show episodes
 
New York Times and internationally bestselling author Amie Kaufman answers one question each week about writing craft. Full of practical tips and an exercise each week, this is a show for writers, for readers who want a backstage look at how their favourite authors craft their stories, or for creative writing classrooms.
  continue reading
 
Artwork

1
The Fantasy Writers' Toolshed

The Fantasy Writers' Toolshed

Unsubscribe
Unsubscribe
Ogni mese
 
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 ...
  continue reading
 
Loading …
show series
 
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 chara…
  continue reading
 
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 genre…
  continue reading
 
Hey listener! I'm currently off on maternity leave, but I've decided to pull some special bonus episodes out of the Patreon vault during September for all my listeners to enjoy. This one's going to take us back to our season on the 1920s to meet the group of sticky-fingered bandits who became England's most notorious thieves. This episode is coming…
  continue reading
 
My second novel, FYREBIRDS, just came out, and it would mean a huge amount if you’d pick up a copy. If you'd like a recap of NIGHTBIRDS before the sequel arrives, go and listen to my four-part recap series over on Pub Dates. This episodes is coming to you with the support of my fabulous patrons. Have you ever thought about becoming one? Patrons get…
  continue reading
 
...see you on the other side, my friends. Have you ever thought about becoming a patron? They get all episodes early and ad-free, voting rights on content, behind the scenes stuff, AND up to two exclusive bonus episodes a month. I'll be posting episodes there throughout my maternity leave, so if you want more Exploress in your life, head on over! Y…
  continue reading
 
I'm thrilled to bring you this extra-long audio sample of the FYREBIRDS audiobook: the Prologue and Chapter 1, narrated by the amazing Saskia Maarleveld. If you like what you hear, the unabridged audiobook is out now wherever audiobooks are sold. You can request it to stream digitally from your local library; if they don't have it in their collecti…
  continue reading
 
Guess what? My second novel, FYREBIRDS, hits shelves TODAY. How exciting! I’m celebrating by inviting one of my favorite authors to join us. Ryan Graudin is the award-winning novel of many books for young adults and children; her debut adult fantasy, THE ENCHANTED LIES OF CELESTE ARTOIS, comes out today. This novel, set in Belle Epoque Paris just b…
  continue reading
 
It’s FYREBIRDS month on The Exploress! To celebrate the release of my second novel, and the conclusion of the NIGHTBIRDS series, I’m sharing an episode of my other podcast, Pub Dates, where I’ve been taking listeners behind the scenes on this series’ creation. In this episode, I’m going to answer reader’s burning questions about NIGHTBIRDS. Warning…
  continue reading
 
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…
  continue reading
 
It’s FYREBIRDS month on The Exploress! I’m celebrating the release of my second novel, and the conclusion of the NIGHTBIRDS series, by revisiting an old episode from our season on the 1920s: the one where we talk about the women who skirted the Prohibition law. Make sure you listen through to the new epilogue, where I talk about all the ways I used…
  continue reading
 
It's interview time! Let's spend some time with the delightful Therese Oneill, author of such nonfiction gems as Unmentionable: A Victorian Lady’s Guide to Sex, Marriage and Manners and her latest book Unbecoming a Lady: The Forgotten Shrews and Sluts that Shaped America. This isn't your average collection of biographies. These ladies weren’t prett…
  continue reading
 
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 buildi…
  continue reading
 
Let's celebrate the North American summer with a dive (see what I did there?) into the history of women's bathing suits. It's as fascinating, and sometimes as absurd, as you'd imagine. I have a book coming out in August! FYREBIRDS, the sequel and conclusion to NIGHTBIRDS, is hitting shelves on August 27th, and I would love it if you'd pick up a cop…
  continue reading
 
In this four-part series, we're time traveling back to Tokugawa Japan (1603-1868) to find out what life was like there for the ladies. If you've been binging Shogun lately, then this one's for you! For show notes, including a list of sources and some cool images, go to The Exploress website (If you're dying for a full transcript, you'll find it ove…
  continue reading
 
