The Fantasy Writers' Toolshed

✍️ Access The Free Class Here: Email Marketing For Writers and AuthorsEmail marketing remains one of the most powerful tools available to writers and authors — and it’s about to change.In this podcast episode, we break down how email marketing works for writers right now, and where it’s heading in 2026. Using real data, platform insights, and author-specific examples, we explore why email still outperforms social media, how writers use it to sell books and grow Patreon memberships, and what separates emails that get ignored from emails that drive real engagement.We cover the fundamentals every writer needs to understand: choosing the right email platform, setting clear goals, building welcome sequences, improving open and click rates, and creating sustainable email routines. You’ll learn how subject lines, preview text, timing, frequency, and structure directly affect performance — and how to build genuine reader relationships rather than sending forgettable broadcasts.Crucially, we also look ahead to email marketing trends in 2026, including:How inbox providers are prioritising engagement quality over volumeWhy generic drip sequences are losing effectivenessThe rise of interactive emails, surveys, and community-driven contentHow AI is shaping email creation, analysis, and personalisationWhy newsletters are becoming a primary publishing platform for writersThis episode isn’t about spam tactics or quick wins. It’s about future-proofing your email strategy, owning your audience, and using email as the central hub of your writing career — not just a promotional afterthought.Ideal for:Writers and authors at any stageIndie authors selling ebooks, paperbacks, audiobooks, or subscriptionsCreators who want clarity, consistency, and long-term audience control✍️ Join Our Community and Access Writing Tools:Patreon: ⁠https://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed⁠Richie's Patreon for free stories: https://www.patreon.com/cw/RichieBillingWebsite and writing classes: ⁠https://richiebilling.com/online-writing-classesFollow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fantasywriterstoolshed/

RJ Barker is a critically acclaimed and award-winning fantasy author of the Wounded Kingdom and Tide Child trilogies, and certainly one of the best writers around right now. In this in-depth interview, RJ shares his story of getting into writing, honing his craft, and the process of creating his brilliant stories. We delve into creating characters and worldbuilding, psychological challenges and how to overcome them, and RJ shares his best pieces of advice for all writers out there looking to learn something new. ✍️ More from RJ Barker:Website: ⁠https://www.rjbarker.com/BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/rjbarker.bsky.socialBooks: https://store.orbit-books.co.uk/collections/author-rj-barker✍️ Join our community & writing tools:Patreon: ⁠https://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed⁠Website and writing classes: ⁠https://richiebilling.com/

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/

Discover what makes romance and cozy mysteries two of the most successful and reader-loved genres in publishing. In this episode of The Fantasy Writers’ Toolshed, host Richie Billing sits down with bestselling authors Jami Albright and Sara Rosett to uncover what all writers can learn from these powerfully engaging genres.Jami Albright is an acclaimed romance author known for her laugh-out-loud romantic comedies and bestselling indie success stories. Sara Rosett is a prolific cozy mystery writer whose books are filled with charm, suspense, and unforgettable characters. Together, they share a wealth of knowledge on writing craft, book marketing, and building a long-term career as an independent author.We explore:How to write a book series that keeps readers coming back — from character arcs to emotional payoffs.The secrets of romance and cozy mystery writing, including reader expectations, tone, pacing, and genre tropes that build loyal audiences.Worldbuilding techniques that keep continuity consistent across multiple novels.How to plan a successful book launch and make your release stand out in a crowded market.Developing an author brand that feels authentic and memorable.Book marketing strategies that actually work — from mailing lists and newsletters to podcast appearances, social media engagement, and creative promotions.Writing productivity and mindset tips to help authors finish series and sustain momentum.This conversation goes beyond genre to deliver universal lessons for storytellers. Whether you write fantasy, science fiction, romance, or thrillers, you’ll gain actionable advice on how to design stories that hook readers, market your books effectively, and build a lasting author career.Key takeaways:Learn how romance and cozy mystery writers use structure, reader satisfaction, and emotional beats to keep fans invested.Understand why character-driven plots and series planning can transform your writing into a sustainable career.Discover how to create a strong author identity that readers instantly recognise.Find out how Jami and Sara approach marketing, launches, and branding from a professional and personal perspective.If you’ve ever wondered how to write a romance novel, how to start a cozy mystery series, or simply how to build a loyal readership, this episode is packed with real-world experience and practical strategies.FANTASY WRITING BOOKS, CLASSES AND TOOLS⁠⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed ⁠⁠⁠JOIN OUR DISCORD COMMUNITY⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://mailchi.mp/395aa89d6ec0/join-richie-billings-community-of-writers⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠ABOUT JAMI ALBRIGHThttps://wishidknownforwriters.com/https://www.jamialbright.com/ABOUT SARA ROSETThttps://www.sararosett.com/GET IN TOUCHthefantasywriterstoolshed@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.richiebilling.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ RESOURCESDiscover more

