Beggars and Brawlers Podcast

In which Chrysathemere author Morgan Cole and I chat about following our creative muses, agency to forever revise our published books (or not), and accidental successes! Plus updates on our works in progress (spoiler: his is not a book!).  Chrysatheme 1 is currently free! Get it here: https://books2read.com/u/3k2BzR Or for a free Tidecaller audiobook, go to https://www.levijacobs.com/free

In which the highly talented (see: our new No Suck Guarantee) Morgan Cole and I talk about his best-selling (and personal nemesis) book Marilia the Warlord, start of the Chrysathemere series, plus compelling characters, star wars prequels, and writing in the trenches.  Marilia is currently free! Get it here: https://books2read.com/u/3k2BzR And to read that original ending, https://www.morgancolewriting.com Or for a free Tidecaller audiobook, go to https://www.levijacobs.com/free

Excuse my geeky Andor quote title--I was going to do my usual soliloquoy thing this episode, where I waxed philosophical on how that wonderful Star Wars series makes us root for villains, and what that does to my heart and reader brain when they're also actively trying to hurt other people I'm rooting for... then decided to never soliloquoize again. More on that in the podcast. Plus, a No-Suck Guarantee. Homework for next month's podcasts: Marilia the Warlord, by Morgan Cole, available on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Marilia-Warlord-Chrysathamere-Trilogy-Book-ebook/dp/B082VQHLBD  And for a free audio novella of mine, Thief of Smoke and Sorrow, go to https://www.levijacobs.com/free

A final preview chapter of the soon-to-be-released third book in the Tidecaller Chronicles, Rebel of Riddle and Woe! Plus some talk afterwards about the many voices I used in the recording, where they came from, and why they were so damn HARD this time around.  SPOILER WARNING: if you haven't read books one and two, this is spoilerific from the first sentence. You've been warned!  Pre-order (or buy) the book here: https://books2read.com/rrw And for a free audio prequel featuring the same world and characters, click here or go to https://www.levijacobs.com/free

Two preview chapters of the soon-to-be-released third book in the Tidecaller Chronicles, Rebel of Riddle and Woe! Plus some talk afterwards about the challenge of worldbuilding... in between worlds. SPOILER WARNING: if you haven't read books one and two, this is spoilerific from the first sentence. You've been warned!  Pre-order (or buy) the book here: https://books2read.com/rrw And for a free audio prequel featuring the same world and characters, click here or go to https://www.levijacobs.com/free

Another preview chapter of the soon-to-be-released third book in the Tidecaller Chronicles, Rebel of Riddle and Woe! Plus some talk afterwards about a lot of the 'unplanned' things in this series... have turned out to be the best.  SPOILER WARNING: if you haven't read books one and two, this is spoilerific from the first sentence. You've been warned!  Pre-order (or buy) the book here: https://books2read.com/rrw And for a free audio prequel featuring the same world and characters, click here or go to https://www.levijacobs.com/free

Another preview chapter of the soon-to-be-released third book in the Tidecaller Chronicles, Rebel of Riddle and Woe! Plus some talk afterwards about writing romance, and how I had to learn to do it to get this book right! SPOILER WARNING: if you haven't read books one and two, this is spoilerific from the first sentence. You've been warned!  Pre-order (or buy) the book here: https://books2read.com/rrw And for a free audio prequel featuring the same world and characters, click here or go to https://www.levijacobs.com/free

A preview of the soon-to-be-released third book in the Tidecaller Chronicles, Rebel of Riddle and Woe! Plus some talk afterwards about the challenge of writing an ensemble cast when you're stuck in the head of the main character. SPOILER WARNING: if you haven't read books one and two, this is spoilerific from the first sentence. You've been warned!  For the Tidecaller Chronicles click here, or go to https://books2read.com/doff And for a free audio prequel featuring the same world and characters, click here or go to https://www.levijacobs.com/free

