The Fantasy Inn Podcast

Travis interviews author TJ Klune about Heartsong, his latest book from Tor Books, and Somewhere Beyond the Sea, his upcoming book in September 2024. This episode is spoiler free! TJ and Travis discuss writing romance, managing expectations of different audiences, and the importance of books as escapism and refuge. Want your message featured on the podcast? Find out more here. About TJ Klune: TJ KLUNE is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling, Lambda Literary Award-winning author of The House in the Cerulean Sea, The Extraordinaries, and more. Being queer himself, Klune believes it's important—now more than ever—to have accurate, positive queer representation in stories. Things Mentioned: Boy's Life by Robert McCammon Last Days by Adam Nevill Episode 13 by Craig DiLouie Find Us Online: Blog Discord Twitter Instagram Support Us: Become a Patron Buy Us a Coffee Music: Intro: "The Legend of Iya" courtesy of https://philter.no Outro: "A Quest Unfolds" courtesy of https://philter.no This episode of The Fantasy Inn podcast was recorded in the unceded territory of the S'atsoyaha (Yuchi) and ᏣᎳᎫᏪᏘᏱ Tsalaguwetiyi (Eastern Cherokee Band) peoples. Some of the links included in these show notes are affiliate links and support the podcast at no additional cost to you. If it's an option for you, we encourage you to support your local bookstores! The blog post accompanying this episode can be found at https://thefantasyinn.com, along with fantasy book reviews, author interviews, and more fantasy content.

Travis interviews fantasy author Brian McClellan about In The Shadow Of Lightning, the first book of his new epic fantasy series from Tor Books. From the author of the acclaimed Powder Mage series comes an epic fantasy where magic is a finite resource—and it's running out. This episode is spoiler free! Brian and Travis discuss the business lessons he learned through self-publishing, the sheer work that goes into complex epic fantasy, and how incredibly cool we both were in high school marching band. Want your message featured on the podcast? Find out more here. About Brian McClellan: Brian McClellan is an American epic fantasy author from Cleveland, Ohio. He is known for his acclaimed Powder Mage Universe and essays on the life and business of being a writer. Brian now lives on the side of a mountain in Utah with his wife, Michele, where he writes books and nurses a crippling video game addiction. Brian's novels include the Powder Mage Trilogy (Promise of Blood, The Crimson Campaign, and The Autumn Republic), Gods of Blood and Powder (Sins of Empire, Wrath of Empire, and Blood of Empire), and the Valkyrie Collections (Uncanny Collateral and Blood Tally). Things Mentioned: Page Break Podcast by Brian McClellan Valheim Game Find Us Online: Blog Discord Twitter Instagram Support Us: Become a Patron Buy Us a Coffee Music: Intro: "The Legend of Iya" courtesy of https://philter.no Outro: "A Quest Unfolds" courtesy of https://philter.no This episode of The Fantasy Inn podcast was recorded in the unceded territory of the S'atsoyaha (Yuchi) and ᏣᎳᎫᏪᏘᏱ Tsalaguwetiyi (Eastern Cherokee Band) peoples. Some of the links included in these show notes are affiliate links and support the podcast at no additional cost to you. If it's an option for you, we encourage you to support your local bookstores! The blog post accompanying this episode can be found at https://thefantasyinn.com, along with fantasy book reviews, author interviews, and more fantasy content.

Travis interviews science fiction author John Scalzi about The Kaiju Preservation Society, a standalone novel from Tor Books. It's a fast-paced, fun adventure full of giant monsters and a great way to escape from the world for a while. This episode is spoiler free! John and Travis discuss the difficulty of writing during lockdown, the historical context for kaiju films, and the value of books as entertainment. Want your message featured on the podcast? Find out more here. About John Scalzi: JOHN SCALZI is one of the most popular SF authors of his generation. His debut Old Man's War won him the John W. Campbell Award for Best New Writer. His New York Times bestsellers include The Last Colony, Fuzzy Nation, and Redshirts (which won the 2013 Hugo Award for Best Novel), and 2020's The Last Emperox. Material from his blog, Whatever, has also earned him two other Hugo Awards. The Kaiju Preservation Society is his latest standalone novel from Tor Books. He lives in Ohio with his wife and daughter. Things Mentioned: Travel by Bullet by John Scalzi - Audiobook The Actual Star by Monica Byrne Light From Uncommon Stars by Ryka Aoki Goliath by Tochi Onyebuchi Find Us Online: Blog Discord Twitter Instagram Support Us: Become a Patron Buy Us a Coffee Music: Intro: "The Legend of Iya" courtesy of https://philter.no Outro: "A Quest Unfolds" courtesy of https://philter.no This episode of The Fantasy Inn podcast was recorded in the unceded territory of the S'atsoyaha (Yuchi) and ᏣᎳᎫᏪᏘᏱ Tsalaguwetiyi (Eastern Cherokee Band) peoples. Some of the links included in these show notes are affiliate links and support the podcast at no additional cost to you. If it's an option for you, we encourage you to support your local bookstores! The blog post accompanying this episode can be found at https://thefantasyinn.com, along with fantasy book reviews, author interviews, and more fantasy content.

Travis interviews Vanessa Len, author of Only a Monster. Want your message featured on the podcast? Find out more here. Find Us Online: Blog Discord Twitter Instagram Support Us: Become a Patron Buy Us a Coffee Music: Intro: "The Legend of Iya" courtesy of https://philter.no Outro: "A Quest Unfolds" courtesy of https://philter.no This episode of The Fantasy Inn podcast was recorded in the unceded territory of the S'atsoyaha (Yuchi) and ᏣᎳᎫᏪᏘᏱ Tsalaguwetiyi (Eastern Cherokee Band) peoples. Some of the links included in these show notes are affiliate links and support the podcast at no additional cost to you. If it's an option for you, we encourage you to support your local bookstores! The blog post accompanying this episode can be found at https://thefantasyinn.com, along with fantasy book reviews, author interviews, and more fantasy content.

Want your message featured on the podcast? Find out more here. Find Us Online: Blog Discord Twitter Instagram Support Us: Become a Patron Buy Us a Coffee Music: Intro: "The Legend of Iya" courtesy of https://philter.no Outro: "A Quest Unfolds" courtesy of https://philter.no This episode of The Fantasy Inn podcast was recorded in the unceded territory of the S'atsoyaha (Yuchi) and ᏣᎳᎫᏪᏘᏱ Tsalaguwetiyi (Eastern Cherokee Band) peoples. Some of the links included in these show notes are affiliate links and support the podcast at no additional cost to you. If it's an option for you, we encourage you to support your local bookstores! The blog post accompanying this episode can be found at https://thefantasyinn.com, along with fantasy book reviews, author interviews, and more fantasy content.

Travis interviews Lauren Panepinto, Creative Director of Orbit Books, about book design and more. Lauren and Travis discuss how a book cover gets made, how fonts and color theory attract a reader's eye, and the origin of the cloaked figure on so many fantasy covers. Want your message featured on the podcast? Find out more here. About Lauren Panepinto: After 15 years designing and art directing book covers, Lauren Panepinto has worked in every publishing genre and collaborated with artists of all disciplines. As the Creative Director of the Orbit Books division of the Hachette Book Group, she has been developing covers for commercial fiction, genre fiction, and graphic novels, as well as overseeing the advertising and promotion visuals of the imprint brands overall. She has designed bestselling covers for Iain Banks, Mira Grant, James S. A. Corey, Brent Weeks, and Gail Carriger, among many others.   Not content to just design covers, Lauren has written about science fiction and fantasy art for ImagineFX magazine, io9.com, Orbitbooks.net, and as a columnist at Muddy Colors. Lauren has been very active in the role of art business education, not only at a panelist, presenter, and portfolio reviewer at San Diego ComicCon, New York ComicCon, Spectrum, and Illuxcon, but also as an adjunct professor in the graduate level Center for Publishing at NYU, as well as a frequent guest lecturer at numerous art schools. Lauren has curated gallery shows for the Society of Illustrators in New York City and Krab Jab in Seattle. She is a frequent art competition judge, most recently for the Society of Illustrators in New York and Los Angeles, Infected by Art, and ImagineFX's Rising Stars issue.   Lauren graduated from The School of Visual Arts with a degree in Graphic Design and Advertising. She has worked in fashion (Perry Ellis), television (MTV), and for boutique design firms, but found her true calling in book publishing. She has worked at three of the "Big Five" publishing companies: St. Martin's Press/Picador Books, then Doubleday/Random House, and now Hachette Book Group. Things Mentioned: Brian McClellan's Page Break podcast Find Us Online: Blog Discord Twitter Instagram Support Us: Become a Patron Buy Us a Coffee Music: Intro: "The Legend of Iya" courtesy of https://philter.no Outro: "A Quest Unfolds" courtesy of https://philter.no This episode of The Fantasy Inn podcast was recorded in the unceded territory of the S'atsoyaha (Yuchi) and ᏣᎳᎫᏪᏘᏱ Tsalaguwetiyi (Eastern Cherokee Band) peoples. Some of the links included in these show notes are affiliate links and support the podcast at no additional cost to you. If it's an option for you, we encourage you to support your local bookstores! The blog post accompanying this episode can be found at https://thefantasyinn.com, along with fantasy book reviews, author interviews, and more fantasy content.

Let's talk about problematic books and our problematic reading habits. What could go wrong? Want your message featured on the podcast? Find out more here. Find Us Online: Blog Discord Twitter Instagram Support Us: Become a Patron Buy Us a Coffee Music: Intro: "The Legend of Iya" courtesy of https://philter.no Outro: "A Quest Unfolds" courtesy of https://philter.no This episode of The Fantasy Inn podcast was recorded in the unceded territory of the S'atsoyaha (Yuchi) and ᏣᎳᎫᏪᏘᏱ Tsalaguwetiyi (Eastern Cherokee Band) peoples. Some of the links included in these show notes are affiliate links and support the podcast at no additional cost to you. If it's an option for you, we encourage you to support your local bookstores! The blog post accompanying this episode can be found at https://thefantasyinn.com, along with fantasy book reviews, author interviews, and more fantasy content.

