The Fantasy Writers' Toolshed

Writing the Fae, Present Tense Storytelling and Confined Fantasy Worlds | Rym Kechacha on The Apple and the Pearl

14 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

What makes the fae such enduring figures in fantasy? How do you write in the present tense without it feeling awkward? And can a fantasy story work in...

Creating A Successful Author Business With Joanna Penn

14 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

What does it really mean to treat your writing as a business?In this episode, I’m joined by bestselling author and entrepreneur Joanna Penn to explo...

Email Marketing for Writers and Authors In 2026

14 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

✍️ Access The Free Class Here: Email Marketing For Writers and AuthorsEmail marketing remains one of the most powerful tools available to writers ...

RJ Barker On Writing Fantasy

14 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 wr...

The Biggest Mistakes Authors Make (According to a Writing Coach) | Suzy Vadori on Character Creation, Worldbuilding & Author Growth

14 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Are you repeating the same writing mistakes without realising it? In this episode, writing coach and author Suzy Vadori reveals the biggest errors she...

Writing Series, Branding, and Book Launch Secrets from Jami Albright & Sara Rosett

14 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Discover what makes romance and cozy mysteries two of the most successful and reader-loved genres in publishing. In this episode of The Fantasy Writer...

Writing The Magic With Lucy Holland and Dan Coxon

14 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

I'm delighted to be joined by bestselling fantasy authors Lucy Holland and Dan Coxon for an all-encompassing discussion on writing fantasy. Dan ha...

Linguistics and Historical Fiction with Professor Charles Li

14 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 abou...

Writing Fantasy With Jim C. Hines

14 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 o...

Writing Fresh Fantasy With Kel Kade

14 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Theme, Premise and Writing YA In 2025 with Sarah Arthur

14 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Award-winning YA author Sarah Arthur returns to the Toolshed to discuss her brilliant new book, Once A Castle.Sarah also shares her experiences follow...

Writing About Injuries and Wounds

10 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 infl...

How To Get A Literary Agent

14 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 Mag...

How To Write Short Stories With Dan Coxon

14 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 defini...

How To Write Grimdark With Anna Smith Spark

14 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 l...

The Best Writing Tips Of 2024 - Short Stories, Ian Rankin and more

14 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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'...

How To Make An Audiobook

14 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

Ciel Pierlot On Writing Fantasy And Queer Fiction

14 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, award-nominated author Ciel Pierlot joins me in the Toolshed for a fascinating chat about writing fantasy and writing queer fiction. ...

Special Episode: Stephen Aryan On Writing Novellas And Self Publishing

28 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this special episode, I'm delighted to be joined by returning guest and bestselling author, Stephen Aryan. Stephen has just released his latest f...

The Writing Process With Kate J. Armstrong

14 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 thi...

Jennifer L. Armentrout: On Writing And Born Of Blood And Ash

14 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 h...

How To Write Young Adult Fiction With Sarah Arthur

14 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I'm delighted to welcome bestselling author, Sarah Arthur. Sarah's debut YA fantasy novel, Once A Queen has recently hit th...

How To Sell Books On Amazon With Kindlepreneur's Dave Chesson

14 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we welcome the Kindlepreneur himself, Dave Chesson for a chat about selling books on Amazon and Kindle Direct Publishing. Dave has d...

Can We Change The World With Our Writing? An Interview With Manda Scott

28 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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, ...

The Writing Process With Gabriela Houston

13 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I'm joined by fantasy author Gabriela Houston for an honest chat about writing and publishing. Gabriela has developed a reputati...

The Writing Process With Salinee Goldenberg

28 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

I'm joined by author Salinee Goldenberg for a brilliantly honest chat about writing her debut novel, The Last Phi Hunter, getting published, and d...

How To Write A Children's Fantasy Book

14 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, award-winning author and leader in the world of children's literature and children's books, Meredith Davis, shares many a pea...

How To Write Romantasy

28 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 Bu...

How To Make Fantasy Maps | An Interview With Inkarnate's Finest, Dread Maps and Tyndall Doodle

14 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Halloween Special - Making Monsters

28 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

Indie Publishing Success With Michael R Miller

14 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Audiobooks: How To Get Started

27 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Book Marketing Advice You Need To Hear

13 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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 Ir...

[Panel] Creating And Developing Characters With Karen Heuler

27 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

For our latest community panel, we had the pleasure of welcoming award-winning literary fantasy author Karen Healuer as our special guest.The topic ce...

Essential Advice On Editing

13 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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'...

Religion And Belief Systems With Norse Shaman, Mark Weisman

27 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Religion, belief systems and spirituality are huge topics in the fantasy genre. When we create our fictional worlds, so often they feature gods and go...

The Writing Process With Daniel Polansky

13 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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...

[Panel] Query Letters, Writing A Synopsis, And Finding A Literary Agent

27 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

We're thrilled to welcome Laura Bennett as a special guest for our latest community panel discussion on working with literary agents and navigatin...

Writing Literary Fantasy And Pantsing With Karen Heuler

13 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Award-winning literary fantasy author Karen Heuler stops by the Toolshed to talk about pantsing and writing in the literary style. Karen's new book, T...

