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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

00:44:06

Writing Series, Branding, and Book Launch Secrets...

The Fantasy Writers" Toolshed ·

2025/10/14

Discover what makes romance and cozy mysteries two of the most successful and reader-loved genres in publishing. In this episode of The Fantasy Writers’ Toolshed, host Richie Billing sits down with bestselling authors Jami Albright and Sara Rosett to uncover what all writers can learn from these powerfully engaging genres.Jami Albright is an acclaimed romance author known for her laugh-out-loud romantic comedies and bestselling indie success stories. Sara Rosett is a prolific cozy mystery writer

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00:55:12

Writing The Magic With Lucy Holland and Dan Coxon

The Fantasy Writers" Toolshed ·

2025/09/14

I'm delighted to be joined by bestselling fantasy authors Lucy Holland and Dan Coxon for an all-encompassing discussion on writing fantasy. Dan has curated and co-edited a brilliant new craft book called Writing The Magic, published by Dead Ink, and Lucy has contributed an excellent chapter on Ursula Le Guin's magic system in Earthsea.We delve into worldbuilding, creating magic systems, explore Ursula Le Guin's Earthsea series and Michael Moorcock's stories, and discuss why we all

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01:00:35

Linguistics and Historical Fiction with Professor...

The Fantasy Writers" Toolshed ·

2025/08/14

In this episode, I'm delighted to be joined by Professor Charles Li, author of the brilliant new historical fiction novel, Lord Guan. We chat all about Professor Li's expertise in languages and linguistics, and I pick his brain for worldbuilding tips and advice to help you craft your own languages for your fantasy stories.We also dive into Chinese history and culture, looking specifically at the life story of Lord Guan and the legend surrounding him, before diving into the writing and researching of

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00:58:17

Writing Fantasy With Jim C. Hines

The Fantasy Writers" Toolshed ·

2025/07/14

I'm thrilled to be joined by bestselling fantasy author, Jim C. Hines for an extended interview about his two new books, Kitemaster and the relaunch of the beloved classic, Goblin Quest. Jim opens up about his writing journey, what it's like to be a writer—even down to the earnings—and shares some of his best advice for writing short stories, crafting lovable characters, and writing stories that you're passionate about.It's fantastic to learn from such a seasoned and decorated pro. I learned an

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00:29:31

Writing Fresh Fantasy With Kel Kade

The Fantasy Writers" Toolshed ·

2025/06/14

In this episode, I’m joined by New York Times Best Selling fantasy author, Kel Kade. Kel’s new book, Sanctum of the Soul, was published by Tor in February 2025 and completes her brilliant new trilogy. As well as discussing the new book, we also dive into the character creation process and how to create fantasy worlds, discussing techniques and methods to ensure we don’t info dump!Kel also shares her favourite and least favourite fantasy tropes, and we discuss some newer and more shocking tropes that

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00:47:13

Theme, Premise and Writing YA In 2025 with Sarah Arthur

The Fantasy Writers" Toolshed ·

2025/05/14

Award-winning YA author Sarah Arthur returns to the Toolshed to discuss her brilliant new book, Once A Castle.Sarah also shares her experiences following the release of her debut YA novel (Once A Queen), what it was like writing book two, and how theme has played such an important role in the writing of both. We also discuss Artificial Intelligence (AI) creeping into the writing world, and Sarah provides her expert insights into what 2025 holds for the world of Young Adult fantasy fiction. JOIN OUR

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00:39:20

Writing About Injuries and Wounds

The Fantasy Writers" Toolshed ·

2025/04/10

In this episode, I'm joined by fantasy author and ER doctor, HB Reneau.HB talks all about injuries we commonly see in fantasy worlds--usually inflicted by swords and magic, and explains how we can best portray things like wounds and infections. We also talk about the impact of injuries and trauma and mental health too. HB also tells us all about her new book, The Revenant, and how she's used Kickstarter to fund a pretty awesome project. You can find out more here -

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00:32:08

How To Get A Literary Agent

The Fantasy Writers" Toolshed ·

2025/03/14

In this episode, I'm joined by Brianna Summers, literary agent assistant with Holloway Literary. Brianna also works as an editor with Of Metal and Magic Publishing.Brianna shares her wisdom after spending several years working in the literary agency field. She tells us what it's like for agents on a day-to-day basis and the main reasons she rejects submissions.We also take a deep dive into query letters and Brianna shares her ideal structure for what a query letter should contain. If you're thinking

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00:53:23

How To Write Short Stories With Dan Coxon

The Fantasy Writers" Toolshed ·

2025/02/14

In this episode, award-winning short story writer and editor Dan Coxon joins me for an in-depth chat about writing short fiction.We look at the definition of a short story, the different structures they can have, the pitfalls to avoid, and best practices for editing.Dan also shares his best tips on getting short stories published, sharing vital insights on what it's like to be an editor with a publisher. You can also find a very helpful explanation for writing cover letters.It's a must-listen for

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00:52:18

How To Write Grimdark With Anna Smith Spark

The Fantasy Writers" Toolshed ·

2025/01/14

In this episode, I’m delighted to be joined by the Queen of Grimdark, Anna Smith Spark!Anna joins me for a deep dive into all things writing. We look at Anna’s process, how she wrote her brilliant books, A Court of Broken Knives, A Woman Of The Sword, and A Sword Of Bronze and Ashes, and how she approaches pantsing. Anna also shares her fantastic wisdom on Grimdark, explaining what it is and what the key features are for writers. We also discuss character creation, worldbuilding, and dealing

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00:21:34

The Best Writing Tips Of 2024 - Short Stories, Ian...