Travis interviews author Fonda Lee about Jade Legacy, the third and final book in the award-winning Green Bone Saga trilogy from Orbit Books. The epic family saga of the Kaul siblings takes an intergenerational turn in this stunning conclusion to the series. This episode is spoiler free! Fonda and Travis discuss the nitty gritty of her worldbuilding process, how to craft an impactful action scene, and how in invest readers in morally grey characters. Want your message featured on the podcast? Find out more here. About Fonda Lee: Fonda Lee is the author of the epic urban fantasy Green Bone Saga (beginning with Jade City and continuing in Jade War and the forthcoming Jade Legacy) _and the science fiction novels _Zeroboxer, Exo and Cross Fire. Fonda is a winner of the World Fantasy Award, as well as a three-time winner of the Aurora Award (Canada's national science fiction and fantasy award), and a multiple finalist for the Nebula Award, the Locus Award, and the Oregon Book Award. Her novels have garnered multiple starred reviews, been included on numerous state reading lists, named Junior Library Guild selections, and appeared on Best of Year lists from NPR, Barnes & Noble, Syfy Wire, and others. Jade City has been translated in multiple languages and optioned for television development. In addition, she has written acclaimed short fiction and comic books for Marvel. She is a frequent speaker and instructor at writing workshops including Viable Paradise and Clarion West. Fonda is a former corporate strategist and black belt martial artist who loves action movies and Eggs Benedict. Born and raised in Canada, she currently resides in Portland, Oregon. Find Fonda Lee on Twitter, Patreon, or her website fondalee.com. Find Us Online: Blog Discord Twitter Instagram Support Us: Become a Patron Buy Us a Coffee Music: Intro: "The Legend of Iya" courtesy of https://philter.no Outro: "A Quest Unfolds" courtesy of https://philter.no This episode of The Fantasy Inn podcast was recorded in the unceded territory of the S'atsoyaha (Yuchi) and ᏣᎳᎫᏪᏘᏱ Tsalaguwetiyi (Eastern Cherokee Band) peoples. Some of the links included in these show notes are affiliate links and support the podcast at no additional cost to you. If it's an option for you, we encourage you to support your local bookstores! The blog post accompanying this episode can be found at https://thefantasyinn.com, along with fantasy book reviews, author interviews, and more fantasy content.

Travis interviews author Josiah Bancroft about The Fall of Babel, the fourth and final book in his highly acclaimed Books of Babel series published by Orbit Books. The secrets of the tower will finally be revealed! This episode is spoiler free! Josiah and Travis discuss the perils of social media, approaching prose with a poet's ear, and how the strongest characters often originate from their flaws. Want your message featured on the podcast? Find out more here. About Josiah Bancroft: Before settling down to write fantasy novels, Josiah Bancroft was a poet, college instructor, rock musician, and aspiring comic book artist. When he is not writing, he enjoys drawing the world of the Tower, and cooking dinner without a recipe. He lives in Philadelphia with his wife, Sharon, their daughter Maddie, and their two rabbits, Mabel and Chaplin. Find Josiah at his website, thebooksofbabel.com. Find Us Online: Blog Discord Twitter Instagram Support Us: Become a Patron Buy Us a Coffee Music: Intro: "The Legend of Iya" courtesy of https://philter.no Outro: "A Quest Unfolds" courtesy of https://philter.no This episode of The Fantasy Inn podcast was recorded in the unceded territory of the S'atsoyaha (Yuchi) and ᏣᎳᎫᏪᏘᏱ Tsalaguwetiyi (Eastern Cherokee Band) peoples. Some of the links included in these show notes are affiliate links and support the podcast at no additional cost to you. If it's an option for you, we encourage you to support your local bookstores! The blog post accompanying this episode can be found at https://thefantasyinn.com, along with fantasy book reviews, author interviews, and more fantasy content.

Travis interviews author Freya Marske about her debut fantasy novel, A Marvellous Light, which is available now from Tordotcom. Red White & Royal Blue meets Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell in debut author Freya Marske's A Marvellous Light, featuring an Edwardian England full of magic, contracts, and conspiracies. Freya and Travis discuss the best gins, building books around an emotional spine, and the highlights of her unofficial Smut Writing Course. Want your message featured on the podcast? Find out more here. About Freya Marske: Freya Marske lives in Australia, where she is yet to be killed by any form of wildlife. She writes stories full of magic, blood, and as much kissing as she can get away with. Her hobbies include figure skating and discovering new art galleries, and she is on a quest to try all the gin in the world. Her short fiction has appeared in Analog Science Fiction, Andromeda Spaceways, and several anthologies. In 2020 she was awarded the Australian National SF (Ditmar) Award for Best New Talent. Find Freya on Twitter, the Be the Serpent podcast, or at her website, freyamarkse.com. Find Us Online: Blog Discord Twitter Instagram Support Us: Become a Patron Buy Us a Coffee Music: Intro: "The Legend of Iya" courtesy of https://philter.no Outro: "A Quest Unfolds" courtesy of https://philter.no This episode of The Fantasy Inn podcast was recorded in the unceded territory of the S'atsoyaha (Yuchi) and ᏣᎳᎫᏪᏘᏱ Tsalaguwetiyi (Eastern Cherokee Band) peoples. Some of the links included in these show notes are affiliate links and support the podcast at no additional cost to you. If it's an option for you, we encourage you to support your local bookstores! The blog post accompanying this episode can be found at https://thefantasyinn.com, along with fantasy book reviews, author interviews, and more fantasy content.

Travis interviews author Melissa Caruso about the second book in her Rooks and Ruin trilogy, The Quicksilver Court, which is available now from Orbit Books. Loyalties are tested and nations clash in this fresh epic fantasy book bursting with adventure, intrigue, ambition, and deadly magic. Melissa and Travis discuss the battle tactics of LARPing, writing settings as a character, and her tried and true Oh Shit Chain method of writing. Want your message featured on the podcast? Find out more here. Melissa Caruso Recommends: The Mask of Mirrors by M.A. Carrick The Rage of Dragons by Evan Winter Gideon the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir About Melissa Caruso: Melissa Caruso was born on the summer solstice and went to school in an old mansion with a secret door, but despite this auspicious beginning has yet to develop any known superpowers. Melissa has spent her whole life creating imaginary worlds, and in addition to writing is also an avid LARPer and tabletop gamer. She graduated with honors in Creative Writing from Brown University and has an MFA in Fiction from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Melissa's first novel, The Tethered Mage, was shortlisted for a Gemmell Morningstar Award for best fantasy debut. Find Melissa on Twitter or at her website, melissacaruso.net. Find Us Online: Blog Discord Twitter Instagram Support Us: Become a Patron Buy Us a Coffee Music: Intro: "The Legend of Iya" courtesy of https://philter.no Outro: "A Quest Unfolds" courtesy of https://philter.no This episode of The Fantasy Inn podcast was recorded in the unceded territory of the S'atsoyaha (Yuchi) and ᏣᎳᎫᏪᏘᏱ Tsalaguwetiyi (Eastern Cherokee Band) peoples. Some of the links included in these show notes are affiliate links and support the podcast at no additional cost to you. If it's an option for you, we encourage you to support your local bookstores! The blog post accompanying this episode can be found at https://thefantasyinn.com, along with fantasy book reviews, author interviews, and more fantasy content.

Travis interviews author John Gwynne about the first entry in his new Bloodsworn Saga from Orbit Books, The Shadow of the Gods. In a Norse-inspired world where the gods destroyed each other in a cataclysmic war, three warriors seek to shape the fate of the world. John and Travis discuss Viking reenactment, the pros and cons of various melee weapons, and the best way to escape from a suit of mail. About John Gwynne: John Gwynne studied and lectured at Brighton University. He's played double bass in a rock 'n' roll band and traveled the USA and Canada. He is married with four children and lives in Eastbourne, where he is part of a Viking reenactment group. When not writing, he can often be found standing in a shield wall with his three sons about him. His dogs think he is their slave. Find John on Twitter, Instagram, or at his website john-gwynne.com. Find Us Online: Blog Discord Twitter Instagram Support Us: Become a Patron Buy Us a Coffee Music: Intro: "The Legend of Iya" courtesy of https://philter.no Outro: "A Quest Unfolds" courtesy of https://philter.no This episode of The Fantasy Inn podcast was recorded in the unceded territory of the S'atsoyaha (Yuchi) and ᏣᎳᎫᏪᏘᏱ Tsalaguwetiyi (Eastern Cherokee Band) peoples. Some of the links included in these show notes are affiliate links and support the podcast at no additional cost to you. If it's an option for you, we encourage you to support your local bookstores! The blog post accompanying this episode can be found at https://thefantasyinn.com, along with fantasy book reviews, author interviews, and more fantasy content.

Travis interviews author Joe Abercrombie about the final book in his Age of Madness trilogy from Orbit Books, The Wisdom of Crowds. Some say that to change the world you must first burn it down. Now that belief will be tested in the crucible of revolution... Joe and Travis discuss how he developed his unique writing voice, the nonfiction books he used to research the Age of Madness, and how to most effectively torment his readers. Meet Our Sponsor: Fenrir by Eyes Shut Studio - Free epic fantasy fiction podcast. Imagine a story where the main character is halfway between Geralt of Rivia and Drizzt Do'Urden and you'll have an idea of what to expect. Want your message featured on the podcast? Find out more here. About Joe Abercrombie: Joe Abercrombie was born in Lancaster in 1974, spent much of his youth in imaginary worlds, and left school with a good idea of how to make stuff up. After graduating from Manchester University he worked as a TV editor, but he never stopped making stuff up, and his first book, The Blade Itself, was published in 2006. He has since written eight more novels and a collection of stories in his First Law and Shattered Sea series. He lives in Bath with his wife Lou and their three children Grace, Eve and Teddy, and makes stuff up full-time. Find Joe on Facebook, Twitter, or at his website joeabercrombie.com. Find Us Online: Blog Discord Twitter Instagram Support Us: Become a Patron Buy Us a Coffee Music: Intro: "The Legend of Iya" courtesy of https://philter.no Outro: "A Quest Unfolds" courtesy of https://philter.no This episode of The Fantasy Inn podcast was recorded in the unceded territory of the S'atsoyaha (Yuchi) and ᏣᎳᎫᏪᏘᏱ Tsalaguwetiyi (Eastern Cherokee Band) peoples. Some of the links included in these show notes are affiliate links and support the podcast at no additional cost to you. If it's an option for you, we encourage you to support your local bookstores! The blog post accompanying this episode can be found at https://thefantasyinn.com, along with fantasy book reviews, author interviews, and more fantasy content.

