The Truth About Storytelling
A podcast for writers, readers, and creatives. On Wednesdays, host Tyrean Martinson will share insights into writing, sharing work, the hard work of repeating those actions, and seeking joy during all. On Fridays, Tyrean will share some of her own written work.
Episode #95 More Fast Facts About Mongolia
Why do I say "ger" and not "yurt"? Find out here.
Episode #94: Faith Journey Mongolia
My Mongolia trip was a journey of faith in more ways than one. Listen to hear why and also to hear a humorous story about getting pulled over by police in a country in which you don't speak the language.
Episode #93: Decision Points in Travel and Writing (with Prompts)
Why do decision points matter in fiction writing? Where do you make them? Where do your characters need to decide to continue the journey?
Tyrean's Tales
Episode #92: Mongolia Fun Facts, Part 1 (for September)
Fast and fun facts about Mongolia and how these might change your writing.
Episode #91: Mongolia Reflections: First Days
Mongolia Reflections: First Days is part one of a four part series for September.
For my first days in Mongolia, I grappled with jet lag, but was amazed by the faith and joy I found in my team and in fellow believers. I discuss this, sprinkle in an in-flight movie review, and add a few notes on mission work in today's world while celebrating culture and language.
Episode #90: Reflecting on a Mission in Mongolia and Writing Fantasy
In this episode, I reflect on my mission in Mongolia, but also reflect on writing fantasy as a Christian. In the midst of this "extra" episode, I share my faith, and talk about what's coming next on this podcast and in my writing.
Episode #89 Homecoming and Other Words for Home
In this episode, I talk about returning home from Mongolia and other words for home.
Episode #88 Mongolia Trip and Writing Prompts
In this episode, I share more fun facts about Mongolia and some writing prompts.
Episode #87 Fun Facts, a Birthday, and Mongolia
In this episode, I discuss some fun facts about Mongolia and share some writing prompts.
Episode #86 Claim Your Stories (and an Update)
In this episode, I share a Kickstarter Update, give two book reviews, talk about my Mongolia trip, and talk about the importance of claiming your stories and creativity.
Link:
To Speak Kickstarter
Episode #85 Field Notes: Two Poems and an Update
Two fresh poems—one from the treeline, one from the shore—plus a candid Kickstarter update, a goofy packing story, and a promise: the book is still coming.
Kickstarter Link
Episode #84
In this episode, I discuss how alliteration bridges poetry and prose with example readings of "Winter's End" and the first sentence of Dark Blade Forged.
To Speak Kickstarter Page
Episode #83: Lessons Learned at Realm Makers Expo
In this episode, I discuss lessons I learned at the Realm Makers Expo this year. This Friday, I'll have an extra episode about To Speak and Kickstarter.
Tyrean's Tales
To Speak Kickstarter
Episode #82: The Kickstarter is Live - Creation, Courage, and Thanksgiving
Friends, the launch button has been pushed and To Speak: Poems of Inspired Courage, Wild Grace, and Sacred Ordinary is officially soaring on Kickstarter!
Check it out!
Episode #81 When Words Dance: Shape Poems & Clifton Strengths
In this episode, I discuss how words dance in poetic shapes, share my poem "Words Dance," and how understanding my strengths is helping me as a poet and writer. I also invite listeners to write poetry and discover their own strengths.
Links: Tyrean's Tales
To Speak Kickstarter Page
#80 Vision and Goals, Kickstarter Poetry Book, Peace With the Wild Poem
In this episode, I discuss my vision and goals for the rest of 2025, my Kickstarter campaign, including a few tips I've learned so far, and read my Peace With the Wild poem from my poetry collection "To Speak: Poems of Inspired Courage, Wild Grace, and Sacred Ordinary.
To Speak Kickstarter Link
Bookfunnel for 25 Impossible Tales
Episode #79 Scarcity to Abundance Mindset, Poetry and Gardens, Kickstarter Campaigns, and Mongolia Mission Trip Notes
In this episode, I discuss a couple of walks that took me from scarcity to abundance mindset, share some thoughts on poetry and gardens, Kickstarter campaigns, special edition books, and the Mongolia mission trip.
Links:
Get 25 Impossible Tales of Survivors, Flawed Heroes, and Annoyed Villains with The Weird, The Strange, The Uncanny Book Funnel.
