The Fantasy Writers' Toolshed

Want to get your short stories published? In this episode of The Fantasy Writers' Toolshed, host Richie Billing sits down with Benjamin Davis , co-founder of Chill Subs , for a comprehensive, no-nonsense guide to submitting short fiction to literary magazines, navigating the submissions process, and using it as a genuine route toward landing a literary agent. Chill Subs is the platform 50,000+ wri...

For the full video experience, please watch on YouTube > https://www.youtube.com/@fixingbadwriting In this episode of The Fantasy Writers’ Toolshed, Richie Billing takes on a terrible enemies-to-lovers romantasy story and tries to fix it in real time. Expect bad fantasy romance, stolen magic swords, awkward romantic tension, a suspiciously convenient dragon and a practical look at how to make p...

In this episode of The Fantasy Writers’ Toolshed, host Richie Billing interviews bestselling author Michael Chatfield about the writing process, indie publishing, Patreon, audience growth, character creation and building a sustainable author business. Learn practical ways to generate story ideas, develop compelling characters, engage readers, grow a subscription community and think more commercial...

For the full video experience, please watch on YouTube > https://www.youtube.com/@fixingbadwriting Welcome to Fixing Bad Writing , a new series within The Fantasy Writers' Toolshed podcast, where I take a rubbish story generated by AI and try to make it good, or at least less crappy. In Episode 1, I tackle the " High Fantasy " genre. Walk through the story's analysis with me, watch as I edit, b...

Learn how to write a query letter for literary agents, including the correct structure, paragraph-by-paragraph breakdown, submission strategy, and proven techniques to increase your chances of getting representation. Writing a query letter is one of the most important—and most misunderstood—steps in the traditional publishing process. It’s your first impression with a literary agent, and it determ...

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 a confined setting instead of a vast world? In this episode, I’m joined by author Rym Kechacha to talk about her new novel The Apple and the Pearl . We dive into the strange allure of the fae in fantasy fiction, explore the craft of writing in the p...

This episode explains how to build a sustainable and profitable author business, focusing on mindset, income streams, and long-term strategy. You’ll learn how to transition from hobbyist to professional writer, market your books effectively, use AI tools to grow your income, and build a direct relationship with your readers. Ideal for fantasy writers and authors who want to turn their writing into...

✍️ Access The Free Class Here: Email Marketing For Writers and Authors This episode explains how email marketing works for authors in 2026, focusing on audience growth, engagement, and book sales. You’ll learn how to build an email list, improve open and click rates, create effective welcome sequences, and use AI to personalise and scale your emails. Ideal for writers and indie authors who want to...

This episode explains how to improve your fantasy writing using proven techniques for character development, worldbuilding, and the writing process, based on insights from bestselling author RJ Barker. You’ll learn how to create deeper characters, build immersive fantasy worlds, develop your unique writing voice, and overcome common creative challenges. Ideal for fantasy writers who want to streng...

Are you repeating the same writing mistakes without realising it? In this episode, writing coach and author Suzy Vadori reveals the biggest errors she sees in authors, and how to avoid them. Join Richie Billing and Suzy Vadori as they explore Suzy’s journey from businesswoman to bestselling YA fantasy author and coach. We dive into her unique approach to character creation, immersive world-buildin...

This episode explains how to write a successful book series and build an author brand that drives consistent book sales. You’ll learn how to structure multi-book story arcs, create reader loyalty, plan effective book launches, and develop a recognisable author brand using proven strategies from bestselling authors Jami Albright and Sara Rosett. Ideal for fantasy writers and indie authors who want...

I'm delighted to be joined by bestselling fantasy authors Lucy Holland and Dan Coxon for an all-encompassing discussion on writing fantasy. Dan has curated and co-edited a brilliant new craft book called Writing The Magic, published by Dead Ink, and Lucy has contributed an excellent chapter on Ursula Le Guin's magic system in Earthsea. We delve into worldbuilding, creating magic systems, explore U...

