The Fantasy Writers' Toolshed

Richie Billing
  • 4.5 (31)
  • Books
  • Semimonthly

The Fantasy Writers’ Toolshed is a podcast for aspiring and experienced fantasy writers who want to master storytelling, creative writing, worldbuilding and character creation. Hosted by author Richie Billing, each episode features practical fantasy writing craft advice as well as fiction writing advice generally, publishing tips and guidance, and inspiring author interviews with bestsellers, editors, historians, literary agents, psychologists and even an FBI Special Agent. Learn how to write, edit and market your fantasy stories with confidence. New episodes are released on the 14th of each month. Join our Discord community of hundreds of writers and gain early access to each episode: www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed Get free dark fantasy books by Richie here: https://richiebilling.com/get-dark-fantasy-books

  1. Oct 13

    Science Meets Fantasy: Worldbuilding with Premee Mohamed

    How can science help you create a fantasy world that feels fresh, strange and full of possibilities? Multi-award-winning author and scientist Premee Mohamed joins Richie Billing to explore worldbuilding, character creation and the writing process behind her new novel, Wickhills. We discuss how bringing science into fantasy can inspire distinctive worlds, where Premee finds her story ideas, and how she develops the characters who inhabit them. Wickhills, a fantasy thriller involving espionage, dangerous magic and a defecting scientist, gives us plenty to dig into. Premee also draws on her experience working with short fiction publishers and supporting writers as a writer-in-residence. She shares the biggest mistakes she sees writers make, her advice for avoiding them, and how she continues to develop her own craft. You’ll discover: • How to combine science and fantasy to create more original worlds. • How Premee approaches story ideas, worldbuilding and character creation. • Common writing mistakes she encounters when editing and mentoring. • How an award-winning author develops her writing process and hones her craft. Whether you’re working on a short story or building an entire fantasy universe, this conversation offers ideas and practical advice to take back to your own writing. ABOUT PREMEE MOHAMED Premee Mohamed is an Indo-Caribbean scientist and speculative fiction author based in Edmonton, Canada. Her work has won Nebula, World Fantasy, Ignyte, Locus and Aurora awards. Her books include Beneath the Rising, The Annual Migration of Clouds, The Butcher of the Forest and Wickhills. She was Edmonton Public Library’s writer-in-residence in 2024 and an assistant editor at Escape Pod from 2020 to 2024. Her short fiction has appeared in publications including Analog, Augur and Nightmare Magazine. PREMEE’S BOOKS AND LINKS Visit Premee’s website Explore Wickhills and find buying options Browse Premee’s books MORE FROM THE FANTASY WRITERS’ TOOLSHED To learn more or get in touch To find fantasy writing books, classes, guides and courses Follow The Fantasy Writers’ Toolshed for more fantasy writing advice and author interviews.

    Science Meets Fantasy: Worldbuilding with Premee Mohamed

  2. Sep 13

    How to Find the Right Book Editor | Richelle Braswell

    How do you know when to bring an editor into your manuscript? Fantasy and cozy mystery editor Richelle Braswell joins Richie Billing to discuss the signs, costs and working relationship behind a good editorial choice. They cover where to find reputable editors, how to assess genre experience and communication style, and why sample edits can help. Richelle also shows how useful feedback diagnoses a storytelling problem instead of stopping at a vague reaction. The conversation moves into character agency, personal stakes and showing emotion through behaviour. Rates and availability change, so request current terms from any editor you are considering. You’ll discover: When outside editorial help may be useful.How to assess an editor’s specialism and process.What a sample edit can reveal.How strong feedback can deepen character motives and agency.If you are preparing to hire an editor, this conversation helps you ask better questions before committing. ABOUT RICHELLE BRASWELL Richelle Braswell is a professional editor specialising in fantasy and cozy mystery. She discusses how to strengthen manuscripts while respecting an author’s voice. GUEST AND RELATED LINKS Visit Richelle Braswell’s website Explore Richelle’s author resources Explore Richie’s editing class CHAPTERS 00:00 Why fantasy stories contain elements of mystery 01:05 When can an editor help your manuscript? 04:27 Where to find a professional book editor 08:12 Green flags and genre specialisation 10:43 Red flags and realistic pricing 12:22 Finding a compatible working style 14:49 Sample edits and authorial voice 16:06 Turning reactions into constructive feedback 18:55 Making motives and stakes personal 21:39 Character depth, decisions and agency 23:56 Showing emotion through action 25:35 Recommended writing and editing books 31:06 Where to find Richelle MORE FROM THE FANTASY WRITERS’ TOOLSHED Learn more or get in touch Find fantasy writing books, classes, guides and courses Follow The Fantasy Writers’ Toolshed for more fantasy writing advice and author interviews.