Travis interviews author Xiran Jay Zhao about their debut novel, Iron Widow. Pacific Rim meets The Handmaid's Tale in this science fantasy reimagining of the only female emperor in Chinese history. Iron Widow releases September 21 from Penguin Teen! Xiran and Travis discuss the book's anime inspiration, Chinese history and mythology, and Batman's dietary preferences. Xiran Jay Zhao Recommends: The First Sister by Linden A. Lewis Jade Fire Gold by June CL Tan Six Crimson Cranes by Elizabeth Lim She Who Became the Sun by Shelley Parker-Chan About Xiran Jay Zhao: Xiran Jay Zhao is a first-gen immigrant from small-town China who was raised by the Internet. A recent graduate of Vancouver's Simon Fraser University, they wrote science fiction and fantasy while they probably should have been studying more about biochemical pathways. You can find them on Twitter for memes, Instagram for cosplays and fancy outfits, and YouTube for long videos about Chinese history and culture. Iron Widow is their first novel. Their website is xiranjayzhao.com. Find Us Online: Blog Discord Twitter Instagram Support Us: Become a Patron Buy Us a Coffee Music: Intro: "The Legend of Iya" courtesy of https://philter.no Outro: "A Quest Unfolds" courtesy of https://philter.no This episode of The Fantasy Inn podcast was recorded in the unceded territory of the S'atsoyaha (Yuchi) and ᏣᎳᎫᏪᏘᏱ Tsalaguwetiyi (Eastern Cherokee Band) peoples. Some of the links included in these show notes are affiliate links and support the podcast at no additional cost to you. If it's an option for you, we encourage you to support your local bookstores! The blog post accompanying this episode can be found at https://thefantasyinn.com, along with fantasy book reviews, author interviews, and more fantasy content.

Travis interviews author C.S. Pacat about the first book in her new fantasy trilogy, Dark Rise. From the acclaimed author of the Captive Prince series comes a tale of heroes and villains being reborn to continue an ancient magical war. Cat and Travis discuss writing queernormative worlds, pushing back against and reimagining the classics, and the story behind the infamous Captive Prince announcement of 2019. C.S. Pacat Recommends: The Sympathizer by Viet Thanh Nguyen Superman by Tom Taylor Only a Monster by Vanessa Lin About C.S. Pacat: C.S. Pacat is the USA-Today best-selling author of Dark Rise, the Captive Prince trilogy, and the GLAAD-nominated graphic novels Fence. Born in Australia and educated at the University of Melbourne, C.S. Pacat has since lived in a number of cities, including Tokyo and Perugia, and currently resides and writes in Melbourne. Find C.S. Pacat on Twitter, Instagram, or her website cspacat.com. Find Us Online: Blog Discord Twitter Instagram Support Us: Become a Patron Buy Us a Coffee Music: Intro: "The Legend of Iya" courtesy of https://philter.no Outro: "A Quest Unfolds" courtesy of https://philter.no This episode of The Fantasy Inn podcast was recorded in the unceded territory of the S'atsoyaha (Yuchi) and ᏣᎳᎫᏪᏘᏱ Tsalaguwetiyi (Eastern Cherokee Band) peoples. Some of the links included in these show notes are affiliate links and support the podcast at no additional cost to you. If it's an option for you, we encourage you to support your local bookstores! The blog post accompanying this episode can be found at https://thefantasyinn.com, along with fantasy book reviews, author interviews, and more fantasy content.

Travis interviews author Cameron Johnston about his latest fantasy novel, The Maleficent Seven. This standalone fantasy from Angry Robot features a team up of seven deadly villains and shows that when you're all out of heroes, all that's left are the villains. Cameron and Travis discuss blacksmithing, the impact of writing groups, and the art and joy of writing villains. Meet Our Sponsor: Fenrir by Eyes Shut Studio - Free epic fantasy fiction podcast. Imagine a story where the main character is halfway between Geralt of Rivia and Drizzt Do'Urden and you'll have an idea of what to expect. Want your message featured on the podcast? Find out more here. About Cameron Johnston: Cameron Johnston is the British Fantasy Award and Dragon Awards nominated author of dark fantasy novels The Traitor God and God of Broken Things. He is a swordsman, a gamer, and an enthusiast of archaeology, history and mythology. He loves exploring ancient sites and camping out under the stars by a roaring fire.  Find Cameron Johnston on Twitter or at his website, cameronjohnston.net. Find Us Online: Blog Discord Twitter Instagram Support Us: Become a Patron Buy Us a Coffee Music: Intro: "The Legend of Iya" courtesy of https://philter.no Outro: "A Quest Unfolds" courtesy of https://philter.no This episode of The Fantasy Inn podcast was recorded in the unceded territory of the S'atsoyaha (Yuchi) and ᏣᎳᎫᏪᏘᏱ Tsalaguwetiyi (Eastern Cherokee Band) peoples. Some of the links included in these show notes are affiliate links and support the podcast at no additional cost to you. If it's an option for you, we encourage you to support your local bookstores! The blog post accompanying this episode can be found at https://thefantasyinn.com, along with fantasy book reviews, author interviews, and more fantasy content.

Travis interviews author and podcaster Lauren Shippen about her third Bright Sessions novel, Some Faraway Place. This standalone story from Tor Teen features Rose, who has her humdrum life flipped upside down when she starts to travel into dreams. Lauren and Travis discuss the joys of fanfiction, the power of online communities, and how to craft an emotional story that readers can find comfort in. Meet Our Sponsor: Fenrir by Eyes Shut Studio - Free epic fantasy fiction podcast. Imagine a story where the main character is halfway between Geralt of Rivia and Drizzt Do'Urden and you'll have an idea of what to expect. Want your message featured on the podcast? Find out more here. About Lauren Shippen: LAUREN SHIPPEN, author of The Infinite Noise, is a writer best known for her work in fiction podcasts. She is the creator and sole writer of the popular audio drama, The Bright Sessions. She also wrote MARVELS, an audio adaptation of the popular comic and co-produced the #1 podcast Passenger List, for which she received a BBC Audio Drama Award, Webby, and British Podcast Award. Lauren was named one of Forbes's 2018 30 Under 30 in Media and one of MovieMaker Magazine's and Austin Film Festival's 25 Screenwriters to Watch. She was born in New York City and grew up in Bronxville, New York. She currently lives in Seattle. Find Lauren on Twitter, Instagram, or at her website laurenshippen.com. Find Us Online: Blog Discord Twitter Instagram Support Us: Become a Patron Buy Us a Coffee Music: Intro: "The Legend of Iya" courtesy of https://philter.no Outro: "A Quest Unfolds" courtesy of https://philter.no This episode of The Fantasy Inn podcast was recorded in the unceded territory of the S'atsoyaha (Yuchi) and ᏣᎳᎫᏪᏘᏱ Tsalaguwetiyi (Eastern Cherokee Band) peoples. Some of the links included in these show notes are affiliate links and support the podcast at no additional cost to you. If it's an option for you, we encourage you to support your local bookstores! The blog post accompanying this episode can be found at https://thefantasyinn.com, along with fantasy book reviews, author interviews, and more fantasy content.

Travis interviews author Shelley Parker-Chan about their debut novel, She Who Became the Sun, the first book of The Radiant Emperor duology from Tor Books. Mulan meets The Song of Achilles in this bold, queer, and lyrical reimagining of the rise of the founding emperor of the Ming Dynasty. Shelley and Travis discuss crafting hyperemotional stories, tackling complex gender feels, and the importance of writing what you love. Meet Our Sponsor: Woodcastle by Kell Inkston - Free high fantasy murder mystery novel. Want your message featured on the podcast? Find out more here. About Shelley Parker-Chan: Shelley Parker-Chan is an Asian-Australian former diplomat and international development adviser who spent nearly a decade working on human rights, gender equality and LGBT rights in Southeast Asia. Named after the Romantic poet, she was raised on a steady diet of Greek myths, Arthurian legend and Chinese tales of suffering and tragic romance. Her debut novel She Who Became the Sun owes more than a little to all three. In 2017 she was awarded an Otherwise (Tiptree) Fellowship for a work of speculative narrative that expands our understanding of gender. She currently lives in Melbourne, Australia, with her family. Find Shelley Parker-Chan on Twitter or at her website, shelleyparkerchan.com. Find Us Online: Blog Discord Twitter Instagram Support Us: Become a Patron Buy Us a Coffee Music: Intro: "The Legend of Iya" courtesy of https://philter.no Outro: "A Quest Unfolds" courtesy of https://philter.no Shadowed Stars Ad Background: "Cinematic Orchestral Action Trailer" by GregorQuendel This episode of The Fantasy Inn podcast was recorded in the unceded territory of the S'atsoyaha (Yuchi) and ᏣᎳᎫᏪᏘᏱ Tsalaguwetiyi (Eastern Cherokee Band) peoples. Some of the links included in these show notes are affiliate links and support the podcast at no additional cost to you. If it's an option for you, we encourage you to support your local bookstores! The blog post accompanying this episode can be found at https://thefantasyinn.com, along with fantasy book reviews, author interviews, and more fantasy content.

