The Fantasy Writers' Toolshed

The Fantasy Writers' Toolshed
  • 4.5 (31)
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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 writing advice and tips, publishing guidance, and inspiring interviews with bestselling authors, editors, historians, psychologists and even an FBI Special Agent. Learn how to write, edit and market your stories with confidence. New episodes released monthly. Join our Discord community of hundreds of writers and gain early access to each episode: www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed

  1. Creating A Successful Author Business With Joanna Penn

    FEB 14

    Creating A Successful Author Business With Joanna Penn

    What does it really mean to treat your writing as a business? In this episode, I’m joined by bestselling author and entrepreneur Joanna Penn to explore how writers can build a sustainable writing business without losing their creative spark. If you want to move from hobbyist to professional author, this conversation breaks down what a real author business looks like — from mindset shifts to practical systems. We cover: What a writing business actually is (and why most authors get this wrong) How to balance writing as a business without burnout or overwhelm How to get inside your reader’s head and clearly define your target audience The essential steps to kickstart your author business today Direct book selling, special editions, and owning your customer relationship Book marketing methods that still work — email marketing, paid advertising, and author networking How to use AI in your writing business (marketing content, concept images, Amazon ads optimisation, book descriptions and more) How Joanna Penn uses AI herself to support her fiction and non-fiction author income Time management strategies for writers building a business while improving craftIf you’re serious about turning your writing into income, this episode will help you think strategically, act intentionally, and build long-term author resilience. Because writing as a business isn’t about selling out — it’s about building freedom. About Joanna Penn Non-fiction for authors: https://www.thecreativepenn.com/books-for-authors/ Fiction (J.F. Penn): https://jfpennauthor.com/books/ The Creative Penn Podcast: https://www.thecreativepenn.com/podcasts/ Socials: Website: https://www.thecreativepenn.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jfpennauthor/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheCreativePenn X / Twitter: https://twitter.com/thecreativepenn YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TheCreativePenn ✍️ Join Our Community and Access Writing Tools: Join The Discord Community: ⁠https://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed⁠ Richie's Patreon for free stories: https://www.patreon.com/cw/RichieBilling Website and writing classes: ⁠https://richiebilling.com/online-writing-classes Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fantasywriterstoolshed/

    57 min
  2. Email Marketing for Writers and Authors In 2026

    JAN 14

    Email Marketing for Writers and Authors In 2026

    ✍️ Access The Free Class Here: Email Marketing For Writers and Authors Email marketing remains one of the most powerful tools available to writers and authors — and it’s about to change. In this podcast episode, we break down how email marketing works for writers right now, and where it’s heading in 2026. Using real data, platform insights, and author-specific examples, we explore why email still outperforms social media, how writers use it to sell books and grow Patreon memberships, and what separates emails that get ignored from emails that drive real engagement. We cover the fundamentals every writer needs to understand: choosing the right email platform, setting clear goals, building welcome sequences, improving open and click rates, and creating sustainable email routines. You’ll learn how subject lines, preview text, timing, frequency, and structure directly affect performance — and how to build genuine reader relationships rather than sending forgettable broadcasts. Crucially, we also look ahead to email marketing trends in 2026, including: How inbox providers are prioritising engagement quality over volumeWhy generic drip sequences are losing effectivenessThe rise of interactive emails, surveys, and community-driven contentHow AI is shaping email creation, analysis, and personalisationWhy newsletters are becoming a primary publishing platform for writersThis episode isn’t about spam tactics or quick wins. It’s about future-proofing your email strategy, owning your audience, and using email as the central hub of your writing career — not just a promotional afterthought. Ideal for: Writers and authors at any stageIndie authors selling ebooks, paperbacks, audiobooks, or subscriptionsCreators who want clarity, consistency, and long-term audience control ✍️ Join Our Community and Access Writing Tools: Patreon: ⁠https://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed⁠ Richie's Patreon for free stories: https://www.patreon.com/cw/RichieBilling Website and writing classes: ⁠https://richiebilling.com/online-writing-classes Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fantasywriterstoolshed/

