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

Award-winning YA author Sarah Arthur returns to the Toolshed to discuss her brilliant new book, Once A Castle.Sarah also shares her experiences following the release of her debut YA novel (Once A Queen), what it was like writing book two, and how theme has played such an important role in the writing of both. We also discuss Artificial Intelligence (AI) creeping into the writing world, and Sarah provides her expert insights into what 2025 holds for the world of Young Adult fantasy fiction. JOIN OUR DISCORD COMMUNITY⁠https://mailchi.mp/395aa89d6ec0/join-richie-billings-community-of-writers⁠ABOUT SARAH ARTHUR⁠⁠https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/authors/2216828/sarah-arthur/ ⁠⁠www.saraharthur.com ⁠ ONCE A CASTLEhttps://www.goodreads.com/book/show/213618161-once-a-castlehttps://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/707441/once-a-castle-by-sarah-arthur/GET IN TOUCHthefantasywriterstoolshed@gmail.com⁠⁠www.richiebilling.com⁠⁠RESOURCESDiscover more ⁠⁠writing tips⁠ and guides⁠ hereAnd learn more about ⁠⁠writing fantasy⁠⁠ here

HB Reneau, a fantasy author and emergency physician, shares her unique perspective on injuries in fantasy literature. She emphasizes the importance of realistic portrayals of wounds and their impact on characters, contrasting them with exaggerated Hollywood depictions. The conversation includes fascinating insights on her new book, The Revenant, and the creative journey behind it. Additionally, HB discusses the dynamics of launching a Kickstarter campaign for exclusive editions, illustrating the blend of her medical expertise and storytelling in her writing.

In this episode, I'm joined by Brianna Summers, literary agent assistant with Holloway Literary. Brianna also works as an editor with Of Metal and Magic Publishing.Brianna shares her wisdom after spending several years working in the literary agency field. She tells us what it's like for agents on a day-to-day basis and the main reasons she rejects submissions.We also take a deep dive into query letters and Brianna shares her ideal structure for what a query letter should contain. If you're thinking about querying literary agents or want to learn more about it, this episode is a must-listen!GET BOOKS AND CLASSES ON WRITING FANTASYhttps://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshedJOIN OUR DISCORD COMMUNITY⁠⁠⁠https://mailchi.mp/395aa89d6ec0/join-richie-billings-community-of-writers⁠⁠⁠ABOUT BRIANNA SUMMERShttps://www.instagram.com/brianna.summers.338/https://hollowayliterary.com/https://ofmetalandmagicpublishing.wordpress.com/GET IN TOUCH⁠⁠⁠https://richiebilling.com/⁠⁠⁠RESOURCESDiscover more ⁠⁠⁠⁠writing tips⁠ and guides⁠⁠⁠ here -⁠⁠⁠⁠https://richiebilling.com/writing-tips/⁠⁠⁠⁠And learn more about ⁠⁠⁠⁠writing fantasy⁠⁠⁠⁠ here -⁠⁠⁠⁠https://richiebilling.com/fantasy-writing/⁠⁠⁠⁠https://richiebilling.com/writing-tips/adjectives-that-start-with-th

Learn how to write, structure, and publish short stories with expert insights from an award-winning writer and editor.Short stories are one of the most powerful ways to sharpen your craft—but writing them well (and getting them published) is a skill in itself.In this episode, I’m joined by Dan Coxon, an award-winning short story writer and editor, to break down exactly how short fiction works from both a writer’s and editor’s perspective.We cover everything you need to know to improve your short stories and increase your chances of publication, including:What defines a short story (and what doesn’t)Different short story structures and how to use themCommon mistakes writers make—and how to avoid themHow to edit short fiction for maximum impactWhat editors look for when selecting storiesHow to write a strong cover letter for submissionsIf you want to write tighter, more compelling short stories—and actually get them accepted—this episode gives you the tools and insider knowledge to do it.ABOUT DAN COXONhttps://www.dancoxon.com/https://www.instagram.com/dan.coxon.author/GET DAN'S BOOKSWriting The Uncanny -https://deadinkbooks.com/product/writing-the-uncanny/https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/author/B0034PDEYMJOIN 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

Learn how to write grimdark fantasy with insights on tone, character, worldbuilding, and the brutal realism that defines the genre.Grimdark fantasy is one of the most compelling and misunderstood subgenres in modern fantasy—but writing it well requires far more than darkness and violence.In this episode, I’m joined by the Queen of Grimdark, Anna Smith Spark, author of A Court of Broken Knives, A Woman of the Sword, and A Sword of Bronze and Ashes, to break down exactly what makes grimdark work.We explore both the craft and philosophy behind the genre, including:What grimdark fantasy really is (and common misconceptions)How to write morally complex, flawed charactersBalancing violence, tone, and emotional depthAnna’s writing process and approach to pantsingBuilding immersive, brutal worlds that feel realOvercoming common writing challenges in dark fantasyIf you want to write darker, sharper, and more emotionally powerful fantasy, this episode will show you how to capture the true essence of grimdark.ABOUT ANNA SMITH SPARKhttps://britishfantasysociety.org/meet-anna-smith-spark/https://www.instagram.com/annasmithspark/https://www.facebook.com/queenofgrimdark/https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15935255.Anna_Smith_SparkGET A SWORD OF BRONZE AND ASHEShttps://www.flametreepublishing.com/a-sword-of-bronze-and-ashes-isbn-9781787588400.htmlJOIN 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