Travis Interviews author Claire North about Notes from the Burning Age, a standalone climate thriller from Orbit Books. From one of the most imaginative writers of her generation comes an extraordinary vision of the future, which puts dystopian fiction in a new light. Claire and Travis discuss using your phone for self-defense, writing nonlinear emotional character arcs, and how we can each live a little more sustainably in our daily lives. Meet Our Sponsors: Shadowed Stars by Steven Koutz - Epic science fiction story for mature readers. Thoughts from a Page - Author interviews with creators across a variety of genres. Want your message featured on the podcast? Find out more here. About Claire North: Claire North is a pseudonym for the author Catherine Webb. Her first book under the Claire North name was the word-of-mouth bestseller The First Fifteen lives of Harry August, which is currently being adapted as movie by Steven Spielberg's Amblin Partners and will be directed by ‘Maze Runner' director Wes Ball. North has since published several critically acclaimed novels and won the World Fantasy Award and the John W. Campbell Award, and has been shortlisted for the Arthur C. Clarke Award, the Philip K. Dick Award, the Locus Award and the Sunday Times/PFD Young Writer of the Year Award. Her novels have sold over 750,000 copies in the English language and have been sold in translation in over 20 territories. Find Claire North on Twitter or at her website, clairenorth.com. Find Us Online: Blog Discord Twitter Instagram Support Us: Become a Patron Buy Us a Coffee Music: Intro: "The Legend of Iya" courtesy of https://philter.no Outro: "A Quest Unfolds" courtesy of https://philter.no Shadowed Stars Ad Background: "Cinematic Orchestral Action Trailer" by GregorQuendel This episode of The Fantasy Inn podcast was recorded in the unceded territory of the S'atsoyaha (Yuchi) and ᏣᎳᎫᏪᏘᏱ Tsalaguwetiyi (Eastern Cherokee Band) peoples. Some of the links included in these show notes are affiliate links and support the podcast at no additional cost to you. If it's an option for you, we encourage you to support your local bookstores! The blog post accompanying this episode can be found at https://thefantasyinn.com, along with fantasy book reviews, author interviews, and more fantasy content.

Travis interviews author Megan E. O'Keefe about Catalyst Gate, the thrilling conclusion to The Protectorate space opera trilogy from Orbit Books. The universe is under threat and an ancient alien intelligence threatens to bring humanity down unless Major Sanda Greeve and her crew can stop it. Megan and Travis discuss fractal plotting, the creeping social impact of artificial intelligence, and the secret to a compelling plot twist. Meet Our Sponsor: Shadowed Stars by Steven Koutz - Epic science fiction story for mature readers. Want your message featured on the podcast? Find out more here. About Megan E. O'Keefe: Megan E. O'Keefe is the author of the Scorched Continent trilogy and The Protectorate series. Her short fiction appears in Shimmer, Podcastle, and Barnes & Noble. Megan's debut fantasy novel, Steal the Sky, won the Gemmell Morningstar Award and her space opera debut, Velocity Weapon, was nominated for the Philip K. Dick Award. Find Megan on Twitter, Instagram, or her website meganokeefe.com. Find Us Online: Blog Discord Twitter Instagram Support Us: Become a Patron Buy Us a Coffee Music: Intro: "The Legend of Iya" courtesy of https://philter.no Outro: "A Quest Unfolds" courtesy of https://philter.no This episode of The Fantasy Inn podcast was recorded in the unceded territory of the S'atsoyaha (Yuchi) and ᏣᎳᎫᏪᏘᏱ Tsalaguwetiyi (Eastern Cherokee Band) peoples. Some of the links included in these show notes are affiliate links and support the podcast at no additional cost to you. If it's an option for you, we encourage you to support your local bookstores! The blog post accompanying this episode can be found at https://thefantasyinn.com, along with fantasy book reviews, author interviews, and more fantasy content.

Travis interviews author Tasha Suri about The Jasmine Throne, the first book in her now Burning Kingdoms trilogy from Orbit Books. This epic fantasy features a vengeful princess seeking to depose her brother from his throne and a priestess searching for her family. Together, they will change the fate of an empire. Tasha and Travis discuss what makes a compelling romance, drawing widely on history and mythology, and taking the leap into writing an epic fantasy trilogy. Meet Our Sponsors: Shadowed Stars by Steven Koutz - Epic science fiction story for mature readers. Real Ghost Stories: Disturbing Paranormal Stories by Eve S Evans - Satisfy your craving with a variety of paranormal stories for the supernatural enthusiast. Want your message featured on the podcast? Find out more here. About Tasha Suri: Tasha Suri is the award-winning author of The Books of Ambha duology (Empire of Sand and Realm of Ash) and the epic fantasy The Jasmine Throne. She is an occasional librarian and cat owner. She has won the Best Newcomer (Sydney J. Bounds) Award from the British Fantasy Society and has been nominated for the Astounding Award and Locus Award for Best First Novel. When she isn't writing, Tasha likes to cry over TV shows, buy too many notebooks, and indulge her geeky passion for reading about South Asian history. She lives with her family in a mildly haunted house in London. Find Tasha on Twitter, Instagram, or her website tashasuri.com. Find Us Online: Blog Discord Twitter Instagram Support Us: Become a Patron Buy Us a Coffee Music: Intro: "The Legend of Iya" courtesy of https://philter.no Outro: "A Quest Unfolds" courtesy of https://philter.no Shadowed Stars Ad Background: "Cinematic Orchestral Action Trailer" by GregorQuendel This episode of The Fantasy Inn podcast was recorded in the unceded territory of the S'atsoyaha (Yuchi) and ᏣᎳᎫᏪᏘᏱ Tsalaguwetiyi (Eastern Cherokee Band) peoples. Some of the links included in these show notes are affiliate links and support the podcast at no additional cost to you. If it's an option for you, we encourage you to support your local bookstores! The blog post accompanying this episode can be found at https://thefantasyinn.com, along with fantasy book reviews, author interviews, and more fantasy content.

We like to discuss morally grey characters all the time, but all have a slightly different definition for what "morally grey" even means. So what exactly does it mean? And what are some examples of grey morality done well? Want us to read your message on the podcast? Find out more here. Things Mentioned: Sistersong by Lucy Holland The Traitor Baru Cormorant by Seth Dickinson My Unce Napoleon by Iraj Pezeshkzad Iron Widow by Xiran Jay Zhao She Who Became the Sun by Shelley Parker-Chan The Mask of Mirrors by M.A. Carrick Black Sun by Rebecca Roanhorse Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo The Daevabad Trilogy by S.A. Chakraborty The King Must Die by Mary Renault Sapphics Rise, Empires Fall w/ C.L. Clark, Tasha Suri, and Shelley Parker-Chan Jade City by Fonda Lee The Unbroken by C.L. Clark Twilight by Stephenie Meyer The Jasmine Throne by Tasha Suri Touch by Claire North The Cruel Prince by Holly Black Find Us Online: Blog Discord Twitter Instagram Support Us: Become a Patron Buy Us a Coffee Music: Intro: "The Legend of Iya" courtesy of https://philter.no Outro: "A Quest Unfolds" courtesy of https://philter.no This episode of The Fantasy Inn podcast was recorded in the unceded territory of the S'atsoyaha (Yuchi) and ᏣᎳᎫᏪᏘᏱ Tsalaguwetiyi (Eastern Cherokee Band) peoples. Some of the links included in these show notes are affiliate links and support the podcast at no additional cost to you. If it's an option for you, we encourage you to support your local bookstores! The blog post accompanying this episode can be found at https://thefantasyinn.com, along with fantasy book reviews, author interviews, and more fantasy content.

Travis interviews author Suyi Davies Okungbowa about Son of the Storm, the first book in his new Nameless Republic trilogy from Orbit Books. This epic fantasy is a sweeping tale of violent conquest and forgotten magic set in a world inspired by the pre-colonial empires of West Africa. Suyi and Travis discuss how writers can apply strategic project culture to their work, how distinct story engines power our favorite stories, and researching 15th century African empires. This episode was sponsored by Campfire Technology. Campfire creates story design software that helps writers develop their stories. Its software includes tools for character development, story timelines, worldbuilding, and more, allowing storytellers to write better stories, faster. Want us to read your message on the podcast? Find out more here. About Suyi Davies Okungbowa: Suyi Davies Okungbowa is the author of Son of the Storm (Orbit, May 2021), first in The Nameless Republic epic fantasy trilogy, and the godpunk novel, David Mogo, Godhunter (Abaddon, 2019). His shorter works have appeared internationally in periodicals like Tor.com, Lightspeed, Nightmare, Strange Horizons, Fireside, _and anthologies like _Black Panther: Tales of Wakanda and Year's _Best Science Fiction and Fantasy. _He earned his MFA at the University of Arizona. He tweets at @IAmSuyiDavies and is @suyidavies on Instagram. Learn more at suyidavies.com. Find Us Online: Blog Discord Twitter Instagram Support Us: Become a Patron Buy Us a Coffee Music: Intro: "The Legend of Iya" courtesy of https://philter.no Outro: "A Quest Unfolds" courtesy of https://philter.no This episode of The Fantasy Inn podcast was recorded in the unceded territory of the S'atsoyaha (Yuchi) and ᏣᎳᎫᏪᏘᏱ Tsalaguwetiyi (Eastern Cherokee Band) peoples. The blog post accompanying this episode can be found at https://thefantasyinn.com, along with fantasy book reviews, author interviews, and more fantasy content.

