The Metamor City Podcast

At Balticon 51 I sat down with author and podcaster P.C. Haring to talk about Slipspace: Harbinger, the first book in Haring’s new science fiction trilogy. Along the way we discuss a variety of aspects of the business and craft of writing, including the lessons we’ve learned since those first heady years of podcast fiction. … <p class="link-more"><a href="http://www.metamorcity.com/tratwd-120-pc-haring/" class="more-link">Continue reading<span class="screen-reader-text"> "TRATWD 120 – PC Haring"</span></a></p>

Will and Callie seek out the help of the wizard Artax, whom Callie hopes can conceal the icon of Saint Merai from detection. But will that be enough to stop the Street mage Trajan from hunting them down? Buy “Urban Legends” on Amazon Buy “The Muse” in e-book from Smashwords or Kindle Store — Chris Lester on Facebook … <p class="link-more"><a href="http://www.metamorcity.com/tratwd-119-the-muse-part-4-conclusion/" class="more-link">Continue reading<span class="screen-reader-text"> "TRATWD 119 – The Muse, Part 4 (Conclusion)"</span></a></p>

Will and Callie get a brief respite from danger. Will struggles with his principles and desires. Callie reveals some awkward secrets about her past. Buy “Urban Legends” on Amazon Buy “The Muse” in e-book from Smashwords or Kindle Store — Chris Lester on Facebook Fans of Metamor City FB Group Support the show on Patreon Leave a review … <p class="link-more"><a href="http://www.metamorcity.com/tratwd-118-the-muse-part-3/" class="more-link">Continue reading<span class="screen-reader-text"> "TRATWD 118 – The Muse, Part 3"</span></a></p>

In Part 2 of “The Muse,” Will and Callie retrieve the icon from Callie’s hiding spot — and very quickly find themselves in more trouble. Buy “Urban Legends” on Amazon Buy “The Muse” in e-book from Smashwords or Kindle Store — Chris Lester on Facebook Fans of Metamor City FB Group Support the show on Patreon Leave a … <p class="link-more"><a href="http://www.metamorcity.com/928-2/" class="more-link">Continue reading<span class="screen-reader-text"> "TRATWD 117 – The Muse, Part 2"</span></a></p>

In this week’s episode we meet J. William Kerenson, an earnest university student with dreams of becoming a great writer. Frustrated by a lack of inspiration, Will is looking for fresh experiences to lure his muse back to him—but when he meets Callie, a Street-side operative on the run from a dangerous gang, he might … <p class="link-more"><a href="http://www.metamorcity.com/tratwd-116-the-muse-part-1/" class="more-link">Continue reading<span class="screen-reader-text"> "TRATWD 116 – The Muse, Part 1"</span></a></p>

In this week’s episode I sat down with Nathan Lowell, the author of The Golden Age of the Solar Clipper series. I talked with him about his unusual approach to science fiction, right and wrong ways to use social media as a writer, promoting the work of authors you love, and how he made the transition from … <p class="link-more"><a href="http://www.metamorcity.com/tratwd-115-nathan-lowell/" class="more-link">Continue reading<span class="screen-reader-text"> "TRATWD 115 – Nathan Lowell"</span></a></p>

In this panel from Balticon 51, I lead a discussion with Melissa Hayden, Erin Kazmark, A. F. Grappin and Veronica Giguere about audio book narrators. Why should you have someone narrate your book? How does the process work? How do you find someone who will do the job well? There’s a lot of great advice … <p class="link-more"><a href="http://www.metamorcity.com/tratwd-114-why-the-storyteller-needs-a-narrator/" class="more-link">Continue reading<span class="screen-reader-text"> "TRATWD 114 – Why the Storyteller Needs a Narrator"</span></a></p>

This Week’s Story: “The Sentinel” Janus is the regional field commander of the Lothanasi Order, an elite international law-enforcement unit tasked with protecting mortals from supernatural creatures. In the line of duty he has slain demons, faeries, and monsters of every description—but when the search for a missing girl leads him to the lair of … <p class="link-more"><a href="http://www.metamorcity.com/tratwd-113-the-sentinel/" class="more-link">Continue reading<span class="screen-reader-text"> "TRATWD 113 – The Sentinel"</span></a></p>