Tyrean's Tales
#78: Goals, Landscapes, and Expanding Horizons
In this episode, I discuss my goals, Kickstarter, my upcoming trip to Mongolia, landscapes, and expanding our horizons, and how that affects our writing.
Tyrean's Tales, my Website (find my newsletter sign up on the front page)
The Emotional Craft of Fiction: How to Write the Story Beneath the Surface by Donald Maass (I mentioned this book, but couldn't remember the title while recording)
Patreon
#77 Writers, Poets, Missionaries, Fantasy Nerds - This One is For You!
In this mashup/mosaic episode, I discuss a leap I'm taking into an adventurous mission trip, a bit about a poetry collection, and weapons from around the world for fantasy fiction writing.
BookFunnel good through June 15th!
Tyrean's Tales - My Website
Episode #76: Legendary Objects That Define Our Shared Imagination
In this episode, I discuss legendary swords and objects that have become a part of our shared imagination, and how they came to do so.
Links:
Christian Science Fiction and Fantasy Bookfunnel - 67 books!
Tyrean's Tales
Patreon Page - getting prepped for Mongolia and More
Episode #75: Do Circumstances Change the Core of Our Imagination?
In this episode, I discuss the foundation of my imagination and how certain circumstances have caused me to wonder if I will always write what I write today.
Links: 25 Impossible Tales of Survivors, Flawed Heroes, and Annoyed Villains
Free Adventures in Scifi and Fantasy for MAY - only good for a few more days!
Chrisitan Authors Scifi and Fantasy through July 15th!
Episode #74: Steel and Story: Why Sword Combat Still Captivates Us
Swords are wildly impractical. And yet… we love them in stories. Here’s why they still cut deep.
Plus, links:
FREE Adventures in Sci-fi & Fantasy - May
Christian Authors SF&F
Notes at Perplexity AI on Sword Fighting
Tyrean's Tales
Episode #73: Refilling the Well and 5 Ways to Encourage Readers
In this episode, I discuss the need for refilling the well with rest, 5 Ways to Encourage Readers, a book review of Salt in the Seas by Karyne Norton, and more!
Links:
Get Dark Secrets and other books FREE!
Get Champion in the Darkness and other books FREE!
Karyne Norton Salt in the Seas
Tyrean's Tales Website
Episode # 72: Writing: Simplicity and Creativity
In this episode, I get into how simplicity can help us be creative.
Links and references:
Free Adventures in Scifi and Fantasy in May
Christian Scifi and Fantasy for May
#71 Writing Episode: Goals and In Person Events
In this episode, I discuss goals and in-person events.
Links and references:
DL Fowler/Larry the Lincoln Guy
Tyrean's Tales
April BookFunnel
MAY Free Adventures in Scifi and Fantasy
MAY Christian Authors SF and Fantasy
Paddles Poetry and Plot Twists: Staying Creative Through Unexpected Events
In this episode, I discuss special events, poetry, goals, and staying creative through unexpected events.
Check out these links:
Free Adventures in SciFi and Fantasy for April
Tyrean's Tales
Fourthwall Store
Episode #69: Navigating the Writing Journey: Goals, Friendship, and Industry Shifts
In this episode, I discuss my goals, inspirations from Val Kilmer's films, friendship in fantasy fiction, and industry shifts.
Links: Colleen M. Story "What Val Kilmer Taught Me About Writing What Matters"
Free Adventures in Scifi and Fantasy
Tyrean's Tales
Episode #68: Legendary Objects and Writing News
In this episode, I discuss writing news and legendary objects.
References and Links:
NaNoWriMo
NaNoWriMo Closure News
Atlantic Libgen Article
Tyrean's Tales Additional Article on Legendary Objects
Episode #67 A Fun Question, A Serious Question, and A Book Deal
In this episode, I ask and answer a fun question, then ask a serious question, and mention a book deal for April.
Links and Mentions:
Free Scifi and Fantasy for April
IWSG -
Tyrean's Tales
Episode #66: Diving into Passion and Purpose
This episode explores the ups and downs of creative goals, the deeper meaning behind political intrigue in fantasy, and how legendary objects reflect a society’s ethics and beliefs. Join me as I navigate setbacks, world-building revelations, and the adventure of storytelling!