Travis interviews author Victoria Aveyard about Realm Breaker, the first book in her new series from HarperTeen. This epic fantasy begins where hope is lost and asks: When the heroes have fallen, who will take up the sword? Victoria and Travis discuss how she builds new worlds, ways to apply screenwriting techniques to writing novels, and the pressure of following up the massively successful Red Queen series with something new. Want us to read your message on the podcast? Find out more here. About Victoria Aveyard: Victoria Aveyard is an author and screenwriter, born and raised in a small town in Western Massachusetts. She has a BFA in Writing for Film & Television from the University of Southern California's School of Cinematic Arts. Her books include four #1 New York Times bestselling and _USA Today bestselling novels, two New York Times bestselling novellas, a New York Times bestselling short story collection. She lives full-time in Los Angeles with her dog Indy. Realm Breaker, the first installment in her next young adult fantasy series comes out May 4th, 2021. Find Victoria Aveyard on Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, or at her website victoriaaveyard.com. Find Us Online: Blog Discord Twitter Instagram Support Us: Become a Patron Buy Us a Coffee Music: Intro: "The Legend of Iya" courtesy of https://philter.no Outro: "A Quest Unfolds" courtesy of https://philter.no This episode of The Fantasy Inn podcast was recorded in the unceded territory of the S'atsoyaha (Yuchi) and ᏣᎳᎫᏪᏘᏱ Tsalaguwetiyi (Eastern Cherokee Band) peoples. The blog post accompanying this episode can be found at https://thefantasyinn.com, along with fantasy book reviews, author interviews, and more fantasy content.

Travis interviews author Gabriela Houston about her debut novel, The Second Bell. This standalone fantasy novel from Angry Robot follows a young striga fighting to harness the power of her second heart, while her mother sacrifices everything to stop her. Gabriela and Travis discuss Slavic folklore, the portrayal of women in fantasy, and how to make time for writing when time for yourself is hard to come by. Want us to read your message on the podcast? Find out more here. About Gabriela Houston: Gabriela was born and raised in Poland, brought up on a diet of mythologies and fairy tales. She spent her summers exploring the woods, foraging and animal tracking with her family. At 19, Gabriela moved to London to study English Literature and obtained a Masters degree in Literatures of Modernity. She has worked as an assistant editor and as a freelance writer. Gabriela's short stories have been selected for the Editor's Choice Review by Bewildering Stories and have been featured on the Ladies of Horror Fiction podcast. She lives in London with her husband and two children. Find Gabriela on Twitter, YouTube, or at her website gabrielahouston.com. Find Us Online: Blog Discord Twitter Instagram Support Us: Become a Patron Buy Us a Coffee Music: Intro: "The Legend of Iya" courtesy of https://philter.no Outro: "A Quest Unfolds" courtesy of https://philter.no This episode of The Fantasy Inn podcast was recorded in the unceded territory of the S'atsoyaha (Yuchi) and ᏣᎳᎫᏪᏘᏱ Tsalaguwetiyi (Eastern Cherokee Band) peoples. The blog post accompanying this episode can be found at https://thefantasyinn.com, along with fantasy book reviews, author interviews, and more fantasy content.

I (Travis) am going to be a dad in September and have been thinking on how to restructure the podcast given my soon-to-be nonexistent free time. With that in mind, the podcast will be moving back to our original bi-weekly schedule, with new episodes releasing every other Tuesday. We're also restructuring our Patreon tiers and goals. The podcast has been a great distraction from the pandemic and my enthusiasm for it has led to us already achieving several of our audio quality goals, so we are shifting things around to prioritize episode transcripts and book giveaways. We also originally created our $1 Patreon tier as a way for listeners to support us without asking for anything in return, but we'd like to offer rewards to everyone. From now on, $1 supporters will get access to exclusive Discord roles and private channels, as well as access to the Patreon articles. And finally, we're adding a message board option for the podcast! For $10 you can have me read a message of your choice. Interested in sponsoring a podcast episode or purchasing an ad? Find out more here. Find Us Online: Blog Discord Twitter Instagram Support Us: Become a Patron Buy Us a Coffee Music: Intro: "The Legend of Iya" courtesy of https://philter.no Outro: "A Quest Unfolds" courtesy of https://philter.no This episode of The Fantasy Inn podcast was recorded in the unceded territory of the S'atsoyaha (Yuchi) and ᏣᎳᎫᏪᏘᏱ Tsalaguwetiyi (Eastern Cherokee Band) peoples. The blog post accompanying this episode can be found at https://thefantasyinn.com, along with fantasy book reviews, author interviews, and more fantasy content.

We love talking about books, and it makes our week to hear someone picked up a book based on us promoting it. So how do we promote books? Which methods and mediums are the most effective? The Inn attempts to lay out their thoughts on promoting books. Interested in sponsoring a podcast episode or purchasing an ad? Find out more here. What We're Reading: Sara: The Unbroken by C.L. Clark The Jasmine Throne by Tasha Suri Under the Whispering Door by TJ Klune Tam: Rhythm of War by Brandon Sanderson Travis: Piranesi by Susanna Clarke Obligatory Pet Pics: Travis's Cats Tam's Pupper Find Us Online: Blog Discord Twitter Instagram Support Us: Become a Patron Buy Us a Coffee Music: Intro: "The Legend of Iya" courtesy of https://philter.no Outro: "A Quest Unfolds" courtesy of https://philter.no This episode of The Fantasy Inn podcast was recorded in the unceded territory of the S'atsoyaha (Yuchi) and ᏣᎳᎫᏪᏘᏱ Tsalaguwetiyi (Eastern Cherokee Band) peoples. The blog post accompanying this episode can be found at https://thefantasyinn.com, along with fantasy book reviews, author interviews, and more fantasy content.

It's time for our second bonus episode! This time, we asked authors to share some of their favorite stories from conventions they've attended. There's everything from meeting your heroes to accidentally taking part in a very different sort of con. Thank you so much to all of our Patrons, who make running this podcast possible. In addition to this bonus episode, we'll now be hosting quarterly book giveaways on social media, so keep an eye on our Twitter for some free books! Interested in sponsoring a podcast episode or purchasing an ad? Find out more here. Find Us Online: Blog Discord Twitter Instagram Support Us: Become a Patron Buy Us a Coffee Music: Intro: "The Legend of Iya" courtesy of https://philter.no Outro: "A Quest Unfolds" courtesy of https://philter.no This episode of The Fantasy Inn podcast was recorded in the unceded territory of the S'atsoyaha (Yuchi) and ᏣᎳᎫᏪᏘᏱ Tsalaguwetiyi (Eastern Cherokee Band) peoples. The blog post accompanying this episode can be found at https://thefantasyinn.com, along with fantasy book reviews, author interviews, and more fantasy content.

Travis interviews author Elizabeth Knox about their latest fantasy novel, The Absolute Book. This bewitching epic fantasy from Penguin Michael Joseph is about a revenge killing, a mysterious scroll box that has survived centuries of fires, and the book that changed everything. Elizabeth and Travis discuss the unlikely origin story for the Absolute Book, her contribution to the mythology of Purgatory, and the future of The Vintner's Luck series. Interested in sponsoring a podcast episode or purchasing an ad? Find out more here. About Elizabeth Knox: Elizabeth has been a full time writer since 1997. She has published twelve novels and three autobiographical novellas and a collection of essays. Her best known books are The Vintner's Luck, and The Dreamhunter Duet. (Dreamhunter and Dreamquake). Her latest is The Absolute Book. Elizabeth has an ONZM, is an Arts Foundation of New Zealand Laureate, and won the Prime Minister's Award if Fiction in 2019. Elizabeth teaches World Building at Victoria University and lives in Wellington, New Zealand with her husband, Fergus Barrowman, and her son, Jack. You can find Elizabeth Knox on Twitter as @ElizabethKnoxNZ or at her website elizabethknox.com. Find Us Online: Blog Discord Twitter Instagram Support Us: Become a Patron Buy Us a Coffee Music: Intro: "The Legend of Iya" courtesy of https://philter.no Outro: "A Quest Unfolds" courtesy of https://philter.no This episode of The Fantasy Inn podcast was recorded in the unceded territory of the S'atsoyaha (Yuchi) and ᏣᎳᎫᏪᏘᏱ Tsalaguwetiyi (Eastern Cherokee Band) peoples. The blog post accompanying this episode can be found at https://thefantasyinn.com, along with fantasy book reviews, author interviews, and more fantasy content.

Travis interviews author C. L. Clark about their debut fantasy novel, The Unbroken. In this epic fantasy from Orbit Books, two women clash in a world full of rebellion, espionage, and military might on the far outreaches of a crumbling desert empire. Cherae and Travis discuss post-colonial war narratives, editing audio short stories for PodCastle, and of course, the secret behind Touraine's killer biceps. Interested in sponsoring a podcast episode or purchasing an ad? Find out more here. About C. L. Clark: Cherae graduated from Indiana University's creative writing MFA. She's been a personal trainer, an English teacher, and an editor, and is some combination thereof as she travels the world. When she's not writing or working, she's learning languages, doing P90something, or reading about war and [post-]colonial history. Her short fiction has appeared in_ Beneath Ceaseless Skies, FIYAH, PodCastle_ and _Uncanny. _ You can follow Cherae on Twitter as @c_l_clark, on Instagram as @clclarkwrites, or at their website clarkwrites.wordpress.com. Find Us Online: Blog Discord Twitter Instagram Support Us: Become a Patron Buy Us a Coffee Music: Intro: "The Legend of Iya" courtesy of https://philter.no Outro: "A Quest Unfolds" courtesy of https://philter.no This episode of The Fantasy Inn podcast was recorded in the unceded territory of the S'atsoyaha (Yuchi) and ᏣᎳᎫᏪᏘᏱ Tsalaguwetiyi (Eastern Cherokee Band) peoples. The blog post accompanying this episode can be found at https://thefantasyinn.com, along with fantasy book reviews, author interviews, and more fantasy content.

