Podcasts about fantasy author

#180 - Have you ever wondered what happens when a deep love for Ireland, masterful storytelling, and biblical foundations merge? That's exactly what unfolds in this captivating conversation with John Leonard, the creative mind behind the Wayfinder series – a fantasy adventure saga that bridges ancient myths with biblical narratives.Growing up in rural Colorado as the eldest of four siblings, John shares how his close relationship with his brother shaped his early years through sports and friendly competition. His journey took a fascinating turn in college when he discovered rugby, serving as team captain for four years at Colorado Mesa University. This passion later connected him deeply to Irish culture when he seized an opportunity to study abroad in Belfast.John's eight-mile walk from Dublin to the Neolithic site of Newgrange became a transformative experience, allowing him to absorb Ireland's countryside in a way impossible from behind a car window. "Walking that road was just something else," he recalls, describing how the sideways rain, winding paths, and ancient hamlets with thatched roofs transported him through time. His vivid descriptions of Irish pub culture – where storytellers gather, musicians spontaneously form bands, and strangers share life stories over shared drinks – reveal how deeply Ireland's storytelling tradition influenced his own writing.The heart of our conversation explores John's Wayfinder series, particularly his first book "Dawn of Destiny." This unique fantasy saga fills the narrative gap between the Tower of Babel and Abraham's story in Genesis, weaving together Mesopotamian, Akkadian, Egyptian, and other Bronze Age cultural myths into a cohesive narrative that respects biblical accounts. Using the rabbinical teaching method of Pardes, John creates stories with multiple levels of meaning – from surface-level adventure to deeper theological symbolism.Whether you're fascinated by ancient mythology, interested in creative approaches to biblical narratives, or simply love a good conversation about the writing journey, John's story will inspire you to see adventure as more than just reaching a destination. As he beautifully puts it: "The adventure is the journey in between...the relationships, the foundational aspects that form who you are along that journey." Subscribe now and join us for more inspiring conversations about overcoming life's challenges through adventure!To learn more about John give him a follow on Instagram @thewayfinderseries and get a copy of his book on Amazon.Want to be a guest on Journey with Jake? Send me a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/journeywithjake Visit LandPirate.com to get your gear that has you, the adventurer, in mind. Use the code "Journey with Jake" to get an additional 15% off at check out. Visit geneticinsights.co and use the code "DISCOVER25" to enjoy a sweet 25% off your first purchase.

I had the joy of meeting Heather Ashle in person at a Family Night hosted by Children's Hospital of Michigan a couple months ago. Her energy lit up the room as she spoke—honestly, nervously, and beautifully, about what it means to live with cystic fibrosis (CF). It was her first time speaking at a CF event, and you could feel how much it meant to her.Heather grew up finding refuge in fantasy, books filled with dragons, magic, and faraway worlds. While CF demanded hours of treatment each day, her imagination offered something far more powerful: freedom. “Fantasy wasn't just fun—it was survival. In worlds of dragons and magic, I could breathe easier.” — Heather AshleNow, with two English degrees from Oakland University, Heather continues crafting those very stories. She writes with the hope of giving others what fantasy once gave her: wonder, empathy, and a temporary escape from the weight of reality.You can find Heather wherever imagination thrives—on the page, on stage, at Ren Fests, or in magical corners of our community like Witches' Bazaars. She is pure magic.Fantasy Author of the Realm Riders Series www.heatherashle.comFor links to Heathers author social media and where her books are available: www.heatherashle.com/linktree Publishing via HB Ink, LLC www.hbinkllc.com  And https://www.facebook.com/HBInkLLC/Also: https://www.instagram.com/hbinkpublisher/ Please like, subscribe, and comment on our podcasts!Please consider making a donation: https://thebonnellfoundation.org/donate/The Bonnell Foundation website:https://thebonnellfoundation.orgEmail us at: thebonnellfoundation@gmail.com Watch our podcasts on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@laurabonnell1136/featuredThanks to our sponsors:Vertex: https://www.vrtx.comViatris: https://www.viatris.com/en

9/8/25: Farmer's Almanac editor Carol Connare on winter weather predictions. Megan Zinn w/ local sci-fi & fantasy author Elizabeth Bear on "The Folded Sky" & "Angel Maker." Holyoke Mayor Josh Garcia: storm damage, opioid settlement funds, & the 9/16 Preliminary. Prof Amilcar Shabazz & Tom Weiner: the threat to Black Studies in US, & Dr. Johnnetta Cole's talk on what to do about it.

When life feels overwhelming, we often reach for stories that make the world feel lighter, warmer, and a little more magical. That's exactly what bestselling author Ciara Blume offers her readers and why she's become one of the most talked-about voices in cozy fantasy today.Her Natural Magic Series didn't just land well with readers, it exploded. In less than six months, her debut racked up over 2 million page reads and more than 1,000 glowing reviews, quickly climbing Amazon bestseller charts in multiple categories. That's the kind of success many authors dream of… but Ciara did it while starting her author career at midlife.And that's what makes her story so powerful.Midlife Magic: Reinvention & Creativity.While many people see midlife as a point of slowing down, Ciara saw it as the perfect moment to dive in. As her son left for college, she set out to build the author career she'd long imagined. With her background as a copywriter and a Creative Writing degree from Johns Hopkins, she brought a rare mix of storytelling skill and business savvy.But she also brought perspective. Instead of rushing to secure a traditional publishing deal, Ciara chose indie publishing as her first choice, a decision that gave her creative control, flexibility, and the ability to build her author business on her own terms.Why Cozy Fantasy Matters Right Now.Ciara's books are uplifting, humorous, and occasionally magical — the very definition of cozy fantasy. But this isn't just escapism. History shows that whimsical, enchanting fiction often thrives during times of division and stress. Alice in Wonderland and The Narnia Chronicles appeared during turbulent eras, offering readers something restorative.Ciara's stories pick up that mantle. They feature themes of found family, second chances, and women reclaiming their inherent magic at any age. In a world where many of us feel disconnected, her novels remind us of the healing power of wonder.Watch Our Interview with Ciara Blume.This Friday on The Writing Community Chat Show, we'll sit down with Ciara to talk about:* Why cozy fantasy is more radical than it looks.* How fiction can serve as self-care and reduce stress.* The challenges and triumphs of building a book business at midlife.* Why natural magic resonates so deeply with modern readers.Whether you're an aspiring writer, a lover of fantasy, or someone who just needs a little spark of enchantment, this is a conversation you won't want to miss.