Links: Free Adventures in Scifi and Fantasy for March
Exclusive Scfi and Fantasy Deals for March
Blog Article: What Purpose Does Political Intrigue Serve in a Fantasy Novel?
Episode #65: Springing Into Creation: Fantasy, Poetry, and Big Dreams
In this episode, I discuss the creative inspiration of the spring season, and how I am springing into creativity with fantasy, poetry, and big dreams with an upcoming Kickstarter project.
Here are the Book Funnel Links:
FREE Adventures in Sci-fi & Fantasy - March
Exclusive Scfi and Fantasy Deals
Tyrean's Tales Website
Episode #64: A Bit of Truth About Podcasting for Authors
In this episode, I share a bit about my podcasting and writing goals, and how to start a podcast as an extra authentic peek behind the scenes, and in relation to my guest post at the Insecure Writer's Support Group this week.
Links:
Insecure Writer's Support Group Article on Podcasting
Free Adventures in SciFi And Fantasy in March
Exclusive Scifi & Fantasy Deals in March
I also made a brief mention of The Creative Penn Podcast by Joanna Penn.
Episode #63 Refilling Our Creative Wells
In this episode, I discuss ways to refill our creative wells, and when we need to take breaks to renew our creativity.
In this episode, I mentioned Julia Cameron's book, The Artist's Way,
and Self-Publishing with Alli - a podcast for independent authors.
Links:
Free Adventures in SciFi And Fantasy in March
Exclusive Scifi & Fantasy Deals in March
Tyrean's Tales - my website
Episode #62 Time Blocks and Creativity for Authors
Recorded on February 24, then delayed due to a power and internet outage, this week's episode is finally here! I'm discussing how to create and protect time blocks for authors.
I mentioned: Deep Work by Cal Newport in this episode.
Links: https://tyreanstales.com/
No Spice Fantasy through February 28
Patreon Post on Guarding Your Time
Episode #61 Skill Building for Authors
Hey, in today's episode, I discuss skill building for authors, and how we build our skills much like an athlete, or someone going through physical therapy, one moment at a time.
In addition to this podcast, I have delved into this same subject in a slightly different way on my website in an article entitled: How to Train Like a Pro and Level Up Your Writing.
Links: No Spice Fantasy in February
Episode #60 The Truth About Storytelling Gets a New Set Up
In this episode, recorded on February 11, 2025, I discuss my new camera set up, some industry news, some ideas about getting up, or getting going again, and leaning into our strengths.
Links I mentioned:
Author Nation
Copyright Law
No Spice Fantasy Book Sales Funnel
Tyrean Tales
Episode 59: What to do About Life's Curveballs When You Want to Keep Some Writing Momentum
In this episode, I talk about the kind of curveballs that you can't walk off, and what to do about them when you want to keep some kind of writing momentum.
Episode 58: Walk it Off (When Creativity Gets Muddy)
In this episode, I discuss something I rediscovered today - sometimes, I need to walk off the messy, muddy moments in creativity when things just don't seem right. Fresh air and movement can be the cure when we hit a creative wall, or get stuck in a muddy spot.
Links:
Free Adventures in SciFi and Fantasy through January 31, 2025.
The Creative Penn Podcast Episode with Kevin J. Anderson
Tyrean Tales - website Shopify (under construction)
Tyrean Tales Patreon (under construction)
Youtube Rumble IG
Dark Blade And...
Episode 57: Physical Writing Spaces for Success as Author Entrepreneurs
In this episode, I discuss some of my writing goals at work, but mainly focus on physical writing spaces and how they can help us go after our goals as writers.
Links I mention:
How to Be a Voice Actor (In 5 Simple Steps) by Jake Phillips
FREE Adventures in Sci-fi & Fantasy - January 2025
TC Marti's Spirit Summoner
My Website
Episode 56: Vision Boards, Goals, Habits with Vision, Courage, and Faith
In this episode, I talk about why I create vision boards, how they can help with achieving our goals, courage, and a tiny bit about faith at the very, very end.
I also mention a Book Funnel Link:
FREE Adventures in Sci-fi & Fantasy - January
Here's my website (currently going through revision): Tyrean's Tales
I paraphrased wildly two quotes:
“If you have built castles in the air, your work need not be lost; there is where they should be. Now put foundations under them” is attributed to Henry David Thor...
