Log in

goodpods headphones icon

To access all our features

Open the Goodpods app
Close icon
headphones
The Fantasy Writers' Toolshed

The Fantasy Writers' Toolshed

The Fantasy Writers' Toolshed

The Fantasy Writers' Toolshed is devoted to all things creative writing, fantasy fiction and book marketing. Hosted by writer Richie Billing, expect interviews with bestselling fantasy authors, historians, psychologists and the occasional FBI agent. New episode released on the 14th of each month. WRITING TIPS https://richiebilling.com/ JOIN OUR DISCORD COMMUNITY AND GET OUR NEWSLETTER https://mailchi.mp/be6082d43b39/the-writers-toolshed EXCLUSIVE RESOURCES AND FANTASY WRITING WORKSHOPS https://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed WRITE TO US [email protected]
profile image

2 Listeners

bookmark
Share icon

All episodes

Best episodes

Seasons

Top 10 The Fantasy Writers' Toolshed Episodes

Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best The Fantasy Writers' Toolshed episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to The Fantasy Writers' Toolshed for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite The Fantasy Writers' Toolshed episode by adding your comments to the episode page.

The Fantasy Writers' Toolshed - How To Edit A Novel, Medieval Diseases, and Mythology and Folklore
play

10/28/21 • 61 min

In this episode, we look at how to edit a novel, the mythologies and folkloric tales that have inspired the fantasy genre, and we take a look at the diseases that ravaged the medieval era.


We also share the latest calls for submissions and our community announcements.


The Fantasy Writers’ Toolshed is a bi-weekly podcast with new episodes out on 14th and 28th of each month. Our purpose is to create a show that’s as helpful, interesting and entertaining for fantasy writers as possible.


Write to us at [email protected]


Please consider supporting us on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed


Learn more about the podcast - https://richiebilling.com/welcome/the-fantasy-writers-toolshed-podcast


RESOURCES

[Download] - Step by step guide on how to edit a novel - https://bit.ly/how-to-edit-a-novel

Killer Diseases Of The Middle Ages - https://richiebilling.com/fantasy-writing/killer-diseases-of-the-middle-ages

How To Edit A Novel - https://richiebilling.com/writing-tips/how-to-edit-novel


JOIN OUR WRITING GROUP

Join our community - https://mailchi.mp/be6082d43b39/the-writers-toolshed


OUR GUESTS

Janina Arndt and Lucy Atkinson from the Fey Fellows podcast - https://open.spotify.com/show/3fZb25t8f4KdW6x7y5zv6v?si=e74e177759d3422e

Aidan Mattis from The Lore Lodge podcast - https://www.youtube.com/c/TheLoreLodge


Sounds and editing by Odysy - https://www.youtube.com/c/Odysyx

Learn more about Richie Billing - http://richiebilling.com/



Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

profile image

2 Listeners

bookmark
plus icon
share episode
The Fantasy Writers' Toolshed - Magic And Science, Pitching To Book Reviewers, And Medieval Life
play

11/28/21 • 59 min

In this episode, we take a look at the interesting relationship between magic systems and science with fantasy author Rachel Emma Shaw.


We also take a look at day to day life in the medieval period to provide you with ideas and inspiration for your worldbuilding and fantasy stories.


And I reveal the early results from my Book Blogger Survey, essential listening for anyone pitching to book reviewers and book bloggers right now.


Plus, I also have some news from the world of writing and our community announcements.


The Fantasy Writers’ Toolshed is a bi-weekly fantasy writing podcast with new episodes out on 14th and 28th of each month. Our purpose is to create a show that’s as helpful, interesting and entertaining for fantasy writers as possible.


Write to us at [email protected]


Support us on Patreon and get fantasy writing books and writing courses - https://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed


Learn more about the podcast - https://richiebilling.com/welcome/the-fantasy-writers-toolshed-podcast


RESOURCES

The Lives Of Medieval Lords - https://richiebilling.com/fantasy-writing/the-life-of-the-medieval-lord

The Pesky Peasantry Of The Middle Ages - https://richiebilling.com/fantasy-writing/lives-of-medieval-peasants

The Lives Of Medieval Women - https://richiebilling.com/fantasy-writing/maidens-wives-and-widows-the-lives-of-women-during-the-middle-ages

The Book Blogger Survey - https://forms.gle/TC59tvLFEMXTJT776

Article - https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/feb/27/a-dirty-secret-you-can-only-be-a-writer-if-you-can-afford-it

List of 250+ Book Reviewers - https://richiebilling.com/welcome/writing-tools/list-of-book-reviewers


JOIN OUR WRITING COMMUNITY

Join our community here - https://mailchi.mp/be6082d43b39/the-writers-toolshed


OUR GUESTS

Aidan Mattis from The Lore Lodge podcast - https://www.youtube.com/c/TheLoreLodge

Rachel Emma Shaw from the Science In Fantasy YouTube channel - https://www.youtube.com/c/RachelEmmaShaw


Sounds and editing by Odysy - https://www.youtube.com/c/Odysyx



Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

profile image

1 Listener

bookmark
plus icon
share episode
The Fantasy Writers' Toolshed - Making the Most of Self-Isolation

Making the Most of Self-Isolation

The Fantasy Writers' Toolshed

play

03/21/20 • 14 min

Coronavirus craziness has gripped the globe. How can writers make the most of all this free time?


