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The Fantasy Writers' Toolshed

The Fantasy Writers' Toolshed
Author: The Fantasy Writers' Toolshed
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The Fantasy Writers’ Toolshed is a podcast for aspiring and experienced fantasy writers who want to master storytelling, creative writing, worldbuilding and character creation.
Hosted by author Richie Billing, each episode features practical writing advice and tips, publishing guidance, and inspiring interviews with bestselling authors, editors, historians, psychologists and even an FBI Special Agent. Learn how to write, edit and market your stories with confidence.
New episodes released monthly.
Join our community for early access: www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed
Hosted by author Richie Billing, each episode features practical writing advice and tips, publishing guidance, and inspiring interviews with bestselling authors, editors, historians, psychologists and even an FBI Special Agent. Learn how to write, edit and market your stories with confidence.
New episodes released monthly.
Join our community for early access: www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed
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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
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
In this episode, we welcome the Kindlepreneur himself, Dave Chesson for a chat about selling books on Amazon and Kindle Direct Publishing.
Dave has devoted huge amounts of time and effort into helping authors sell books and reach readers. We chat about the latest changes Amazon has made to its book category system, how selling books on Amazon works, how you can use Amazon ads to great effect, and what best practices authors can follow (like using keywords) to find more success.
The book marketing advice you'll find here will help you sell both fantasy fiction books, non-fiction books, and books of all genres. Dave reveals all about how Amazon works for selling books here.
As always, if you have any questions, comments or requests, please email us at thefantasywriterstoolshed@gmail.com
JOIN THE COMMUNITY
https://mailchi.mp/395aa89d6ec0/join-richie-billings-community-of-writers
GET FANTASY WRITING CLASSES AND BOOKS
https://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed
ABOUT OUR GUEST
Learn more about Dave Chesson: https://kindlepreneur.com/
Get Dave's free Amazon Ads course: www.amscourse.com
ABOUT RICHIE BILLING
www.richiebilling.com
In this episode, I’m delighted to be joined by Sunday Times Bestselling author, Manda Scott. Manda is well known for her historical fiction series, Boudica. And in June, her new novel, Any Human Power is hitting the shelves.
Any Human Power is a fantasy story of a family at the centre of a global uprising. A band of young tech-visionaries in the real world are guided from the afterlife by their anthropologist grandmother Lan, as they find themselves at the heart of a terrifying, worldwide media storm. It offers a critique of aspects of our current society, social media culture in particular, and we chat all about it here.
We also dive into the writing process and Manda’s style of storytelling, which is known as Thrutopian.
Thrutopia is the art of writing engaging route-maps through to a world we’d all be proud to leave to future generations. The current global crisis is so overwhelming that, it’s tempting for writers to stick with what we know: dystopias, because it’s easy to imagine how bad things could be, or utopias, because we can leap forward and imagine something better as long as it’s somewhere distant.
We talk all about Thrutopian writing, how writers can incorporate it into their storytelling, and how it has the potential to change our culture and hopefully the worst parts of our world.
As always, you're bound to learn something new!
JOIN OUR DISCORD COMMUNITY
https://mailchi.mp/395aa89d6ec0/join-richie-billings-community-of-writers
ABOUT MANDA SCOTT
https://mandascott.co.uk/
ANY HUMAN POWER
https://septemberpublishing.org/product/any-human-power-hb/
GET IN TOUCH
thefantasywriterstoolshed@gmail.com
www.richiebilling.com
Discover more writing tips and guides here
And learn more about writing fantasy here
In this episode, I'm joined by fantasy author Gabriela Houston for an honest chat about writing and publishing.
Gabriela has developed a reputation for writing brilliant, Slavic-inspired tales. The Bone Roots, published by Angry Robot, is her latest book.
We talk all about it, as well as Gabriela's journey through writing, what it's like to be traditionally published versus self-publishing, and more than a few honest assessments about the publishing process as a whole.
Join Our Discord Community
Join our writing community on Discord and get involved in the conversation - https://mailchi.mp/395aa89d6ec0/join-richie-billings-community-of-writers
Resources
Creative Writing Tips For Beginners - https://richiebilling.com/writing-tips/
Advice On Writing Fantasy - https://richiebilling.com/fantasy-writing
About The Guest
Gabriela Houston - https://www.gabrielahouston.com/
Buy The Bone Roots - https://angryrobotbooks.com/books/the-bone-roots/
Richie Billing: https://richiebilling.com
I'm joined by author Salinee Goldenberg for a brilliantly honest chat about writing her debut novel, The Last Phi Hunter, getting published, and dealing with challenges like Imposter Syndrome.
The Last Phi Hunter is a fantasy book unlike any other, with strong inspiration taken from Thai demon folklore. Sal tells us all about the process of writing the novel, creating the amazing setting and characters, and navigating the plot as a pantser.
Learn More About Our Sponsor, Fictionary
https://fictionary.co/fwt
Join Our Discord Community
Join our writing community on Discord and get involved in the conversation - https://mailchi.mp/395aa89d6ec0/join-richie-billings-community-of-writers
Resources
Creative Writing Tips For Beginners - https://richiebilling.com/writing-tips/
Advice On Writing Fantasy - https://richiebilling.com/fantasy-writing
About The Guest
Salinee Goldenberg - https://twitter.com/salgo | https://www.instagram.com/gosalgo/
Buy The Last Phi Hunter - https://angryrobotbooks.com/books/the-last-phi-hunter/
Richie Billing: https://richiebilling.com
In this episode, award-winning author and leader in the world of children's literature and children's books, Meredith Davis, shares many a pearl of wisdom.