In which fellow Alchemy of Sorrow author Angela Boord and I talk about her story, A Matter of Trust, as well as writing characters in need of redemption, kids who don't get fridged, and the importance of doors.  The Alchemy of Sorrow is out today! Get it at: https://books2read.com/aos For more on Angela, visit https://angelaboord.com or find her on Twitter @AngelaBoord. She has a new Cold War portal fantasy, Through Dreams So Dark, and of course the amazing SPFBO-crushing Fortune's Fool! And for a free audiobook by Levi, go to https://www.levijacobs.com/free

In which fellow Alchemy of Sorrow author Sonya M. Black and I discuss (spoiler-free) her story for the anthology, Skies On Fire, plus the importance of representation, the place of ceremony, and the magical (and real) ways we deal with grief.  For more on Sonya: https://www.amazon.com/Sonya-Black/e/B00E3UTW8E For The Alchemy of Sorrow (out November 1, 2022): https://books2read.com/aos And for something free by YT: https://www.levijacobs.com/free

In which fellow Alchemy of Sorrow author Intisar Khanani and I talk about her story, Twice-Domesticated Dragons (without spoilers), plus the bonds of writing grief, the beauty of writing it short, and the menace of garden gnomes.  For more on Intisar:  https://booksbyintisar.com https://books2read.com/sunbolt https://books2read.com/thorn For The Alchemy of Sorrow (out November 1 2022!): https://books2read.com/aos And for something free from yours truly, https://www.levijacobs.com/free   

In which Alchemy of Sorrow founder, author, AND anthologist Virginia McClain and I talk about her story, Thief, the power of fiction to help with grief (even if it can be triggering), and the mythic ways our minds tell tales we didn't know we needed to. Plus! An interview-bombing (and somewhat indecent) four-legged adventure friend.  For The Alchemy of Sorrow (out November 1, 2022): https://books2read.com/aos For everything else Virginia (including new and forthcoming audio!): https://www.virginiamcclain.ca And for something free by YT: https://www.levijacobs.com/free

In which fellow Alchemy of Sorrow anthology author Clayton Snyder and I discuss his story, Summer Souls, along with writing grief, the emotional landscape of North Dakota, and how to swim a moat holding a chainsaw.  For more on Clayton: https://www.amazon.com/Clayton-Snyder/e/B00W3SRN6Q To (pre)order The Alchemy of Sorrow: https://books2read.com/aos And for a free book: https://www.levijacobs.com/free

An update on our survey last cast, what it means for the things I'll write this off-season, and... my secret plot to become a Capitalist Overlord.  But since I'm not there yet, a free book for you!  http://www.levijacobs.com/free

In which I realize an old book of mine doesn't suck… and all the consequences of that, leading to a poll on the final consequences: https://forms.gle/NzqU9SMwG5vFizda8 Alchemy of Sorrow pre-order: https://books2read.com/aos Renegades of Tomorrow SFWA Bundle: https://storybundle.com/scifi Free books! https://www.levijacobs.com/free

Who, me, run out of time to record a podcast during fruit season?  But hey, FREE BOOKS! https://www.levijacobs.com/free

In which I meditate on the burdens of our shared ancestry, the awesomeness of Will Wight's Cradle series, and the significance of 771,433 pages.  For our new (exclusive) and free Tidecaller audiobook, go to: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/e8e5o1 For our non-exclusive but still-awesome-and-free Empire of Resonance audiobook, search for Urchin's Gambit wherever fine audiobooks are sold (or, in this case, given away)!

