The Fantasy Writers' Toolshed - Fantasy Writing Craft Advice & Author Interviews

What makes the fae such enduring figures in fantasy? How do you write in the present tense without it feeling awkward? And can a fantasy story work in a confined setting instead of a vast world?In this episode, I’m joined by author Rym Kechacha to talk about her new novel The Apple and the Pearl. We dive into the strange allure of the fae in fantasy fiction, explore the craft of writing in the present tense, and discuss how powerful stories can unfold in smaller, more contained settings.Rym shares insights into her writing process, including the idea of “vibe writing” — letting the tone and atmosphere of a story guide you as you discover the narrative. We also talk about taking inspiration from artwork and paintings, and how visual sources can shape characters, mood and worldbuilding.One of the most interesting aspects of The Apple and the Pearl is its setting. Rather than a sprawling epic landscape, much of the story unfolds within the confined environment of a train. We discuss how limitations like this can actually strengthen tension, character development and narrative focus.If you’re a fantasy writer or reader, this conversation offers a fascinating look at craft, inspiration and the creative decisions behind a unique fantasy novel.In this episode, you’ll learn:How writing in the present tense can make a story feel immediate and active Why the fae remain one of the most compelling forces in fantasy fiction How to create characters readers genuinely care about The idea behind “vibe writing” and discovering your story as you write How artwork and paintings can inspire story ideas and atmosphere Why confined settings can create powerful fantasy storiesAbout The Apple and the Pearl The Apple and the Pearl blends myth, atmosphere and character-driven storytelling, drawing on fae folklore and rich visual inspiration to create a unique fantasy experience.Whether you’re interested in folklore-inspired fantasy, writing craft, or the creative process behind a novel, this episode offers plenty of insight.Subscribe to the podcast for more conversations with fantasy authors, writing advice and behind-the-scenes discussions about storytelling.Get it here > https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/800526/the-apple-and-the-pearl-by-rym-kechacha/About Rym KechachaRym Kechacha is a fantasy author and teacher whose work blends folklore, art, and literary fantasy. She is the author of Dark River, To Catch a Moon, and the new novel The Apple and the Pearl. Her debut novel Dark River was shortlisted for the British Fantasy Awards for both Best Novel and Best Newcomer.Website https://rymkechacha.squarespace.comX / Twitter https://x.com/rymkechachaInstagram https://www.instagram.com/rymkechacha/

Joanna Penn, bestselling author and entrepreneur who teaches authors how to build sustainable writing businesses. She explains simplifying business basics, choosing what to outsource, targeting readers differently for fiction and nonfiction, building backlist and series value, selling direct with special editions, using email and ads wisely, and practical AI tools for marketing and production.

Discover why email marketing remains the strongest tool for writers as it evolves toward 2026. Explore the psychological edge of emails over social media and learn strategies to boost open and click rates. Hear about the importance of clear goals and building genuine reader relationships. Delve into engaging content creation, from interactive emails to community-driven approaches. Plus, get insight into future trends and how to leverage AI for enhanced personalization. It's all about future-proofing your writing career!

Learn the fantasy writing process from RJ Barker, including character creation, worldbuilding, and how to overcome common writing challenges.What can writers learn from one of the most distinctive voices in modern fantasy?In this episode, I’m joined by RJ Barker, author of the Wounded Kingdom and Tide Child trilogies, to explore his approach to storytelling and the fantasy writing process.We dive into both craft and mindset, including:RJ's new book: Mortedant's Peril, book #1 in The Trials of Irody Hasp seriesRJ Barker’s fantasy writing process from idea to finished novelHow to create deep, memorable charactersBuilding unique and immersive fantasy worldsOvercoming psychological challenges in writingDeveloping your voice and honing your craftPractical advice for writers looking to improveThis is an in-depth, honest conversation packed with insights from a top-tier fantasy author.If you want to strengthen your storytelling and better understand the fantasy writing process, this episode offers clear, actionable guidance you can apply straight away.ABOUT RJ BARKERWebsite: ⁠https://www.rjbarker.com/BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/rjbarker.bsky.socialBooks: https://store.orbit-books.co.uk/collections/author-rj-barkerJOIN OUR WRITING COMMUNITYhttps://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed⁠LEARN MORE ABOUT FANTASY WRITINGTo join our writing community, access exclusive interviews, discussions, fantasy writing classes, books and more, head over to our ⁠Patreon⁠ page - ⁠https://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed⁠