Worldbuilding 101 With Stephen Aryan

27 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Over in our Discord community, we were thrilled to host our very first panel discussion with the brilliant bestselling author, Stephen Aryan.Also join...

The Power Of Writing Groups

13 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I welcome three members from our writing community, Isa, Josh and Jonny, for a chat about our community writing groups. Not so long ...

How To Create Your Own Magic System

27 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In the second episode of our mini-series on magic systems, Janina and Lucy from The Fey Fellows Podcast rejoin me for a deeper look at two big ex...

Hard And Soft Magic Systems

13 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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 mag...

The Writing Process With Juliet E. McKenna

27 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

I'm delighted to share with you an insightful interview with legendary fantasy author, Juliet E. McKennaIn our chat, we discuss Juliet's new book, The...

The Writing Process With Amish Tripathi

14 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we're thrilled to welcome one of the world's top-selling fantasy authors, Amish Tripathi. The BBC has described Amish as "India'...

Mastering Body Language With Former FBI Agent Joe Navarro

28 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

We're absolutely thrilled to bring you a very special interview with bestselling author and former FBI special agent, Joe Navarro.Joe is a world-leadi...

A Lawyer's Perspective On Writing Fantasy

14 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

I've had a lot of specialists on the podcast in recent months but it occurred to me that I've never really reflected on my own experiences as a lawyer...

An Honest Chat About Book Reviews

28 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

I'm always keen to chat with book bloggers to get an insight into the latest trends in reading. Fantasy romances, for example, are particularly in dem...

The Writing Process With Stephen Aryan

14 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

We're delighted to welcome to the Writers' Toolshed bestselling fantasy author, Stephen Aryan.Stephen has published eight novels to date with both Orb...

Deconstructing Fantasy Tropes

28 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In the final episode of 2023, we welcome Vickie Lan to the Toolshed, host of the Speculative Sandbox Podcast.Vickie is a specialist in deconstructing ...

The Writing Process With Denise Crittendon

14 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Award-winning journalist and Afrofuturist author Denise Crittendon stops by the Toolshed to discuss her debut science fantasy novel, Where It Rains In...

The Writing Process With Mary E. Pearson

27 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

We're both thrilled and honoured to welcome to the Toolshed for the first time the New York Times Bestselling author Mary E Pearson.Mary is the master...

The Power Of Wattpad

15 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In the latest episode of The Fantasy Writers' Toolshed podcast, I welcome author Nandi Taylor who's achieved remarkable things on Wattpad.As someone w...

The Origins Of The Fantasy Genre - Beowulf And King Arthur

28 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this instalment, Janina and Lucy from The Fey Fellowes podcast return for a chat about the age-old tales of Beowulf and King Arthur. We look a...

The Lowdown On Literary Agents With Laura Bennett

27 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I'm joined by science fiction and fantasy literary agent Laura Bennett of the Liverpool Literary Agency. Laura talks us through what ...

Essential Worldbuilding Tips

13 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we look at four of the most essential worldbuilding tips, but ones that you may not have heard before. These tips have been learned t...

Sociology And Villains

28 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I'm joined by Dr Enn Burke for a fascinating discussion about sociology and villainous and deviant characters. We discuss how so...

Medieval Knights And Fantasy

13 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

If you like to write fantasy or perhaps historical fiction, then you may have encountered the idea of the medieval knight. They were walking tank...

The Psychology Of Villains And Heroes

27 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we march forth with our series on creating three-dimensional characters.Political psychologist and YouTuber Abby returns to discuss t...

The Writing Process With Adrian Tchaikovsky

13 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

We're both thrilled and honoured to welcome to the Toolshed award-winning author of many incredible Science Fiction and Fantasy books, Adrian Tchaikov...

Kickstarter For Writers And Insights From Publishers On Submissions

27 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we reveal publishing insights and tips on making successful submissions for short stories and novels. We also take a look at the meth...

Medieval Entertainment

14 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Entertainment in the Middle Ages was very important in many people's lives. From lords to peasants, everyone needed a bit of downtime and fun and, as ...

Ghost Stories And The Fantasy Genre

27 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Janina Arndt and Lucy Atkinson from The Fey Fellows podcast return for a chat about ghost stories.We discuss what ghost stories are, ...

Jobs In Fantasy

13 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we take a look at the jobs and occupations we often see in the fantasy genre. From bards to blacksmiths, a lot of these roles ta...

The Moral Psychology Of Characters

27 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In part three of our series on creating lifelike characters, we welcome political psychologist, Abby, back to the Toolshed for a discussion on moral p...

Dungeons And Dragons And The Fantasy Genre

13 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we discuss the incredible influence that Dungeons and Dragons (DnD) has had on the fantasy genre. From inspiring people to write thei...

Weapons In Fantasy

27 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

You can find all manner of weapons in the fantasy genre. From giant swords to magical axes, writers have conjured all manner of deadly devices over th...

Sociology And Creating Characters

28 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the podcast, I welcome sociologist and fantasy book lover Dr Enn Burke to the Toolshed to teach us how sociological factors can hel...