Chapter seven of our upcoming Tidecaller prequel novella, Thief of Smoke and Sorrow! Plus, a worldbuilder's thoughts on writing romance/love. This is our last preview chapter! But I've got the whole thing for you, if you sign up for podcast updates (at https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/e8e5o1) or (for people already signed up) email me at hello@levijacobs.com. And for my a couple (free) audio novellas in the Empire of Resonance universe, check https://www.levijacobs.com/free

Chapter six of our upcoming Tidecaller prequel novella, Thief of Smoke and Sorrow! Plus, the very strange and desperate way I recorded this audiobook, and why. We MIGHT do one more chapter next episode (basically halfway through the story at this point), but I'll get you the whole thing if you sign up for podcast updates at https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/e8e5o1 or (for people already signed up) email me at hello@levijacobs.com. And for my a couple (free) audio novellas in the Empire of Resonance universe, check https://www.levijacobs.com/free

Chapters three and four of our upcoming Tidecaller prequel novella, Thief of Smoke and Sorrow! Plus, some thoughts on diving deeper into side characters, and the way unplanned little things can turn into major plot points down the road. More chapters next episode, or (if it's after June 2022) to just get the whole thing, email me at hello@levijacobs.com, or sign up for podcast updates at https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/e8e5o1 For my other (free) audio novellas, check https://www.levijacobs.com/free

Chapter two of our upcoming Tidecaller prequel novella, Thief of Smoke and Sorrow! Plus, some thoughts on the limitations of writing in first person, and the things I discovered when I wrote from someone ELSE's head in Aletheia's world. More chapters next episode, or (if it's after June 2022) to just get the whole thing, email me at hello@levijacobs.com, or sign up for podcast updates at https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/e8e5o1 For my other (free) audio novellas, check https://www.levijacobs.com/free 

A sneak peak at the first chapter of our upcoming Tidecaller prequel novella, Thief of Smoke and Sorrow! Plus, a chat on why I chose this particular thief to write about.  More chapters to come next time, or (if it's after July 1 2022) to get the whole thing, sign up for podcast updates (at https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/e8e5o1), or (for people already signed up) email me at hello@levijacobs.com. Or for my other (free) audio novellas, check https://www.levijacobs.com/free Otherwise, please continue with your mission to be an excellent human being. 

So many needs! I need a novella title. I beta readers. And... I need you talk me off a ledge. More on that in the podcast!  And to help me with all of these needs, my humble email address: hello at levijacobs dot com Also! If you still haven't listened to my free audiobooks, get them at https://www.levijacobs.com/free

In which I expound on work vs play, and how this one concept (and the method I found to make everything into play) has turned around my writing and parenting life. All stemming from the recent much-bemoaned Death Knell of Publishing!! Btw, if you want a free book or two from yours truly:  https://www.levijacobs.com/free

Totally not what I'm actually naming this novella--I just don't know what I'm naming it, so... listen on for a preview of the first chapter. As well as updates on the progress of this novella and the accompanying Tidecaller book three, as we race toward the May deadlines to publish! And why this is the 'real' preview.  Links mentioned in the show:  Quarancon Events— ‘Nesting Threads' Plotting Workshop I put on—https://youtu.be/me0FYsdhFc0.  Prologues or Prolags Panel—https://youtu.be/cPuKDUc_RpY Alchemy of Sorrow Anthology Panel—https://youtu.be/F3RdbxvGUBw ‘Fake' Novella Preview! https://youtu.be/MBDKVXzf9Ro Want to beta read the full novella? Email me at hello@levijacobs.com And as always, for a free audiobook, go to https://www.levijacobs.com/free

By which I mean I will be doing a bunch of live events as part of Quarancon 2022 April 7-10th! Affording you many a chance to come and heckle. I welcome such heckling, in fact. Also a writing update, and thoughts on Will Wight's Cradle Series. My events:   Nesting Threads: A Story Planning Workshop (4/8@7pmMTN) https://youtu.be/me0FYsdhFc0.    Prologues or Prolags Panel (4/9@10amMTN) https://youtu.be/cPuKDUc_RpY   Grief, Healing, and Hope in SFF Panel (4/9@130pmMTN) https://youtu.be/F3RdbxvGUBw   Gaxna Novella Preview Reading (4/10@330pmMTN) https://youtu.be/MBDKVXzf9Ro   And for the full 2022 schedule: https://www.quarancon2020.com/2022schedule   Plus, as promised, my own permanently-on-sale box set: https://mybook.to/empireofresonanceset   And as if that wasn't enough, a free audiobook! https://www.levijacobs.com/free

