How To Write The Future

Beth Barany
  • 5.0 (8)
  • Books
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How To Write The Future is a podcast for science fiction and fantasy writers who want to imagine better worlds—and write stories that bring those futures to life. Each episode offers practical craft guidance, creative prompts, and big-picture inspiration to help you draft, revise, and publish with purpose. By science fiction and fantasy author and fiction writing coach, Beth Barany.

  1. 14h ago

    225. How to Convey Backstory for Secondary and Tertiary Characters

    “You only need to reveal backstory when the reader absolutely needs to know it.” - Beth Barany Do you want to know how to add backstory to your secondary characters without slowing down the main plot and action of your story? In this How To Write the Future podcast episode titled “How to Convey Backstory for Secondary and Tertiary Characters” host Beth Barany describes how you can filter backstory through the secondary and tertiary characters and shares tools to reveal the story’s past. Plus, she goes over how to use your characters’ thoughts, feelings and history to help convey the worldbuilding in your story. There is also an invitation to sign up to Beth’s Edit Lab, a monthly $10 subscription with a monthly call. ABOUT THE HOW TO WRITE THE FUTURE PODCAST How To Write The Future is a podcast for science fiction and fantasy writers who want to imagine better worlds—and write stories that bring those futures to life. Each episode offers practical craft guidance, creative prompts, and big-picture inspiration to help you draft, revise, and publish with purpose. ABOUT BETH BARANY Beth Barany is an award-winning fantasy and science fiction novelist and creativity coach for writers. She helps science fiction and fantasy novelists write, revise, and publish stories that matter by blending practical craft guidance with a commitment to imagination, possibility, and how stories shape our world. RESOURCES 3 Powerful Techniques to Weave Backstory Into Your Novel by Beth Barany https://writersfunzone.com/blog/2024/12/12/3-powerful-techniques-to-weave-backstory-into-your-novel/ Where to insert backstory (Q&A) – How To Write the Future podcast, episode 113 https://writersfunzone.com/blog/2024/08/12/where-to-insert-backstory-qa/ Support the podcast! https://ko-fi.com/bethbarany Get the workbook: https://writersfunzone.com/blog/world-building-resources/ Join the Edit Lab! https://bethbarany.com/editlab SHOW PRODUCTION BY Beth BaranySHOW CO-PRODUCTION + NOTES by Kerry-Ann McDadeEDITORIAL SUPPORT by Iman Llompartc. 2026 BETH BARANY https://bethbarany.com/ Questions? Comments? Send us a text! Support the show --- ♦︎ JOIN THE MEMBERSHIP: For fiction writers! You've finished your first draft! Congrats! Now what? Join the Edit the Future: Sci‑Fi/Fantasy Revision Lab. Get premium weekly lessons and a monthly Q&A on Zoom. Subscribe: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2012061/subscribe ♥︎ FREE: Sign up here for the Edit Your Novel Checklist Helps writers revise faster with less overwhelm by focusing first on diagnosis, not fixing.  Get yours at http://edityournovelchecklist.com. ♡ SHOP: Sci‑Fi & Fantasy 24 Writing Prompts: https://ko-fi.com/s/4ac9160a74 ❤️ Want to be interviewed on the podcast? => Email us! CONNECT WITH BETH via emailvia LinkedIn CREDITS EDITED WITH DESCRIPT (Affiliate link) MUSIC: Uppbeat.io DISTRIBUTED BY BUZZSPROUT: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1994465

  2. Sep 28

    224. Dictating Fiction: Tools and Workflow

    “Dictation can be a creative process partner, meaning it can help you think through ideas at the idea phase.” — Beth Barany In the latest How To Write the Future podcast episode, titled “Dictating Fiction: Tools and Workflow,” host, Beth Barany shares how she uses dictation as a tool in her fiction and nonfiction writing process and why it’s been helpful to how she writes, plus she shares the apps or websites she’s found most useful. There’s also a special mention of the fiction dictation app from Sarah Elisabeth Sawyer.  ABOUT THE HOW TO WRITE THE FUTURE PODCAST How To Write The Future is a podcast for science fiction and fantasy writers who want to imagine better worlds—and write stories that bring those futures to life. Each episode offers practical craft guidance, creative prompts, and big-picture inspiration to help you draft, revise, and publish with purpose. ABOUT BETH BARANY Beth Barany is an award-winning fantasy and science fiction novelist and creativity coach for writers. She helps science fiction and fantasy novelists write, revise, and publish stories that matter by blending practical craft guidance with a commitment to imagination, possibility, and how stories shape our world. RESOURCES Sarah Elisabeth Sawyer’s Fictation resources: Her app: https://www.fictateapp.com/r/RF3GGCAKFree Dictation for Authors Quick Start Guide is here.Fictation® course, the full digital course: (30% off for my audience) https://fictioncourses.thrivecart.com/fictation/?coupon=WRITETHEFUTURE (code: WRITETHEFUTURE)Her podcast: “The Confident Fiction Author”: https://fictioncourses.substack.com/s/the-confident-fiction-author-podcast*** Support the podcast! https://ko-fi.com/bethbarany Get the workbook: https://writersfunzone.com/blog/world-building-resources/ Join the Edit Lab! https://bethbarany.com/editlab *** SHOW PRODUCTION BY Beth BaranySHOW CO-PRODUCTION + NOTES by Kerry-Ann McDadeEDITORIAL SUPPORT by Iman Llompartc. 2026 BETH BARANY https://bethbarany.com/ Questions? Comments? Send us a text! Support the show --- ♦︎ JOIN THE MEMBERSHIP: For fiction writers! You've finished your first draft! Congrats! Now what? Join the Edit the Future: Sci‑Fi/Fantasy Revision Lab. Get premium weekly lessons and a monthly Q&A on Zoom. Subscribe: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2012061/subscribe ♥︎ FREE: Sign up here for the Edit Your Novel Checklist Helps writers revise faster with less overwhelm by focusing first on diagnosis, not fixing.  Get yours at http://edityournovelchecklist.com. ♡ SHOP: Sci‑Fi & Fantasy 24 Writing Prompts: https://ko-fi.com/s/4ac9160a74 ❤️ Want to be interviewed on the podcast? => Email us! CONNECT WITH BETH via emailvia LinkedIn CREDITS EDITED WITH DESCRIPT (Affiliate link) MUSIC: Uppbeat.io DISTRIBUTED BY BUZZSPROUT: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1994465