Are you a fan of Magic: The Gathering, Dungeons & Dragons, or epic fantasy worlds? In this Lit Chat, local author Michael Regina interviews celebrated fantasy author Django Wexler, the featured guest at this year's Jax Pop Con. Django shares insights into his writing process, his love for tabletop games, and the inspiration behind his latest novel, "How To Become the Dark Lord and Die Trying." Check out Django's books from the library: https://jaxpl.na4.iiivega.com/search?query=django%20wexler&searchType=agent&pageSize=10 Learn more about Django Wexler on his website: djangowexler.com Learn more about Michael Regina on his website: michaeleregina.com --- Never miss an event! Sign up for email newsletters at https://bit.ly/JaxLibraryUpdates  Jacksonville Public LibraryWebsite: https://jaxpubliclibrary.org/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/jaxlibrary Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JaxLibrary/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaxlibrary/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/jaxpubliclibraryfl Contact Us: jplpromotions@coj.net 

A 'romantasy' author is seemingly getting 'cancelled' because her new book was based on her Harry Potter fanfic. And Harry Potter is problematic now because of JK Rowling's tweets. So even third hand problematic is problematic? Julie Soto is no longer attending Romance Con because of online outrage.Watch this podcast episode on YouTube and all major podcast hosts including Spotify.CLOWNFISH TV is an independent, opinionated news and commentary podcast that covers Entertainment and Tech from a consumer's point of view. We talk about Gaming, Comics, Anime, TV, Movies, Animation and more. Hosted by Kneon and Geeky Sparkles.D/REZZED News covers Pixels, Pop Culture, and the Paranormal! We're an independent, opinionated entertainment news blog covering Video Games, Tech, Comics, Movies, Anime, High Strangeness, and more. As part of Clownfish TV, we strive to be balanced, based, and apolitical. Get more news, views and reviews on Clownfish TV News - https://news.clownfishtv.com/On YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/ClownfishTVOn Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/4Tu83D1NcCmh7K1zHIedvgOn Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/clownfish-tv-audio-edition/id1726838629

A 'romantasy' author is seemingly getting 'cancelled' because her new book was based on her Harry Potter fanfic. And Harry Potter is problematic now because of JK Rowling's tweets. So even third hand problematic is problematic? Julie Soto is no longer attending Romance Con because of online outrage. Watch this podcast episode on YouTube and all major podcast hosts including Spotify. CLOWNFISH TV is an independent, opinionated news and commentary podcast that covers Entertainment and Tech from a consumer's point of view. We talk about Gaming, Comics, Anime, TV, Movies, Animation and more. Hosted by Kneon and Geeky Sparkles. D/REZZED News covers Pixels, Pop Culture, and the Paranormal! We're an independent, opinionated entertainment news blog covering Video Games, Tech, Comics, Movies, Anime, High Strangeness, and more. As part of Clownfish TV, we strive to be balanced, based, and apolitical. Get more news, views and reviews on Clownfish TV News - https://news.clownfishtv.com/ On YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/ClownfishTV On Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/4Tu83D1NcCmh7K1zHIedvg On Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/clownfish-tv-audio-edition/id1726838629

Grab my free Worldbuilding Simplified guide. Fantasy author A.M. Deese (aka Alexis Marrero Deese) joins me to talk about her immersive Dance of the Elements series, how she builds layered magical worlds, and what it really looks like to write through fear, doubt, and procrastination.We dive into the challenges of writing a dynamic fantasy series, how to track all your world details without losing your mind, and why your first draft is supposed to be messy. Whether you write fantasy or not, this episode is packed with truth, tools, and encouragement to help you keep going.✨ You'll hear about:Crafting a multi-POV fantasy series with political intrigue and elemental magicHow to approach worldbuilding without getting stuck in the weedsThe power of a “what if” and the value of trusting your processTools Alexis uses to stay organized (hello, series bible + style sheet!)Her new adult fantasy romance project under the pen name Lexi LopezTimestamps: 00:00 – Embrace your shitty first draft 00:32 – Welcome to the Write It Scared podcast 01:30 – Meet fantasy author A.M. Deese (Alexis Marrero Deese) 02:23 – Why worldbuilding matters for all writers 03:17 – Alexis's journey to publication + #PitMad success 07:52 – Inside the Dance of the Elements series 14:23 – Building complex worlds + magic systems 20:00 – Series Bibles, style sheets, and staying consistent 27:06 – Pushing past fear, self-doubt, and rejection 31:15 – Spicy fantasy romance + writing as Lexi LopezTo connect with Alexis and find her books please visitWebsite: www.amdeese.comInstagram/Facebook: @authoramdeeseTikTok @authoramdeese Have a comment or idea about the show? Send me a direct text! Love to hear from you.Support the show To become a supporter of the show, click here!To get in touch with Stacy: Email: Stacy@writeitscared.co https://www.writeitscared.co/wis https://www.instagram.com/writeitscared/ Take advantage of these Free Resources From Write It Scared: Download Your Free Novel Planning and Drafting Quick Start Guide Download Your Free Guide to Remove Creative Blocks and Work Through Fears

Fantasy author Rhiannon Rollness takes us on a journey through the creation of her dark fantasy novel "Black and Blue Widow" - a story about a female serial killer who targets the worst men in her society on their wedding night. Drawing inspiration from the TV show Dexter but set in a richly detailed world inspired by ancient Rome, Rhiannon crafts a protagonist you can't help but root for.Book blurb:Gild by Raven Kennedy meets a female version of Dexter in this gritty dark romantasy. With gods-blessed magic, vigilante justice, sisterhood, and unexpected romance, Black and Blue Widow will have you rooting for rage, revenge, and somehow, love.She's killed every husband she's ever had. He wants to marry her anyway.Luella Amulius identifies and marries the worst men in the republic. Then she murders them on their wedding night. When the Emperor's brother, Cassius, discovers her next target, he doesn't turn her in. He proposes. As their wedding approaches, Luella must decide: is he her partner or her prey?Rose Octavius needs a husband. Desperate to escape her fathers' plans to sell her to the cruelest brothel in the city and find a way to protect her sister, Rose accepts a proposal. As her nuptials loom, she realizes safety is more relative than she thought, and marriage doesn't guarantee anything.As each woman navigates an empire that would keep them obedient, they must determine whom to trust with their love–and their lives.Black and Blue Widow is a dark romantasy intended for adult audiences (18+). It contains explicit content and darker elements.Author bioRhiannon Rollness is a fantasy author, nurse, wife, and mother. When not balancing all of these, you can find her reading, obsessively listening to the same song on repeat, baking muffins, lounging by her pool, and daydreaming. In her stories, you'll find a mix of fantasy, myth, and science. If you like books that remind us that the human experience is sometimes best explored in magical places, you've come to the right place.LinksConnect with RhiannonEtsy for signed copies About Victoria:Hey there, I'm Victoria! As a writer and developmental editor, I specialize in helping busy writers bring their publishing dreams to life without the overwhelm. Editing doesn't have to feel like pulling teeth—it's the magic that transforms your story from “meh” to masterpiece!Here's how I can help:

Author R E HOLDING, who was born in Iowa and now resides in the Missouri Hills with her husband. She has a passion for storytelling across various media, with a special interest in horror.  The American Sci-Fi / Mystery author Christopher Pike is a strong influence on her work. By day, R E HOLDING is a scientist... but by night, she is a horror-fantasy writer.  Her recent novel “Reaper's Gamble,” features some excellent world-building and a believable magic system that's rooted in crafts and guilds.  So I wanted to talk with her about writing plausible magic and describing realistic worlds. This new interview covers the author's world-building tips, insights into what she describes as ‘world-building sickness', her magic system development, and her editing techniques.