Tidecaller 3, Rebel of Riddle and Woe, is done! Or nearly so—I'm looking for a few more alpha readers to check that all my revisions make sense. And while I'm at it, I might as well offer my books up for anyone willing to review them! To get in on any of that (including reading Rebel early), click here: hello@levijacobs.com And as always, for a free audiobook (new one coming soon), visit: https://www.levijacobs.com/free

In which I, finally, after having to write three books, UNLEASH THE TIDECALLER PERSONALITY/POWER QUIZ on the world! Plus talk about all the secrets I drop in Rebel of Riddle and Woe, without actually dropping them! And gab about Brandon Sanderson because, you know, man crush. Anyways, you can take the quiz here: https://forms.gle/3Trio1jzGBMZZwdF8 And as always, for a free audiobook, go to https://www.levijacobs.com/free

In which fellow contributor to the Alchemy of Sorrow anthology Rachel Emma Shaw and I discuss the importance of fantasy fungi, embodying magic in our worldbuilding, and the power of fiction that tackles difficult topics head-on. Like our anthology! If you're listening before March 1, 2022, follow this link to get all the special kickstarter bonuses:  https://t.co/yN12a680vG And if not, search for the Alchemy of Sorrow on Amazon or wherever fine books are purveyed! For more on Rachel, check out her youtube channel!  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXx_mSi-sSg_j8gtetLog5Q/videos And for her critically-acclaimed fiction, including Last Memoria, go to:  https://rachelemmashaw.wordpress.com  

An interview today with the heart-breakingly talented Krystle Matar, a fellow contributor to the Alchemy of Sorrow anthology, currently kickstarting and coming to the masses this fall! In which we discuss difficult characters, her wild revision process, and the strange experience of being excited about writing grief-themed fiction! If you're listening before March 1, 2022, follow this link to get all the special kickstarter bonuses:  https://t.co/yN12a680vG And if not, search for the Alchemy of Sorrow on Amazon or wherever fine books are purveyed! For more on Krystle and her critically-acclaimed Legacy of the Brightwash, go to:  https://www.krystlematar.com/ Insta+Twitter search: @KrystleMatar  

In which I divulge my patented Book Choosing System, admit a secret fondness for Amazon, and expostulate at length on five lovely novels in the Asian-Inspired Fantasy By Female Asian Authors category.  To let me know how this works/how YOU choose books:  hello@levijacobs.com To follow the Alchemy of Sorrow kickstarter:  https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/virginiamcclain/the-alchemy-of-sorrow And for a free audiobook:  https://www.levijacobs.com/free

In which I distill a few lessons from 2021 (about writing!), and look forward to how I'm going to apply them in 2022, along with announcing a few new projects! And a new chapter of the Dragon Bard serial.  Dragon Bard:  https://www.levijacobs.com/dragon-bard.html Free Book:  https://www.levijacobs.com/free

In which I coin a new writing malady: Plotter's Disease, a related affliction to Worldbuilder's Disease, then find a silver lining to my current sickness in a poll for you on which plots I should write! Plus a new chapter of the Dragon Bard serial.  To take the poll click HERE. Dragon Bard:  https://www.levijacobs.com/dragon-bard.html Free Book:  https://www.levijacobs.com/free

Troll title--actually talking about the slightly-less classic topic of whether it's better to read the books or watch the movie/series first. I used to be agnostic, but a couple series lately have changed my mind... for Reasons.  Also mentioned here:  Sale on Tidecaller Audio:  https://www.chirpbooks.com/audiobooks/daughter-of-flood-and-fury-by-levi-jacobs My new Watchalong of Time podcast:  https://watchalongoftime.podbean.com/ And as always, a free audiobook for you:  https://www.levijacobs.com/free  

