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The Fantasy Writers' Toolshed

Fantasy & Science Fiction Podc

The Fantasy Writers’ Toolshed is dedicated to all things fantasy, creative writing, and book marketing. It's created by fantasy writers, for fantasy writers with the purpose of helping you overcome the obstacles and challenges that crop up on your journey. Expect general writing tips as well as discussions on the fantasy genre, such as on worldbuilding, fantasy tropes and fantasy names. And with regular guests including historians, folklorists, mythologists and book bloggers, you'll be sure to find plenty of inspiration and knowledge to use in your fantasy novels and stories. Hosted by Richie Billing (https://richiebilling.com). Write to us at any time with your comments, questions or queries at thefantasywriterstoolshed@gmail.com. And 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. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The Fantasy Writers’ Toolshed is dedicated to all things fantasy, creative writing, and book marketing. It's created by fantasy writers, for fantasy writers with the purpose of helping you overcome the obstacles and challenges that crop up on your journey. Expect general writing tips as well as discussions on the fantasy genre, such as on worldbuilding, fantasy tropes and fantasy names. And with regular guests including historians, folklorists, mythologists and book bloggers, you'll be sure to find plenty of inspiration and knowledge to use in your fantasy novels and stories. Hosted by Richie Billing (https://richiebilling.com). Write to us at any time with your comments, questions or queries at thefantasywriterstoolshed@gmail.com. And 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. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Location:

Liverpool, United Kingdom

Description:

The Fantasy Writers’ Toolshed is dedicated to all things fantasy, creative writing, and book marketing. It's created by fantasy writers, for fantasy writers with the purpose of helping you overcome the obstacles and challenges that crop up on your journey. Expect general writing tips as well as discussions on the fantasy genre, such as on worldbuilding, fantasy tropes and fantasy names. And with regular guests including historians, folklorists, mythologists and book bloggers, you'll be sure to find plenty of inspiration and knowledge to use in your fantasy novels and stories. Hosted by Richie Billing (https://richiebilling.com). Write to us at any time with your comments, questions or queries at thefantasywriterstoolshed@gmail.com. And 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. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Language:

English

Episodes

Jobs In Fantasy

5/14/2022
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: thefantasywriterstoolshed@gmail.com To access exclusive interviews, discussions, fantasy writing classes, books and more head...

Duration:00:25:48

The Moral Psychology Of Characters

4/28/2022
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...

Duration:00:33:47

Dungeons And Dragons And The Fantasy Genre

4/14/2022
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 WORKSHOP Sign...

Duration:00:23:45

Weapons In Fantasy

3/28/2022
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...

Duration:00:28:06

Sociology And Creating Characters | Free List Of Fantasy Publishers

2/28/2022
We're continuing our series on creating lifelike characters with a look at sociology. I welcome sociologist and fantasy lover Dr Enn Burke to the Toolshed to teach us how sociological factors can help shape our 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 thefantasywriterstoolshed@gmail.com To access exclusive interviews,...

Duration:00:49:18

Medieval Food and Fairytales

2/14/2022
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...

Duration:00:53:41

The Psychology Of Characters, How To Create Suspense, and Some Good and Bad News For Writers

1/28/2022
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...

Duration:00:53:42

Evolution and Worldbuilding, Using Short Stories, and Greek Mythology

1/14/2022
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...

Duration:00:56:30

Medieval Warfare, Folklore and AI Book Covers

12/14/2021
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...

Duration:00:56:54

Magic And Science, Pitching To Book Reviewers, And Medieval Life

11/28/2021
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...

Duration:00:59:06

Archery, Science In Fantasy, and Norse Mythology

11/14/2021
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...

Duration:01:10:13

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

10/28/2021
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...

Duration:01:00:08

Book Marketing With Creator Of Story Origin, Evan Gow

8/10/2021
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,...

Duration:00:26:13

Episode 15 - How To Name Fantasy Characters, Worlds and Places

8/4/2021
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 -...

Duration:00:36:40

Submitting Short Fiction

7/18/2021
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...

Duration:00:22:12

How To Name Fantasy Characters And Places

6/23/2021
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 -...

Duration:00:36:40

Book Marketing Post-Lockdown with Alex Greenwood

6/6/2021
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!...

Duration:00:45:36

How To Build A Fantasy World

4/24/2021
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...

Duration:00:54:25

Tips On Getting Stories Published

3/10/2021
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...

Duration:00:21:52

How To Write Fight and Battle Scenes

2/16/2021
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 >...

Duration:00:52:23

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