Are you repeating the same writing mistakes without realising it? In this episode, writing coach and author Suzy Vadori reveals the biggest errors she sees in authors, and how to avoid them.Join Richie Billing and Suzy Vadori as they explore Suzy’s journey from businesswoman to bestselling YA fantasy author and coach. We dive into her unique approach to character creation, immersive world-building, and the crucial missteps that hold writers back.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why so many authors struggle with character arcs and how to fix them.Practical world-building strategies that bring your setting to life without slowing the story.The top three mistakes authors make when switching from business mindset to creative craft.How Suzy’s coaching practice and author experience provide clarity, structure and growth.How to build your author brand and writing career from the ground up.Whether you’re working on your first novel or deep into your series, you’ll walk away with actionable advice.✍️ More from Suzy Vadori:Website: https://suzyvadori.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/suzyvadori/?hl=enFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/suzyvadoriauthor/✍️ Join our community & writing tools:Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshedWebsite and writing classes: https://richiebilling.com/

Learn how to write a successful book series, build a strong author brand, and launch books effectively with insights from bestselling authors.What separates authors who build loyal readerships from those who struggle to gain traction? The answer often lies in series writing, branding, and smart book marketing.In this episode, I’m joined by bestselling authors Jami Albright and Sara Rosett to break down the strategies behind their success—and what every writer can learn from romance and cozy mystery.We explore both craft and career-building, including:How to write a book series that keeps readers coming backStructuring character arcs and emotional payoffs across multiple booksWhat romance and cozy mystery teach us about reader expectationsBuilding consistency in worldbuilding and continuityHow to plan and execute a successful book launchCreating an author brand that readers recognise and trustBook marketing strategies that actually drive salesProductivity and mindset tips for long-term writing successThis episode goes beyond genre to deliver practical, proven strategies you can apply to your own writing—whether you’re working on a fantasy epic or your first novel.If you want to build a loyal audience, sell more books, and create a sustainable writing career, this episode shows you how to do it.ABOUT JAMI ALBRIGHThttps://wishidknownforwriters.com/https://www.jamialbright.com/ABOUT SARA ROSETThttps://www.sararosett.com/JOIN OUR WRITING COMMUNITYhttps://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed⁠LEARN MORE ABOUT FANTASY WRITINGTo join our writing community, access exclusive interviews, discussions, fantasy writing classes, books and more, head over to our ⁠Patreon⁠ page - ⁠https://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed⁠

I'm delighted to be joined by bestselling fantasy authors Lucy Holland and Dan Coxon for an all-encompassing discussion on writing fantasy. Dan has curated and co-edited a brilliant new craft book called Writing The Magic, published by Dead Ink, and Lucy has contributed an excellent chapter on Ursula Le Guin's magic system in Earthsea.We delve into worldbuilding, creating magic systems, explore Ursula Le Guin's Earthsea series and Michael Moorcock's stories, and discuss why we all love the genre so much.You're bound to learn something new!FANTASY WRITING BOOKS, CLASSES AND TOOLS⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed ⁠⁠JOIN OUR DISCORD COMMUNITY⁠⁠⁠⁠https://mailchi.mp/395aa89d6ec0/join-richie-billings-community-of-writers⁠⁠ ⁠⁠BUY WRITING THE MAGIChttps://deadinkbooks.com/product/writing-the-magic/ABOUT DAN COXONhttps://www.dancoxon.com/⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/dan.coxon.author/ABOUT LUCY HOLLANDhttps://lucyhounsom.co.uk/https://www.instagram.com/silvanhistorian/GET IN TOUCHthefantasywriterstoolshed@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.richiebilling.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ RESOURCESDiscover more ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠writing tips⁠ and guides⁠⁠⁠⁠ hereAnd learn more about⁠⁠ writing fantasy⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ here