In which I reveal the (fairly confusing) results of last episode's title poll, read a teaser for another chapter in our Dragon Bard serial, and try to throw fifty bucks at you.  No, really. But it's for a good cause.  Links that come up:  Buy the boxed set or leave a review here to get entered into the 50$ gift card drawing: https://mybook.to/empireofresonanceset Poll to double vote on the Tidecaller 3 title:  https://forms.gle/54dEWfzP5vTJAhRRA Email me on joining the Reader's Club: hello@levijacobs.com Dragon Bard serial: https://www.levijacobs.com/dragon-bard.html and last but not least, my new Watchalong of Time Podcast: https://watchalongoftime.podbean.com

In which I announce that the boxed set of all four audiobooks in the Empire of Resonance series IS A MERE 7.50 USD at the moment when you scoop the ebook set for 99c—get that deal here! mybook.to/empireofresonanceset Also, a poll on what to call the third book in the Tidecaller Chronicles (now that there are four, not three!), and a new chapter of our ongoing Dragon Bard serial. Find them here: Poll: https://forms.gle/49A5oeT1r7pse21i6 Chapter: https://www.levijacobs.com/dragon-bard-chapter-eight.html Plus, more free stuff from me! https://www.levijacobs.com/free

In which I discover that I was wrong about a fundamental way I write (which is good), and find new meaning in the mess of charts and half-written documents I call my planning phase.  In case you've found such new meaning: hello@levijacobs.com Also, the teaser for a new chapter in our Dragon Bard serial--read the whole thing here: https://www.levijacobs.com/dragon-bard.html And, as ever, a free audiobook for you: https://www.levijacobs.com/free

In which we discuss Laura's upcoming work and generally destroy the universe with awesomeness. For more information on Laura, please go to https://www.lauravab.com   For a free audiobook, please visit http://www.levijacobs.com/free

In which I divulge the insight that tortured and eluded me through a month of trying to outline Tidecaller 3, Queen of Blood and Blasphemy, and also give you a sneak peak of the sixth chapter in our ongoing serial, provisionally titled Dragon Bard. You can read the full chapter (and serial) at http://www.levijacobs.com/dragon-bard And as if that wasn't enough, I've got a couple free things for you, like a whole audiobook! Have a peek: http://www.levijacobs.com/free  

In today's episode, I get covid, get better (spoilers), and learn some lessons from it. Makina Stalksong, on the other hand, gets herself into a mess of much larger proportions than she was expecting in this installment of the Dragon Bard serial. Read the full text at http://www.levijacobs.com/dragon-bard And for a free audiobook of mine, visit http://www.levijacobs.com/free Stay safe out there! And buy some damn covid tests if you haven't. For those in the US: https://www.walmart.com/ip/BinaxNOW-COVID-19-Antigen-Self-Test-2-Count/142089281

In this episode, I'VE GOT SENIORITIS FOR THE FRUIT BUSINESS HARD. Also, another chapter (or a teaser at least--read the full text at http://www.levijacobs.com/dragon-bard) of the Dragon Bard serial, plus some thoughts on why a show that starts with 22 minutes of a misogynist, racist loser, has been continued now for four seasons. I'm talking, of course, about Johnny Lawrence of Cobra Kai.  For a free audiobook, click over to http://www.levijacobs.com/free  

Not our usual podcast, but I just had way too many thoughts on this book not to share them. If you're interesting in writing or what makes good stories (and have read The Gathering Storm), I hope you find this interesting. In this podcast:  --How Sanderson took the chaos of Jordan's last few books and imposed order --How and why that order is dang Satisfying to read --What lessons we can draw from it about the bones of good storytelling --Where it seems Sanderson may have eliminated elements of Jordan's series that he just couldn't work with, and why, and --The few places where this book didn't work for me, and why.  Also, LOTS OF SPOILERS. Consider yourself warned.  I learned a lot from thinking through this book (that I first just enjoyed reading), and hope these distilled thoughts help you some too. I know they'll be shaping the next stories I write.  Oh, and for a few (audiobook) one of those, go to http://www.levijacobs.com/free