Discover the most effective writing tips to improve your craft, get published, and build a successful writing career.Writing advice is everywhere—but what actually works in practice?In this episode, I break down the most valuable writing tips I’ve learned, focusing on practical lessons you can apply immediately to sharpen your skills and move forward as a writer.We cover essential areas every writer should understand, including:How to write and publish short stories successfullyKey insights from legendary author Ian RankinWhat actually helps writers improve over timeTools and resources to find publication opportunitiesThe most important mindset shifts for long-term successIf you want clear, actionable writing advice without the fluff, this episode delivers the insights that make a real difference.Resources mentioned in the episode:https://thegrinder.diabolicalplots.com/https://duotrope.com/https://richiebilling.com/writing-tools/list-of-fantasy-magazinesThank you as always for listening and for your fantastic support!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

In this episode, I'm joined by voice over artist and audiobook producer, Ethan Fifield, for an explainer on how to make an audiobook. Ethan offers a fantastic insight into the process of making audiobooks, explaining what it's like to be a producer and what it's like to work with publishers and authors. Ethan also offers practical advice on how to make an audiobook, using platforms like ACX to create projects that narrators can pitch for. He also explains how different contracts can be arranged, like royalty splits, meaning you can make an audiobook with the help of a narrator today without paying a penny! If you're keen to learn more about audiobooks, this episode is guaranteed to help. JOIN OUR DISCORD COMMUNITY ⁠https://mailchi.mp/395aa89d6ec0/join-richie-billings-community-of-writers⁠ ABOUT ETHAN FIFIELD https://www.audible.com/search?searchNarrator=Ethan+Fifield GET THE PARIAH'S LAMENT https://mybook.to/PariahsLament GET IN TOUCH thefantasywriterstoolshed@gmail.com ⁠https://richiebilling.com/⁠ RESOURCES Discover more ⁠⁠⁠⁠writing tips⁠ and guides⁠⁠⁠ here - ⁠⁠https://richiebilling.com/writing-tips/⁠⁠ And learn more about ⁠⁠⁠⁠writing fantasy⁠⁠⁠⁠ here - ⁠⁠https://richiebilling.com/fantasy-writing/

In this episode, award-nominated author Ciel Pierlot joins me in the Toolshed for a fascinating chat about writing fantasy and writing queer fiction. Ciel's new book, The Hunter's Gambit, was published by Angry Robot earlier this year. We chat all about the writing of the story, Ciel's writing process as a whole, and crafting characters who are interesting and engaging. Ciel also discusses her experience of the query trenches and how she found a literary agent. As always, you're bound to learn something new! JOIN OUR DISCORD COMMUNITY https://mailchi.mp/395aa89d6ec0/join-richie-billings-community-of-writers ABOUT CIEL PIERLOT https://cielpierlot.com/ GET THE HUNTER'S GAMBIT https://angryrobotbooks.com/books/the-hunters-gambit/ GET IN TOUCH thefantasywriterstoolshed@gmail.com https://richiebilling.com/ RESOURCES Discover more ⁠⁠⁠⁠writing tips⁠ and guides⁠⁠⁠ here - ⁠https://richiebilling.com/writing-tips/⁠ And learn more about ⁠⁠⁠⁠writing fantasy⁠⁠⁠⁠ here - ⁠https://richiebilling.com/fantasy-writing/

In this special episode, I'm delighted to be joined by returning guest and bestselling author, Stephen Aryan. Stephen has just released his latest fantasy novel, The Blood Dimmed Tide, and on 1st October, he's releasing his first-ever crime novella, New York Minute. We chat all about New York Minute, writing novellas, mixing fantasy and other genres together, crafting characters readers love, and navigating the world of self-publishing. It's an interview packed with advice and insights—you're bound to learn something new. And if you enjoy it, why not check out Stephen's awesome new novella? You can find the link below. JOIN OUR DISCORD COMMUNITY ⁠⁠⁠https://mailchi.mp/395aa89d6ec0/join-richie-billings-community-of-writers⁠⁠⁠ ABOUT STEPHEN ARYAN https://stephen-aryan.com/ GET NEW YORK MINUTE https://stephen-aryan.com/2024/08/01/new-york-minute/ https://amzn.to/3YlqP65 GET IN TOUCH thefantasywriterstoolshed@gmail.com ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.richiebilling.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ RESOURCES Discover more ⁠⁠⁠⁠writing tips⁠ and guides⁠⁠⁠ here - https://richiebilling.com/writing-tips/ And learn more about ⁠⁠⁠⁠writing fantasy⁠⁠⁠⁠ here - https://richiebilling.com/fantasy-writing/

In this episode I'm delighted to be joined by fantasy author, Kate J. Armstrong. Kate's new book Fyrebirds recently hit the shelves and in this episode we talk all about it. We also dive into Kate's journey through the world of writing, how she found inspiration when it left her, and the crafty questions we love so much, such as how to create characters, magic systems readers love, and worlds people want to escape into. JOIN OUR DISCORD COMMUNITY ⁠⁠https://mailchi.mp/395aa89d6ec0/join-richie-billings-community-of-writers⁠⁠ ABOUT KATE J. ARMSTRONG https://www.katejarmstrong.com/ https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/pub-dates/id1589892622 https://www.theexploresspodcast.com/ GET FYREBIRDS https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/697069/fyrebirds-by-kate-j-armstrong/ GET IN TOUCH thefantasywriterstoolshed@gmail.com ⁠⁠⁠www.richiebilling.com⁠⁠⁠ RESOURCES Discover more ⁠⁠⁠writing tips⁠ and guides⁠⁠ here And learn more about ⁠⁠⁠writing fantasy⁠⁠⁠ here