    How to Find the Right Book Editor | Richelle Braswell

  3. Aug 13

    Anthropology for Fantasy Worldbuilding | Michael Kilman

    How can anthropology make a fantasy society feel more believable? Author and anthropologist Michael Kilman joins Richie Billing to explore taboos, myths, monsters and the structures that shape communities. They discuss cause and effect in worldbuilding and how customs can create tension between characters. Michael draws on cross-cultural examples and his teaching to show why a culture is more than a list of decorative details. His book Build Better Worlds, co-written with Kyra Wellstrom, extends these ideas to fiction, film and game design. You’ll discover: What anthropology can add to a fantasy setting.How taboos and myths affect characters.Why social structures create story conflict.Questions to ask before inventing a culture.If your world has interesting places but thin societies, this conversation offers a different way to build depth. ABOUT MICHAEL KILMAN Michael Kilman is an author, podcaster and anthropologist who co-wrote Build Better Worlds with Kyra Wellstrom. GUEST AND RELATED LINKS Visit Michael Kilman’s website Explore Michael’s YouTube channel MORE FROM THE FANTASY WRITERS’ TOOLSHED Learn more or get in touch Find fantasy writing books, classes, guides and courses Follow The Fantasy Writers’ Toolshed for more fantasy writing advice and author interviews.

    Anthropology for Fantasy Worldbuilding | Michael Kilman

  4. Jul 13

    Jayne Ann Krentz on Core Story, Character Craft and Romantic Suspense

    How has Jayne Ann Krentz kept finding new stories across a long writing career? The bestselling author joins Richie Billing to discuss her “core story” idea, character craft and the connection between romance and suspense. Jayne writes under the names Jayne Ann Krentz, Amanda Quick and Jayne Castle. They talk about the Harmony setting, gothic fiction and how a romantic turn can change the suspense plot, with Enter the Nightmare among the books discussed. The conversation also reflects on changes in publishing. The new-release references belong to its recording period, while the craft discussion speaks to writers planning their own long careers. You’ll discover: What Jayne means by a core story.How she approaches memorable characters.Why romance and suspense should affect one another.How a recurring world can reward returning readers.If you write romance, fantasy or suspense, this interview offers a career-spanning view of story design. ABOUT JAYNE ANN KRENTZ Jayne Ann Krentz is a bestselling author who also writes as Amanda Quick and Jayne Castle. Enter the Nightmare is part of her Harmony series. GUEST AND RELATED LINKS Visit Jayne Ann Krentz’s website Explore Enter the Nightmare MORE FROM THE FANTASY WRITERS’ TOOLSHED Learn more or get in touch Find fantasy writing books, classes, guides and courses Follow The Fantasy Writers’ Toolshed for more fantasy writing advice and author interviews.

    Jayne Ann Krentz on Core Story, Character Craft and Romantic Suspense

  5. Jun 13

    Submitting Short Stories and Finding an Agent | Benjamin Davis of Chill Subs

    Where can writers find the right magazines for a short story, and can those credits help with an agent search? Chill Subs co-founder Benjamin Davis joins Richie Billing to discuss submissions from the writer’s side of the inbox. They cover cover letters, formatting, simultaneous submissions and reprints, along with ways to track opportunities. Benjamin also discusses how a publication history may support a later query for a book. Market rules and platform features change. Check each publication’s current guidelines and Chill Subs’ current tools before sending work. You’ll discover: How to research suitable short-fiction markets.What to check in a cover letter and manuscript format.Why simultaneous submissions and reprints require care.How short-story credits can fit an agent query.If you are submitting fiction, this conversation offers a practical way to organise the process. ABOUT BENJAMIN DAVIS Benjamin Davis is a writer and co-founder of Chill Subs, a platform for discovering and tracking literary submissions. GUEST AND RELATED LINKS Explore Chill Subs MORE FROM THE FANTASY WRITERS’ TOOLSHED Learn more or get in touch Find fantasy writing books, classes, guides and courses Follow The Fantasy Writers’ Toolshed for more fantasy writing advice and author interviews.

