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

Michael R Miller is an indie author who's forged a tremendously successful career in the world of writing. Off the back of the launch of his new book, DEFIANT, Michael and Richie talk all about writing, the process, and how Michael's found success as an indie author. It's essential listening for anyone who wants to go down the indie route. If you have any questions or requests, please write to us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠thefantasywriterstoolshed@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ GET A TOOLSHED TSHIRT ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://tinyurl.com/ToolshedTshirt⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ JOIN OUR WRITING COMMUNITY ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://mailchi.mp/395aa89d6ec0/join-richie-billings-community-of-writers⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ LEARN MORE ABOUT FANTASY WRITING To join our writing community and access our Panels feature, as well as join a weekly writing group, access exclusive interviews, discussions, fantasy writing classes, books and more head over to our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ page - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ABOUT MICHAEL R MILLER https://www.michaelrmiller.co.uk/

As you may have heard, I have an audiobook coming out soon—in a few weeks in fact (called Pariah's Lament for anyone interested)I don't know much about audiobooks, so I decided to speak to someone who does—professional voice-over artist for movies, TV and audiobooks, Rachanee Lumayno.In our chat, we talk all about why audiobooks are so popular and why they're worth exploring as authors, how you can go about it, where to find narrators, how to do it yourself, the costs involved and much, much more. You're guaranteed to learn something new! If you have any questions or requests, please write to us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠thefantasywriterstoolshed@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ GET A TOOLSHED TSHIRT ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://tinyurl.com/ToolshedTshirt⁠⁠⁠⁠ JOIN OUR WRITING COMMUNITY ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://mailchi.mp/395aa89d6ec0/join-richie-billings-community-of-writers⁠⁠⁠⁠ LEARN MORE ABOUT FANTASY WRITING To join our writing community and access our Panels feature, as well as join a weekly writing group, access exclusive interviews, discussions, fantasy writing classes, books and more head over to our ⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠ page - ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed⁠⁠⁠⁠ ABOUT RACHANEE LUMAYNO https://www.rachanee.net/

Learn how to market your book effectively, build your author brand, and sell more copies with practical strategies from a professional book marketer.Book marketing is one of the biggest challenges writers face—but understanding the fundamentals can make all the difference between obscurity and consistent sales.In this episode, I’m joined by marketing expert Nicky Pecone, founder of Iron Age Marketing, to break down what book marketing really is—and what actually works for authors today.We cover the core principles every writer needs to understand, including:What book marketing involves (and what it doesn’t)How to start building your author brand from scratchPractical ways to promote your book effectivelyCommon marketing mistakes authors makeHow to think long-term about sales and visibilityThe key foundations for growing an audienceIf you want to sell more books without wasting time on ineffective strategies, this episode will give you a clear, practical approach to marketing that actually works.ABOUT NICKY AND IRON AGE MARKETINGhttps://nickpecone.com/iron-age-media-marketing/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

For our latest community panel, we had the pleasure of welcoming award-winning literary fantasy author Karen Healuer as our special guest.The topic centred all on characters—creating them, getting to know them, and how to grow them. We looked at specific strategies for character creation, discussed ways to understand what our characters want, the role of side characters in stories, and looked at different approaches for growing and developing our fictional people. A big thank you to our community members Joshua Parker and Isa Ottoni too! If you have any questions or requests, please write to us at ⁠thefantasywriterstoolshed@gmail.com⁠ JOIN OUR WRITING COMMUNITY ⁠https://mailchi.mp/395aa89d6ec0/join-richie-billings-community-of-writers⁠ LEARN MORE ABOUT FANTASY WRITING To join our writing community and access our Panels feature, as well as join a weekly writing group, access exclusive interviews, discussions, fantasy writing classes, books and more head over to our ⁠Patreon⁠ page - ⁠https://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed⁠ OUR GUESTS Karen Heuler - The Splendid City - ⁠https://angryrobotbooks.com/books/the-splendid-city/⁠ | More about Karen - ⁠https://www.karenheuler.com/ Isa Ottoni - https://www.instagram.com/isa.ottoni.writes/ Joshua Parker - https://ontheedgebusiness.wordpress.com/ RESOURCES https://richiebilling.com/welcome/the-writers-toolshed/writing-tips/what-is-characterization https://richiebilling.com/writing-tips/character-plotting https://richiebilling.com/writing-tips/character-development

Learn how to edit your writing effectively, understand the different types of editing, and work with professional editors to improve your manuscript.Editing is one of the most important—and most challenging—parts of writing. Done well, it transforms a rough draft into something sharp, compelling, and ready for readers.In this episode, I’m joined by professional editor Jennia D'Lima to break down the editing process and give you clear, practical guidance on how to improve your work.We cover everything writers need to know about editing, including:The different types of editing (developmental, line editing, copyediting, proofreading)How to self-edit your work more effectivelyWhat professional editors actually do—and when you need oneHow to find a trustworthy editorWhat a fair price looks like (and what to avoid)Common editing mistakes writers makeIf you want to take your writing to a professional level and avoid costly editing mistakes, this episode will give you the clarity and confidence to do it right.ABOUT JENNIA D'LIMAhttps://jenniaedits.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