    1h 6m
  3. RJ Barker On Writing Fantasy

    12/14/2025

    RJ Barker On Writing Fantasy

    RJ Barker is a critically acclaimed and award-winning fantasy author of the Wounded Kingdom and Tide Child trilogies, and certainly one of the best writers around right now. In this in-depth interview, RJ shares his story of getting into writing, honing his craft, and the process of creating his brilliant stories. We delve into creating characters and worldbuilding, psychological challenges and how to overcome them, and RJ shares his best pieces of advice for all writers out there looking to learn something new. ✍️ More from RJ Barker: Website: ⁠https://www.rjbarker.com/ BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/rjbarker.bsky.social Books: https://store.orbit-books.co.uk/collections/author-rj-barker ✍️ Join our community & writing tools: Patreon: ⁠https://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed⁠ Website and writing classes: ⁠https://richiebilling.com/

    46 min
  4. The Biggest Mistakes Authors Make (According to a Writing Coach) | Suzy Vadori on Character Creation, Worldbuilding & Author Growth

    11/14/2025

    The Biggest Mistakes Authors Make (According to a Writing Coach) | Suzy Vadori on Character Creation, Worldbuilding & Author Growth

    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: Why so many authors struggle with character arcs and how to fix them.Practical world-building strategies that bring your setting to life without slowing the story.The top three mistakes authors make when switching from business mindset to creative craft.How Suzy’s coaching practice and author experience provide clarity, structure and growth.How to build your author brand and writing career from the ground up.Whether you’re working on your first novel or deep into your series, you’ll walk away with actionable advice. ✍️ More from Suzy Vadori: Website: https://suzyvadori.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/suzyvadori/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/suzyvadoriauthor/ ✍️ Join our community & writing tools: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed Website and writing classes: https://richiebilling.com/

    44 min
  5. Writing Series, Branding, and Book Launch Secrets from Jami Albright & Sara Rosett

    10/14/2025

    Writing Series, Branding, and Book Launch Secrets from Jami Albright & Sara Rosett

    Discover what makes romance and cozy mysteries two of the most successful and reader-loved genres in publishing. In this episode of The Fantasy Writers’ Toolshed, host Richie Billing sits down with bestselling authors Jami Albright and Sara Rosett to uncover what all writers can learn from these powerfully engaging genres. Jami Albright is an acclaimed romance author known for her laugh-out-loud romantic comedies and bestselling indie success stories. Sara Rosett is a prolific cozy mystery writer whose books are filled with charm, suspense, and unforgettable characters. Together, they share a wealth of knowledge on writing craft, book marketing, and building a long-term career as an independent author. We explore: How to write a book series that keeps readers coming back — from character arcs to emotional payoffs.The secrets of romance and cozy mystery writing, including reader expectations, tone, pacing, and genre tropes that build loyal audiences.Worldbuilding techniques that keep continuity consistent across multiple novels.How to plan a successful book launch and make your release stand out in a crowded market.Developing an author brand that feels authentic and memorable.Book marketing strategies that actually work — from mailing lists and newsletters to podcast appearances, social media engagement, and creative promotions.Writing productivity and mindset tips to help authors finish series and sustain momentum. This conversation goes beyond genre to deliver universal lessons for storytellers. Whether you write fantasy, science fiction, romance, or thrillers, you’ll gain actionable advice on how to design stories that hook readers, market your books effectively, and build a lasting author career. Key takeaways: Learn how romance and cozy mystery writers use structure, reader satisfaction, and emotional beats to keep fans invested.Understand why character-driven plots and series planning can transform your writing into a sustainable career.Discover how to create a strong author identity that readers instantly recognise.Find out how Jami and Sara approach marketing, launches, and branding from a professional and personal perspective. If you’ve ever wondered how to write a romance novel, how to start a cozy mystery series, or simply how to build a loyal readership, this episode is packed with real-world experience and practical strategies. FANTASY WRITING BOOKS, CLASSES AND TOOLS ⁠⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed ⁠⁠⁠ JOIN OUR DISCORD COMMUNITY ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://mailchi.mp/395aa89d6ec0/join-richie-billings-community-of-writers⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠ ABOUT JAMI ALBRIGHT https://wishidknownforwriters.com/ https://www.jamialbright.com/ ABOUT SARA ROSETT https://www.sararosett.com/ GET IN TOUCH thefantasywriterstoolshed@gmail.com ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.richiebilling.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ RESOURCES Discover more

