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PODCAST

The Fantasy Writers" Toolshed

The Fantasy Writers" Toolshed

The Fantasy Writers’ Toolshed is a podcast for aspiring and experienced fantasy writers who want to master storytelling, creative writing, worldbuilding and character creation. Hosted by author Richie Billing, each episode features practical writing advice and tips, publishing guidance, and inspiring interviews with bestselling authors, editors, historians, psychologists and even an FBI Special Agent. Learn how to write, edit and market your stories with confidence. New episodes released

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All Episodes

00:23:46

Dungeons And Dragons And The Fantasy Genre

The Fantasy Writers" Toolshed ·

2022/04/13

In this episode, we discuss the incredible influence that Dungeons and Dragons (DnD) has had on the fantasy genre. From inspiring people to write their own stories to influencing and developing fantasy tropes, DnD's contribution cannot be denied. And Janina Arndt and Lucy Atkinson from The Fey Fellows podcast are here to explain it all. Has Dungeons and Dragons inspired your own writing? If so, write in and tell us at thefantasywriterstoolshed@gmail.com.HOW TO EDIT A NOVEL WORKSHOPSign up for free

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00:28:06

Weapons In Fantasy

The Fantasy Writers" Toolshed ·

2022/03/27

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

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00:49:53

Sociology And Creating Characters

The Fantasy Writers" Toolshed ·

2022/02/28

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

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00:53:41

Medieval Food and Fairytales

The Fantasy Writers" Toolshed ·

2022/02/13

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

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00:54:17

The Psychology Of Characters, How To Create Suspense,...

The Fantasy Writers" Toolshed ·

2022/01/28

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 sharea 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

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00:57:05

Evolution and Worldbuilding, Using Short Stories, and...

The Fantasy Writers" Toolshed ·

2022/01/13

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

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00:56:54

Medieval Warfare, Folklore and AI Book Covers

The Fantasy Writers" Toolshed ·

2021/12/14

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

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00:59:39

Magic And Science, Pitching To Book Reviewers, And...

The Fantasy Writers" Toolshed ·

2021/11/28

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

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01:10:46

Archery, Science In Fantasy, and Norse Mythology

The Fantasy Writers" Toolshed ·

2021/11/14

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

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01:01:11

How To Edit A Novel, Medieval Diseases, and Mythology...

The Fantasy Writers" Toolshed ·

2021/10/28

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

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00:26:13

Book Marketing With Creator Of Story Origin, Evan Gow

The Fantasy Writers" Toolshed ·

2021/08/09

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

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00:22:12

Submitting Short Fiction

The Fantasy Writers" Toolshed ·

2021/07/18

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

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00:36:40

How To Name Fantasy Characters And Places

The Fantasy Writers" Toolshed ·

2021/06/22

If you've ever struggled with coming up with names for your fantasy characters, fantasy worlds and towns and cities within those worlds, you can find some answers here. JM Williams and Richie Billing discuss the do's and don't's of names in the fantasy genre, covering everything from overly complex names (including them damn apostrophes!) to good principles and guidelines to keep in mind.As always, get in touch with us by heading here to share your questions, comments and curses -

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00:45:36

Book Marketing Post-Lockdown with Alex Greenwood

The Fantasy Writers" Toolshed ·

2021/06/06

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)

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00:54:24

How To Build A Fantasy World

The Fantasy Writers" Toolshed ·

2021/04/24

Richie welcomes fantasy author and real-life world builder, John Tarrow, to the Writer’s Toolshed.Over the past 25 years, John has converted his 3 bedroom home into a magical fantasy world. We chat about the building of Talliston House and Gardens, how it’s influenced John’s worldbuilding approach when it comes to writing, and John shares his top tips on how to build a fantasy world—in reality and on the page.Find out more about Talliston House > https://www.talliston.com/Learn more about John

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00:21:52

Tips On Getting Stories Published

The Fantasy Writers" Toolshed ·

2021/03/10

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

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00:52:23

How To Write Fight and Battle Scenes

The Fantasy Writers" Toolshed ·

2021/02/15

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 >

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00:16:38

How To Create Conflict

The Fantasy Writers" Toolshed ·

2021/02/06

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

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00:59:19

Fantasy Armor and Weapons

The Fantasy Writers" Toolshed ·

2021/01/16

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

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00:54:55

Christmas Special

The Fantasy Writers" Toolshed ·

2020/12/24

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

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