Kate pays a visit to her sick partner, David Silverleaf, and discusses life, God, and the shortage of quality men in her world. Buy Urban Legends on Amazon — Chris Lester on Facebook Fans of Metamor City FB Group Support the show on Patreon Leave a review on iTunes

In the conclusion to “Huntress,” Morgan meets the girl she rescued — and gets more than she bargained for. Featured Music: “Carried Away,” by Hungry Lucy (CC BY SA 3.0) Buy Huntress or Urban Legends on Amazon Visit Hungry Lucy’s website — Chris Lester on Facebook Fans of Metamor City FB Group Support the show on … <p class="link-more"><a href="http://www.metamorcity.com/tratwd-111-huntress-part-2/" class="more-link">Continue reading<span class="screen-reader-text"> "TRATWD 111 – Huntress, Part 2"</span></a></p>

Meet Morgan Drauling, your friendly neighborhood vampire. What’s a girl gotta do to get a drink in this town, anyway? Featured Music: “Carried Away,” by Hungry Lucy. Music provided through the Podshow Podsafe Music Network. (CC BY SA 3.0) A limited number of signed copies of all four Metamor City books are available now at … <p class="link-more"><a href="http://www.metamorcity.com/tratwd-110-huntress-part-1/" class="more-link">Continue reading<span class="screen-reader-text"> "TRATWD 110 – Huntress, Part 1"</span></a></p>

With “hard science fiction,” great efforts are taken to get the physics right, but a lot of biological details are glossed over, if not ignored. What are some basic principles of biology that you should know for writing good science-based fiction? Recorded at Balticon 51. Speakers: Dr Thomas Holtz Jr – Moderator Chris Jackson Chris Lester … <p class="link-more"><a href="http://www.metamorcity.com/tratwd-109-biology-is-a-science-too-balticon-51/" class="more-link">Continue reading<span class="screen-reader-text"> "TRATWD 109 – Biology is a Science, Too! (Balticon 51)"</span></a></p>

Michael’s tour of Metamor City continues, as Kate takes him to see the Citadel and then the Street. Naturally, there are complications. Buy URBAN LEGENDS on Amazon — Chris Lester on Facebook Fans of Metamor City FB Group Support the show on Patreon Leave a review on iTunes

This week I begin sharing my professional-quality re-recorded versions of the stories from the Urban Legends collection. In part 1 of “Welcome to the City,” new Homicide recruit Michael Perelli gets his first taste of life in Metamor City — but one of his new co-workers may want to get a taste of him… Buy the Urban … <p class="link-more"><a href="http://www.metamorcity.com/tratwd-107-welcome-to-the-city-part-1/" class="more-link">Continue reading<span class="screen-reader-text"> "TRATWD 107 – Welcome to the City, Part 1"</span></a></p>

Today Paul Cooley and Terry Mixon turn the tables on me, as they interview me for a live episode of The Dead Robots’ Society Podcast. We discuss my influences as a writer, why Neil Gaiman’s faeries feel different from Jim Butcher’s, writing stories with social commentary, and a bunch of other cool stuff. Enjoy! — Chris … <p class="link-more"><a href="http://www.metamorcity.com/tratwd-106-dead-robots-society-interviews-chris-lester/" class="more-link">Continue reading<span class="screen-reader-text"> "TRATWD 106 – Dead Robots Society interviews Chris Lester"</span></a></p>

In this week’s episode I’m proud to bring you our Metamor City LIVE! audio drama from Balticon 51! Cast: Chris Lester as Rafak Aliri Veronica Giguere as Betty, a daedra Doc Coleman as Baldur, a male werewolf Mildred Cady as Amelie Grace, a vampire priestess A. F. Grappin as Young Raf, in a flashback to … <p class="link-more"><a href="http://www.metamorcity.com/tratwd-105-rafak-aliri-and-the-vampires-bargain-live-at-balticon-51/" class="more-link">Continue reading<span class="screen-reader-text"> "TRATWD 105 – Rafak Aliri and the Vampire’s Bargain (LIVE at Balticon 51)"</span></a></p>