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…
  continue reading
 
In this four-part series, we're time traveling back to Tokugawa Japan (1603-1868) to find out what life was like there for the ladies. If you've been binging Shogun lately, then this one's for you! For show notes, including a list of sources and some cool images, go to The Exploress website (If you're dying for a full transcript, you'll find it ove…
  continue reading
 
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 re…
  continue reading
 
In this four-part series, we're time traveling back to Tokugawa Japan (1603-1868) to find out what life was like there for the ladies. If you've been binging Shogun lately, then this one's for you! For show notes, including a list of sources and some cool images, go to The Exploress website (If you're dying for a full transcript, you'll find it ove…
  continue reading
 
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 trad…
  continue reading
 
In this four-part series, we're time traveling back to Tokugawa Japan (1603-1868) to find out what life was like there for the ladies. If you've been binging Shogun lately, then this one's for you! For show notes, including a list of sources and some cool images, go to The Exploress website (If you're dying for a full transcript, you'll find it ove…
  continue reading
 
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…
  continue reading
 
Once upon a time, back in the Middle Ages, four sisters would come to shape the Crusader States called Outremer. One would rebel (several times) against their father; another would come to rule more or less in her own right. All would see a healthy heaping of conflict while living in a chaotic time and place. In Part 2, we'll rejoin our royal siste…
  continue reading
 
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…
  continue reading
 
Once upon a time, back in the Middle Ages, four sisters would come to shape the Crusader States called Outremer. One would rebel (several times) against their father; another would come to rule more or less in her own right. All would see a healthy heaping of conflict while living in a chaotic time and place. In Part 1, we'll explore the many roles…
  continue reading
 
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 wr…
  continue reading
 
There’s something stirring about a warrior woman: one who refuses to bow down to the forces against her, no matter how vast they may be. And when they win out? Even better. Let’s talk about three sword-wielding females who went up against the Romans, terrifying all who looked on: Teuta, Amanirenas, and Mavia (Mawiyya). Want more Exploress bonus epi…
  continue reading
 
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 fantas…
  continue reading
 
In this last episode of Season 4, we're going to find out more about the Black female entertainers who lit up the stages of 1920s America: who they were, the (many) struggles they faced, and all the ways they absolutely slayed. We'll meet blues singers like Ma Rainey, Bessie Smith, Ethel Waters, and Mamie Smith, as well as dancers like Josephine Ba…
  continue reading
 
Today, we’re going to the film industry of the 1920s and the ladies who came to define them. We’ll find out more about the movies of the era, their young female stars, and just how they influenced so many. Grab your girlfriends, your favorite fan mag, and your ticket…It's movie night. You can buy my ladycentric timelines, maps, and art prints at th…
  continue reading
 
Last time, we found out what stay-at-home wife life was like in the 1920s. Now we're going to go out on the town. Let's explore all the fun we were getting up to: dancing, nightclubs, amusement parks, swimming, and girls in automobiles. We'll even dive into the world on 1920s dating. You can now buy my ladycentric timelines, maps, and art prints at…
  continue reading
 
Settle in for a tale of passion, jealousy, corruption, and the lady killers who entranced 1920s America. Grab your gun, your best fur coat, and a flask of bootleg gin. Let’s go traveling. You can now buy my ladycentric timelines, maps, and art prints at the Exploress shop. Also, did you know I’ve got a novel out? NIGHTBIRDS is a 1920s-tinted fantas…
  continue reading
 
Remember back in 2021 when the amazing Elodie Harper told us all about the sex workers of ancient Rome, and also her novel The Wolf Den? She's back to talk to us about The Temple of Fortuna, the epic conclusion to her immersive trilogy about a woman just trying to survive in ancient Pompeii. Join us as we talk about courtesans, an ancient queen, fe…
  continue reading
 
