The Fantasy Writers' Toolshed

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How do you know when you’ve taken a manuscript as far as you can, and how can you tell whether an editor is actually right for your book?

Fantasy and cozy mystery editor Richelle Braswell joins Richie Billing to explain when professional editing becomes worthwhile, where to find reputable book editors, and the green and red flags to investigate before trusting someone with your manuscript.

They discuss referrals, professional editing organisations, genre specialisation, discovery calls, sample ed...

In this episode, I'm delighted to be joined by author, podcaster and anthropologist Michael Kilman.

Michael shares fantastic insights on what anthropology is and how it can be applied to writing fantasy books.

We delve into cause-and-effect, the anthropological roots of monsters, taboos, and cross-cultural myth structures, and discuss why these are goldmines for fantasy writers.

We also look at how worldbuilding through anthropology explores real-world, cross-cultural issues, and we look at a wide range of examples of approaches that humans take to structure their societies.

In short, using anthropology in...

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How do you write characters that leap off the page—and keep readers hooked for 40 years? New York Times bestselling author Jayne Ann Krentz joins The Fantasy Writers' Toolshed for a career-spanning masterclass in writing romance, suspense, and gothic fiction.

With over 200 books published under three na...

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Get my handbook on writing fantasy > https://richiebilling.com/store/books/a-fantasy-writers-handbook-ebook

Get courses and classes on creating fantasy stories, plus early access to episodes > https://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed/

More resources and contact > https://richiebilling.com/

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...

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Get my handbook on writing fantasy > https://richiebilling.com/store/books/a-fantasy-writers-handbook-ebook

Get courses and classes on creating fantasy stories, plus early access to episodes > https://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed/

More resources and contact > https://richiebilling.com/

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, aw...

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Get my handbook on writing fantasy > https://richiebilling.com/store/books/a-fantasy-writers-handbook-ebook

Get courses and classes on creating fantasy stories, plus early access to episodes > https://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed/

More resources and contact > https://richiebilling.com/

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 co...

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Get my handbook on writing fantasy > https://richiebilling.com/store/books/a-fantasy-writers-handbook-ebook

Get courses and classes on creating fantasy stories, plus early access to episodes > https://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed/

More resources and contact > https://richiebilling.com/

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...

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Get my handbook on writing fantasy > https://richiebilling.com/store/books/a-fantasy-writers-handbook-ebook

Get courses and classes on creating fantasy stories, plus early access to episodes > https://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed/

More resources and contact > https://richiebilling.com/

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 proc...

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Get my handbook on writing fantasy > https://richiebilling.com/store/books/a-fantasy-writers-handbook-ebook

Get courses and classes on creating fantasy stories, plus early access to episodes > https://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed/

More resources and contact > https://richiebilling.com/

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...

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Get my handbook on writing fantasy > https://richiebilling.com/store/books/a-fantasy-writers-handbook-ebook

Get courses and classes on creating fantasy stories, plus early access to episodes > https://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed/

More resources and contact > https://richiebilling.com/

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 yo...

More From The Toolshed

Get my handbook on writing fantasy > https://richiebilling.com/store/books/a-fantasy-writers-handbook-ebook

Get courses and classes on creating fantasy stories, plus early access to episodes > https://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed/

More resources and contact > https://richiebilling.com/

✍️ 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 sequen...

More From The Toolshed

Get my handbook on writing fantasy > https://richiebilling.com/store/books/a-fantasy-writers-handbook-ebook

Get courses and classes on creating fantasy stories, plus early access to episodes > https://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed/

More resources and contact > https://richiebilling.com/

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 cr...

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-building, and the crucial missteps that hold writers back.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

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 to grow a loyal audience, sell more books, and build a sustainable writing career.

What separates authors who build loyal readerships from those who struggle to gain traction? The answer often lies in series writing, br...

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 Ursula Le Guin's Earthsea series and Michael Moorcock's stories, and discuss why we all love the genre so much.

You're bound to learn something new!<...

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 life story of Lord Guan and the legend surrounding him, before diving into the writing and researching of the book.

And...

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 on both craft and the realities of being an author.

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 of the beloved cl...

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 her favourite and least favourite fantasy tropes, and we discuss some newer and more shocking tropes that writers should think about...

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 provides her expert insights into what 2025 holds for the world of Young Adult fantasy fiction.

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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 your characters. Ideal for fantasy writers who want to improve realism and deepen the emotional impact of their stories.

In this episode, I'm joined by fantasy author and ER doctor, HB Reneau.

HB talks all ab...

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 traditional publishing.

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 Magic Publishing.

Brianna shares her wisdom after spending several years wo...

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 short story craft and get published in fantasy magazines, anthologies, or competitions.

Short stories are one of the most powerful ways to sharpen your craft—but writing them well (and getting them published) is a skill in i...

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 darker, more impactful stories with depth and authenticity.

Grimdark fantasy is one of the most compelling and misunderstood subgenres in modern fantasy—but writing it well requires far more than darkness and violence.

In this epis...

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 writer should understand, including:

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 audiobooks cost-effectively, and build additional income streams from their writing.

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 of...

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 to strengthen their craft and write more diverse, character-driven stories.

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

Ciel's new book, Th...

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 indie authors looking to expand their skills and publish shorter works successfully.

In this 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 Di...

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 their craft and create more engaging stories.

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...

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 who want to improve their craft and understand how bestselling authors create successful books.

What can fantasy writers learn from one of the most successful authors in the world?

In this episode, I’m joined by #1 New York Times and international bestselling auth...

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 readers. Ideal for writers who want to craft compelling YA fantasy novels and reach a younger audience.

What makes young adult fantasy so compelling—and how do you write stories that truly connect with younger readers?

In this epis...

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-publishing business.

Selling books on Amazon can feel complex—but with the right strategy, it becomes one of the most powerful tools for reaching readers and growing your author career.

In this episod...

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 anthropologist grandmother Lan, as they find themselves at the heart of a terrifying, worldwide media storm. It offers a critique of aspects of...

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 more than a few honest assessments about the publishing process as a whole.

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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 characters, and navigating the plot as a pantser.

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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 writers who want to break into children’s fantasy and create stories that resonate with young audiences.

How do you write a children’s fantasy book that truly captures a young reader’s imagination—and stands out in a competitive market?

In this epis...

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. Ideal for fantasy writers who want to write emotionally engaging, commercially viable romantasy novels.

Romantasy is one of the fastest-growing genres in fantasy right now—but writing it well takes more than adding a love story to a magical worl...

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 writers, DnD creators, and worldbuilders who want to create immersive, visually compelling maps.

How do you create fantasy maps that feel real, immersive, and visually striking—and actually enhance your worldbuilding?

In this epis...

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 folklore, the surge in recent reports and explore the reasons why people are so fascinated by these tales—all to give you ideas and inspiration for when it comes to creatin...

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 at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠thefantasywriterstoolshed@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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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 can go about it, where to find narrators, how to do it yourself, the costs involved and much, much more. You're guaranteed to learn something new!

If you...