Medieval Food and Fairytales

13 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this edition, I'm joined by our oracle of medieval history, Aidan Mattis, for a chat about the food and cuisines of the Middle Ages—something I t...

The Psychology Of Characters, How To Create Suspense, and Some Good and Bad News For Writers

28 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we dive into the process of creating lifelike characters by examining psychology—what makes people who they are? What drives them a...

Evolution and Worldbuilding, Using Short Stories, and Greek Mythology

13 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In our first episode of the new year, I explore evolution and worldbuilding in the fantasy genre with author and YouTuber, Rachel Emma Shaw. We look a...

Medieval Warfare, Folklore and AI Book Covers

14 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we're donning our helmets and hefting our axes and shields before diving headfirst into battle with a look at medieval warfare. We'll...

Magic And Science, Pitching To Book Reviewers, And Medieval Life

28 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

Archery, Science In Fantasy, and Norse Mythology

14 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

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 uni...

How To Edit A Novel, Medieval Diseases, and Mythology and Folklore

28 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

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 d...

Book Marketing With Creator Of Story Origin, Evan Gow

09 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Today, we're delighted to welcome Evan Gow to the Writer's Toolshed for a very special chat about Story Origin, the book marketing platform Evan's cre...

Submitting Short Fiction

18 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this mini-episode, JM gives his editor’s perspective on submissions and short stories in particular.He provides some quick tips on manuscript for...

How To Name Fantasy Characters And Places

22 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

If you've ever struggled with coming up with names for your fantasy characters, fantasy worlds and towns and cities within those worlds, you can find ...

Book Marketing Post-Lockdown with Alex Greenwood

06 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Richie is joined by PR guru and award-winning writer, Alex Greenwood, who shares some fantastic marketing tips that writers can utili...

How To Build A Fantasy World

24 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Richie welcomes fantasy author and real-life world builder, John Tarrow, to the Writer’s Toolshed.Over the past 25 years, John has converted his 3 b...

Tips On Getting Stories Published

10 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, JM reflects on the first few months in his role as editor-in-chief for Of Metal and Magic Publishing. He discusses upcoming releases,...

How To Write Fight and Battle Scenes

15 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we're picking up on fantasy weapons and armour and exploring how writers can employ them in fight and battle scenes. We cover some go...

How To Create Conflict

06 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Richie is talking all things conflict. What is conflict? Why is it important? How do you create it? And he discusses its close relati...

Fantasy Armor and Weapons

16 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In our first episode of 2021, we're diving into fantasy armor and fantasy weapons. We examine why the medieval period is so popular in the fantasy gen...

Christmas Special

24 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In our first-ever Christmas special, we welcome two guests to the Writers' Toolshed - EA Robins and Douglas WT Smith, two fantastic writers who make u...

Author and Book Marketing

14 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we're wading into the deep and murky waters of author and book marketing. We tackle every writer's least favourite job—marketing. A...

How To Write Good Dialogue

29 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

The Best Fantasy Books Of All Time

01 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In our ninth episode, we're taking a look at TIME magazine's recently published list of the top 100 fantasy books of all time. Click here to see the l...

Talking Anthologies with Transmundane Press

29 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Anthology: a collection of selected literary pieces or passages or works of art or music.In this not-so-mini episode, JM interviews the editors of Tra...

Magic Systems in Fantasy

13 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Magic systems play an important role in fantasy. Many people associate wizards, witches, magical weapons, creatures and worlds with the genre. In this...

Audiobooks with Chris Herron of Tall Tale TV

31 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we're thrilled to have Chris Herron from Tall Tale TV in the Shed! And we're talking all things audiobooks - trends, how to make your...

Writing Humour with Comedian Ant Campbell

27 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Richie is joined by the hilarious Scouse comedian, Ant Campbell. Ant has developed a significant following on social media over the p...

Writing 'Rules'

25 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

So-called writing rules have been a touchy subject in the writing world of late. It all exploded after a list of rules by Jonathan Franzen re-surfaced...

A Conversation with Cover Artists

05 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

JM goes solo in this episode, which is a continuation of our previous topic: book covers. JM interviews a couple of artists to ask them why they think...

A Guide to Book Covers

13 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this instalment we're tackling book covers. We delve into everything you need to know, from the science behind typography and imagery to artist fee...

Flash and Nano Fiction with Charles Remington

28 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Writer and editor Charles Remington joins Richie in the Writers' Toolshed to talk about nano fiction, a niche of flash fiction. How do you write nano ...

Making the Most of Self-Isolation

21 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

How to Write Short Stories and Get Them Published

29 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Richie struggles to say hello, JM’s cats make a few guest appearances, and somewhere in between, we talk about short stories—why ...

Historical Fiction with Paul Cunningham

01 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, JM interviews historical fiction author Paul Cunningham. Paul is the author of the book "Contention," which details "the most chaotic...

Worldbuilding

19 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Richie and JM tackle a source of joy and frustration for perhaps every fantasy writer: world-building.They discuss their favourite bi...