    44 min
  6. Writing The Magic With Lucy Holland and Dan Coxon

    09/14/2025

    Writing The Magic With Lucy Holland and Dan Coxon

    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! FANTASY WRITING BOOKS, CLASSES AND TOOLS ⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed ⁠⁠ JOIN OUR DISCORD COMMUNITY ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://mailchi.mp/395aa89d6ec0/join-richie-billings-community-of-writers⁠⁠ ⁠⁠ BUY WRITING THE MAGIC https://deadinkbooks.com/product/writing-the-magic/ ABOUT DAN COXON https://www.dancoxon.com/⁠ ⁠https://www.instagram.com/dan.coxon.author/ ABOUT LUCY HOLLAND https://lucyhounsom.co.uk/ https://www.instagram.com/silvanhistorian/ GET IN TOUCH thefantasywriterstoolshed@gmail.com ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.richiebilling.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ RESOURCES Discover more ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠writing tips⁠ and guides⁠⁠⁠⁠ here And learn more about⁠⁠ writing fantasy⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ here

    55 min
  7. Linguistics and Historical Fiction with Professor Charles Li

    08/14/2025

    Linguistics and Historical Fiction with Professor Charles Li

    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 at 90 years old, Professor Li shares lots of brilliant pieces of wisdom we can all benefit and learn from. FANTASY WRITING BOOKS, CLASSES AND TOOLS ⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed ⁠⁠ JOIN OUR DISCORD COMMUNITY ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://mailchi.mp/395aa89d6ec0/join-richie-billings-community-of-writers⁠⁠ ⁠⁠ ABOUT PROFESSOR CHARLES LI https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Lord-Guan/Charles-N-Li/9781682452325 https://www.simonandschuster.co.uk/authors/Charles-N-Li/185995596 GET IN TOUCH thefantasywriterstoolshed@gmail.com ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.richiebilling.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ RESOURCES Discover more ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠writing tips⁠ and guides⁠⁠⁠⁠ here And learn more about⁠⁠ writing fantasy⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ here

    1h 1m
  8. Writing Fantasy With Jim C. Hines

    07/14/2025

    Writing Fantasy With Jim C. Hines

    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 classic, Goblin Quest. Jim opens up about his writing journey, what it's like to be a writer—even down to the earnings—and shares some of his best advice for writing short stories, crafting lovable characters, and writing stories that you're passionate about. It's fantastic to learn from such a seasoned and decorated pro. I learned an awful lot, and I hope you do too! FANTASY WRITING BOOKS, CLASSES AND TOOLS ⁠https://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed ⁠ JOIN OUR DISCORD COMMUNITY ⁠⁠⁠https://mailchi.mp/395aa89d6ec0/join-richie-billings-community-of-writers⁠ ⁠⁠ ABOUT JIM C. HINES https://www.jimchines.com/ Goblin Quest (direct from author) - https://payhip.com/b/XBK0D Kitemaster - https://bookshop.org/p/books/kitemaster/21588658?aid=25009 GET IN TOUCH thefantasywriterstoolshed@gmail.com ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.richiebilling.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ RESOURCES Discover more ⁠⁠⁠⁠writing tips⁠ and guides⁠⁠⁠ here And learn more about⁠ writing fantasy⁠⁠⁠⁠ here

    58 min
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4.5
out of 5
31 Ratings

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 writing advice and tips, publishing guidance, and inspiring interviews with bestselling authors, editors, historians, psychologists and even an FBI Special Agent. Learn how to write, edit and market your stories with confidence. New episodes released monthly. Join our Discord community of hundreds of writers and gain early access to each episode: www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed

Information

  • Creator
    The Fantasy Writers' Toolshed
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    104
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © The Fantasy Writers' Toolshed
  • Show Website
    The Fantasy Writers' Toolshed

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