). You can join our community of writers, get access to exclusive fantasy writing workshops, and copies of acclaimed books on how to write fantasy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we're picking up on fantasy weapons and armour and exploring how writers can employ them in fight and battle scenes. We cover some good rules to follow when writing fight scenes, tips on making the most of battle scenes, ways to maintain clarity amid the chaos, and the importance of doing your research.For more tips and advice on writing battle scenes, check out the guides we referred to in the episode below:+ How to write fight scenes > https://ofmetalandmagicpublishing.wordpress.com/how-to-write-fight-scenes/+ A guide to sieges for fantasy writers > https://richiebilling.com/fantasy-writing/the-siegeTo join our virtual party on Saturday 20th February to celebrate the launch of Call of the Guardian, head here > https://fb.me/e/52VuZYectPlease consider supporting us on Patreon! (https://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed). You can join our community of writers, get access to exclusive fantasy writing workshops, and copies of acclaimed books on how to write fantasy.*Audio Attribution Notes*All audio effect used with open attribution license.Sound Effects from Freesound.org:“Ambient battle noise: swords and shouting”, by Pfranzen, https://freesound.org/s/192072/“Unsheathing the sword”, by Ihitokage, https://freesound.org/s/395364/“Laugh 1 pun dad joke”, by Jayfrosting, https://freesound.org/s/333403/Music from YouTube Audio Library:“Chariots of War”, by Aakash Gandhi“Yonder Hill and Dale”, by Aaron Kenny“Lord Of The Dawn”, by Jesse Gallagher Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Richie is talking all things conflict. What is conflict? Why is it important? How do you create it? And he discusses its close relationship with characterisation.To hammer home everything covered, we're finishing up with a writing exercise. And we're turning it into a competition.Submit your conflict-filled short stories to us and the winner will be published on the Of Metal and Magic Publishing website, plus they'll receive a bunch of free books! Closing date is Saturday 26th February, and submissions should be emailed to [email protected]. We'll announce the winner next month.Please consider supporting us on Patreon! (https://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed). You can join our community of writers, get access to exclusive fantasy writing workshops, and copies of acclaimed books on how to write fantasy.Links mentioned in the episode:GiveawaysOMAM's LOTR giveaway - https://ofmetalandmagicpublishing.wordpress.com/2021/01/06/announcing-our-first-giveaway/Richie Billing's sword & sorcery giveaway - https://richiebilling.com/free-book-competitions-contests-and-giveaways/LinksRichie's guide on conflict - https://richiebilling.com/2018/09/03/plotting-the-crucible/Background music and sound effects by BBilling Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In our first episode of 2021, we're diving into fantasy armor and fantasy weapons. We examine why the medieval period is so popular in the fantasy genre. And we look at what that means for writers when it comes to including the likes of swords, bows and plated armor in stories.We explore medieval history, looking at the development of weapons and armor, discussing insights into their crafting, use and practical applications throughout time. And we discuss a few weapons that you may not have heard of before.As always, get in touch with your comments, queries and curses by clicking here (https://ofmetalandmagicpublishing.wordpress.com/get-in-touch/).To enter our current competitions, just enter your details here (https://mailchi.mp/555959f846a1/join-the-community)And to check out Richie's guides mentioned in the episode, just click below:A Fantasy Writer's Guide to Armor (https://richiebilling.com/2017/09/19/a-fantasy-writers-guide-to-armor/)Please consider supporting us on Patreon! (https://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed). You can join our community of writers, get access to exclusive fantasy writing workshops, and copies of acclaimed books on how to write fantasy.Fantasy and Archery - A Guide (https://richiebilling.com/archery-and-fantasy-a-complete-guide/)A Fantasy Writer's Guide to Medieval Weapons (https://richiebilling.com/2020/09/16/a-fantasy-writers-guide-to-weaponry/) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In our first-ever Christmas special, we welcome two guests to the Writers' Toolshed - EA Robins and Douglas WT Smith, two fantastic writers who make up the rest of the Of Metal and Magic Publishing Team.We reflect on what's been a challenging year for a lot of us, as well as our writing journeys up to this point. And we take a look at what 2021 holds, including the release of JM William's novel, Call Of The Guardian, and Richie Billing's debut epic fantasy, Pariah's Lament.We also discuss opportunities that OMAM Publishing will have for writers like you!As always, if you have any questions, queries or curses, please head over to ofmetalandmagicpublishing.wordpress.com/podcast.And to get some free fantasy books to keep you entertained during the cold winter months, just head here > https://ofmetalandmagicpublishing.wordpress.com/free-reads/Please consider supporting us on Patreon! (https://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed). You can join our community of writers, get access to exclusive fantasy writing workshops, and copies of acclaimed books on how to write fantasy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Learn how to build an author website, use SEO and email marketing, and create a long-term strategy to grow your audience and sell more books.Book marketing doesn’t have to feel overwhelming—but without the right foundations, it’s easy to waste time on strategies that don’t deliver.In this episode, we break down the essential building blocks of effective author and book marketing, focusing on how to set yourself up for long-term success.We cover the key systems every writer should understand, including:Why every author needs a website (and when they might not)How to structure your website for visibility and conversionsUsing SEO and blogging to attract consistent trafficHow to build and grow a mailing list that actually convertsCreating content that supports your books and brandTurning your writing into a sustainable income streamIf you want a clear, practical roadmap for marketing your books—without chasing trends or burning out—this episode will show you how to build a system that works over time.JOIN OUR WRITING COMMUNITYhttps://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed⁠LEARN MORE ABOUT FANTASY WRITINGTo join our writing community, access exclusive interviews, discussions, fantasy writing classes, books and more, head over to our ⁠Patreon⁠ page - ⁠https://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed⁠