Dive into an inspiring conversation with Saurin Desai, as he shares his journey from engineering to becoming a multifaceted creator—fantasy author, poet, comic writer—and explores how the wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita fuels creative expression. In this episode of Soul Velocity, your host Snehal Singh speaks with Saurin Desai about:

Victoria and fantasy author Erica Rose Eberhart discuss the delicate balance between creating books, promoting them, and maintaining creative energy while avoiding burnout.• Erica shares details about her debut novel "Tarnished" and the upcoming releases in her Elder Tree series• The importance of scheduling intentional breaks and "blackout dates" to prevent creative burnout• How stepping away from social media can actually spark creativity and new book ideas• Embracing the natural evolution of writing skills and letting go of perfectionismAbout the author:Erica Rose Eberhart is a neurodivergent, disabled writer of queer characters, dragons, girls who grow feathers, and boys who become trees. She resides in the Finger Lakes of New York with her partner and child, and has sampled landscape inspiration from her time living near mountain ranges of New York, Pennsylvania and Virginia. Having written stories since she could string a sentence together, she now focuses primarily on young adult and adult fantasy, as well as whimsical personal essays. Her work has been featured in Bella Grace Magazine. TARNISHED is her debut novel.Diminished coming August 2025The king is dead and a queen has taken the throne.While magic is now legal, the repercussions of years of magical genocide and prejudice aren't so easily wiped away. With the threat of war looming, Wimleigh Kingdom must look northward, beyond a dangerous forest to a small, seaside town for aid. If they have any hope of surviving the incoming danger of battle from a land where magic triumphs all, they must convince a powerful, unknown prince to join their side.Ailith and Caitriona return in the second novel of The Elder Tree Trilogy as they seek someone thought lost. Left behind is Greer with her mother, Róisín, to rule the kingdom while threats grow, the city is plunged into darkness, and warnings of death are on the wind.Can Greer guide her kingdom through this storm, will Ailith and Caitriona find help, or will the war consume all?LINKSInstagramBooks2Buy page (for book purchases): Bookshop.orgConnect with EricaAbout Victoria:I'm Victoria! As a writer and developmental editor, I specialize in helping busy writers bring their publishing dreams to life without the overwhelm. Editing doesn't have to feel like pulling teeth—it's the magic that transforms your story from “meh” to masterpiece!Here's how I can help:

This week, David gets snubbed at his sons concert, both of our kids are liars, David brings back "what would you do?," Pride is next month and we've planned nothing, we rank the top 3 things we are dreading about summer, and this week we are joined by YA author S.W. Kent where we discuss getting our kids to read, what his life was like as a DEI executive, giving gay teens the stories they want, and if they sell t-shirts in his size. (They do not).Questions? Comments? Rants? Raves? Send them to GaytriarchsPodcast@gmail.com, or you can DM us anywhere @GaytriarchsPodcast

Welcome to the Kobo ReWriting Life Podcast! Alongside your regularly scheduled Kobo Writing Life podcast episode releases, we will also be featuring some highlights from our backlist. This episode features our conversation with best-selling SFF author Gail Carriger. Gail discusses her writing career, her non-fiction title, The Heroine's Journey, and how she started out as a traditionally-published author before going indie (and finding much success in the indie space)! Bestselling author Gail Carriger joins us on the podcast this week to discuss her writing career and her new non-fiction book, The Heroine's Journey. Gail started out as a traditionally published author, but once she got a taste of indie publishing she absolutely loved it. Her newest book, The Heroine's Journey, takes a look at the storytelling device by the same name and how it appears throughout the literary canon and pop culture. Gail also talks to us about her writing process, the fate of the publishing industry, and what happened when she stopped running ads for three months.  Learn more on Gail's website, check out Gail's Resources for Writers, and grab a copy of The Heroine's Journey!

Journey Through Baelon: Robert A. Walker's Epic Medieval Saga Episode Summary:Join us as we explore the richly woven tapestry of the Baelon universe with author Robert A. Walker. His acclaimed series, The Legends of Baelon, begins with Six Moons, Seven Gods, a tale of political intrigue, mystical prophecies, and complex characters navigating a world on the brink of chaos . The narrative continues with Two Crowns, Three Blades, where alliances are tested, and destinies are forged in the crucible of war .BookBub+8BookTrib+8The Reading Bud+8Goodreads+14The Reading Bud+14Robert A. Walker Writing+14Twimom227+4Robert A. Walker Writing+4BookTrib+4 Robert discusses his inspirations, the challenges of building a believable fantasy world, and the themes that resonate throughout his work, such as the struggle between good and evil, the nuances of power, and the resilience of the human spirit.

Your Favorite Locals tour the world of writing a Sci-Fi Fantasy Novel with published author, Bonivon Dyer. She shares her journey on writing and publishing her new novel "Lest They Have Eyes" and the struggles she faced over the last decade. This project, 13 years in the making, is a testament to Bonivon's creative grit and determination. Join us as we explore her writing process, the challenges she faced, and the inspiration behind her characters and world-building. We'll also discuss the role of AI in her creative journey and the profound themes of vulnerability and strength that permeate her work. Whether you're an aspiring writer or a fan of fantasy, this episode is for the dream chasers of creative pursuit.(00:00 - 00:57) Intro(00:58 - 03:10) Bonivon's Journey to Publishing(03:11 - 09:10) Inspiration Behind the Book(09:11 - 21:41) World-Building and Character Development(21:42 - 39:17) The Role of Critique in Writing(39:18 - 46:46) Handling Feedback and Growth(46:47 - 1:08:59) Balancing Writing and Family Life(1:09:00 - 1:18:46) Creating Character Stories(1:18:47 - 1:34:09) How do you know when your book is done?(1:34:10 - 1:49:32) Incorporating Religion and Spiritual Themes(1:49:33 - 2:13:42) The Use of AI in Writing and Art(2:13:43 - 2:19:19) Final Thoughts and TakeawaysClick here to purchase Lest They Have Eyes! https://www.bonivondyer.com/ Follow Bonivon on Social Media: IG: https://www.instagram.com/bonivondyer/ Tik Tok: http://tiktok.com/@bonivondyer?lang=enDo you have what it takes to be America's Next Top Local? Apply to be on or submit a guest recommendation: https://www.yourfavoritelocals.com/apply-to-be-onWe love what we do and we hope you do too! Have you subscribed to YFL on YouTube?https://www.youtube.com/ @yourfavoritelocals Follow us on Instagram! https://www.instagram.com/your.favoritelocals/We love to hear your feedback! Leave us a review on Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/your-favorite-locals/id1674068473

