Longwinded One: The Podcast

In this episode, Erin Ampersand joins me to talk about Apocalypse Parenting and the ideas driving the series, including why she chose to center the story on parents and kids and how community becomes the real survival mechanic. We touch on the shared universe between Apocalypse Parenting and Engineer’s Odyssey, explore reader interest in what comes after the series, and dig into characters like Pointy and Fluffy. The conversation turned a bit to Erin's new book, Measureless Magic, and we got a special guest in the form of Laurie Catherine Winkel, narrator extraordinaire.

On this episode of Spoiler Sessions, Jared hangs out with LitRPG authors J. Krauss (Will of the Immortals, The Immortals Mask, and the new VRMMO Lighting the Forge) and Tommy Kerper aka Sourpatch Hero (I’m Not the Hero) for a conversation about the stuff readers actually obsess over: side characters, cut lore, and the worldbuilding that never makes it on-page. They talk about Tommy’s unused locations like Veskar (and why authors suffer when their characters refuse to go where you want them to), the "dragon arc", and Jay’s new VRMMO setting, complete with Jade, an AI who’s basically the game’s goddess. If you love craft talk, fan theories, and the behind-the-scenes decisions that shape a series, you’re going to love this one!

In this episode, we sit down with Sean Oswald to dig into the craft and business of writing LitRPG at scale. We talk about writing to audio and why audiobooks make up such a significant portion of his readership, the future of Life in Exile as it heads toward book seven, and how four of his series coexist within a shared multiverse while still standing on their own. Peter Berkrot, narrator of Life in Exile, joined us for this candid, behind-the-scenes conversation about storytelling.

This week on the show, I’m joined by Tao Wong, author of The System Apocalypse and A Thousand Li. We dig into both series, including unused scenes, unwritten lore, and choices that shaped their endings—like new material added to the print editions of A Thousand Li and the never-written “Book 5.5” of The System Apocalypse. We also tackle long-running fan questions: Master Cheng’s fate, and what ultimately happened to Ali and Mikito. It’s a spoiler-aware conversation about progression fantasy, wuxia, xianxia, and why not every story is meant to close every door.

This week on Spoiler Sessions, I’m joined by sci-fi and LitRPG author Dawn Chapman to talk about her interconnected universe spanning Razor’s Edge and Through Steel and Stars. We dig into Pops’ origin story and the creation of the Razor’s Edge. Dawn shares insight into unwritten lore, character dynamics (including the much-talked-about Mal and Rus pairing). We are joined by Dawn's long-time friend and litRPG narrator, Wayne Mitchell. If you’re interested in how progression sci-fi is built from the ground up—both technically and emotionally—this is a conversation you don’t want to miss.

JD Mullenary Sr. joins the show to talk about QuestWright and the Symphony series (formerly Creation), including how he builds his systems from scratch and what drives his worldbuilding approach. We get into Gatekeeper Jim’s unwritten backstory, Johnny’s role in Cassio’s arc, and how “negative space” can make a world feel bigger without overexplaining.Partway through the conversation, Johnathan McClain, narrator of the Symphony audiobooks, joins in to talk about performing the series, working with dense lore, and why characters like Dionysus are such a blast to voice.The episode stays spoiler-aware while still digging into craft, planning, and what’s coming next for both universes.

In this episode of Spoiler Sessions, I sit down with TJ Lombardi, author of Golem Master, for a deep-dive conversation that goes well beyond surface-level book talk. We focus on two things fans rarely get to hear about: unused scenes and side characters.Along the way, the episode turns into a full community hangout, with surprise appearances from Eric Ugland, Bosloe, Jess from the In Other Worlds Podcast, and Jay Beraz (some of whom appear in both the books and in real life).

In the Season Six premiere of Spoiler Sessions, we kick things off with LitRPG standout Ryan Maxwell, author of the Grand System Vending series. In this post-apocalyptic, system-integration survival story, the world ends, and the System arrives.Ryan (dog lover, father of three, Texan, and EdTech/IT professional) joins us to dig into: How Grand System Vending works under the hood: magic rules, spell creation, and the role of patrons, gods, deities, and fan theories about the mysterious dragon teased in book three.We’re also joined by surprise guest Steve Campbell, the narrator behind GSV, who talks about what makes Tom, Derrick, and James’ banter and loyalty hit so hard—both in combat and when the emotional bottom drops out.This episode was recorded live with an audience and plenty of chaos—exactly what Season Six is all about.https://longwinded.one/episode-251-spoiler-sessions-ryan-maxwell/

In this episode, Jared (the author) and Chris (the narrator) of Children of the Cold Moon talk about the story and the process of making the book. They introduce the last four chapters of Part 1 of the book. You get to listen to chapter 2. We hope you enjoy.