Not only is Meredith a leading author of children's books, she's the founder of the Austin Chapter of the Society of Children's Books Writers and Illustrators, and also has an MFA in writing for children and young adults from the Vermont College of Fine Arts. A specialist if ever there was one.
We talk all about Meredith's new book, The Minor Miracle (Waterbrook/Penguin Random House), how to write a children's fantasy book, and advice for authors navigating the world of querying agents and submitting to publishers.
Learn More About Our Sponsor, Fictionary
https://fictionary.co/fwt
Join Our Discord Community
Join our writing community on Discord and get involved in the conversation
Head here to join us on Discord - https://mailchi.mp/395aa89d6ec0/join-richie-billings-community-of-writers
Resources
Creative Writing Tips For Beginners - https://richiebilling.com/writing-tips/
Advice On Writing Fantasy - https://richiebilling.com/fantasy-writing
About The Guests
Meredith Davis - https://meredithldavis.com/books/
Buy The Minor Miracle - https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/721051/the-minor-miracle-by-meredith-davis-illustrated-by-billy-yong/
Richie Billing: www.richiebilling.com
In this episode, we cover a very hot topic right now (in more ways than one)—romantasy.
With the help of editor Jennia D'Lima and author Lara Buckheit, we look at what romantasy is, its surge in popularity, the reasons behind why, and how you can write your own fantastically romantic stories.
What do you think of the romantasy phenomenon?
Do you write/read in this genre or are you thinking of giving it a go?
Join our Discord community and get involved in the conversation!
Join Our Discord CommunityHead here to join us on Discord - https://mailchi.mp/395aa89d6ec0/join-richie-billings-community-of-writers
Learn More About Our Sponsor, Fictionary
https://fictionary.co/fwt
Resources
Creative Writing Tips For Beginners - https://richiebilling.com/writing-tips/
Advice On Writing Romance Scenes - https://richiebilling.com/writing-tips/how-to-write-romance-scenes
About The Guests
Jennia D'Lima: www.jenniaedits.com
Lara Buckheit: www.larabuckheit.com
Richie Billing: www.richiebilling.com
In this episode of the podcast, we take a comprehensive look at fantasy maps: how to make them, tips on designs and how to draw them both freehand and with the help of digital tools and websites.
Helping me do that are two of the best cartographers around, Tyndall Doodle and Dread Maps.
Both are talented artists and inspirational users of the fantasy map making website, Inkarnate.
We enjoy a comprehensive chat about the magic of maps and cartography, best practices for creating your own world maps and battle maps for DnD and tabletop campaigns, and how you can use Inkarnate to bring your imaginings to life.
It's a brilliant discussion featuring two passionate and talented individuals, and with the beauty of video, you can see examples of their work throughout.
And that's not all. If you head over to Patreon and sign up for a free or paid account, you will qualify for the draw for a year's subscription to Inkarnate Premium. Head here to enter today - https://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed
Learn More About Our Sponsor, Fictionary
https://fictionary.co/fwt
Join The Community!
Head here to join us on Discord - https://mailchi.mp/395aa89d6ec0/join-richie-billings-community-of-writers
Resources
A Complete Guide On How To Make A Fantasy Map - https://richiebilling.com/fantasy-writing/how-to-make-a-fantasy-map
About The Guests
Tyndall Doodle: https://twitter.com/tyndalldoodle | https://www.instagram.com/tyndall_doodle
Dread Maps: https://www.patreon.com/dreadmaps | https://twitter.com/dreadmaps
About Inkarnate
Inkarnate is a free digital mapmaking platform that's designed to make cartography easy and fun. You can check it out here - https://inkarnate.com/
About Richie Billing
Richie Billing writes all kinds of stories, but mostly fantasy fiction. His tales tend to explore real-world issues, zooming in on the characters, their troubles and their efforts to overcome them.
You can check out his acclaimed book on writing fantasy fiction, A Fantasy Writers' Handbook, here - https://mybook.to/AFWH
And head here to check out his debut epic fantasy novel, Pariah's Lament - https://mybook.to/PariahsLament. And you can learn more at www.richiebilling.com
#podcast #fantasywriter #writingtips
With Halloween just around the corner we wanted to tackle something spooky. In this episode—our last in series 2—we're diving into all things monstrous. I’m joined by writer, actor and producer Meghan Martin who’s a native of the monster-filled state of West Virginia. In our chat, we dive into Bigfoot, the mothman and more monsters that are said to stalk the forests of Appalachia. We examine the folklore, the surge in recent reports and explore the reasons why people are so fascinated by these tales—all to give you ideas and inspiration for when it comes to creating your own.
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 MEGHAN MARTIN
https://www.instagram.com/hellomeghanmartin/
ABOUT RICHIE BILLING
www.richiebilling.com
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/
Book marketing is a thorn in many a writer's side, but here with a fine set ot tweezers is marketing whiz, Nicky Pecone.Nicky is the founder of Iron Age Marketing, a marketing agency that specialises in helping writers promote their books and build their brand.In our chat, we talk about the fundamentals of book marketing—what it is, what it involves, and what writers can do to start building their name and selling books.
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 NICKY AND IRON AGE MARKETING
https://nickpecone.com/iron-age-media-marketing/
Hi from Iran