Fantasy author Sarah Brooks is a writer living in Leeds. She won the Lucy Cavendish Prize in 2019 and a Northern Debut Award from New Writing North in 2021. She works in East Asian Studies at the University of Leeds, where she helps run the Leeds Centre for New Chinese Writing. She is co-editor of Samovar, a bilingual online magazine for translated speculative fiction.The Cautious Traveller's Guide to the Wastelands is her debut novel and has been published by Weidenfeld and Nicolson in the UK and Flatiron Books in the US in June 2024.For fans of Piranesi and The Midnight Library, a stunning historical fantasy novel set on a grand express train, about a group of passengers on a dangerous journey across a magical landscapeIt is said there is a price that every passenger must pay. A price beyond the cost of a ticket.There is only one way to travel across the Wastelands: on the Trans-Siberian Express, a train as famous for its luxury as for its danger. The train is never short of passengers, eager to catch sight of Wastelands creatures more miraculous and terrifying than anything they could imagine. But on the train's last journey, something went horribly wrong, though no one seems to remember what exactly happened. Not even Zhang Weiwei, who has spent her life onboard and thought she knew all of the train's secrets.Now, the train is about to embark again, with a new set of passengers. Among them are Marya Petrovna, a grieving woman with a borrowed name; Henry Grey, a disgraced naturalist looking for redemption; and Elena, a beguiling stowaway with a powerful connection to the Wastelands itself. Weiwei knows she should report Elena, but she can't help but be drawn to her. As the girls begin a forbidden friendship, there are warning signs that the rules of the Wastelands are changing and the train might once again be imperiled. Can the passengers trust each other, as the wildness outside threatens to consume them all?https://www.instagram.com/sarah_l_brooksVOX VOMITUS: Sometimes, it's not what goes right in the writing process, it's what goes horribly wrong.Host Jennifer Anne Gordon, award-winning gothic horror novelist and Co-Host Allison Martine, award-winning contemporary romance and speculative fiction novelist have taken on the top and emerging new authors of the day, including Josh Malerman (BIRDBOX, PEARL), Paul Tremblay (THE PALLBEARERS CLUB, SURVIVOR SONG), May Cobb (MY SUMMER DARLINGS, THE HUNTING WIVES), Amanda Jayatissa (MY SWEET GIRL), Carol Goodman (THE STRANGER BEHIND YOU), Meghan Collins (THE FAMILY PLOT), and dozens more in the last year alone. Pantsers, plotters, and those in between have talked everything from the “vomit draft” to the publishing process, dream-cast movies that are already getting made, and celebrated wins as the author-guests continue to shine all over the globe.www.jenniferannegordon.comwww.afictionalhubbard.comhttps://www.facebook.com/VoxVomituspodcasthttps://twitter.com/VoxVomitus#voxvomitus #voxvomituspodcast #authorswhopodcast #authors #authorlife #authorsoninstagram #authorsinterviewingauthors #livevideopodcast #livepodcast #bookstagram #liveauthorinterview #voxvomituslivevideopodcast #Jennifergordon

“If I could go back in time and tell 22-year-old me not to go into TV, but instead to center on what your heart was, the writing, and the creating stories, and creating characters and people. Do that instead.” — Aspry JonesIn this episode of the How To Write the Future podcast, host Beth Barany talks to sci-fi fantasy author Aspry Jones, about his writing journey from TV and comics to fantasy, including the importance of representing diversity in his characters. Together, they share the challenges of independent publishing, being a fan of science fiction, and the excitement of his debut novel, Protectors of the Light Crown.ABOUT ASPRY JONESBroadcast TV industry veteran Aspry Jones, from Asbury Park, NJ hits the literary scene. Growing up a comic book geek and chronic TV watcher, it was a given for this author to seek a career in television. Having retired from the profession after 25 years, Aspry has returned to his first love, writing, with debut novel, "Protectors Of The Light Crown.”Website: http://aspryjones.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/asprywrites/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aspry.jonesABOUT THE HOW TO WRITE THE FUTURE PODCASTThe How To Write The Future podcast is for science fiction and fantasy writers who want to write positive futures and successfully bring those stories out into the marketplace. Hosted by Beth Barany, science fiction novelist and creativity coach for writers. We cover tips for fiction writers and get curious about the future of humanity.ABOUT BETH BARANYBeth Barany, an award-winning fantasy and science fiction novelist, teaches novelists how to write, edit, and publish their books as a coach, teacher, consultant, and developmental editor.RESOURCESGET HELP WITH YOUR WORLD BUILDING - START HEREFree World Building Workbook for Fiction Writers: https://writersfunzone.com/blog/world-building-resources/Sign up for the 30-minute Story Success Clinic with Beth Barany: https://writersfunzone.com/blog/story-success-clinic/Get support for your fiction writing by a novelist and writing teacher and coach. Schedule an exploratory call here and see if Beth can support you today: https://writersfunzone.com/blog/discovery-call/SHOW PRODUCTION BY Beth BaranySHOW CO-PRODUCTION + NOTES by Kerry-Ann McDadec. 2025 BETH BARANYhttps://bethbarany.com/Questions? Comments? Send us a text!--CONNECTContact Beth: https://writersfunzone.com/blog/podcast/#tve-jump-185b4422580Email: beth@bethbarany.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bethbarany/CREDITSEDITED WITH DESCRIPT: https://get.descript.com/0clwwvlf6e3jMUSIC: Uppbeat.ioDISTRIBUTED BY BUZZSPROUT: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1994465

Welcome to the Kobo ReWriting Life Podcast! Alongside your regularly scheduled Kobo Writing Life podcast episode releases, we will also be featuring some highlights from our backlist. In this episode from September 2021, we spoke to Katee Robert, who is a best-selling author of books inspired by myth, fairytales, and folklore, all about how her inspirations influence their writing process! Best-selling author Katee Robert joins us on the podcast to talk about their writing process and why she's drawn to retellings of myths and fairytales. Katee tells us about the research that goes into her reimagined classics and how they keeps them fresh and original, and she talks to us about how her book going viral on TikTok has changed her marketing approach. To learn more, visit Katee's website and follow Katee on Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok.

