Life of Fiction

I put out a call for questions. Some of you responded. Others responded too enthusiastically , and may be added to a watch lis t. Today’s the day I answer your most curious, ridiculous, and suspiciously-specific questions about gnomes, Trench Wars, and whatever else gets tossed into my hat. What did you silly humans ask? QUESTION #1: "Do gnomes really have battle muffins, and if so, what makes the...

Welcome to Episode 61 of Life of Fiction . Today, we’re talking about the stories they tried to bury . Not the scoreboards. Not the stats. Not the flashy player cards sold outside the match tunnels. We’re talking about the dirt. The bones. The secrets at the heart of the game. And at the center of it all—what most folks forget, or conveniently gloss over—are the Trench brothers themselves: Burton...

Right, pull up a chair (preferably one that doesn’t hum when you sit on it), and let’s recap the episode the Guild warned me not to publish. In Episode 60 of Life of Fiction – the Podcast , I shared some of my deeply investigative—and probably indictable—observations on Trench Wars , pulled directly from my experience following Alhannah Luckyfeller through the dusty gears and deadly glory of the G...

In Episode 59 of Life of Fiction – the Podcast , we ask one of the biggest questions in RPG design: How should heroes grow? From XP-driven advancement and story-based milestones to hybrid models and class trials, this episode explores how leveling systems can become powerful storytelling tools—not just stat spreadsheets. Whether you’re into grinding monsters, earning narrative moments, or unlockin...

In Episode 58 of Life of Fiction – the Podcast , we take a winding path through the mysterious and still-developing Wayfarer class—a character built not for domination, but discovery. These adaptable adventurers thrive on exploration, survival, and cultural connection. Are they a standalone class? A skill tree? A myth wrapped in boots and trail dust? From pathfinding and diplomacy to wilderness in...

In today’s episode we explore the often-underestimated role of the Healer—more than just a support class, Healers in The Hero Within are the pulse of survival and the spirit of the party. From battlefield medics and potion-wielding alchemists to divine restorers and shield-summoning protectors, this episode dives deep into what makes healing strategic, meaningful, and heroic. Whether you're into b...

In this episode of Life of Fiction – the Podcast , we step behind the shield and dive deep into the ironclad role of the Defender . More than a tank, more than a wall—this class is about tactical protection, battlefield control, and choosing to take the hit when no one else can. As with each of the classes, we’ve designed the Defender as a three-stage class that grows. Here's what we cover: 🛡️ Cla...

In The Hero Within , not every hero charges into battle or channels the arcane. Some heroes build their advantage. Tinkerers are the architects of the impossible. Where others see obstacles, they see… opportunity. Gears, wires, fuel cells, alchemical canisters—whatever it takes. We’ve designed the Tinkerer as a three-stage class that grows from scrappy inventors into world-changing creators. In th...

In today’s episode, we’re cracking open the spellbook to explore the arcane. We’re stepping into the robes of mystery and power to talk about the Mägo Class . This is Life of Fiction – the Podcast, where every story is a map, every character a compass, and every idea a hidden door. Here’s the article this podcast is connected to: 🎲 TTRPGs The Hero Within RPG 7: The Mägo Class – Masters of Arcane...

Welcome back, fellow storytellers, world-shapers, and late-night lore junkies! This is Life of Fiction – the Podcast , where we dive deep into story craft, world-building, and the wild ideas that make immersive fiction… well, unforgettable . Key Takeaways from this Episode 🔹 What Does It Mean to Be a Warrior? Not just brute force and big swords—warriors are more than muscle. They’re often the hea...

Welcome to Life of Fiction , where we don’t just tell stories—we build them together. Today, we’re diving deep into skills, customization, and progression in The Hero Within . Unlike static RPGs where classes dictate every move, The Hero Within puts skill progression in your hands. The real question is—how should those hands shape your journey? Key Takeaways from this Episode 🔹 Hero Progression:...

How do the other races fit into this industrialized society? Should some struggle to gain acceptance? And where does the battle between magic and technology draw its lines? 1. Introduction – Setting the Stage Recap: Last time, we tackled rolling and mechanics. Now, let’s talk worldbuilding and racial dynamics in The Hero Within . The challenge: How do different races fit into a gnome-centric city?...