In which we discuss the high-level geekery that is making names for fantasy novels, and then try it out on a Dragon Bard character who is in dire need of a new name! Plus, the third chapter in our ongoing serial, in which a mysterious visitor becomes… MORE MYSTERIOUS. That chapter: http://www.levijacobs.com/dragon-bard-chapter-three.html The poll to choose a name: https://forms.gle/b4BXRoBRB2H1Z4nE8 The very cool caldera: https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidbressan/2019/10/21/the-worlds-largest-caldera-lays-hidden-in-the-philippine-sea And a free audiobook of mine: http://www.levijacobs.com/free

Chapter two of our co-written Dragon Bard serial! Plus my (public) love-letter to Daniel Abraham in all its glory. And, some gooshy bits about my family.  Full text of Dragon Bard (Beta) Chapter Two:  http://www.levijacobs.com/dragon-bard-chapter-two.html Stories from Among the Stars (currently hosting Cixin Liu's The Three Body Problem for FREE):  https://us.macmillan.com/podcasts/podcast/stories-from-among-the-stars/ My Abrahamic love letter on The Fantasy Review:  https://thefantasyreviews.com/2021/07/07/the-best-quartet-youve-never-read-a-lament-for-the-unread-glory-of-the-long-price-quartet And as always, for a free audiobook of mine, plus other stuff:  http://www.levijacobs.com/free

Being the first preview of the book I am writing/dictating this summer, guided by your input! For the full text, go to: http://www.levijacobs.com/dragon-bard-chapter-one.html And for a free audiobook in my Empire of Resonance world, visit: http://www.levijacobs.com/free.html  

In which we discuss the results of our poll last episode on what kind of dragons are the coolest, and I try to figure out how the h--- I'm going to make a story out of them.  That poll: https://forms.gle/VntaaGhLT9GRoaqHA My free audiobook: http://www.levijacobs.com/free.html And the rest of my audiobooks: https://shop.authors-direct.com/collections/levi-jacobs

As the first episode in my summerlong plan to write a book with you, today we geek out on the worldbuilding! Including some questions for you on the parts I haven't figured out yet (the parts I have are in the audio!). For that, go to:  https://forms.gle/5WFEYv3KDcvze2gy7 And as always, for my audiobooks check:  https://shop.authors-direct.com/collections/levi-jacobs And for a free audiobook in my Empire of Resonance world, go to:  https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/e8e5o1

Another chapter in our exclusive preview of Tidecaller Chronicles book two, Witch of Wealth and Ruin! Plus some talk on how strange it was to bring the silent voices in the text to life.  The audiobook is out now (as well as ebook and paperback)--eventually on Audible, but meantime you can get it from Authors Direct (which is better for me and cheaper for you!).  To subscribe to the podcast, and get a free audiobook to boot, click here. 

Another chapter in our exclusive preview of Tidecaller Chronicles book two, Witch of Wealth and Ruin! Plus some talk on why I wrote the book in the first place.  The audiobook is out now (as well as ebook and paperback)--you'll eventually be able to find it on Audible, but in the meantime you can get it direct (and lend me a little more support while paying less!) at Authors Direct.  To subscribe to the podcast, and get a free audiobook to boot, click here. 

Another chapter in our exclusive preview of Tidecaller Chronicles book two, Witch of Wealth and Ruin! Plus some talk on why I chose that mouthful of a title.  The book itself is out now--you can find that here. And when the audio is ready (hopefully late May 2021, if you're listening in the future) the best place to get it will be here, though audible will eventually have it too.  To subscribe to the podcast, and get a free audiobook to boot, click here. 

Continuing our exclusive preview of Tidecaller 2, Witch of Wealth and Ruin! Plus some talk on how I come up with the epic settings in this series.  The book itself is out now--you can find that here. And when the audio's available (late May 2021, for you time travelers) the best place to get it will be here.  To subscribe to the podcast, and get a free audiobook in the mix, click here.