Travis interviews author E. J. Beaton about her debut fantasy novel, The Councillor. This Machiavellian fantasy from DAW Books follows a scholar's quest to choose the next ruler of her nation amidst lies, conspiracy, and assassination. E. J. and Travis discuss building character through fight scenes, the difficulty in removing the patriarchal elements of society, and that amazing yet underrepresented fantasy creature: the chimera. Interested in sponsoring a podcast episode or purchasing an ad? Find out more here. About E. J. Beaton: E. J. Beaton is the author of the fantasy novel The Councillor. She has previously published a poetry collection, Unbroken Circle (Melbourne Poets Union), and has been shortlisted for the ACU Prize for Poetry and the Ada Cambridge Poetry Prize. She studied literature and writing at university, and her PhD thesis included analysis of Machiavellian politics in Shakespearean drama and fantasy literature. She lives in Melbourne, Australia. Find E. J. Beaton on Twitter as @ej_beaton or at her website, ejbeaton.com. Find Us Online: Blog Discord Twitter Instagram Support Us: Become a Patron Buy Us a Coffee Music: Intro: "The Legend of Iya" courtesy of https://philter.no Outro: "A Quest Unfolds" courtesy of https://philter.no This episode of The Fantasy Inn podcast was recorded in the unceded territory of the S'atsoyaha (Yuchi) and ᏣᎳᎫᏪᏘᏱ Tsalaguwetiyi (Eastern Cherokee Band) peoples. The blog post accompanying this episode can be found at https://thefantasyinn.com, along with fantasy book reviews, author interviews, and more fantasy content.

This week we're joined by podcasters Elena Fernández Collins and Wil Williams. Between the two of them, they wear the hats of podcast critic, host, line editor, voice actor, sound designer, and more. They've helped shape the state of modern podcasting and are continuing to shape its future. They share their thoughts on the current state of fiction podcasting, the direction in which its heading, and the important conversations we all should be having about this developing medium. Interested in sponsoring a podcast episode or purchasing an ad? Find out more here. Find Elena Fernández Collins Online: Ely's Website Ely's Twitter Radio Drama Revival Find Wil Williams Online: Wil's Website Wil's Twitter Hug House Productions Valence Scoring Magic Find Us Online: Blog Discord Twitter Instagram Support Us: Become a Patron Buy Us a Coffee Music: Intro: "The Legend of Iya" courtesy of https://philter.no Outro: "A Quest Unfolds" courtesy of https://philter.no This episode of The Fantasy Inn podcast was recorded in the unceded territory of the S'atsoyaha (Yuchi) and ᏣᎳᎫᏪᏘᏱ Tsalaguwetiyi (Eastern Cherokee Band) peoples. The blog post accompanying this episode can be found at https://thefantasyinn.com, along with fantasy book reviews, author interviews, and more fantasy content.

Travis interviews author Sarah Gailey about their latest book, The Echo Wife. This standalone thriller from Tor Books features a brilliant scientist who catches her husband having an affair with her clone after stealing her research. Sarah and Travis discuss the wonders of vine ripened tomatoes, pushing back against narrative ableism, and how our identities are defined by the people around us. This episode was sponsored by SYGNYL. The varied texts of SYGNYL have at times been lost, found, translated, forged, or otherwise mishandled. Listener discern. Interested in sponsoring a podcast episode or purchasing an ad? Find out more here. About Sarah Gailey: Hugo award winner Sarah Gailey lives and works in California. Their nonfiction has been published by Mashable and the Boston Globe, and their fiction has been published internationally. Their novel, Magic for Liars, was an LA Times bestseller. You can find links to their work at www.sarahgailey.com. They tweet @gaileyfrey. Find Us Online: Blog Discord Twitter Instagram Support Us: Become a Patron Buy Us a Coffee Music: Intro: "The Legend of Iya" courtesy of https://philter.no Outro: "A Quest Unfolds" courtesy of https://philter.no This episode of The Fantasy Inn podcast was recorded in the unceded territory of the S'atsoyaha (Yuchi) and ᏣᎳᎫᏪᏘᏱ Tsalaguwetiyi (Eastern Cherokee Band) peoples. The blog post accompanying this episode can be found at https://thefantasyinn.com, along with fantasy book reviews, author interviews, and more fantasy content.

Travis interviews author T. Frohock about her latest book from Harper Voyager, A Song With Teeth. It's the third novel in the Los Nefilim series, which follows the half-angel Nefilim through the political strife of the Spanish Civil War and World War 2. Teresa and Travis discuss the women spies of World War 2, the Nazi attempt to create super soldiers with methamphetamine, and the struggle to research historical fascism in a world that uncomfortably mirrors the past. About T. Frohock: T. Frohock has turned a love of history and dark fantasy into tales of deliciously creepy fiction. A real-life cyborg, T. has a cochlear implant, meaning she can turn you on or off with the flick of a switch. Make of that what you will. She currently lives in North Carolina, where she has long been accused of telling stories, which is a southern colloquialism for lying. Find Teresa on Twitter, Facebook, or at her website www.tfrohock.com. Find Us Online: Blog Discord Twitter Instagram Support Us: Become a Patron Buy Us a Coffee Interested in sponsoring a podcast episode or purchasing an ad? Find out more here. Music: Intro: "The Legend of Iya" courtesy of https://philter.no Outro: "A Quest Unfolds" courtesy of https://philter.no This episode of The Fantasy Inn podcast was recorded in the unceded territory of the S'atsoyaha (Yuchi) and ᏣᎳᎫᏪᏘᏱ Tsalaguwetiyi (Eastern Cherokee Band) peoples. The blog post accompanying this episode can be found at https://thefantasyinn.com, along with fantasy book reviews, author interviews, and more fantasy content.

Dan and Luke from the Don't Call it a Book Club podcast join Travis to discuss Zen Cho's novella, The Order of the Pure Moon Reflected in Water. We'd love to say we had a deeply intellectual conversation, but then again, that's why we don't call it a book club. Interested in sponsoring a podcast episode or purchasing an ad? Find out more here. Find Don't Call it a Book Club Online: Website Twitter Reddit Facebook Find Us Online: Blog Discord Twitter Instagram Support Us: Become a Patron Buy Us a Coffee Music: Intro: "The Legend of Iya" courtesy of https://philter.no Outro: "A Quest Unfolds" courtesy of https://philter.no This episode of The Fantasy Inn podcast was recorded in the unceded territory of the S'atsoyaha (Yuchi) and ᏣᎳᎫᏪᏘᏱ Tsalaguwetiyi (Eastern Cherokee Band) peoples. The blog post accompanying this episode can be found at https://thefantasyinn.com, along with fantasy book reviews, author interviews, and more fantasy content.

This week the hosts of A Fictional Conversation join Travis to discuss the 1985 film Legend. This episode covers full spoilers! We also discuss the original Dune film over on A Fictional Conversation. Check out that episode here! Interested in sponsoring a podcast episode or purchasing an ad? Find out more here. Find Bobby Online: Twitter Find Daniel Greene Online: YouTube Channel Twitter Discord Server Find Us Online: Blog Discord Twitter Instagram Support Us: Become a Patron Buy Us a Coffee Music: Intro: "The Legend of Iya" courtesy of https://philter.no Outro: "A Quest Unfolds" courtesy of https://philter.no This episode of The Fantasy Inn podcast was recorded in the unceded territory of the S'atsoyaha (Yuchi) and ᏣᎳᎫᏪᏘᏱ Tsalaguwetiyi (Eastern Cherokee Band) peoples. The blog post accompanying this episode can be found at https://thefantasyinn.com, along with fantasy book reviews, author interviews, and more fantasy content.

Editors play a crucial role in creating the books we love. They acquire books for publishers and help authors polish their manuscripts into the wonderful stories we pick off the shelves. And that's far from all they do. Joining us this week are Diana Pho (Story Producer at SerialBox) and Nivia Evans (editor at Orbit Books). They explain the ins and outs of editing, offer advice to writers, and predict where the future of the speculative industry is heading. Find Diana Pho Online: Twitter Instagram Website Find Nivia Evans Online: Twitter Find Us Online: Blog Discord Twitter Instagram Support Us: Become a Patron Buy Us a Coffee Interested in sponsoring a podcast episode or purchasing an ad? Find out more here. Music: Intro: "The Legend of Iya" courtesy of https://philter.no Outro: "A Quest Unfolds" courtesy of https://philter.no This episode of The Fantasy Inn podcast was recorded in the unceded territory of the S'atsoyaha (Yuchi) and ᏣᎳᎫᏪᏘᏱ Tsalaguwetiyi (Eastern Cherokee Band) peoples. The blog post accompanying this episode can be found at https://thefantasyinn.com, along with fantasy book reviews, author interviews, and more fantasy content.

Travis interviews science fiction author Mike Chen about his latest book from MIRA books, We Could Be Heroes. It's a standalone story where a superhero and supervillain accidentally meet in the same support group and decide to become friends, and it's every bit as lovely as that sounds. Mike and Travis discuss how to make the most of the Save the Cat plotting method, tricks to writing compelling and natural dialogue, and the thrill of writing an official Star Wars story. Listen to the audio trailer for Mike Chen's Star Wars short story "Disturbance". About Mike Chen: Mike Chen is the author of Here And Now And Then (a finalist for Goodreads Choice - Best Sci-Fi, CALIBA Golden Poppy, and the Compton Crook Award) and A Beginning At The End ("a brilliant, fragile path through the darkness" -- Library Journal). His short fiction is featured in Star Wars: From A Certain Point Of View -- The Empire Strikes Back, and he has covered geek culture for sites such as Tor.com, The Mary Sue, and StarTrek.com. In a previous life, he covered the NHL for Fox Sports, SB Nation, and other outlets. A member of SFWA, Mike lives in the Bay Area with his wife, daughter, and rescue animals. You can find him on Twitter, Instagram, and at his website mikechenbooks.com. Find Us Online: Blog Discord Twitter Instagram Support Us: Become a Patron Buy Us a Coffee Music: Intro: "The Legend of Iya" courtesy of https://philter.no Outro: "A Quest Unfolds" courtesy of https://philter.no This episode of The Fantasy Inn podcast was recorded in the unceded territory of the S'atsoyaha (Yuchi) and ᏣᎳᎫᏪᏘᏱ Tsalaguwetiyi (Eastern Cherokee Band) peoples. The blog post accompanying this episode can be found at https://thefantasyinn.com, along with fantasy book reviews, author interviews, and more fantasy content.