We hope you enjoy chapter one of our audiobook. Meet Bren and Tathan/Morias. Read more on Royal Road: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.royalroad.com/fiction/88011/children-of-the-cold-moon-the-four-treasures-saga⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Reader Compendium: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.longwinded.one/season-5-the-children-of-the-cold-moon/⁠

Book1: Amos got in a car accident, and he didn't get isekaied, reincarnated or transmigrated! That happened five years later when his transplanted heart failed. But why would the Endless One grab an artist and animator to run a barony? What would the knowledge of thousands of hours of watching YouTube videos do to help a struggling barony prosper? Could it help shield the barony from the coming civil war of the kingdom of Falmoren? Chosen of the Endless One https://www.royalroad.com/fiction/70775/chosen-of-the-endless-one-kingdom-building Ben Kramer https://benkramervo.com

Carson Spencer, author of Chosen of the Endless One, reflects on his progression from avid reader to Isekai writer. Growing up in the Chicago suburbs, Carson was drawn to the imagination of books and video games. Inspired by Russian litRPG classics like Way of the Shaman and the kingdom-building elements of Destiny’s Crucible, Carson shares how he created his unique world. This interview captures the essence of creativity and community within the Royal Road platform and the broader progression fantasy genre. Survival Quest: Way of the Shaman https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01CRD2FXM All the Skills https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BM51RQR8 https://www.royalroad.com/fiction/55687/all-the-skills-a-deckbuilding-litrpg Chosen of the Endless One https://www.royalroad.com/fiction/70775/chosen-of-the-endless-one-kingdom-building

Join us as we talk to the author/narrator team of the Noobtown and Fifth Era Apocalypse series. We cover topics from the pop culture references in Noobtown to what the working title of book eight is. We even play a little game about the characters of Noobtown to see if the dynamic duo view the characters in the same light. Lastly, we learn about why there was a slight delay in Ryan's prolific publication schedule AND about Johnathan's new projects. Note: Since the recording of this podcast, our prediction about LitRPG has come true. Links: https://www.facebook.com/RyanTRimmel/ https://www.patreon.com/Noobtown https://www.johnathanmcclain.com https://www.meetyourmaker.world

Fiona Swiftheart was the hero of Fiefdala. She banished the evil dragon lord to the swampy wastelands, and returned to the capital of the kingdom she saved--and then got taxed for the loot she took from the oversized lizard?! Too bad that no one told her the King went on a long-term vacation, before she got back. He put his scummy son on the throne, who decided cuteness and heroics weren't cool! Faced with either jail or paying up, Fiona traded in huge swords, armor, and the adventuring life to don a business suit and opened a merchant store, to try to sell off stuff that no one could possibly afford to buy! Except when she got her merchant license, she signed up for more than she bargained for! At least her business degree from her previous life wouldn’t be wasted. Join Fiona as she pursues a smaller life, builds hobbies, and makes friends who aren't dead set on fighting the next great villain at the drop of a hat! And pays taxes. She hates taxes. More than lawyers or lawmen. Newly Broke Heroine! https://www.royalroad.com/fiction/95161/newly-broke-heroine-slice-of-life-fantasy-adventure Gwen Leitner https://gwenleitner.com

What happens when King Arthur is gone, and Camelot has an empty throne? The answer: When legends die, new legends must be born. Gawain, Knight of the Round Table, and the powerful witch Nimue, successor of Merlin, are faced with a kingdom in chaos after King Arthur's apparent death. In response, they form an alliance to take the throne of Camelot and restore the peace that King Arthur brought. But standing in their way are rebel factions, contenders and pretenders for the throne, enemy mages, and mysterious forces that seem to come from a Darkness beyond this world. So in order to bring peace, Gawain draws his sword, Nimue unleashes her magic, and together they prepare for...The War of Camelot. The Book of Avalon Eternal https://www.royalroad.com/fiction/93279/the-book-of-avalon-eternal X/Twitter https://x.com/AustenKeats John Kennard https://voiceactor.com/site/johnkennard https://x.com/JK__VA

In this episode we talked with two podcasters: Max Heiliger of the CritRPG Podcast and Dakota VanLinden of the UpperPen Podcast. These two were inspiration to me, as I began season 5 and decided to switch to LitRPG authors and narrators. Come and listen as we talk about our favorite genres, and the secrets of what goes on behind the scene of a podcast. Links: https://linktr.ee/madix3 https://upperpen.com/

In this interview, Austen Keats, author of The Book of Avalon Eternal, shares his deep love for Arthurian legend, tracing his inspirations back to classic fantasy works like The Chronicles of Narnia and The Lord of the Rings. He discusses the impact of Sir Thomas Malory’s Le Morte d’Arthur on his storytelling and reveals how speculative fiction shaped his writing journey. Austen also dives into his fascination with tabletop-inspired epics, such as the Malazan Book of the Fallen, which expanded his creative horizons. Fans of literary lore and Arthurian tales will find this conversation enchanting and insightful. The Book of Avalon Eternal https://www.royalroad.com/fiction/93279/the-book-of-avalon-eternal X/Twitter https://x.com/AustenKeats Malazan Encyclopedia – An online resource for The Malazan Book of the Fallen series. https://malazan.fandom.com/wiki/Malazan_Wiki YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@AustenKeats Royal Road Profile – Austen Keats' work on Royal Road. https://www.royalroad.com/fiction/93279/the-book-of-avalon-eternal Le Morte d’Arthur – By Sir Thomas Malory. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/672875.Le_Morte_d_Arthur?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=6nb4wAiIN5&rank=1 The Once and Future King – By T.H. White (and its subset The Sword in the Stone and The Book of Merlin). https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/43545.The_Once_and_Future_King?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=zTnMj8AMnK&rank=1 https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/48044.The_Book_of_Merlyn?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=XmGx9PKnYO&rank=3 The Book of the New Sun – By Gene Wolfe. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/968868.The_Book_of_the_New_Sun?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=2gCQXJT4cA&rank=3 The Malazan Book of the Fallen – By Steven Erikson and Ian C. Esselmont. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20345548-the-complete-malazan-book-of-the-fallen?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=NPTdF8ZELC&rank=11 On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft – By Stephen King. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10569.On_Writing?ref=nav_sb_ss_1_16