This week I interview author and podcaster J. Daniel Sawyer about his new book, Becoming an Every Day Novelist. We discuss what writers can expect to learn in this book, what Dan has learned in the course of writing it, and how he’s changed his approach to business over the last year. The Every Day … <p class="link-more"><a href="http://www.metamorcity.com/tratwd-104-j-daniel-sawyer/" class="more-link">Continue reading<span class="screen-reader-text"> "TRATWD 104 – J. Daniel Sawyer"</span></a></p>

In this week’s interview I talk to Abigail Hilton about her new novel, Jager Thunder, which is on sale now! This is a wonderful book, and if you’re a fan of The Guild of the Cowry Catchers, you owe it to yourself to pick up a copy. We also talk quite a bit about the business side … <p class="link-more"><a href="http://www.metamorcity.com/tratwd-103-abigail-hilton/" class="more-link">Continue reading<span class="screen-reader-text"> "TRATWD 103 – Abigail Hilton"</span></a></p>

It’s after 1 AM, and the ghosts are awake… Music Credit: “Nine Lies the Heart ed 5,” by ERH (CC BY NC) — Chris Lester on Facebook Fans of Metamor City FB Group Support the show on Patreon Leave a review on iTunes

In this week’s episode I interview author and podcaster Paul E. Cooley about his new science fiction/horror series, DERELICT! Buy DERELICT: Marines on Amazon Shadow Publications (Paul’s Website) Support Paul on Patreon — Chris Lester on Facebook Fans of Metamor City FB Group Support the show on Patreon Leave a review on iTunes

Greetings, Metamorphs! To celebrate the completion of 100 episodes in two years of podcasting The Raven & the Writing Desk, I’m excited to bring you this preview of THE LOST AND THE LEAST. In Chapter Seven of the forthcoming novel, Callie Linder takes her boyfriend Will to meet her old mentor, Silas Kenning, who has some … <p class="link-more"><a href="http://www.metamorcity.com/tratwd-100-the-lost-and-the-least-preview/" class="more-link">Continue reading<span class="screen-reader-text"> "TRATWD 100 – The Lost and the Least, PREVIEW"</span></a></p>

In this week’s episode I interview author Lauren Harris about her new book, UNLEASH. Preorder your copy today! — Chris Lester on Facebook Fans of Metamor City FB Group Support the show on Patreon Leave a review on iTunes

Liam and his fellow wizards launch a risky gambit to save their airship fleet. — Chris Lester on Facebook Fans of Metamor City FB Group Support the show on Patreon Leave a review on iTunes

In which Liam has a strange encounter while attempting a divination. — Chris Lester on Facebook Fans of Metamor City FB Group Support the show on Patreon Leave a review on iTunes

In the year 1833 CR, a young wizard takes part in a daring airship raid into the heart of enemy territory. Too bad it’s probably a suicide mission… Buy your copy of Tales of a Tesla Ranger — all proceeds go to the P.G. Holyfield Children’s Trust. — Chris Lester on Facebook Fans of Metamor City … <p class="link-more"><a href="http://www.metamorcity.com/tratwd-096-fire-in-the-sky-part-1/" class="more-link">Continue reading<span class="screen-reader-text"> "TRATWD 096 – Fire in the Sky, Part 1"</span></a></p>

In this week’s interview I talk to award-winning fantasy author Philippa Ballantine about her new novel, IMMORTAL PROGENY. Buy your copy today! — Chris Lester on Facebook Fans of Metamor City FB Group Support the show on Patreon Leave a review on iTunes

While brooding in his tower, the Master of the City receives some unexpected news about his longtime rival. A tribute story in memory of P. G. Holyfield. Buy your copy of Tales of a Tesla Ranger — all proceeds go to the P.G. Holyfield Children’s Trust. The Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation funds research for a cure to P.G. … <p class="link-more"><a href="http://www.metamorcity.com/tratwd-094-nemesis/" class="more-link">Continue reading<span class="screen-reader-text"> "TRATWD 094 – Nemesis"</span></a></p>

Cindy’s strange pregnancy reaches its fulfillment — but what will that mean for her relationship with Jon? Warning: This story contains sex, violence, and disturbing imagery. It is not appropriate for children. — Chris Lester on Facebook Fans of Metamor City FB Group Support the show on Patreon Leave a review on iTunes