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

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

In this episode, I'm joined by fantasy author and ER doctor, HB Reneau.HB talks all about injuries we commonly see in fantasy worlds--usually inflicted by swords and magic, and explains how we can best portray things like wounds and infections. We also talk about the impact of injuries and trauma and mental health too. HB also tells us all about her new book, The Revenant, and how she's used Kickstarter to fund a pretty awesome project. You can find out more here - https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/theremnant/the-remnant-ya-fantasy-adventure-collectors-editionGET BOOKS AND CLASSES ON WRITING FANTASY⁠https://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed⁠JOIN OUR DISCORD COMMUNITY⁠⁠⁠⁠https://mailchi.mp/395aa89d6ec0/join-richie-billings-community-of-writers⁠⁠⁠⁠ABOUT HB RENEAUhttps://hbreneau.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

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

In this episode, award-winning short story writer and editor Dan Coxon joins me for an in-depth chat about writing short fiction.We look at the definition of a short story, the different structures they can have, the pitfalls to avoid, and best practices for editing.Dan also shares his best tips on getting short stories published, sharing vital insights on what it's like to be an editor with a publisher. You can also find a very helpful explanation for writing cover letters.It's a must-listen for anyone keen to learn more about writing short stories and getting them published.JOIN OUR DISCORD COMMUNITY⁠⁠https://mailchi.mp/395aa89d6ec0/join-richie-billings-community-of-writers⁠⁠ABOUT 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/B0034PDEYMGET 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

In this episode, I’m delighted to be joined by the Queen of Grimdark, Anna Smith Spark! Anna joins me for a deep dive into all things writing. We look at Anna’s process, how she wrote her brilliant books, A Court of Broken Knives, A Woman Of The Sword, and A Sword Of Bronze and Ashes, and how she approaches pantsing. Anna also shares her fantastic wisdom on Grimdark, explaining what it is and what the key features are for writers. We also discuss character creation, worldbuilding, and dealing with writing challenges. You’re bound to learn something new! JOIN OUR DISCORD COMMUNITY ⁠https://mailchi.mp/395aa89d6ec0/join-richie-billings-community-of-writers⁠ ABOUT ANNA SMITH SPARK https://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_Spark GET A SWORD OF BRONZE AND ASHES https://www.flametreepublishing.com/a-sword-of-bronze-and-ashes-isbn-9781787588400.html 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 final episode of 2024, I discuss all of the best writing tips I've come across in the past year, as well as the most helpful things I've learned.In particular, I dive into writing short stories and getting them published, amazing pieces of wisdom from legendary author Ian Rankin, and the most important thing I learned over the past 12 months.Here are some useful links I referred to in the ep.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. I sincerely appreciate it and can't wait to create more helpful things for you in 2025!JOIN OUR DISCORD COMMUNITY⁠⁠https://mailchi.mp/395aa89d6ec0/join-richie-billings-community-of-writers⁠⁠GET IN TOUCHthefantasywriterstoolshed@gmail.com⁠⁠https://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

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

Jennifer L. Armentrout is one of the biggest authors in the world right now. A #1 NYT Bestseller, as well as a #1 International Bestseller, Jennifer has penned over 70 books in a range of genres and for all different audiences. In this episode, we talk all about Jennifer's journey into writing and how it all led to the release of her brand new book, Born Of Blood And Ash, which hit the shelves on 13.08.2024 (link below). We take a deep dive into Born Of Blood And Ash, exploring the writing side and how it felt to bring together the final book in the Flesh And Fire series. We also dive into worldbuilding, character creation, and plotting, and Jennifer shares her best tips for writers. It's truly an insightful interview with one of the best writers in the world. You're bound to learn something new. JOIN OUR DISCORD COMMUNITY ⁠https://mailchi.mp/395aa89d6ec0/join-richie-billings-community-of-writers⁠ ABOUT JENNIFER L. ARMENTROUT ⁠https://jenniferlarmentrout.com/ GET BORN OF BLOOD AND ASH Get exlusive editions and signed copies here - https://jenniferlarmentrout.com/books/born-of-blood-and-ash/ GET IN TOUCH thefantasywriterstoolshed@gmail.com ⁠⁠www.richiebilling.com⁠⁠ RESOURCES Discover more ⁠⁠writing tips⁠ and guides⁠ here And learn more about ⁠⁠writing fantasy⁠⁠ here

In this episode, I'm delighted to welcome bestselling author, Sarah Arthur. Sarah's debut YA fantasy novel, Once A Queen has recently hit the shelves courtesy of Penguin Random House. We chat all about writing a YA fantasy novel, creating characters, transitioning from writing non-fiction to fiction, creating a magic portal-based system, and building a fantasy world within our real world. We also explore writing Young Adult fiction (YA) and how it's become its own genre that deals with issue-driven stories. Sarah shares some brilliant insights into how to connect with and reach a younger audience here. JOIN OUR DISCORD COMMUNITY ⁠https://mailchi.mp/395aa89d6ec0/join-richie-billings-community-of-writers⁠ ABOUT SARAH ARTHUR ⁠https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/authors/2216828/sarah-arthur/ www.saraharthur.com ONCE A QUEEN ⁠https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/707440/once-a-queen-by-sarah-arthur/ GET IN TOUCH thefantasywriterstoolshed@gmail.com ⁠www.richiebilling.com⁠ RESOURCES Discover more ⁠writing tips⁠ and guides here And learn more about ⁠writing fantasy⁠ here