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 about Professor Li's expertise in languages and linguistics, and I pick his brain for worldbuilding tips and advice to help you craft your own languages for your fantasy stories. We also dive into Chinese history and culture, looking specifically at the...

This episode explains how to improve your fantasy writing by focusing on character development, short story craft, and long-term creative growth, with insights from bestselling author Jim C. Hines. You’ll learn how to write compelling characters, approach short fiction effectively, build a sustainable writing career, and stay motivated over time. Ideal for fantasy writers who want practical advice...

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 February 2025 and completes her brilliant new trilogy. As well as discussing the new book, we also dive into the character creation process and how to create fantasy worlds, discussing techniques and methods to ensure we don’t info dump! Kel also shares...

Award-winning YA author Sarah Arthur returns to the Toolshed to discuss her brilliant new book, Once A Castle. Sarah also shares her experiences following the release of her debut YA novel (Once A Queen), what it was like writing book two, and how theme has played such an important role in the writing of both. We also discuss Artificial Intelligence (AI) creeping into the writing world, and Sarah...

This episode explains how to write realistic injuries and wounds in fantasy stories, focusing on medical accuracy, trauma, and believable consequences, with insights from ER doctor and fantasy author HB Reneau. You’ll learn how different injuries affect the body, how to portray wounds, infections, and recovery realistically, and how to reflect the physical and psychological impact of trauma in you...

This episode explains how to get a literary agent, focusing on query letters, submission strategies, and what agents look for in writers. You’ll learn how to structure a compelling query letter, avoid common submission mistakes, and understand why agents reject manuscripts, with insights from literary agent assistant Brianna Summers. Ideal for writers preparing to query agents and seeking traditio...

This episode explains how to write and publish fantasy short stories, focusing on structure, editing, and what editors look for in submissions. You’ll learn how to craft compelling short fiction, avoid common mistakes, improve your editing process, and increase your chances of acceptance, with insights from award-winning writer and editor Dan Coxon. Ideal for writers who want to improve their shor...

This episode explains how to write grimdark fantasy, focusing on morally complex characters, violence, tone, and emotional depth, with insights from acclaimed author Anna Smith Spark. You’ll learn what defines grimdark as a subgenre, how to avoid common misconceptions, build brutal yet believable worlds, and create flawed characters that feel real. Ideal for fantasy writers who want to write darke...

Discover the most effective writing tips to improve your craft, get published, and build a successful writing career. Writing advice is everywhere—but what actually works in practice? In this episode, I break down the most valuable writing tips I’ve learned, focusing on practical lessons you can apply immediately to sharpen your skills and move forward as a writer. We cover essential areas every w...

This episode explains how to make an audiobook, focusing on production, narration, and distribution using platforms like ACX. You’ll learn how to find and work with narrators, understand royalty split and paid contracts, and turn your book into a professional audiobook, with insights from audiobook producer and voice actor Ethan Fifield. Ideal for authors who want to expand their reach, create aud...

This episode explains how to write fantasy and queer fiction, focusing on character development, storytelling craft, and the path to publication, with insights from author Ciel Pierlot. You’ll learn how to create engaging and authentic characters, approach inclusive storytelling, develop your writing process, and navigate the journey to finding a literary agent. Ideal for fantasy writers who want...

This episode explains how to write novellas and succeed in self-publishing, focusing on story structure, genre blending, and building a sustainable author career, with insights from bestselling author Stephen Aryan. You’ll learn how novellas differ from novels, how to craft compelling shorter stories, mix genres effectively, and navigate the self-publishing process. Ideal for fantasy writers and i...

This episode explains how to improve your fantasy writing process, focusing on character creation, magic systems, and immersive worldbuilding, with insights from author Kate J. Armstrong. You’ll learn how to develop compelling characters, design magic systems readers love, find inspiration when it fades, and build worlds that feel rich and escapist. Ideal for fantasy writers who want to strengthen...