Travis interviews authors Marie Brennan and Alyc Helms about their latest book from Orbit Books, The Mask of Mirrors. Marie and Alyc are writing the Rook & Rose trilogy under the joint name M.A. Carrick, and their masterful worldbuilding shines through in this story of con artists, nobles, and vigilantes. The discussion takes a deep dive into worldbuilding, touches on tabletop games that spiral out of control, and just might feature some truly terrible accents. Things Mentioned: A Beginner's Guide to Constructing the Universe: The Mathematical Archetypes of Nature, Art, and Scienceby Michael S. Schneider The Mask of Mirrors soundtrack The Scarlet Pimpernel (aka Book 2's theme song) "As Tight as Any Knot" by M.A. Carrick Cockney Past and Present: A Short History of the Dialect of London by William Matthews The Midnight Bargain by C.L. Polk Confessions of the Fox by Jordy Rosenberg Dice Tales by Marie Brennan New Worlds, Year One: A Writer's Guide to the Art of Worldbuilding by Marie Brennan Marie Brennan's Patreon About M.A. Carrick: M.A. Carrick is the joint pen name of Marie Brennan (author of the Memoirs of Lady Trent) and Alyc Helms (author of the Adventures of Mr. Mystic). The two met in 2000 on an archaeological dig in Wales and Ireland — including a stint in the town of Carrickmacross — and have built their friendship through two decades of anthropology, writing, and gaming. They live in the San Francisco Bay Area. Find M.A. Carrick on Twitter, Facebook, or at their website www.macarrick.com. Find Us Online: Blog Discord Twitter Instagram Support Us: Become a Patron Buy Us a Coffee Music: Intro: "The Legend of Iya" courtesy of https://philter.no Outro: "A Quest Unfolds" courtesy of https://philter.no This episode of The Fantasy Inn podcast was recorded in the unceded territory of the S'atsoyaha (Yuchi) and ᏣᎳᎫᏪᏘᏱ Tsalaguwetiyi (Eastern Cherokee Band) peoples. The blog post accompanying this episode can be found at https://thefantasyinn.com, along with fantasy book reviews, author interviews, and more fantasy content.

After at least a decade, 2020 is over! With a little luck, 2021 will be a better and brighter year for all of us. If nothing else, there are certainly a lot of great books to look forward to! The Inn attempts to narrow down the dozens of books they're excited about for 2021, as well as set some reading goals for the upcoming year. What We're Reading: Sara: Squire Archie's Rectory Christmas by Harper Fox Jenia: Strange Beasts of China by Yan Ge Kop: Vaseline Buddha by Jung Young Moon, translated by Yewon Jung Travis: Carved from Stone and Dream by T. Frohock Books Mentioned: Notes from the Burning Age by Claire North The Past is Red by Catherynne M. Valente The Hidden Palace by Helene Wecker The Galaxy and the Ground Within by Becky Chambers The Fall of Babel by Josiah Bancroft The Dragon of Jin-Sayeng by K.S. Villoso Jade Legacy by Fonda Lee The King of Faerie by AJ Lancaster She Who Became the Sun by Shelley Parker-Chan The Unbroken by C.L. Clark The Councillor by E.J. Beaton The Mask of Mirrors by M.A. Carrick A Marvellous Light by Freya Marske In the Watchful City by S. Qiouyi Lu Dark Rise by C.S. Pacat Find Us Online: Blog Discord Twitter Instagram Support Us: Become a Patron Buy Us a Coffee Music: Intro: "The Legend of Iya" courtesy of https://philter.no Outro: "A Quest Unfolds" courtesy of https://philter.no This episode of The Fantasy Inn podcast was recorded in the unceded territory of the S'atsoyaha (Yuchi) and ᏣᎳᎫᏪᏘᏱ Tsalaguwetiyi (Eastern Cherokee Band) peoples. The blog post accompanying this episode can be found at https://thefantasyinn.com, along with fantasy book reviews, author interviews, and more fantasy content.

`Tis the season... for Best Of lists! We'll be posting a separate blog post for our collective favorite reads of the year later, but for now we have Sara, Jenia, and Travis sharing their favorites with you here. To get the standard disclaimers out of the way, these are simply the books we read during 2020 that we enjoyed the most. We don't pretend this list is objective or comprehensive in any way. After all, what list is? What We're Reading: Travis: We Could Be Heroes by Mike Chen Jenia: The Trojan War Museum: and Other Stories by Ayse Papatya Bucak Sara: A Dance with Fate by Juliet Marillier Our Favorite Books of 2020: Sara Stariel by AJ Lancaster Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune Jade City by Fonda Lee The Empire of Gold by S.A. Chakraborty Travis The Diviners by Libba Bray Unconquerable Sun by Kate Elliott The Midnight Bargain by C.L. Polk The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab The First Sister by Linden A. Lewis Jenia The Trojan War Will Not Take Place by Jean Giraudoux Debt: The First Five Thousand Years by David Graeber; Owls of the Eastern Ice by Jonathan C. Slaght; An Odyssey: A Father, A Son, and an Epic by Daniel Mendelsohn Turning Darkness Into Light by Marie Brennan Zone by Mathias Énard Ten Thousand Stitches by Olivia Atwater Other Things Mentioned: The Mask of Mirrors by M.A. Carrick Black Wolves by Kate Elliott A Memory Called Empire by Arkady Martine Superstardrifter Blog The Last Sun by K.D. Edwards Find Us Online: Blog Discord Twitter Instagram Support Us: Become a Patron Buy Us a Coffee Music: Intro: "The Legend of Iya" courtesy of https://philter.no Outro: "A Quest Unfolds" courtesy of https://philter.no This episode of The Fantasy Inn podcast was recorded in the unceded territory of the S'atsoyaha (Yuchi) and ᏣᎳᎫᏪᏘᏱ Tsalaguwetiyi (Eastern Cherokee Band) peoples. The blog post accompanying this episode can be found at https://thefantasyinn.com, along with fantasy book reviews, author interviews, and more fantasy content.

Travis interviews actor and podcaster Jordan Cobb about her newest audio fiction show, Primordial Deep from No Such Thing Productions. The show's tagline is "There's no such thing as extinct" and follows a crew as they descend to the depths of the ocean floor to research the sudden reappearance of prehistoric creatures. Jordan and Travis discuss the differences in performing on stage and behind a mic, making the most of creative burnout, and adorable prehistoric monsters. About Jordan Cobb: Jordan is a New York City based actress and writer. She trained at New York University's Tisch School of the Arts, where she studied at the Experimental Theatre Wing, Classical Studio and Stonestreet Studio and minored in creative writing. After graduating, she founded two production companies—Black Lace and Laser Beams, and No Such Thing Productions—which focus on the development of new and innovative audio drama podcasts. Jordan works as head writer and producer for both companies, and she voices the characters in numerous audio fiction shows. You can find Jordan on Twitter, Instagram, or at her website www.jordanvcobb.com. Like Jordan's work? Support her an Ko-Fi or Patreon. Find Us Online: Blog Discord Twitter Instagram Support Us: Become a Patron Buy Us a Coffee Music: Intro: "The Legend of Iya" courtesy of https://philter.no Outro: "A Quest Unfolds" courtesy of https://philter.no This episode of The Fantasy Inn podcast was recorded in the unceded territory of the S'atsoyaha (Yuchi) and ᏣᎳᎫᏪᏘᏱ Tsalaguwetiyi (Eastern Cherokee Band) peoples. The blog post accompanying this episode can be found at https://thefantasyinn.com, along with fantasy book reviews, author interviews, and more fantasy content.

Travis interviews fantasy author Sam Hawke about her latest book, Hollow Empire, out now from Tor Books. This concludes the Poison War duology, which stands out for its mystery elements, political intrigue, and optimism toward humanity. Plus, poison. So much poison. Sam and Travis discuss her contractual obligation to bring her fellow lawyers cake, the difficulty of rewriting an entire book from scratch, and the pure joy that comes with poisoning your friends. About Sam Hawke: Sam Hawke considered several careers (including zookeeper) before choosing law, getting a black belt in jujitsu and starting writing. She grew up and still lives in Canberra, Australia, where she and her husband are currently raising two small ninjas and two idiot dogs. You can find Sam on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, or at her website https://samhawkewrites.com. Find Us Online: Blog Discord Twitter Instagram Support Us: Become a Patron Buy Us a Coffee Music: Intro: "The Legend of Iya" courtesy of https://philter.no Outro: "A Quest Unfolds" courtesy of https://philter.no This episode of The Fantasy Inn podcast was recorded in the unceded territory of the S'atsoyaha (Yuchi) and ᏣᎳᎫᏪᏘᏱ Tsalaguwetiyi (Eastern Cherokee Band) peoples. The blog post accompanying this episode can be found at https://thefantasyinn.com, along with fantasy book reviews, author interviews, and more fantasy content.

Travis interviews podcaster and author Jonathan Sims about his debut novel, Thirteen Storeys from Gollancz. The book follows the tenants of a haunted building who are invited to a dinner party with the billionaire who lives in the penthouse on the top floor. At the end of the party, the host is dead... and none of the guests will say what happened. Jonny and Travis discuss how horror writers evoke fear, how societal fears change over time, and his future career in horror. About Jonathan Sims: Jonathan Sims is a writer, performer and games designer whose work primarily focuses on the macabre, the grotesque, and the gentle touch of creeping dread. He is the mind and the voice behind acclaimed horror podcast The Magnus Archives, as well as story-game design duo MacGuffin & Co., and some of your favourite nightmares. He lives in Walthamstow with the two best cats and an overwhelming backlog of books that he really should get round to. You can find Jonathan on Twitter, YouTube, or at his website jonathan-sims.com/. Find Us Online: Blog Discord Twitter Instagram Support Us: Become a Patron Buy Us a Coffee Music: Intro: "Scary Haunting Cinematic Style Mix Sound Effects" by DudeAwesome on Freesound.org Outro: "A Quest Unfolds" courtesy of https://philter.no The blog post accompanying this episode can be found at https://thefantasyinn.com, along with fantasy book reviews, author interviews, and more fantasy content.