Missed it live? Now you can watch or listen anytime!Our latest episode of The Writing Community Chat Show is now available on YouTube and wherever you get your podcasts, and trust us, you don't want to miss this one!We sat down with T.J. (Tim) McKay, author of The Fall of Selvandrea: A Dark Flintlock Fantasy (The Draemeir Chronicle Book 1), editor, and part-time writing professor. We talked about his journey as an indie author, his background in history and theology, and how it all feeds into his writing.What We Covered in the Episode:✅ His journey from pastor to indie author

J.V. Hilliard is the author of the epic fantasy book, the Last Keeper, book one of the Warminster series. If you're a fan of sword & sorcery, Dungeons & Dragons, Tolkien, Game of Thrones or are partial to fantasy-adventure tales with gripping action and heart-pounding adventure, they are sure to love his classical series!Website: www.jvhilliard.comTwitter: @jvhilliardbooksInsta: @JVHilliardbooksFB: J. V. HilliardTikTok: @JVHilliardbooksGoodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/jvhilliardcomCatch new episodes of the CayVin Universe every week on YouTube and all audio apps! |The Squanchy Show & Bonus contenthttps://www.patreon.com/cayvin |Merch (CayVin.com)https://cayvinuniverse.square.site/

In this episode, we spoke to best-selling author of fantasy, fantasy romance, sweet romance novels, and women's fiction novels, Bridget E. Baker (who also writes under B.E. Baker)! Bridget is passionate about writing romance and about self-publishing, and she loves to support other indie authors by offering advice and transparency about the industry. Many of Bridget's book series are best-sellers, and we get to hear about her writing and marketing process behind these popular titles. One of her most recent, The Russian Witch's Curse, is a romantic fantasy series featuring horse shifters. The latest installment, My Trojan Horse Majesty, is available now. We loved hearing all about Bridget's books, her career, her endless optimism, and, of course, all the openness she brings to her discussions about indie publishing! We know you will, too. Learn more on Bridget's website, follow Bridget on Facebook and Instagram, and be sure to sign up for Bridget's newsletter. You can also find all of Bridget's books on Kobo, as well as her books written as B.E. Baker.

Three more supernatural tales are yours in Volume 6 of The Max Porter Paranormal Mysteries. Max and the gang return as the groundwork is laid for the beginnings of a witch war. And that's only the start of the earth-shattering changes heading Max's way. You won't want to miss it, and you don't have to! Dig in and enjoy the next three thrilling novels all in one volume.

www.spiritandspire.com

Send us a textAuthor and Ghostwriter, Ruby Peru sits down to discuss the magic of her fantasy novel, hearing it come to life as an audiobook, creativity in her everyday life, and more.Bio from website:Ruby Peru is a sloppy workaholic and independent operator with weird sleep habits and limited knowledge of pop culture. She drives a beat up pickup truck, and some opine she's a little bit of a badass.Studying under Kurt Vonnegut in the eighties and David Foster Wallace in the nineties, made her want to never be a writer – instead be a person who surfs, climbs, and looks cool on a motorcycle. She isn't and doesn't. Instead, Ruby is ready when you are to write ever more meaningful things to ponder between the covers of a book. The first novel in her own name (Bits of String too Small to Save) is available wherever you buy books. Her most recent co-release is Business Cards and Shoe Leather, with Larry Vaughn. Ruby Peru has ghostwritten and co-written many memoirs for clients.https://rubyperu.com/ Visit the Self-Care Institute at https://www.selfcareinstitute.com/ Support the showVisit www.creativepeacemeal.com to leave a review, fan voicemail, and more!Insta @creative_peacemeal_podcastFB @creativepeacemealpodBonfire https://www.bonfire.com/store/creative-peacemeal/Redbubble CPPodcast.redbubble.comCreative Peacemeal READING list here Donate to AhHa!Broadway here! Donate to New Normal Rep here! Interested in the Self-Care Institute with Dr. Ami Kunimura? Click here Interested in Corrie Legge's content planner? Click here to order!

Happy Monday, Fabulous Listener! I'm so excited you are joining me today for our last episode of the 2024 season. It has been a genuine pleasure bringing you fabulous authors with incredible books all year long. This year we reach our 200th episode and I'm blown away by all your support. Thank you so much, my dear listeners. Would like to also give a huge Thank You to all our guests. This year, they range from famous musicians, comedians, debut authors to award-winners, all sharing their passions with us. I'm so honor and humble for everyone who joined me on this incredible journey. Our next season will kick off in April 2025, and I can't wait for you to enjoy all the incredible authors I have line-up. For our last episode, I'll be doing something a little special, my friend. I'm going to be reading from Chapter 1 of my recent novel, Cursed by Fur. This is an action-packed urban fantasy retelling of Little Red Riding Hood. Hope you enjoy it! Once again, thank you for joining me this evening. If you would like to stay in touch and make sure to never miss an episode, check out my website at www.dcgomez-author.com and sign-up for my Newsletter (and get a free short story). In the meantime, stay fabulous my friend and looking forward connecting again in April. Happy Listening, DC

Happy Monday, Fabulous Listener! Hope you are all doing amazing on this fabulous Monday. We are excited you have joined us during the 2024 season. We are getting ready to wrap up and are so grateful for your support. This evening, we have an amazing guest, the fabulous Mr. Jeff Giles, sharing his latest book, Langley Powell and the Society for the Defense of the Mundane. An experienced culture writer and editor who's been featured in a long list of publications including Paste Magazine, the Village Voice, American Songwriter, Ultimate Classic Rock, and Rotten Tomatoes, Jeff Giles makes his debut as a novelist with Langley Powell and the Society for the Defense of the Mundane. Although it's his first novel, Langley Powell is Jeff's third book, following Llanview in the Afternoon: An Oral History of One Life to Live, and Uncle John's Beer-Topia: A Heady Brew of Beer Miscellany. He can also be heard regularly as the co-host of the long-running Record Player podcast with Matt Wardlaw. When Jeff isn't working on his next project, he's probably either running off yesterday's calories or playing guitar (badly). Jeff lives in New Hampshire with his wife, two children, and a pair of dogs. For even more of his writing, subscribe to his Jefitoblog newsletter or follow him on Twitter. You can also find him on his site at https://langleypowell.com. Thank you for joining us this evening. Always a pleasure bringing you new books from incredible authors. Make sure to stay for next week's last episodes of the season. Happy Listening, DC

Assaph Mehr is an Australia-based product & people leader as well as a published fantasy author, who also uses his writing chops to produce a newsletter, "Rise of the Product Leader". His hot take? That LLMs and other generative AI tools are the equivalent of an angle grinder. For those who don't know, angle grinders have big, spinning metal discs that make them ideal tools for certain use cases (like cutting up concrete) but are terrible for anything else. Assaph believes that LLMs have a large number of use cases where we should use them, but that there's still an inevitable need for human decision-making and a sense of taste that AI will never have. Find Assaph on LinkedIn or subscribe to his newsletter. If you're interested in fantasy novels, check those out too. If you'd like to appear on Hot Takes, please grab a time!