Learn how to write natural, engaging dialogue with practical techniques, common mistakes to avoid, and formatting tips used by professional writers.Dialogue can make or break a story. When it works, it pulls readers straight into the scene. When it doesn’t, it feels forced, unnatural, and flat.In this episode, we break down exactly how to write dialogue that sounds real, reveals character, and drives your story forward—without falling into the traps that weaken so many manuscripts.We cover both the fundamentals and the finer details of dialogue writing, including:What makes dialogue feel natural and believableThe biggest dialogue mistakes writers make (and how to fix them)How to reveal character through speech patterns and subtextWhen to use “said” and when to avoid over-the-top saidismsHow to write dialogue that moves the plot forwardFormatting dialogue correctly (including speech marks and alternatives)Techniques to tighten and edit weak or bloated conversationsWhether you’re writing fantasy, literary fiction, or anything in between, this episode will help you write sharper, more immersive dialogue that keeps readers hooked from line to line.JOIN OUR WRITING COMMUNITYhttps://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed⁠LEARN MORE ABOUT FANTASY WRITINGTo join our writing community, access exclusive interviews, discussions, fantasy writing classes, books and more, head over to our ⁠Patreon⁠ page - ⁠https://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed⁠

In our ninth episode, we're taking a look at TIME magazine's recently published list of the top 100 fantasy books of all time. Click here to see the list.We take a look at the books on the list, discuss our favourite books, some of our least favourite, the influence some books have had on the genre, and the direction that fantasy is moving toward in the years to come.As always, we'd love to hear from you. What are your favourite fantasy books? Do you agree with the list, or perhaps you disagree? Write to us and tell us by clicking here.Please consider supporting us on Patreon! (https://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed). You can join our community of writers, get access to exclusive fantasy writing workshops, and copies of acclaimed books on how to write fantasy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Anthology: a collection of selected literary pieces or passages or works of art or music.In this not-so-mini episode, JM interviews the editors of Transmundane Press, who have made a name for themselves by publishing sci-fi and fantasy anthologies. Their current project is ON TIME, which JM was fortunate enough to get a story in.Here we discuss the appeal of the anthology, the benefit of writing and reading short stories, and the editors provide their tips for submitting your work to anthology calls.You can find Transmundane here: https://www.transmundanepress.com/And you can read one of JM's flash fiction pieces on the Transmundane blog, here: https://transmundanepressblog.wordpre...Please consider supporting us on Patreon! (https://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed). You can join our community of writers, get access to exclusive fantasy writing workshops, and copies of acclaimed books on how to write fantasy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Magic systems play an important role in fantasy. Many people associate wizards, witches, magical weapons, creatures and worlds with the genre. In this episode, we look at what magic systems are and how you can build them and utilise them in your own stories. We look at ways to introduce the background detail for your magic system, the extent to which it's necessary to do so, and also explore magic's relationship with religion, the latter also playing a major role in many fantasy systems. We look at a range of examples of different magic systems found in fantasy too, and debate whether your story needs one at all. What are your thoughts on magic systems? Drop us an email or a comment. And if you enjoyed this episode, why not follow and subscribe for more? Please consider supporting us on Patreon! (https://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed). You can join our community of writers, get access to exclusive fantasy writing workshops, and copies of acclaimed books on how to write fantasy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Learn how to create and profit from audiobooks, including production options, costs, and strategies to turn your novel into a successful audio release.Audiobooks are one of the fastest-growing markets in publishing—but how do you actually turn your book into an audiobook, and is it worth it?In this episode, I’m joined by Chris Herron from Tall Tale TV to break down the opportunities in the audiobook space and how authors can take advantage of them.We explore both the creative and commercial side of audiobooks, including:Why audiobooks are growing faster than eBooksDifferent ways to create an audiobook (DIY vs professional production)The real costs involved—and how to budget effectivelyFunding options for audiobook productionHow to convert your novel into audio formatWhat makes a great audiobook performanceThe future of audiobook platforms and distributionWe also share an exclusive audio snippet from Pariah’s Lament, offering a glimpse into the potential of audio storytelling.If you’re looking to expand your reach, increase your income, and tap into a booming market, this episode will show you how to get started with audiobooks the right way.TALL TALE TViTunes - http://bit.ly/TTTV_iTunesPodcast - http://talltaletv.com/subscribe/Twitter - https://twitter.com/TallTaleTVYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/talltaletvWebsite - http://talltaletv.comLISTENNoodlin by Richie Billing, Narrated by Chris Herron - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=htu-Q9wNnic&feature=emb_titleJOIN OUR WRITING COMMUNITYhttps://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed⁠LEARN MORE ABOUT FANTASY WRITINGTo join our writing community, access exclusive interviews, discussions, fantasy writing classes, books and more, head over to our ⁠Patreon⁠ page - ⁠https://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed⁠