In this episode, Richie discusses a few ways writers can help people in this time of great need, as well as a few ways you can make the most of this abundance of time.


Richie mentions a few books you may find helpful, which are:


The Art of Dramatic Writing - Lajos Egri

Stein on Writing - Sol Stein

The Art of Fiction - John Gardner

Letters to a Young Writer - Colum McCann

The First Five Pages - Noah Lukeman

On Writing - Stephen King

A Fantasy Writers' Handbook - Richie Billing


As always, we want to hear from you! If you have any topics or questions you want us to tackle, drop us an email at [email protected].


Stay safe everyone!


Please consider supporting us on Patreon! (https://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed). You can join our community of writers, get access to exclusive fantasy writing workshops, and copies of acclaimed books on how to write fantasy



See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

bookmark
plus icon
share episode
The Fantasy Writers' Toolshed - How To Make An Audiobook

How To Make An Audiobook

The Fantasy Writers' Toolshed

play

11/14/24 • 39 min

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

[email protected]

⁠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/

bookmark
plus icon
share episode
The Fantasy Writers' Toolshed - Hard And Soft Magic Systems

Hard And Soft Magic Systems

The Fantasy Writers' Toolshed

play

04/13/23 • 32 min

One thing that I haven't covered an awful lot of, both in blogging form and on the podcast, is magic systems.


I'll admit, I'm not a massive user of magic in stories (my current work in progress aside). However, I do love a good magic wielder with Pug from The Riftwar Cycle my all-time favourite.


So given this lack of coverage, I decided to tackle things in earnest, starting with a duology on The Fantasy Writers' Toolshed podcast.


To help me, I'm joined by Janina Arndt and Lucy Atkinson from The Fey Fellowes Podcast and in this first instalment we talk all about hard and soft magic systems—the two main types that people often discuss.


We look at examples of these different magic systems as well as the space in between where writers can find unique and original angles.


If you have any questions or requests, please write to us at [email protected]


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

Janina Arndt and Lucy Atkinson - The Fey Fellows Podcast - https://www.instagram.com/feyfellowspodcast/ / https://anchor.fm/fey-fellows-podcast

Sounds and editing by Odysy - https://www.youtube.com/c/Odysyx


LEARN MORE

UPDATED - List Of Fantasy Publishers - https://richiebilling.com/welcome/writing-tools/list-of-fantasy-publishers

UPDATED - List Of Fantasy Short Story Publishers - https://richiebilling.com/welcome/writing-tools/list-of-fantasy-magazines

NEW - How To Create A Literary Theme - https://richiebilling.com/writing-tips/how-to-create-literary-theme

NEW - How To Write Dialogue - https://richiebilling.com/writing-tips/how-to-write-dialogue



Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

bookmark
plus icon
share episode
The Fantasy Writers' Toolshed - How To Write Good Dialogue

How To Write Good Dialogue

The Fantasy Writers' Toolshed

play

11/29/20 • 22 min

In this instalment, we're departing from our fantasy focus and getting down and dirty with dialogue—one of the key components of any great story.


We tackle the do's and don't's of dialogue, ways you can write effective dialogue, saidisms, and answer the most common formatting questions, such as should you use speech marks or not.


As always, we want to hear from you! Drop us an email by clicking here.


Please consider supporting us on Patreon! (https://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed). You can join our community of writers, get access to exclusive fantasy writing workshops, and copies of acclaimed books on how to write fantasy.



See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

bookmark
plus icon
share episode
The Fantasy Writers' Toolshed - Making the Most of Self-Isolation

Making the Most of Self-Isolation

The Fantasy Writers' Toolshed

play

03/21/20 • 14 min

Coronavirus craziness has gripped the globe. How can writers make the most of all this free time?


In this episode, Richie discusses a few ways writers can help people in this time of great need, as well as a few ways you can make the most of this abundance of time.


Richie mentions a few books you may find helpful, which are:


The Art of Dramatic Writing - Lajos Egri

Stein on Writing - Sol Stein

The Art of Fiction - John Gardner

Letters to a Young Writer - Colum McCann

The First Five Pages - Noah Lukeman

On Writing - Stephen King

A Fantasy Writers' Handbook - Richie Billing


As always, we want to hear from you! If you have any topics or questions you want us to tackle, drop us an email at [email protected].


Stay safe everyone!