Happy Monday, Fabulous Listener! Hope you are all doing amazing on this fabulous Monday. It is Thanksgiving week here in the US and everyone is getting ready for the celebration. For our part, we are getting ready to wrap-up our season, and I'm extremely grateful to you, my dear listener and your continuous support. This evening, we have a fabulous guest, the talented Mr. John Bonner Hammond, sharing his debut novel with us, Expedition Into the Rift. John Bonner Hammond is a fantasy/Sci-fi author on the autism spectrum. John started writing at a very young age, and has taken it on as his calling in life. He places a special emphasis on lovable characters, interesting dialogue, and fascinating settings. John and his wife, Audry, live at the base of the beautiful Wasatch Mountains of Utah. To learn more about Mr. John and this fabulous series, check out his website at johnbhammondauthor.com. Thank you for joining us this evening. Always a pleasure bringing you new books from incredible authors. If you are enjoying the podcast and would like to stay in touch, subscribe. You don't want to miss a single episode. Happy Listening, DC

Special guest: Moe Lane! Author page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B08B44QKVN Tales From The Fermi Resolution: Vol. 2: Lights in the Darkness! https://www.amazon.com/Tales-Fermi-Resolution-Lights-Darkness-ebook/dp/B0DCSWX2J4

On today's podcast I chatted with dark fantasy author and tarot reader Julie Embleton about her life and career. Her English schoolteacher Ann Creedon once told her to “write what makes your heart sing” and these were the magic words that turned this voracious reader with a fantastic imagination into a writer. Julie was eventually able to pack up her full time job a few years ago and concentrate on her passions, her writing and her tarot reading. She talks about her 12 books, about the world of self publishing, how she develops the different characters, and she also explains how tarot reading works and how it finds its way into her stories. And finally we talk about who might play one of the main characters when a movie is made based on her books!.   Enjoy the show..  Podcast Production by Greg Canty Greg's blog Greg on Twitter  Greg on LinkedIn Email Greg with feedback or suggested guests: greg@fuzion.i

Alethea (she/ze) writes various forms of SFF, with a particular love for science-fantasy, dark fantasy, dystopias, and folklore. Many of her works take place at the intersection between technology and magic. She enjoys writing stories with subtle political and philosophical messages, but primarily wants her stories to be great tales with characters readers will love. She also has soft spots for found family, hopeless romances, and non-human characters. Her short stories can be found in a variety of publications and links for these are on her website.Alethea lives in Manchester, UK with her husband, little Sprite, a cacophony of stringed instruments, and more tea than she can drink in a lifetime. Bonus content for The Hiding & other works can be found on her website.Make sure to check out this author on Instagram @alethearlyons

Veronica Roth is the author of many fantasy novels, including the Divergent series. Show notes: Veronica Roth (https://veronicarothbooks.com) When Among Crows (https://veronicarothbooks.com/books/when-among-crows/) Veronica Roth's three favorite Scrivener features (https://www.instagram.com/reel/C9U_Dc4JDut/?igsh=MWxveGhudHhubDJuZg==) BBC interview with Ken Follett (https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m001t7k0) Why You Should Print Your Manuscript and Edit It on Paper (https://www.literatureandlatte.com/blog/why-you-should-print-your-manuscript-and-edit-it-on-paper) The Tainted Cup, Robert Jackson Bennet (https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/648051/the-tainted-cup-by-robert-jackson-bennett/) Learn more about Scrivener (https://www.literatureandlatte.com/scrivener/overview), and check out the ebook Take Control of Scrivener (https://www.literatureandlatte.com/store). If you like the podcast, please follow it in Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/write-now-with-scrivener/id1568550068) or your favorite podcast app. Leave a rating or review, and tell your friends. And check out past episodes of Write Now with Scrivener (https://podcast.scrivenerapp.com).

In this episode, we spoke to Vancouver-based author and former ghostwriter, Katrina Kwan! Her romance novel debut, the rom-com Knives, Seasoning, and a Dash of Love is “a spicy romance between the talented and hotheaded chef Alexander Chen and his new hire Eden Monroe. When her bubbly attitude collides with his sharp edges, can they handle the heat between them or will their love be a recipe for disaster?” Katrina is also the author of two fantasy novels, The Last Dragon of the East, available October 7th 2024, and the forthcoming The Legend of the Nine-tailed Fox. We had a wonderful time talking about all things contemporary romance, writing inspirations, her transition from ghostwriting to writing under her own name, all about Knives, Seasoning, and a Dash of Love, what's next for Katrina, and much more! We had a lovely time speaking with Katrina and learning all about her writing career and can't wait to read her upcoming releases. Learn more on Katrina's website and follow Katrina on Instagram.

My guest this episode is Michelle Winkler, who writes dark urban fantasy. Michelle struggles with ADHD, which makes it challenging to focus on long-term goals, but she overcame it after completing NaNoWriMo, the National Novel Writing Month challenge. Now, she's passionate about using her experiences to help other indie authors. Find more author advice, tips, and tools at our Self-publishing Author Advice Center, with a huge archive of 2,000+ blog posts, and a handy search box to find key info on the topic you need. We invite you to join our organization and become a self-publishing ally. Sponsor Inspirational Indie Authors is proudly sponsored by Bookvault. Sell high-quality, print-on-demand books directly to readers worldwide and earn maximum royalties selling directly. Automate fulfillment and create stunning special editions with BookvaultBespoke. Visit Bookvault.app today for an instant quote. About the Host Howard Lovy has been a journalist for more than 35 years and now amplifies the voices of independent author-publishers and works with authors as a developmental editor. Find Howard at howardlovy.com, LinkedIn, and X.

In this episode of Brave New Bookshelf, we sit down with fantasy author Amy Campbell to explore how she leverages AI tools like Midjourney and Dall-E to create stunning visuals for her successful Kickstarter campaigns. From dragons to magical cowboys riding Pegasus, Amy shares her journey in using AI to enhance both her writing and the visual elements of her books. We also dive into the challenges of navigating anti-AI sentiment in the creative community and discuss how authors can ethically integrate these powerful tools into their publishing workflows. Visit our website https://bravenewbookshelf.com to view the full episode notes, links and apps mentioned in the episode, and the full transcript.

Send us a textGet ready for an inspiring journey as we welcome Joe, a best-selling fantasy author and entrepreneur, who swapped a career in defense lobbying for the imaginative world of epic fantasy. From the creation of his Warminster Saga during the COVID-19 pandemic to its unexpected success, Joe opens up about every twist and turn. He shares the nuts and bolts of world-building, the art of crafting a series, and how real-life elements like ghost stories and personal experiences breathe life into his dark fantasy narratives.Ever wondered how to take your storytelling to the next level? Joe breaks it down by exploring the rich intersections of sci-fi, horror, and steampunk within his work. His background in political science adds depth to the governance structures in his fictional realm, making them as intriguing as they are believable. We also explore how his love for Dungeons and Dragons acted as a cheat code for his intricate world-building. If you're curious about diversifying your projects, Joe's insights into transforming novels into graphic novels and multi-platform gaming experiences offer invaluable advice.This episode isn't just about storytelling; it's about revolutionizing your author career. Joe delves into the entrepreneurial side of being an author, from modern marketing techniques to the importance of recognizing personal limits to avoid burnout. Learn from his experience in revitalizing Altered Reality Magazine, making it a hub for speculative fiction and poetry. Whether you're an aspiring author or a seasoned writer, this episode is packed with strategies to help you expand your literary universe and captivate your audience across multiple mediums.Are you an author at a crossroads, feeling stuck & unfulfilled in your author career? Do you know deep down it's time for a change, but you're unsure of the next step?The High Vibe Author is the only transformational membership designed specifically for authors like you—those who are ready to break free from limitations & step into the abundant life they deserve. Click here to learn more.Support the showThank you for tuning into the Author Revolution Podcast! If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform. For more insights and inspiration, visit Author Revolution. Don't forget to follow us on social media for updates and exclusive content: Facebook Twitter Instagram YouTube Go forth and start your author revolution!

