A deep dive with Jo Riccioni into the writing process and craft behind her fantasy novels The Branded and The Rising.

We talked about Jo's writing process, how she carves out writing space, her experiences with writing different genres and recent successes in her career such as signing an international deal for her fantasy book series. Jo also spoke about the importance of character development, ideas for world-building, lessons she’s learned from writing in different genres, interactions with her readers and her role as a writing teacher. We also got a very special reading from Jo’s latest fantasy novel The Rising. 

If you’re a fantasy writer, Jo gives some great advice about the kinds of events you should attend. She also spilled the beans on the software she used to create the map at the front of the book.

You’ll find links to buy both paperback and ebook versions of The Rising by Jo Riccioni here. 

ABOUT JO RICCIONI

Jo Riccioni is a novelist and short story writer whose latest fantasy series, The Branded Season, is out now in Australia and will be published in the US and UK in 2024.

Jo’s first novel, The Italians at Cleat’s Corner Store, was published in Australia and the UK. It won the International Rubery Award for Fiction and was longlisted for the New Angle Prize. Her short fiction has been published in Best Australian Stories twice, and in anthologies in Australia and overseas. She has won short story awards in the UK, the US and Australia.

Website: https://joriccioni.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joriccioni/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joriccioni

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@joriccioni

To enter this month’s competition, head to Writers Book Club Instagram or Facebook and look for the giveaway post.

Order The Rising by Jo Riccioni here. 

Order Mrs Winterbottom Takes a Gap Year by Joanna Nell here.

This podcast is recorded on the beautiful, unceded lands of the Garigal people of the Eora nation.

Full show notes available at writersbookclubpodcast.com