The Fantasy Writers" Toolshed ·

2024/12/14

In this final episode of 2024, I discuss all of the best writing tips I've come across in the past year, as well as the most helpful things I've learned.In particular, I dive into writing short stories and getting them published, amazing pieces of wisdom from legendary author Ian Rankin, and the most important thing I learned over the past 12 months. Here are some useful links I referred to in the

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00:39:37

How To Make An Audiobook

The Fantasy Writers" Toolshed ·

2024/11/14

In this episode, I'm joined by voice over artist and audiobook producer, Ethan Fifield, for an explainer on how to make an audiobook.Ethan offers a fantastic insight into the process of making audiobooks, explaining what it's like to be a producer and what it's like to work with publishers and authors. Ethan also offers practical advice on how to make an audiobook, using platforms like ACX to create projects that narrators can pitch for. He also explains how different contracts can be arranged,

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00:33:06

Ciel Pierlot On Writing Fantasy And Queer Fiction

The Fantasy Writers" Toolshed ·

2024/10/14

In this episode, award-nominated author Ciel Pierlot joins me in the Toolshed for a fascinating chat about writing fantasy and writing queer fiction.Ciel's new book, The Hunter's Gambit, was published by Angry Robot earlier this year. We chat all about the writing of the story, Ciel's writing process as a whole, and crafting characters who are interesting and engaging. Ciel also discusses her experience of the query trenches and how she found a literary agent. As always, you're bound to learn

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00:38:31

Special Episode: Stephen Aryan On Writing Novellas...

The Fantasy Writers" Toolshed ·

2024/09/28

In this special episode, I'm delighted to be joined by returning guest and bestselling author, Stephen Aryan. Stephen has just released his latest fantasy novel, The Blood Dimmed Tide, and on 1st October, he's releasing his first-ever crime novella, New York Minute. We chat all about New York Minute, writing novellas, mixing fantasy and other genres together, crafting characters readers love, and navigating the world of self-publishing. It's an interview packed with advice and

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00:41:08

The Writing Process With Kate J. Armstrong

The Fantasy Writers" Toolshed ·

2024/09/14

In this episode I'm delighted to be joined by fantasy author, Kate J. Armstrong. Kate's new book Fyrebirds recently hit the shelves and in this episode we talk all about it. We also dive into Kate's journey through the world of writing, how she found inspiration when it left her, and the crafty questions we love so much, such as how to create characters, magic systems readers love, and worlds people want to escape into. JOIN OUR DISCORD

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00:46:13

Jennifer L. Armentrout: On Writing And Born Of Blood...

The Fantasy Writers" Toolshed ·

2024/08/14

Jennifer L. Armentrout is one of the biggest authors in the world right now. A #1 NYT Bestseller, as well as a #1 International Bestseller, Jennifer has penned over 70 books in a range of genres and for all different audiences. In this episode, we talk all about Jennifer's journey into writing and how it all led to the release of her brand new book, Born Of Blood And Ash, which hit the shelves on 13.08.2024 (link below). We take a deep dive into Born Of Blood And Ash, exploring the writing

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00:49:21

How To Write Young Adult Fiction With Sarah Arthur

The Fantasy Writers" Toolshed ·

2024/07/14

In this episode, I'm delighted to welcome bestselling author, Sarah Arthur. Sarah's debut YA fantasy novel, Once A Queen has recently hit the shelves courtesy of Penguin Random House. We chat all about writing a YA fantasy novel, creating characters, transitioning from writing non-fiction to fiction, creating a magic portal-based system, and building a fantasy world within our real world. We also explore writing Young Adult fiction (YA) and how it's become its own genre that deals

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00:46:23

How To Sell Books On Amazon With Kindlepreneur's Dave...

The Fantasy Writers" Toolshed ·

2024/06/14

In this episode, we welcome the Kindlepreneur himself, Dave Chesson for a chat about selling books on Amazon and Kindle Direct Publishing.Dave has devoted huge amounts of time and effort into helping authors sell books and reach readers. We chat about the latest changes Amazon has made to its book category system, how selling books on Amazon works, how you can use Amazon ads to great effect, and what best practices authors can follow (like using keywords) to find more success. The book marketing

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00:45:22

Can We Change The World With Our Writing? An...

The Fantasy Writers" Toolshed ·

2024/05/28

In this episode, I’m delighted to be joined by Sunday Times Bestselling author, Manda Scott. Manda is well known for her historical fiction series, Boudica. And in June, her new novel, Any Human Power is hitting the shelves. Any Human Power is a fantasy story of a family at the centre of a global uprising. A band of young tech-visionaries in the real world are guided from the afterlife by their anthropologist grandmother Lan, as they find themselves at the heart of a terrifying, worldwide media

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00:42:09

The Writing Process With Gabriela Houston

The Fantasy Writers" Toolshed ·

2024/05/13

In this episode, I'm joined by fantasy author Gabriela Houston for an honest chat about writing and publishing.Gabriela has developed a reputation for writing brilliant, Slavic-inspired tales. The Bone Roots, published by Angry Robot, is her latest book. We talk all about it, as well as Gabriela's journey through writing, what it's like to be traditionally published versus self-publishing, and more than a few honest assessments about the publishing process as a whole. Join Our

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