In this episode, Richie is joined by the hilarious Scouse comedian, Ant Campbell. Ant has developed a significant following on social media over the past few years, at one point having more followers on Twitter than a small town, and that was all down to his ability to write great content.Richie and Ant discuss writing humorous stories, scenarios, dialogue and jokes, as well as their experiences of writing their sitcom, "Stalled". Ant also shares some priceless insights into how he built up such an enviable following and how you can do the same.As always, get in touch with us on Facebook, or drop us an email at [email protected]!Please consider supporting us on Patreon! (https://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed). You can join our community of writers, get access to exclusive fantasy writing workshops, and copies of acclaimed books on how to write fantasy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

So-called writing rules have been a touchy subject in the writing world of late. It all exploded after a list of rules by Jonathan Franzen re-surfaced, provoking a wave of ire not just against Franzen, but against so-called writing 'rules', the do's and don't's of the craft.Around the same time, Richie conducted some research on the rules that writers hate most of all, and in this episode, we chat about some of them, namely passive voice, showing instead of telling and using adjectives and adverbs. This is a topic in which people aren't short of an opinion, and as always we want to hear from you. Get in touch by emailing [email protected]!Please consider supporting us on Patreon! (https://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed). You can join our community of writers, get access to exclusive fantasy writing workshops, and copies of acclaimed books on how to write fantasy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

JM goes solo in this episode, which is a continuation of our previous topic: book covers. JM interviews a couple of artists to ask them why they think covers are important, and how to develop a good working relationship with your artist. Niels can be found here: https://www.ncartbox.net/?fbclid=IwAR...If you'd like a sample of his work, he did the cover for my short-story-novel, In the Valley of Magic, which is available here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07G9ZPXMR/E. Rachael Hardcastle has a website for her book label: https://www.curiouscatbooks.co.uk/A massive thank you to both Niels and Rachael for visiting the Toolshed! It was lovely to have you on and we hope you all enjoyed it too.In our next episode, we'll be looking at writing 'rules'. Should you really never use the passive voice? Must you always show instead of tell? Is there even such a thing as a writing 'rule'? What so-called rules do you hate most?Please consider supporting us on Patreon! (https://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed). You can join our community of writers, get access to exclusive fantasy writing workshops, and copies of acclaimed books on how to write fantasy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this instalment we're tackling book covers. We delve into everything you need to know, from the science behind typography and imagery to artist fees and designing them for free!Links to some of the resources mentioned:www.canva.com How cover design can increase book visibility by 50% (or more)Revealed: The Real Marketing Value of a Professional Book CoverBook Smugglers - COVER MATTERS: THE SURVEY RESULTSData Analytics and Practical Theory for BooksHolly Rollins - A Conjoint Analysis of the Value of Book Covers in E-Book Buying DecisionsBoth Richie and JM have just gone through the process of designing book covers in recent weeks. Richie's new book, Thoughts On Writing, is available to purchase by clicking here. All of the money raised from book sales is being used to help those impacted by Covid-19, from food banks to care homes. As always we'd love to hear from you with your comments and requests. Drop us an email at [email protected]! Please consider supporting us on Patreon! (https://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed). You can join our community of writers, get access to exclusive fantasy writing workshops, and copies of acclaimed books on how to write fantasy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Writer and editor Charles Remington joins Richie in the Writers' Toolshed to talk about nano fiction, a niche of flash fiction. How do you write nano fiction? Where do you find ideas? Why should you try it? Uncover the answers to all in this episode. Plus, we discuss marketing books, and Richie tells us about his meeting with Raymond E. Feist. The book, Nano Nightmares, edited by Charles and featuring stories by Richie, is available now on Amazon. You can get it by clicking here. Please consider supporting us on Patreon! (https://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed). You can join our community of writers, get access to exclusive fantasy writing workshops, and copies of acclaimed books on how to write fantasy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Coronavirus craziness has gripped the globe. How can writers make the most of all this free time?In this episode, Richie discusses a few ways writers can help people in this time of great need, as well as a few ways you can make the most of this abundance of time.Richie mentions a few books you may find helpful, which are:The Art of Dramatic Writing - Lajos EgriStein on Writing - Sol SteinThe Art of Fiction - John GardnerLetters to a Young Writer - Colum McCannThe First Five Pages - Noah LukemanOn Writing - Stephen KingA Fantasy Writers' Handbook - Richie BillingAs always, we want to hear from you! If you have any topics or questions you want us to tackle, drop us an email at [email protected] safe everyone!Please consider supporting us on Patreon! (https://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed). You can join our community of writers, get access to exclusive fantasy writing workshops, and copies of acclaimed books on how to write fantasy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.