Get the The Warminster Series by J.V. Hilliard: https://amzn.to/3Zk4OFFGuest: J.V. Hilliard, AuthorOn Twitter | https://x.com/JVHilliardBooksWebsite | https://jvhilliard.com/_____________________________Host: Marco Ciappelli, Co-Founder at ITSPmagazine [@ITSPmagazine] and Host of Redefining Society Podcast & Audio Signals PodcastOn ITSPmagazine | https://www.itspmagazine.com/itspmagazine-podcast-radio-hosts/marco-ciappelli_____________________________This Episode's SponsorsAre you interested in sponsoring an ITSPmagazine Channel?

It was a pleasure to welcome fantasy author Stephen Aryan to the program to discuss his Mongolian inspired novel the Judas Blossom. How much is based on history versus fantasy and how this expansive empire operated, the war machine it created, and what let to its downfall we dive into. Enjoy --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/blaise-ancona/support

Join us in this captivating episode as Danielle Orsino, the author of Birth of the Fae, shares her extraordinary journey from martial arts and nursing to becoming a bestselling fantasy author. Danielle opens up about her creative process, the challenges she faced in the publishing industry, and how intuition and inspiration shaped her stories. Discover the world of Fae, explore the role of martial arts in her fight scenes, and gain valuable insights for aspiring writers. This episode is a must-listen for fantasy lovers and anyone curious about the writing journey. To check out Danielle's Amazon (affiliate) author page visit: https://amzn.to/4esUrnB Disclaimer: Not advice. Educational purposes only. Not an endorsement for or against. Results not vetted. Views of the guests do not represent those of the host or show. Do your due diligence. Click here to join PodMatch (the "AirBNB" of Podcasting): https://www.joinpodmatch.com/drchrisloomdphd We couldn't do it without the support of our listeners. To help support the show: CashApp- https://cash.app/$drchrisloomdphd Venmo- https://account.venmo.com/u/Chris-Loo-4 Spotify- https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/christopher-loo/support Buy Me a Coffee- https://www.buymeacoffee.com/chrisJx Click here to schedule a 1-on-1 private coaching call: https://www.drchrisloomdphd.com/book-online Click here to purchase my books on Amazon: https://amzn.to/2PaQn4p Follow our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/chL1357 Follow us on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/drchrisloomdphd Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thereal_drchrisloo Follow us on Threads: https://www.threads.net/@thereal_drchrisloo Follow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drchrisloomddphd Follow our Blog: https://www.drchrisloomdphd.com/blog Follow the podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3NkM6US7cjsiAYTBjWGdx6?si=1da9d0a17be14d18 Subscribe to our Substack newsletter: https://substack.com/@drchrisloomdphd1 Subscribe to our Medium newsletter: https://medium.com/@drchrisloomdphd Subscribe to our email newsletter: ⁠https://financial-freedom-for-physicians.ck.page/b4622e816d⁠ Subscribe to our LinkedIn newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=6992935013231071233 Thank you to our advertisers on Spotify. Financial Freedom for Physicians, Copyright 2024 --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/christopher-loo/support

In this episode, we spoke with science fiction, fantasy, and young adult fiction author Nicki Pau Preto! Nicki is a Sunday Times best-selling author of six books across these genres in both the middle grade and young adult fiction categories. Her latest YA fantasy release is Ghostsmith, the sequel to Bonesmith! These two books make up the House of the Dead duology, a “dark young adult fantasy about a disgraced ghost-fighting warrior who must journey into a haunted wasteland to rescue a kidnapped prince.” We spoke to Nicki about her publishing journey, her writing inspirations, writing YA and middle grade titles, the House of the Dead duology, fantasy world-building, developing the history of a fantasy world, and much more! This interview was full of great advice and inspiration for fantasy writers of all genres and age groups – be sure to listen if you're looking for an illuminating look into the mind and writing process of an amazing fantasy author. To learn more, visit Nicki's website and find her on Instagram.

It was a pleasure to be joined by fantasy author R.R. Virdi. Author of The First Binding and soon to be released Doors of Midnight. We discuss his prose, south Asian inspirations, lore, magic, and so much more for fans of the series to look forward too! Enjoy! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/blaise-ancona/support

Shauna Lawless burst onto the fantasy scene in 2022 with her debut The Children of Gods and Fighting Men, the first book of the Gael Song series, which was nominated for Best Fantasy Debut by the British Fantasy Society and went on to win The FanFiAddicts Award for Best Traditional Debut. The sequel, The Words of Kings and Prophets was released in September 2023.  The final book, The Land of the Living and the Dead, will be published in September 2024. Welcome to RPS, Shauna.  If you would like to help us with our running costs, and get exclusive bonus episodes every month, a free copy of our book, Tips on Writing, Publishing and Marketing your Book, and other cool perks, check out our Patreon page. https://www.patreon.com/RockPaperSwordsPodcast Useful links: https://shaunalawless.com/

This week, we are thrilled to chat with Jessica Cage, a prolific author known for her mastery in horror and dark fantasy. Join us as we dive into the macabre world of horror writing with Jessica Cage. Discover what it means to be a horror writer and fan, as Jessica shares her passion for crafting chilling narratives that captivate readers. With an extensive catalog of books featuring POC and female lead characters, Jessica is a trailblazer in the genre, bringing diversity and representation to horror literature. Prepare for an enthralling conversation with an amazing author who is reshaping the horror genre. Tune in to "Another Goddamn Horror Podcast" and immerse yourself in the terrifyingly brilliant mind of Jessica Cage. Keywords: Horror podcast Horror and dark fantasy author Jessica Cage Horror writing Horror literature POC characters in horror Female lead characters in horror Dark fantasy stories Another Goddamn Horror Podcast Experience the thrill and horror with Jessica Cage on this must-listen episode!