Cindy is a recent transplant to San Francisco who’s searching for Mr. Right — a process made significantly more complicated by her advanced state of pregnancy. In Jonathan she seems to have found a likely prospect, but Cindy’s unusual religious beliefs may pose a challenge to their new relationship. Warning: This story contains sex, violence, … <p class="link-more"><a href="http://www.metamorcity.com/tratwd-092-maternal-instinct-part-1/" class="more-link">Continue reading<span class="screen-reader-text"> "TRATWD 092 – Maternal Instinct, Part 1"</span></a></p>

In today’s episode I interview Jared Axelrod about the amazing serial podcast The Voice of Free Planet X. We discuss working with voice actors, writing naturalistic dialogue, blurring the lines between fiction and reality, and what’s on deck for Season 3 of the show. Don’t miss it! Support Jared/VoFPX on Patreon The Voice of Free Planet X … <p class="link-more"><a href="http://www.metamorcity.com/tratwd-091-interview-with-jared-axelrod/" class="more-link">Continue reading<span class="screen-reader-text"> "TRATWD 091 – Interview with Jared Axelrod"</span></a></p>

This week I’m bringing you the live Metamor City audio drama that we performed for Balticon 50: RAFAK ALIRI AND THE GHOSTLY BRIDE! Aliri is a lutin private investigator struggling to keep the lights on in his Street-level office. But when a wealthy young nobleman offers triple his fee to solve his fiancee’s murder, the green-skinned … <p class="link-more"><a href="http://www.metamorcity.com/tratwd-090-rafak-aliri-and-the-ghostly-bride-metamor-city-live-at-balticon-50/" class="more-link">Continue reading<span class="screen-reader-text"> "TRATWD 090 – Rafak Aliri and the Ghostly Bride (Metamor City LIVE! at Balticon 50)"</span></a></p>

Jon makes a discovery that proves key to the troubled relationship between Artax and Esme. — Chris Lester on Facebook Fans of Metamor City FB Group Support the show on Patreon Leave a review on iTunes

Esme explains her problem, and Artax and Jon try to help her solve it. Plus, awkward family conversations at the dinner table. — Chris Lester on Facebook Fans of Metamor City FB Group Support the show on Patreon Leave a review on iTunes

Jon Tunstall, apprentice to the wizard Artax, has seen his fair share of strange customers over the years. But nothing prepared him for the arrival of a beautiful redhead from his master’s past… This story contains spoilers for: Make Believe, Part 1 and Part 2 Things Unseen — Chris Lester on Facebook Fans of Metamor City … <p class="link-more"><a href="http://www.metamorcity.com/tratwd-087-a-wizard-family-solstice-part-1/" class="more-link">Continue reading<span class="screen-reader-text"> "TRATWD 087 – A Wizard Family Solstice, Part 1"</span></a></p>

I interview SF erotica master Nobilis Reed about his new novel, The Monster Whisperer, which is on sale now in e-book and paperback! Along the way we go down a number of fascinating rabbit holes, including the trouble with writing endings, questions of consent in erotic fiction, the difference between SF with sex and SF about sex, and … <p class="link-more"><a href="http://www.metamorcity.com/tratwd-086-nobilis-reed-and-the-monster-whisperer/" class="more-link">Continue reading<span class="screen-reader-text"> "TRATWD 086 – Nobilis Reed and The Monster Whisperer"</span></a></p>

In the wake of Septimus’s lesson, Hallie has a number of important revelations, both personal and professional. Buy DIVINE INTERVENTION in paperback Event Page: Chris interviews Jared Axelrod, January 21st Event Page: Chris interviews Philippa Ballantine, March 4th — Chris Lester on Facebook Fans of Metamor City FB Group Support the show on Patreon Leave … <p class="link-more"><a href="http://www.metamorcity.com/tratwd-085-divide-by-zero-part-5-end/" class="more-link">Continue reading<span class="screen-reader-text"> "TRATWD 085 – Divide by Zero, Part 5 (END)"</span></a></p>

Hallie has a revelation. Septimus finishes a lesson. Sophie has some concerns. Referenced in this episode: Buy DIVINE INTERVENTION in paperback Blog Post: 2016 in Review — Chris Lester on Facebook Fans of Metamor City FB Group Support the show on Patreon Leave a review on iTunes

