The Fantasy Writers' Toolshed

This episode explains how to write compelling fantasy fiction, focusing on worldbuilding, character development, and series storytelling, with insights from #1 bestselling author Jennifer L. Armentrout. You’ll learn how to build immersive worlds, create emotionally engaging characters, structure long-running series, and bring major story arcs to a satisfying conclusion. Ideal for fantasy writers w...

This episode explains how to write young adult (YA) fantasy fiction, focusing on character development, themes, and worldbuilding that resonate with younger audiences, with insights from bestselling author Sarah Arthur. You’ll learn how YA differs from adult fantasy, how to create relatable characters, build immersive worlds within real settings, and write issue-driven stories that connect with re...

This episode explains how to sell books on Amazon using Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), keywords, and Amazon Ads, with proven strategies from Dave Chesson. You’ll learn how Amazon’s algorithm works, how to optimise your book for visibility, choose effective keywords, and run ads that drive sales. Ideal for authors who want to increase book sales, improve rankings, and build a successful self-publi...

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 real world are guided from the afterlife by their an...

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 mo...

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 the novel, creating the amazing setting and chara...

This episode explains how to write a children’s fantasy book, focusing on character development, age-appropriate storytelling, and worldbuilding, with insights from award-winning author Meredith Davis. You’ll learn how to create engaging stories for younger readers, structure children’s narratives effectively, and navigate the process of querying agents and submitting to publishers. Ideal for writ...

This episode explains how to write romantasy that resonates with readers and sells, focusing on blending romance and fantasy, crafting compelling character arcs, and understanding current market trends. You’ll learn how to balance romantic and fantasy elements, use popular tropes effectively, and position your story for success, with insights from editor Jennia D'Lima and author Lara Buckheit. Ide...

This episode explains how to make fantasy maps, focusing on worldbuilding, map design, and using tools like Inkarnate to create professional-quality maps. You’ll learn how to design world maps and battle maps, draw maps freehand or digitally, and apply cartography principles to bring your fantasy setting to life, with insights from expert mapmakers Tyndall Doodle and Dread Maps. Ideal for fantasy...

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 stalk the forests of Appalachia. We examine the f...

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 have any questions or requests, please write to us...

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 and why they're worth exploring as authors, how you c...

Learn how to market your book effectively, build your author brand, and sell more copies with practical strategies from a professional book marketer. Book marketing is one of the biggest challenges writers face—but understanding the fundamentals can make all the difference between obscurity and consistent sales. In this episode, I’m joined by marketing expert Nicky Pecone , founder of Iron Age Mar...

How do you create characters readers truly believe in — and grow them across a story? In this community panel episode of The Fantasy Writers' Toolshed, award-winning author Karen Heuler joins Richie Billing and the writing community for a deep dive into character creation and development. The whole conversation centres on characters: creating them, getting to know them, and growing them. Karen and...

Learn how to edit your writing effectively, understand the different types of editing, and work with professional editors to improve your manuscript. Editing is one of the most important—and most challenging—parts of writing. Done well, it transforms a rough draft into something sharp, compelling, and ready for readers. In this episode, I’m joined by professional editor Jennia D'Lima to break down...

Learn how to create realistic fantasy religions with insights from a Norse shaman, covering belief systems, character psychology, and worldbuilding techniques. Creating believable religions in fantasy is one of the hardest parts of worldbuilding. In this episode, we explore how to build faith systems, gods, and belief structures that feel real, lived-in, and emotionally powerful. I’m joined by Mar...

Learn the fantasy writing process from Daniel Polansky, including how to build unique worlds, craft conflict, and develop compelling characters. What does it take to write gripping fantasy with strong characters and immersive worlds? In this episode, I’m joined by Hugo-nominated author Daniel Polansky to explore his approach to storytelling and the fantasy writing process behind his work, includin...

Learn how to write a query letter, craft a strong synopsis, and find a literary agent with practical advice from industry experts. Getting a literary agent is one of the biggest hurdles in traditional publishing—but with the right approach, it’s absolutely achievable. In this panel episode, we’re joined by Laura Bennett to break down exactly what agents are looking for and how to give your submiss...

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, The Splendid City, published by Angry Robot, offers a fantastic example of the style and approach, and we dive into it to understand how to write literary fantasy fiction. Karen is also a massive pantser and we discuss the benefits of taking this appr...

Learn how to build rich, immersive fantasy worlds with practical advice, common pitfalls, and expert insights from a bestselling author. Worldbuilding is one of the most exciting parts of writing fantasy—but it can also be one of the most overwhelming. In this panel episode, I’m joined by bestselling author Stephen Aryan , along with writers Isa Ottoni , Joshua Parker , and Jonny Altair , to tackl...

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 ago, Josh approached me about setting up some writing groups through our Discord community. These small groups of around 5 or 6 people meet regularly and are matched by genre, time zone and how regularly you can meet. We have about 6 or 7 groups runni...

Learn how to build a compelling fantasy magic system from scratch, using real examples like Dungeons & Dragons and witchcraft to inspire your worldbuilding. Creating a magic system that feels original, balanced, and believable is one of the biggest challenges in fantasy writing. In this episode, I’m joined by Janina Arndt and Lucy Atkinson from The Fey Fellows Podcast to explore how some of th...

Learn the difference between hard and soft magic systems, with examples and practical advice to help you choose the right approach for your fantasy story. Magic systems are a core part of fantasy worldbuilding—but should yours be hard, soft, or something in between? In this episode, I’m joined by Janina Arndt and Lucy Atkinson from The Fey Fellows Podcast to break down the two major types of magic...

Learn the fantasy writing process from acclaimed author Juliet E. McKenna, including character creation, worldbuilding, and insights into modern publishing. What can writers learn from over 20 years in the fantasy publishing world? In this episode, I’m joined by legendary fantasy author Juliet E. McKenna to explore her approach to storytelling, her writing process, and the lessons she’s learned ac...

Learn the fantasy writing process from Amish Tripathi, including how to weave mythology, philosophy, and compelling characters into powerful stories. What can writers learn from one of the world’s bestselling fantasy authors? In this episode, I’m joined by Amish Tripathi , often described as “India’s J.R.R. Tolkien,” to explore his approach to storytelling, mythology, and the fantasy writing proce...