Please consider supporting us on Patreon! (https://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed). You can join our community of writers, get access to exclusive fantasy writing workshops, and copies of acclaimed books on how to write fantasy



Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

bookmark
plus icon
share episode
The Fantasy Writers' Toolshed - Archery, Science In Fantasy, and Norse Mythology
play

11/14/21 • 70 min

In this episode, we take a look at worldbuilding, specifically the scientific side, and how writers can make use of the likes of biology to create unique and interesting worlds.


We also take an in-depth look at archery, particularly from the medieval period.


And we also explore Norse mythology, something that's grown in popularity over recent years.


We also share the latest calls for submissions and our community announcements.


The Fantasy Writers’ Toolshed is a bi-weekly fantasy writing podcast with new episodes out on 14th and 28th of each month. Our purpose is to create a show that’s as helpful, interesting and entertaining for fantasy writers as possible.


Write to us at [email protected]


Support us on Patreon and get fantasy writing books and writing courses - https://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed


Learn more about the podcast - https://richiebilling.com/welcome/the-fantasy-writers-toolshed-podcast


RESOURCES

Natural Worldbuilding - Richie's comprehensive guide to building a fantasy world - https://richiebilling.com/welcome/the-writers-toolshed/fantasy-writing/natural-worldbuilding-guide

Fantasy and Archery - The Ultimate Guide - https://richiebilling.com/welcome/the-writers-toolshed/fantasy-writing/archery-and-fantasy-a-complete-guide


JOIN OUR WRITING COMMUNITY

Join our community here - https://mailchi.mp/be6082d43b39/the-writers-toolshed


OUR GUESTS

Janina Arndt and Lucy Atkinson from the Fey Fellows podcast - https://open.spotify.com/show/3fZb25t8f4KdW6x7y5zv6v?si=e74e177759d3422e

Aidan Mattis from The Lore Lodge podcast - https://www.youtube.com/c/TheLoreLodge

Rachel Emma Shaw from the Science In Fantasy YouTube channel - https://www.youtube.com/c/RachelEmmaShaw and check out Rachel's latest book, Sacara Nights - https://amzn.to/3F9eLIJ


Sounds and editing by Odysy - https://www.youtube.com/c/Odysyx


Learn more about Richie Billing - http://richiebilling.com/



Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

bookmark
plus icon
share episode

In this episode, we dive into the process of creating lifelike characters by examining psychology—what makes people who they are? What drives them and why? Political psychologist and YouTuber Abby explains all in our illuminating discussion that's bound to inspire some ideas for your fantasy characters.


I also share a very simple yet very effective method of creating suspense. And there are some interesting calls for submissions, as well as a mixed bag of news, but things I think you need to know about.


If you have any questions or requests, please write to us at [email protected]


To access exclusive interviews, discussions, fantasy writing classes, books and more head over to our Patreon page - https://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed


If you're interested in some of my quick, easy-to-understand fantasy writing classes, head here - https://richiebilling.com/fantasy-writing-classes


Learn more about the podcast - https://richiebilling.com/welcome/the-fantasy-writers-toolshed-podcast


RESOURCES

Tools Writes Can Use To Build Suspense - https://richiebilling.com/writing-tips/tools-writers-can-use-to-build-suspense

A Guide To Writing Prose - https://richiebilling.com/writing-tips/what-is-prose-writing

Fantasy Names Generator - https://richiebilling.com/welcome/the-writers-toolshed/fantasy-writing/fantasy-name-generator/human

Foreshadowing In A Story - https://richiebilling.com/writing-tips/what-is-foreshadowing-in-a-story-definition-examples


JOIN OUR WRITING COMMUNITY

Join our community here - https://mailchi.mp/be6082d43b39/the-writers-toolshed


OUR GUESTS

Abby from Political Psych With Abby - https://www.youtube.com/c/PoliticalPsychwithAbby

Sounds and editing by Odysy - https://www.youtube.com/c/Odysyx



Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

bookmark
plus icon
share episode
The Fantasy Writers' Toolshed - The Writing Process With Gabriela Houston

The Writing Process With Gabriela Houston

The Fantasy Writers' Toolshed

play

05/13/24 • 42 min

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

bookmark
plus icon
share episode

Show more best episodes

Toggle view more icon

FAQ

How many episodes does The Fantasy Writers' Toolshed have?

The Fantasy Writers' Toolshed currently has 106 episodes available.

What topics does The Fantasy Writers' Toolshed cover?

The podcast is about How To, Podcasts and Education.

What is the most popular episode on The Fantasy Writers' Toolshed?

The episode title 'How To Edit A Novel, Medieval Diseases, and Mythology and Folklore' is the most popular.

What is the average episode length on The Fantasy Writers' Toolshed?

The average episode length on The Fantasy Writers' Toolshed is 40 minutes.

How often are episodes of The Fantasy Writers' Toolshed released?

Episodes of The Fantasy Writers' Toolshed are typically released every 15 days, 19 hours.

When was the first episode of The Fantasy Writers' Toolshed?

The first episode of The Fantasy Writers' Toolshed was released on Oct 31, 2019.

Show more FAQ

Toggle view more icon

Comments