Learn how to create realistic fantasy religions with insights from a Norse shaman, covering belief systems, character psychology, and worldbuilding techniques.Creating believable religions in fantasy is one of the hardest parts of worldbuilding. In this episode, we explore how to build faith systems, gods, and belief structures that feel real, lived-in, and emotionally powerful.I’m joined by Mark Weisman, a Norse and Celtic shaman and former Christian pastor, whose real-world experience of faith brings a rare depth to this conversation.We dive into both the philosophical and practical sides of religion in fantasy, including:How to create fantasy religions that feel authenticWhy belief systems shape character behaviour and conflictThe psychology of devotion and faith in storytellingHow gods, rituals, and culture intertwine in worldbuildingCommon mistakes writers make when building religionsWhether you're writing epic fantasy, grimdark, or character-driven stories, this episode will help you create belief systems that resonate with readers and add real weight to your world.ABOUT MARK WEISMANhttps://akulfhednar.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

Learn the fantasy writing process from Daniel Polansky, including how to build unique worlds, craft conflict, and develop compelling characters.What does it take to write gripping fantasy with strong characters and immersive worlds?In this episode, I’m joined by Hugo-nominated author Daniel Polansky to explore his approach to storytelling and the fantasy writing process behind his work, including March’s End.We dive into both craft and mindset, including:Daniel Polansky’s fantasy writing process from idea to finished novelHow he built the world and central conflict in March’s EndTechniques for creating tension and character-driven storytellingWhere ideas come from—and how to develop themHandling the challenges and setbacks of writingPractical advice to improve your craft and finish your workThis is an honest and engaging conversation packed with insights from an experienced fantasy author.If you want to sharpen your storytelling and better understand the fantasy writing process, this episode offers clear, practical guidance you can apply straight away.ABOUT DANIEL POLANSKYWebsite: http://www.danielpolansky.com/March's End: https://amzn.to/3D9n4VUJOIN 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 a query letter, craft a strong synopsis, and find a literary agent with practical advice from industry experts.Getting a literary agent is one of the biggest hurdles in traditional publishing—but with the right approach, it’s absolutely achievable.In this panel episode, we’re joined by Laura Bennett to break down exactly what agents are looking for and how to give your submission the best chance of success.We answer real questions from writers and cover the key steps to securing representation, including:How to write a compelling query letter that stands outWhat agents look for in a synopsis (and common mistakes)How to craft a blurb that hooks attentionWhere and how to find the right literary agentsRed flags and pitfalls to avoid when queryingWhat to expect from the traditional publishing processIf you’re serious about getting published traditionally, this episode gives you the clarity, strategy, and insider knowledge to approach agents with confidence.FOLLOW LAURA https://twitter.com/Losbennett ABOUT THE LIVERPOOL LITERARY AGENCY https://www.liverpool-literary.agency/ RESOURCES ON FINDING LITERARY AGENTS Cover letters - https://www.liverpool-literary.agency/news/guide-to-query-letters / https://www.mushens-entertainment.com/blog/the-perfect-cover-letter Publisher's Marketplace: https://www.publishersmarketplace.com/ The Bookseller: https://www.thebookseller.com/homeR/Pubtips: https://www.reddit.com/r/PubTips/ Jericho Writers: https://jerichowriters.com/ I AM in Print: https://www.iaminprint.co.uk/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

Award-winning literary fantasy author Karen Heuler stops by the Toolshed to talk about pantsing and writing in the literary style. Karen's new book, The Splendid City, published by Angry Robot, offers a fantastic example of the style and approach, and we dive into it to understand how to write literary fantasy fiction. Karen is also a massive pantser and we discuss the benefits of taking this approach and how you can give pantsing a go yourself. If you have any questions or requests, please write to us at thefantasywriterstoolshed@gmail.comJOIN OUR WRITING COMMUNITYhttps://mailchi.mp/395aa89d6ec0/join-richie-billings-community-of-writersLEARN MORE ABOUT FANTASY WRITINGTo join our writing community and access our Panels feature, as well as join a weekly writing group, access exclusive interviews, discussions, fantasy writing classes, books and more head over to our Patreon page - https://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed OUR GUESTSKaren Heuler - The Splendid City - https://angryrobotbooks.com/books/the-splendid-city/ | More about Karen - https://www.karenheuler.com/Sounds and editing by 3D Sound Studio - https://www.youtube.com/@3DSoundStudio Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Learn how to build rich, immersive fantasy worlds with practical advice, common pitfalls, and expert insights from a bestselling author.Worldbuilding is one of the most exciting parts of writing fantasy—but it can also be one of the most overwhelming.In this panel episode, I’m joined by bestselling author Stephen Aryan, along with writers Isa Ottoni, Joshua Parker, and Jonny Altair, to tackle the biggest challenges writers face when building worlds.We dive into both the fundamentals and the real struggles of worldbuilding, including:How to create immersive, believable fantasy settingsCommon worldbuilding mistakes—and how to avoid themBalancing detail with storytelling and pacingBuilding cultures, histories, and environments that feel realPractical techniques to overcome worldbuilding blocksInsights from Stephen Aryan’s approach to crafting The Judas BlossomDrawing on real questions from the writing community, this episode delivers honest, practical advice you can apply straight to your own work.If you want to build fantasy worlds that feel alive, coherent, and engaging, this episode will give you the tools and confidence to do it right.THE JUDAS BLOSSOMhttps://angryrobotbooks.com/books/judas-blossom/OUR GUESTSStephen Aryan - https://stephen-aryan.com/ | Stephen's YouTube channel - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZlaVQ9rks4GaN-x3Jkos0ARESOURCESGet a free worldbuilding template - https://richiebilling.com/worldbuildingLearn how to start worldbuilding - https://richiebilling.com/worldbuilding/how-to-start-worldbuildingCheck out the best books on worldbuilding - https://richiebilling.com/worldbuilding/books-on-worldbuildingJOIN 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