Are traditional "roll-under" mechanics outdated? Should natural 100s and 01s have lasting consequences? Let’s dive into a system where heroes truly earn their growth—and their scars. We’re building The Hero Within , an RPG breaking traditional mechanics. The goal: A system that makes every dice roll feel impactful and meaningful . Most d100 systems use "rolling under" mechanics—why does this feel...

Building, building, building…that’s what’s new this week! In this weeks episode, we talk about the growth being experienced over at Life of Fiction , and I answer a question asked by a father: “With all that you’re writing, why are you making a game, Jaime?” So I give you a detailed answer. As per request, here’s the first book in Chronicles of a Hero… Buy the Digital Version from Jaime! Buy the P...

NOTE: First person to send me a list of at least 5 words I said incorrectly (I was too excited to speak properly), gets a 30 Day LoF COMP! Leave the list of words in the comments below =) One of my greatest dreams for Life of Fiction JUST CAME TRUE! Not a joke. My cheeks hurt, I’ve been smiling so hard. Dreaming, and laughing since last night, planning how we’re going to build this community in wa...

Welcome back, folks! After an unplanned but much-needed break, Season 5 of Life of Fiction is finally here—and let me tell you, I’m fired up . Why? Because I’ve decided that 2025 is going to be all about PLAY . No more obsessing over a rigid publishing schedule. No more treating creativity like a factory assembly line. Nope. This year, it’s about having fun —and I want you right there with me. Her...

In this special season finale of Life of Fiction , we take a moment to reflect on the incredible journey we've shared throughout Season 3. This episode is a heartfelt look back at the milestones we've hit, the challenges we've faced, and the community we've built together. Here are the key highlights: Surpassing 2 Million Page Views : WantedHero.com has seen explosive growth, reaching readers in 5...

In this thought-provoking episode, Jaime Buckley dives deep into one of the most common challenges writers face—writer's block. But here’s the twist: Jaime doesn’t experience it. Ever. How is that possible? He shares his secret weapon— trigger questions —a tool he developed that compels the brain to spark creativity and connect ideas in ways you never thought possible. Listeners will learn how the...

In this candid episode, Jaime Buckley responds to a series of thoughtful questions from Wesley of Mirth, offering an inside look into his creative process and personal life. With his signature "shoot from the hip" style, Jaime shares how he manages his projects using just an iPad, the role of motivation in the face of life's uncertainties, and the immense value he finds in online communities and r...

Welcome back to the cozy Roadkill Tavern for another laid-back yet power-packed episode of Life of Fiction, the podcast . This time, we’re diving into how to make your creative dreams a reality without burning a hole in your wallet. Whether you're a budding writer, an artist on a mission, or a startup visionary, this episode is your playbook for achieving big things with small change. I’d like to...

In this episode I’m inviting you to rethink how we approach constraints. Often, we see limitations as obstacles, but what if they were the very thing that fuels our best work? I’ll walk you through some powerful historical examples, like how Hemingway crafted his minimalist writing style, how Picasso’s Blue Period came to life during his financial struggles, and even how the Apollo 13 mission’s su...

In this episode of Life of Fiction , Jaime Buckley dives deep into a question from Ethan, a 16-year-old photographer from Seattle, who’s been feeling overwhelmed by the desire to get the best camera gear. Ethan’s question sparks a conversation on an important creative topic—how to develop skills without relying on expensive tools. Jaime explores how creativity and mastery are rooted not in the lat...

Unlocking Creativity: Why Passion Beats Technology Every Time In this episode, Jaime answers a heartfelt question from Katie, a high school senior from Austin, Texas, who wonders if fancy writing tools are necessary for success. Jaime explores the stories of iconic creators like Mark Twain, Jane Austen, and Van Gogh, demonstrating that creative brilliance often thrives on simplicity, not expensive...

Have you ever done so much worldbuilding or created such detail, that your characters started doing the worldbuilding and creating for you? Short answer: yes . The long answer: Listen to the podcast . Join Our Community We publish five days a week. Catering to our readers is what we do. Videos, artwork, articles, this podcast, and of course, the exclusive release of serial fiction, providing a new...

Writing and publication isn’t what readers think it is. Just listen in and you’ll see what we mean. Part 2 of this episode is a live, uncut conversation with my friend Writer/Author Drew Briney from A New Breed Of Dragon . Still shocked the sound turned out as good as it did. We recorded this in a park, with high winds on a summer evening…and we talked until the park lights went out. What did we t...