This year has seen an explosion of online science fiction and fantasy conventions. Existing conventions were forced to switch to a virtual format, new conventions were formed, and fringe programming provided content for those of us unable to attend conventions. While most of this was out of necessity (thanks, 2020), these online events will likely stay around for the foreseeable future. Since this is an area that hasn't been around long enough to have widely implemented standards, now is the time to look back and reflect on what went well and what could be improved. Joining us this week are L.D. Lewis (director of FIYAHCON), Allie Charlesworth (co-chair of MultiverseCon), and Adri Joy (CoNZealand Fringe). Useful Things: "A FIYAHCON Retrospective" by L.D. Lewis How Iori Kusano assigned FIYAHCON Fringe panels What Vida Cruz learned from FIYAHCON Fringe ADA screen reader compliance for websites Find L.D. Lewis Online: Elle's Twitter L.D. Lewis Writes (website) FIYAH Literary Magazine FIYAH Twitter FIYAHCON Find Adri Joy Online: Nerds of a Feather Flock Together fanzine Twitter CoNZealand Fringe Find Allie Charlesworth Online: MultiverseCon Multiverse Facebook Group Multiverse Instagram Multiverse Twitter Allie's Twitter Glitchy Pancakes Podcast Find Us Online: Blog Discord Twitter Instagram Support Us: Become a Patron Buy Us a Coffee Music: Intro: "The Legend of Iya" courtesy of https://philter.no Outro: "A Quest Unfolds" courtesy of https://philter.no The blog post accompanying this episode can be found at https://thefantasyinn.com, along with fantasy book reviews, author interviews, and more fantasy content.

Travis interviews author V.E. Schwab about her latest book, The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue from Tor Books. The book follows the story of an immortal woman cursed to be forgotten by everyone she meets as she attempts to leave her mark on the world. Victoria and Travis discuss the time she was arrested for hitchhiking in France, the behind the scenes details of the Addie LaRue film, and holding onto defiant joy in the year that is 2020. About V.E. Schwab: VICTORIA “V.E.” SCHWAB is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of more than a dozen books, including the acclaimed Shades of Magic series, Villains series, This Savage Song, and Our Dark Duet. Her work has received critical acclaim, been featured in the New York Times, Entertainment Weekly, Washington Post and more, translated into more than a dozen languages, and has been optioned for television and film. When she's not haunting Paris streets or trudging up English hillsides, she lives in Edinburgh, Scotland and is usually tucked in the corner of a coffee shop, dreaming up monsters. You can find Victoria on Twitter, Instagram, or at her website veschwab.com. Find Us Online: Blog Discord Twitter Instagram Support Us: Become a Patron Buy Us a Coffee Music: Intro: "The Legend of Iya" courtesy of https://philter.no Outro: "A Quest Unfolds" courtesy of https://philter.no The blog post accompanying this episode can be found at https://thefantasyinn.com, along with fantasy book reviews, author interviews, and more fantasy content.

Travis interviews fantasy author Anna Stephens about The Stone Knife, the first book in The Songs of the Drowned trilogy from Harper Voyager. It's set in a Central American inspired jungle world where a magical empire is attempting to conquer its neighboring tribes, who happen to be a bit busy fighting the reptilian siren monsters lurking in the water. Anna and Travis discuss dealing with imposter syndrome, historical Italian longsword fighting, and why grimdark fantasy books should never be shelved in the children's section of the book store. About Anna Stephens: Anna is a UK-based author of gritty epic fantasy. Her debut novel, Godblind, was published through Harper Voyager in June 2017, with the sequels coming in 2018 and 2019. You can sign up to her newsletter here: https://anna-stephens.com/get-in-touch/ Anna has a BA (Hons) in Literature from the Open University and has wanted to be a writer for as long as she can remember. She much prefers the worlds she makes up to the real thing, even if most of her characters meet sticky ends. Anna lives with her husband, a huge book, music and movie collection, and no pets. She intends to remedy this lack of furry friends as soon as fame and fortune strike. You can help her realise her twin dreams of being an author and a proud dog-walker by buying her book. Thanks. Find Anna Stephens on Twitter, Instagram, or at her website anna-stephens.com/. Check out her Patreon at patreon.com/annastephenswordseeker. Find Us Online: Blog Discord Twitter Instagram Support Us: Become a Patron Buy Us a Coffee Music: Intro: "The Legend of Iya" courtesy of https://philter.no Outro: "A Quest Unfolds" courtesy of https://philter.no The blog post accompanying this episode can be found at https://thefantasyinn.com, along with fantasy book reviews, author interviews, and more fantasy content.

Travis interviews author and sound designer Essa Hansen about Nophek Gloss, her debut space opera from Orbit Books. It has a bit of everything: an epic quest for revenge, a vast multiverse full of alien creatures, and a wholesome crew that becomes a found family. Essa and Travis discuss sound designing the Marvel Cinematic Universe, how to write found families, and the process of creating a bubble multiverse that bends the laws of physics. About Essa Hansen: Essa Hansen grew up in beautifully wild areas of California, from the coastal foothills to the Sierra Nevada mountains around Yosemite, before migrating north to the Canadian Rocky Mountains. She has ranched bison and sheep, trained horses, practiced Japanese swordsmanship, and is a licensed falconer. She attended the Vancouver Film School and works as a sound designer for SF and fantasy feature films (IMDB). Essa lives with her British Shorthair cat Soki in the San Francisco Bay Area. You can find Essa Hansen on Twitter, Tumblr, and Instagram, or at her website essahansen.com. Find Us Online: Blog Discord Twitter Instagram Support Us: Become a Patron Buy Us a Coffee Music: Intro: "The Legend of Iya" courtesy of https://philter.no Outro: "A Quest Unfolds" courtesy of https://philter.no The blog post accompanying this episode can be found at https://thefantasyinn.com, along with fantasy book reviews, author interviews, and more fantasy content.

Travis interviews author Christopher Paolini about To Sleep in a Sea of Stars, the first Fractalverse novel from Tor Books. Paolini's debut science fiction novel is a massive standalone space opera following a xenobiologist. It has first contact gone wrong, meticulously researched faster than light travel, and an epic adventure across the universe. Christopher and Travis discuss the secret Eldest film that almost was, what readers can expect for the future of the Fractalverse, and perhaps most importantly: the timeless art of the terrible pun. Things Mentioned: Sea of Stars by Jennifer Hale Talita Paolini's Paolini Method books About Christopher Paolini: Christopher Paolini is the author of the international bestsellers Eragon, Eldest, Brisingr, and Inheritance, as well as The Fork, the Witch, and the Worm. His debut science fiction novel, To Sleep in a Sea of Stars, is now available. He resides in Paradise Valley, Montana, USA. You can find Christopher Paolini on Twitter as Paolini, Instagram as Christopher_Paolini, or at his website paolini.net. Find Us Online: Blog Discord Twitter Instagram Support Us: Become a Patron Buy Us a Coffee Music: Intro: "The Legend of Iya" courtesy of https://philter.no Outro: "A Quest Unfolds" courtesy of https://philter.no The blog post accompanying this episode can be found at https://thefantasyinn.com, along with fantasy book reviews, author interviews, and more fantasy content.

It's all in the title really: what makes a great character? This week, the Fantasy Inn tries to work out their feelings on the topic. Things Mentioned: The Magnus Archives by Rusty Quill The Tyrant Baru Cormorant by Seth Dickinson Hollow Knight by Team Cherry Hades by Supergiant Games Assassin's Apprentice by Robin Hobb The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater Discworld by Terry Pratchett BoJack Horseman The Cruel Prince by Holly Black Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo The House in the Cerulean Sea by T.J. Klune Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo Captain Marvel Nevernight by Jay Kristoff The Rage of Dragons by Evan Winter Gardens of the Moon by Steven Erikson Circe by Madeline Miller The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet by Becky Chambers Children of Ash and Elm: A History of the Vikings by Neil Price Jade City by Fonda Lee The City of Brass by S.A. Chakraborty The Diviners by Libba Bray The Wolf of Oren-yaro by K.S. Villoso Age of Assassins by RJ Barker The Bone Ships by RJ Barker The Last Sun by K.D. Edwards Escape from Baghdad! by Saad Z. Hossain The Gurkha and the Lord of Tuesday by Saad Z. Hossain The Lord of Stariel by A.J. Lancaster Find Us Online: Blog Discord Twitter Instagram Support Us: Become a Patron Buy Us a Coffee Music: Intro: "The Legend of Iya" courtesy of https://philter.no Outro: "A Quest Unfolds" courtesy of https://philter.no The blog post accompanying this episode can be found at https://thefantasyinn.com, along with fantasy book reviews, author interviews, and more fantasy content.

Travis interviews author R.F. Kuang about The Burning God, the final novel in The Poppy War trilogy from Harper Voyager. The series reimagines the Second Sino-Japanese War set in a fantasy analogue of the Song Dynasty following a protagonist who parallels Mao Zedong's rise to power. Rebecca and Travis discuss her conflicted emotions at saying goodbye to the Poppy War series, revisit her powerful acceptance speech after winning the Astounding award for best new writer, and question the role of fantasy in a world whose problems may demand a more direct response. About R.F. Kuang: Rebecca F. Kuang is a Marshall Scholar, Chinese-English translator, and the Astounding Award-winning and Nebula, Locus, and World Fantasy Award nominated author of the Poppy War trilogy. Her work has won the Crawford Award and the Compton Crook Award for Best First Novel. She has an MPhil in Chinese Studies from Cambridge and an MSc in Contemporary Chinese Studies from Oxford; she is now pursuing a PhD in East Asian Languages and Literatures at Yale. You can find R.F. Kuang on Twitter and Instagram as @kuangrf, or at her website rfkuang.com. Find Us Online: Blog Discord Twitter Instagram Support Us: Become a Patron Buy Us a Coffee Music: Intro: "The Legend of Iya" courtesy of https://philter.no Outro: "A Quest Unfolds" courtesy of https://philter.no The blog post accompanying this episode can be found at https://thefantasyinn.com, along with fantasy book reviews, author interviews, and more fantasy content.