I hope you enjoy this spooky minisode bonus from the dark days of 2020! Let's meet one of history's most prolific female poisoners. You can now buy my ladycentric timelines, maps, and art prints at the Exploress shop. Also, did you know: I’ve got a novel out! NIGHTBIRDS is a 1920s-tinted fantasy about girls who will gift their magic with a kiss...f…
  continue reading
 
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…
  continue reading
 
Last time, we headed to the office as 1920s working women; now let's give the stay-at-home wife life a spin. Grab your brand new vaccuum and your fave home economics book: let's go traveling. You can now buy my ladycentric timelines, maps, and art prints at the Exploress shop. Also, did you know: I’ve got a novel out! NIGHTBIRDS is a 1920s-tinted f…
  continue reading
 
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 h…
  continue reading
 
It's time to grab our sensible heels and head to the office to find out about a woman's work in the 1920s. Let's find out about college life, then dive into some of our trials, triumphs, and tribulations in the workplace. Nothing's going to hold us down! Let’s go traveling. You can now buy my ladycentric timelines, maps, and art prints at my Printa…
  continue reading
 
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 an…
  continue reading
 
Rise and shine! It’s time to get up and start our day in the life of a 1920s American gal. Let’s find out some things about life in the period, from what we’re wearing on a casual Saturday to what we’re eating for breakfast, where we’re getting our food from, and (of course) how we’re dealing with that time of the month. Pull up your stockings and …
  continue reading
 
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 invol…
  continue reading
 
For our latest community panel, we had the pleasure of welcoming award-winning literary fantasy author Karen Healuer as our special guest. The topic centred all on characters—creating them, getting to know them, and how to grow them. We looked at specific strategies for character creation, discussed ways to understand what our characters want, the …
  continue reading
 
Editing is tough. There's so much to think about, so much to keep an eye out for, the whole process can just be exhausting. As a writer, it's probably the most important part of the writing process, yet so many of us despair at the thought. When it comes to enlisting the help of editors to make our lives that bit easier, there can be even more hurd…
  continue reading
 
Religion, belief systems and spirituality are huge topics in the fantasy genre. When we create our fictional worlds, so often they feature gods and goddesses or some kind of faith system. And in many tales, there are characters who are devout or devote themselves to their faith. Recreating these things in our fantasy worlds isn't easy. The religion…
  continue reading
 
We’ll be back in a couple of months with the second half of Season 4, and in the meantime, I have a couple of fantastic bonus episodes for you. When I got a question about how to turn a character idea into a story idea, I knew Lili was the person to answer it. Listeners, you can find Lili on Instagram at @liliwilkinson, or online at her website, wh…
  continue reading
 
Daniel Polansky is a Hugo-nominated author and writer of scores of acclaimed books, including his most recent: March's End (Angry Robot). In this jovial interview, Daniel tells us how he wrote March's End, how he crafted its unique world and the gripping conflict between his characters. And we discuss Daniel's writing journey and processes—how he c…
  continue reading
 
Let's revisit the tragic story the Titanic, but focus on the women aboard. Who were they? What was it like, to ride on this infamous luxury liner? What did they see and feel, that fateful night? As always, you'll find show notes for this episode, includng images and a list of my research sources, at my Exploress website. If you want to support the …
  continue reading
 
We're thrilled to welcome Laura Bennett as a special guest for our latest community panel discussion on working with literary agents and navigating the world of traditional publishing.With scores of questions asked and informatively answered, you're bound to learn something new about writing query letters, perfecting a blurb and synopsis, how to fi…
  continue reading
 
We’ll be back in a couple of months with the second half of Season 4, and in the meantime, I have a couple of fantastic bonus episodes for you. First up, we're going to hear from James Sutter. James is the co-creator of the Pathfinder and Starfinder roleplaying games—if you’re not a tabletop gamer, they’re similar to games like D&D. He’s also an au…
  continue reading
 
Loading …

Guida rapida