    Submitting Short Stories and Finding an Agent | Benjamin Davis of Chill Subs

  6. May 26

    Fixing Enemies-to-Lovers Romantasy: A Live Writing Exercise

    How do you make enemies-to-lovers attraction feel earned? Richie Billing takes a deliberately weak romantasy draft and revises it in real time for the Fixing Bad Writing series. The scene includes a stolen magic sword, a convenient dragon and romantic tension that arrives too quickly. Richie examines shallow conflict, cliché dialogue and rushed attraction, then makes choices designed to give the characters clearer motives. The original draft was AI-generated for this writing exercise. The audio explains the edits, while the video version shows more of the live revision process. You’ll discover: Why an enemies-to-lovers premise needs genuine conflict.How dialogue can reveal character instead of only flirtation.What to change when attraction feels rushed.How a live redraft can expose weak story choices.If you write romantasy, use the episode as a prompt to revise a scene of your own. ABOUT THIS EPISODE Richie Billing hosts Fixing Bad Writing, a series that analyses and revises weak fiction drafts as a craft exercise. RESOURCES Watch the full video version MORE FROM THE FANTASY WRITERS’ TOOLSHED Learn more or get in touch Find fantasy writing books, classes, guides and courses Follow The Fantasy Writers’ Toolshed for more fantasy writing advice and author interviews.

    Fixing Enemies-to-Lovers Romantasy: A Live Writing Exercise

  7. May 13

    Michael Chatfield on Indie Publishing, Patreon and Reader Growth

    How do you build an independent author career around both books and readers? Michael Chatfield joins Richie Billing to discuss his writing process, fantasy series and the business choices behind his work. They explore how Michael develops ideas and characters, as well as how he engages an audience through Patreon. The conversation includes the work of running a growing publishing operation alongside the creative demands of writing. Subscription features and business arrangements can change. Michael’s experience offers one model to study rather than a guaranteed path to sales. You’ll discover: How Michael develops story ideas and characters.What his fantasy and LitRPG series reveal about his process.How he has used Patreon to connect with readers.Which business questions independent authors need to consider.If you are weighing an indie publishing career, this conversation brings craft and entrepreneurship together. ABOUT MICHAEL CHATFIELD Michael Chatfield is an independent fantasy, science fiction and LitRPG author whose series include The Ten Realms and Emerilia. GUEST AND RELATED LINKS Visit Michael Chatfield’s website Explore Michael’s Patreon MORE FROM THE FANTASY WRITERS’ TOOLSHED Learn more or get in touch Find fantasy writing books, classes, guides and courses Follow The Fantasy Writers’ Toolshed for more fantasy writing advice and author interviews.

    Michael Chatfield on Indie Publishing, Patreon and Reader Growth

  8. Apr 27

    Can I Save This Terrible High Fantasy Story? | Fixing Bad Writing

    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/ 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, before seeing whether or not I can save this terrible story. If you’re looking for a creative writing challenge or a unique writing exercise, you’re in the right place. This series acts as a writing guide for anyone trying to spot common mistakes and improve their craft. Whether you are looking for writing exercises for beginners or more advanced story writing exercises, hopefully, this live rewrite will teach you new skills! 🏆 TAKE THE WRITING CHALLENGE Think you can do better? (You probably can). I want to see your version! And then why not join our Discord community and share it? Here's the original story: In the kingdom of Eldoria there was a man called Brin who was a knight but not a very good one, and one day he was told by the king to go and stop a dark wizard named Maldrake who lived in a tower that was quite far away and also spooky, so Brin said yes even though he was a bit tired and hadn’t eaten much, and he got on his horse which didn’t like him very much and set off slowly while thinking about how dangerous it all sounded. On the way he met a strange old woman who may have been magical but it was not very clear, and she gave him a sword that looked important but also a bit rusty, and told him something vague like “you will need this probably,” which Brin thought was helpful enough. When he got to the tower it was taller than expected and had a door that was already open which seemed suspicious, but he went in anyway and shouted for Maldrake who appeared almost immediately which saved time, and they had a fight that was not very graceful but still quite serious, and Brin mostly waved the sword around until something worked and the wizard fell over in a way that suggested he was defeated. After that Brin felt proud but also confused about how easy it was, and he went back to the kingdom where the king thanked him a lot and there was a feast, although Brin kept wondering if the wizard might not actually be fully gone which made the ending feel a bit unsure.

    Can I Save This Terrible High Fantasy Story? | Fixing Bad Writing
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About

The Fantasy Writers’ Toolshed is a podcast for aspiring and experienced fantasy writers who want to master storytelling, creative writing, worldbuilding and character creation. Hosted by author Richie Billing, each episode features practical fantasy writing craft advice as well as fiction writing advice generally, publishing tips and guidance, and inspiring author interviews with bestsellers, editors, historians, literary agents, psychologists and even an FBI Special Agent. Learn how to write, edit and market your fantasy stories with confidence. New episodes are released on the 14th of each month. Join our Discord community of hundreds of writers and gain early access to each episode: www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed Get free dark fantasy books by Richie here: https://richiebilling.com/get-dark-fantasy-books

Information

  • Creator
    Richie Billing
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    114
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © The Fantasy Writers' Toolshed
  • Show Website
    The Fantasy Writers' Toolshed

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