In this episode, I'm delighted to be joined by Professor Charles Li, author of the brilliant new historical fiction novel, Lord Guan. We chat all about Professor Li's expertise in languages and linguistics, and I pick his brain for worldbuilding tips and advice to help you craft your own languages for your fantasy stories.We also dive into Chinese history and culture, looking specifically at the life story of Lord Guan and the legend surrounding him, before diving into the writing and researching of the book.And at 90 years old, Professor Li shares lots of brilliant pieces of wisdom we can all benefit and learn from. FANTASY WRITING BOOKS, CLASSES AND TOOLS⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed ⁠⁠JOIN OUR DISCORD COMMUNITY⁠⁠⁠⁠https://mailchi.mp/395aa89d6ec0/join-richie-billings-community-of-writers⁠⁠ ⁠⁠ABOUT PROFESSOR CHARLES LIhttps://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Lord-Guan/Charles-N-Li/9781682452325https://www.simonandschuster.co.uk/authors/Charles-N-Li/185995596GET IN TOUCHthefantasywriterstoolshed@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.richiebilling.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ RESOURCESDiscover more ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠writing tips⁠ and guides⁠⁠⁠⁠ hereAnd learn more about⁠⁠ writing fantasy⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ here

I'm thrilled to be joined by bestselling fantasy author, Jim C. Hines for an extended interview about his two new books, Kitemaster and the relaunch of the beloved classic, Goblin Quest. Jim opens up about his writing journey, what it's like to be a writer—even down to the earnings—and shares some of his best advice for writing short stories, crafting lovable characters, and writing stories that you're passionate about.It's fantastic to learn from such a seasoned and decorated pro. I learned an awful lot, and I hope you do too! FANTASY WRITING BOOKS, CLASSES AND TOOLS⁠https://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed ⁠JOIN OUR DISCORD COMMUNITY⁠⁠⁠https://mailchi.mp/395aa89d6ec0/join-richie-billings-community-of-writers⁠ ⁠⁠ABOUT JIM C. HINEShttps://www.jimchines.com/Goblin Quest (direct from author) - https://payhip.com/b/XBK0DKitemaster - https://bookshop.org/p/books/kitemaster/21588658?aid=25009GET IN TOUCHthefantasywriterstoolshed@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠www.richiebilling.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ RESOURCESDiscover more ⁠⁠⁠⁠writing tips⁠ and guides⁠⁠⁠ hereAnd learn more about⁠ writing fantasy⁠⁠⁠⁠ here

In this episode, I’m joined by New York Times Best Selling fantasy author, Kel Kade. Kel’s new book, Sanctum of the Soul, was published by Tor in February 2025 and completes her brilliant new trilogy. As well as discussing the new book, we also dive into the character creation process and how to create fantasy worlds, discussing techniques and methods to ensure we don’t info dump!Kel also shares her favourite and least favourite fantasy tropes, and we discuss some newer and more shocking tropes that writers should think about before including. And Kel also discusses her amazing journey through the world of writing, starting out as a popular indie author with The King's Dark Tidings, before getting snapped up by Tor.FANTASY WRITING BOOKS, CLASSES AND TOOLShttps://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed JOIN OUR DISCORD COMMUNITY⁠⁠https://mailchi.mp/395aa89d6ec0/join-richie-billings-community-of-writers ⁠⁠ABOUT KEL CADEhttps://torpublishinggroup.com/sanctum-of-the-soul/?isbn=9781250293893&format=hardback https://kelkade.com/books/ ⁠⁠https://www.goodreads.com/series/172856-king-s-dark-tidings GET IN TOUCHthefantasywriterstoolshed@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠www.richiebilling.com⁠⁠⁠ RESOURCESDiscover more ⁠⁠⁠writing tips⁠ and guides⁠⁠ hereAnd learn more about ⁠⁠⁠writing fantasy⁠⁠⁠ here