N.D. Testa realized at a young age that her true passion is telling stories. An Italian author who lives in the United States, her goal is to give readers an escape from reality with her books. When she doesn't have a pen in her hand, you can find her at the gym. A fashionista and skincare addict, N.D. Testa also enjoys snowboarding, riding horses, and learning new languages. In addition to being an animal lover, she dreams of traveling the world. At night she enjoys being by the fire with a cup of tea in her hands. Make sure to connect with with N. D. Testa on Instagram @theblueeyedwriter You can listen to the podcast on Apple Podcast, Spotify, Google Podcast, or visit my website www.drkatherinehayes.com

Kate Heartfield writes historical fantasy novels, games, and stories. Show notes: Kate Heartfield (https://www.kateheartfield.com) The Embroidered Book (https://www.kateheartfield.com/the-embroidered-book/) The Valkyrie (https://www.kateheartfield.com/the-valkyrie/) John Gardner, Grendel (https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/58201/grendel-by-john-gardner/) Aeon Timeline (https://www.aeontimeline.com) Vajra Chandrasekera, The Saint of Bright Doors (https://vajra.me/books/the-saint-of-bright-doors/) Learn more about Scrivener (https://www.literatureandlatte.com/scrivener/overview), and check out the ebook Take Control of Scrivener (https://www.literatureandlatte.com/store). If you like the podcast, please follow it in Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/write-now-with-scrivener/id1568550068) or your favorite podcast app. Leave a rating or review, and tell your friends. And check out past episodes of Write Now with Scrivener (https://podcast.scrivenerapp.com).

A born-and-raised Jacksonvillian, Bethany Baptiste is a preschool inclusion specialist by day and a young adult SFF novelist by night. If she's not writing an inclusion support plan or a story, she does retail therapy in Florida bookstores and takes scheduled naps with her two chaotic evil dogs. You can visit her website at bethanybaptiste.com Check out all of Bethany's books in our catalog: https://jkpl.ent.sirsi.net/client/en_US/default/search/results?qu=&qu=AUTHOR%3Dbethany+baptiste+&h=1 BETHANY RECOMMENDS BOOKS Here are some dark, unputdownable Black YA reads perfect for fans of thrills, chills, and anything but ordinary:

“The object itself didn't cause the conflict. The person who made the choice with the object caused the conflict.” - Randy EllefsonIn today's episode, we're going to cover something really fun—how to create believable monsters. And I have a special guest joining me today—someone that knows way more about creating monsters than I do. His name is Randy Ellefson, and he is the author of The Art of World Building.  Here's a preview of what's included:[03:48] Randy gives us his definition of a monster, what physical or physiological deformities they may have, and whether they are sentient beings.[16:05] Randy breaks down the three types of monsters: accidental monsters, monsters by design, and monsters by evolution. [28:42] Is it more effective to compel readers to keep reading despite knowing the outcome, or to cultivate curiosity that propels the audience to move forward? [29:15] Randy shares common monster motivations, including a popular one that may lack credibility.[50:47] The idea of exploring diverse topics and genres can expose writers to new ideas and provide fresh perspectives, even for writers not typically inclined towards fantasy, sci-fi, or historical fiction. Links mentioned in this episode:Click here to register for the free Sci-Fi & Fantasy Author's Summit hosted by Paula Judith Johnson and Randy Ellefson! Randy's WebsiteRandy's BooksRandy's Worldbuilding ClassesEp. 111 - Student Spotlight: From Messy First Draft to Publishing His Debut Novel With Edward J. CembalRead this episode's blog post here!Want to write a novel but not sure where to start? Click here to grab a FREE copy of my Story Starter Kit workbook that'll help you get clarity on your characters, setting, theme, plot, and so much more!Support the Show.If you enjoyed this episode of the Fiction Writing Made Easy Podcast, please rate, review, and follow this show! Follow me on Instagram @savannah.gilbo

One of the most frequent requests to writersroutine.com is for fantasy authors. World builders. Authors with the ability to take you on an adventure across times, dimensions and brand new maps.This week's guest, Max Moyer, has figured a way to do that. His new book 'Zodak - The Last Shielder', is the first in a new series, 'Tempest Rising'. There is a prequel novella already out, 'Throne Born', and this properly sets up a new world that's been in Max's head for 30 years. It started as an idea for a board-game and fantasy series with his brother, yet when life got in the way, Max left it untouched for 18 years. Now, alongside his sibling, he's created a brand new world with new lands, strange magic, and unusual creatures.We get right into the detail of world-building - how to get the specifics right, how to create lands, magic, even accents. You can hear whether the plot comes before the world and how organic the world is created. We discuss whether it provides an easy get-out for a character in danger, and why he went back to his idea after 18 years away.Max runs a law-firm and has helped raise a big family, you can hear how he's created time to do this, and what big plans he has for the series.This week's episode is sponsored by 'Who is the Cheese Wire Killer?', a brand new podcast series you can binge now.Support the show at patreon.com/writersroutine@writerspodwritersroutine.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back, friends, to our podcast, Unlocking Your World of Creativity. Today, we're delving into the enchanting realm of epic and dark fantasy novels with a unique blend of tabletop role-playing games and strategy games. Joining us is the talented J. V. Hilliard, the author of the captivating Warminster Saga. Exploring Epic Fantasy Foundations:In our interview with J. V. Hilliard, we uncovered the foundational elements that make a great epic and fantasy novel. Here are the key ingredients discussed:- World Building: Creating a believable and immersive world is crucial. Whether it's Middle Earth, Westeros, or Shannara, building a world grounded in realism with fantastical elements allows readers to escape and believe in the existence of the created realm.Tropes: Themes such as struggle, redemption, forbidden love, and the hero's journey resonate with readers. Incorporating relatable challenges into characters' journeys helps readers connect with the narrative.- *Recognition and Familiarity: Including recognizable elements like the hero's journey, coming-of-age stories, and enemies-to-lovers dynamics provides readers with something to identify with, especially in entirely made-up worlds.Series Structure: Fantasy novels often take the form of series because readers, once invested in a richly built world, want to explore it further. Series allow for a more in-depth exploration of the intricacies of the world and characters.J. V. Hilliard's Warminster SagaWe discussed the inspiration and world-building vision behind J. V. Hilliard's Warminster Saga, a four-part series. Originally envisioned as a standalone book, the success of the first installment led to the decision to expand it into a series. The series, rooted in J. V.'s decades-long experience with Dungeons and Dragons, explores the fantasy world of Warminster.Crafting the StoryJ. V. shared insights into his creative process and how he organizes the myriad elements of his stories. He uses a whiteboard to visualize plot interactions, events, and character developments. His approach blends planning and flexibility, ensuring a detailed and cohesive storyline.From Page to Screen and BeyondExcitingly, J. V. Hilliard has expanded the Warminster Saga into new mediums. He's licensed the intellectual property for an augmented reality video game and a virtual reality version, both set for release in the coming years. Additionally, a graphic novel adaptation is in the works, providing a visual and interactive dimension to the saga.In closing, J. V. Hilliard emphasized the collaborative nature of the writing process, acknowledging the invaluable role of editors, beta readers, and the feedback loop with readers. He encourages aspiring authors to embrace constructive criticism and engage with the writing community.To stay connected with J. V. Hilliard and explore the Warminster Saga, visit his website or find him on various social media platforms.J.V.'s Website J.V. on YouTube @jvhilliardbooks on Instagram J.V.'s Facebook page Copyright 2023 Mark Stinson