Hallie has her meeting with Septimus, who poses some uncomfortable questions and leaves her with a perilous gift. — Chris Lester on Facebook Fans of Metamor City FB Group Support the show on Patreon Leave a review on iTunes

Hallie investigates the problem of flying griffins, and has a second meeting with the man in the green suit. — Chris Lester on Facebook Fans of Metamor City FB Group Support the show on Patreon Leave a review on iTunes

In this Metamor City novella, we travel far south to the great city of Pyralis. There we meet Halcyone Karmenos, a brilliant young theoretical physicist who is about to shake up her field with an astonishing new model of reality — one with implications for history, manology, philosophy and religion. There’s gonna be a lot of … <p class="link-more"><a href="http://www.metamorcity.com/tratwd-episode-81-divide-by-zero-part-1/" class="more-link">Continue reading<span class="screen-reader-text"> "TRATWD 081 – Divide by Zero, Part 1"</span></a></p>

This week I interview A. F. Grappin about their new novel, Luc Bertrand: Assassin’s Victim. We also discuss gender identity and writing queer characters. Plus, feedback on Things Unseen! DIVINE INTERVENTION Promotional Giveaway — this is the last week for the contest, so make a new pledge now to be automatically enrolled in the drawing! — Chris Lester … <p class="link-more"><a href="http://www.metamorcity.com/tratwd-080-interview-with-a-f-grappin/" class="more-link">Continue reading<span class="screen-reader-text"> "TRATWD 080 – Interview with A. F. Grappin"</span></a></p>

Kate works with the Lightbringers to get the Rift Spirits home, but she faces consequences of her own upon returning to Metamor. — Chris Lester on Facebook Fans of Metamor City FB Group Support the show on Patreon Leave a review on iTunes

Our heroes face questions at the Nexus — and a new complication. DIVINE INTERVENTION Promotional Giveaway — Chris Lester on Facebook Fans of Metamor City FB Group Support the show on Patreon Leave a review on iTunes

Our heroes mount a brave defense of the Nexus. DIVINE INTERVENTION Promotional Giveaway — Chris Lester on Facebook Fans of Metamor City FB Group Support the show on Patreon Leave a review on iTunes

I sat down in the virtual studio with NYT Bestselling Author Gail Carriger to discuss her new novella, Romancing the Inventor, and the lessons she has learned about the business and craft of being a writer. Join Gail’s Mailing List The Parasol Protectorate Group on Facebook — Chris Lester on Facebook Fans of Metamor City … <p class="link-more"><a href="http://www.metamorcity.com/tratwd-076-interview-with-gail-carriger/" class="more-link">Continue reading<span class="screen-reader-text"> "TRATWD 076 – Interview with Gail Carriger"</span></a></p>

Morgan is reunited with Kate and David, but she soon discovers an unwelcome guest. — Chris Lester on Facebook Fans of Metamor City FB Group Support the show on Patreon Leave a review on iTunes

Kate, David and the Lightbringers face opposition in their attempt to reach the Nexus. WARNING: This episode contains explicit language and graphic violence. Listener discretion is advised. Mentioned in the after-show: Interview with Gail Carriger on YouTube — Chris Lester on Facebook Fans of Metamor City FB Group Support the show on Patreon Leave a … <p class="link-more"><a href="http://www.metamorcity.com/tratwd-074-things-unseen-chapter-22-part-1/" class="more-link">Continue reading<span class="screen-reader-text"> "TRATWD 074 – Things Unseen, Chapter 22, Part 1"</span></a></p>

Fourteen flash-fiction stories about the gods of the world of Metamor. Plus, listener feedback and your Weekly Writing Report! — Chris Lester on Facebook Fans of Metamor City FB Group Support the show on Patreon Leave a review on iTunes

Malcolm makes a decision. Kate and David finally learn the truth about the Rift. Promo: Extreme Science Fiction StoryBundle — Chris Lester on Facebook Fans of Metamor City FB Group Support the show on Patreon Leave a review on iTunes

Sephie is questioned by Fisher — and by his unseen partner, who is somehow even worse. WARNING: This episode contains descriptions of violence that many will find disturbing. Listener discretion is advised. — Chris Lester on Facebook Fans of Metamor City FB Group Support the show on Patreon Leave a review on iTunes