The world is dying, and everyone knows it. But is the alternative worse? In rust-choked streets and hollowed-out cities, there is only one way out—Terra Mythica, a virtual world so immersive that time warps, hunger vanishes, and even the most broken can live like kings. Jace wasn’t supposed to make it in. He cheated death, and now it’s catching up to him. As the reluctant protégé of Hades, Jace finds himself thrust into Mount Olympus University, where gods manipulate Travelers, and the line between real and digital blurs with every step. Here, survival is about more than just staying alive—it’s about clinging to your mind before it slips away, lost in this strange never-never land. In this mythological LitRPG, follow Jace as he battles deadly trials, navigates treacherous alliances, and uncovers shocking secrets. His fight isn’t just for glory—it’s for his soul. If you crave epic tales of battling impossible odds and finding light in the darkness, Terra Mythica will pull you in and never let go. Shadow Light Press https://shadowlightpress.com/ Terra Mythica: A LitRPG Adventure - Volumes 1 and 2 https://mybook.to/qhJCr Mark Garkusha https:/x.com/markdmitri

Dungeon Lord is coming back on August 28, 2024! In this interview we get to talk with the creator, Hugo Huesca, and the narrator, Jeff Hays (of Soundbooth Theater fame). We talk about where Hugo has been the last five years, we learn that both of these creators are also into MMA, and we learn that Soundbooth Theater will be hosting their own conference next summer! Links: https://hugohuesca.com https://soundbooththeater.com https://litrpgcon.com

John, known by his pen name Fobywoby, author of Terra Mythica, offers a heartwarming take on how storytelling helped him overcome childhood dyslexia. Reflecting on the emotional power of literature, he describes the impact of works by Douglas Adams and Terry Pratchett. He shares his vision of a Blade Runner-esque world that merges futuristic and retro aesthetics in Terra Mythica. John’s reflections on escapism, creativity, and the evolving litRPG genre make this episode a must-listen for sci-fi and fantasy fans. Shadow Light Press https://shadowlightpress.com/ Amazon Links: Terra Mythica: A LitRPG Adventure - Volumes 1 and 2 https://mybook.to/qhJCr Endless Worlds Online: Elsewhere - Name of the Game https://www.amazon.com/Endless-Worlds-Online-Elsewhere-GameLitRPG-ebook/dp/B0DL3G3LX2/ Royal Road Links: Fobywoby: Terra Mythica: A LitRPG Adventure https://www.royalroad.com/fiction/89308/terra-mythica-a-litrpg-adventure Mostly Dead: A Paranormal Urban Fantasy https://www.royalroad.com/fiction/95671/mostly-dead-a-paranormal-urban-fantasy Declan Darkmor: Endless Worlds Online: Elsewhere - Name of the Game https://www.royalroad.com/fiction/93761/endless-worlds-online-elsewhere-name-of-the-game Declan Darkmor: Dungeon Ex-Master: A Reverse Isekai Dungeon Apocalypse https://www.royalroad.com/fiction/97407/dungeon-ex-master-a-reverse-isekei-dungeon-apocalypse Declan Darkmor: DNA: The Awakened - A Slice of Life Academy Apocalypse https://www.royalroad.com/fiction/97340/dna-the-awakened-a-slice-of-life-academy-apocalypse Declan Darkmor: Declan Dark: Dark Daze - A Game/LitRPG Vampire Detective https://www.royalroad.com/fiction/97340/dna-the-awakened-a-slice-of-life-academy-apocalypse EmrysAmbrosius: Rise of the Infernal Paladin: A System Apocalypse https://www.royalroad.com/fiction/91573/rise-of-the-infernal-paladin-a-system-apocalypse Domr: Return of the Wind Mage https://www.royalroad.com/fiction/87802/return-of-the-wind-mage-check-out-my-new-novel Fiddlesoup: Penance: Prison of the Gods https://www.royalroad.com/fiction/88661/penance-prison-of-the-gods-check-out-my-new-story PolinkaP: Into the Deep Wood https://www.royalroad.com/fiction/90105/into-the-deep-wood D.M. Rook: Hounds of Orion https://www.royalroad.com/fiction/95393/hounds-of-orion Luke J. Anthony: Devil Kissed: Paranormal Romance https://www.royalroad.com/fiction/93915/devil-kissed Immersive Ink https://discord.gg/eYKUctqs8y