  3. Sep 21

    223. Shamanic Writing: Traveling Between Fictional Worlds

    “We are traveling all the time. We are traveling into our science fiction worlds, into our fantasy worlds, into worlds that we may not even have labels for at first.” - Beth Barany  In this How To Write the Future episode titled ”Shamanic Writing: Traveling Between Fictional World” host Beth Barany, takes you on a journey and guides you through a thought-provoking episode on writer as shaman, sharing why writing is hard, and why you need to find your own path. There’s also information on how to get support from Beth in the Edit lab (link below). ABOUT THE HOW TO WRITE THE FUTURE PODCAST How To Write The Future is a podcast for science fiction and fantasy writers who want to imagine better worlds—and write stories that bring those futures to life. Each episode offers practical craft guidance, creative prompts, and big-picture inspiration to help you draft, revise, and publish with purpose. ABOUT BETH BARANY Beth Barany is an award-winning fantasy and science fiction novelist and creativity coach for writers. She helps science fiction and fantasy novelists write, revise, and publish stories that matter by blending practical craft guidance with a commitment to imagination, possibility, and how stories shape our world. RESOURCES Support the podcast! https://ko-fi.com/bethbarany Get the workbook: https://writersfunzone.com/blog/world-building-resources/ Join the Edit Lab! https://bethbarany.com/editlab SHOW PRODUCTION BY Beth BaranySHOW CO-PRODUCTION + NOTES by Kerry-Ann McDadeEDITORIAL SUPPORT by Iman Llompartc. 2026 BETH BARANY https://bethbarany.com/ Questions? Comments? Send us a text! Support the show --- ♦︎ JOIN THE MEMBERSHIP: For fiction writers! You've finished your first draft! Congrats! Now what? Join the Edit the Future: Sci‑Fi/Fantasy Revision Lab. Get premium weekly lessons and a monthly Q&A on Zoom. Subscribe: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2012061/subscribe ♥︎ FREE: Sign up here for the Edit Your Novel Checklist Helps writers revise faster with less overwhelm by focusing first on diagnosis, not fixing.  Get yours at http://edityournovelchecklist.com. ♡ SHOP: Sci‑Fi & Fantasy 24 Writing Prompts: https://ko-fi.com/s/4ac9160a74 ❤️ Want to be interviewed on the podcast? => Email us! CONNECT WITH BETH via emailvia LinkedIn CREDITS EDITED WITH DESCRIPT (Affiliate link) MUSIC: Uppbeat.io DISTRIBUTED BY BUZZSPROUT: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1994465

  4. Sep 14

    222. Inside Book Coach Sessions with Beth Barany

    “Where do you want to take your writing? Where do you want to take your writing career? And let's keep an eye on that, and we're building towards that. So it's fun, it's rigorous, it's deep, and this is my life's work.” - Beth Barany  Do you want to know what it’s like to work with a book coach? Then dive into the latest How To Write the Future podcast episode, titled “Inside Book Coach Sessions with Beth Barany” where Beth takes you behind the scenes and tells you what to expect from working with her one-on-one as a specialist in science fiction and fantasy. With direct feedback in a communicated style that is best for you to nurturing support, Beth Barany shares how she can guide you through your the stages of your writing journey from first draft to published novel. RESOURCES Support the podcast! https://ko-fi.com/bethbarany Get the workbook: https://writersfunzone.com/blog/world-building-resources/ Join the Edit Lab! https://bethbarany.com/editlab Constructive Critique Basics https://writersfunzone.com/blog/2026/08/31/constructive-critique-basics/ ABOUT THE HOW TO WRITE THE FUTURE PODCAST How To Write The Future is a podcast for science fiction and fantasy writers who want to imagine better worlds—and write stories that bring those futures to life. Each episode offers practical craft guidance, creative prompts, and big-picture inspiration to help you draft, revise, and publish with purpose. ABOUT BETH BARANY Beth Barany is an award-winning fantasy and science fiction novelist and creativity coach for writers. She helps science fiction and fantasy novelists write, revise, and publish stories that matter by blending practical craft guidance with a commitment to imagination, possibility, and how stories shape our world. SHOW PRODUCTION BY Beth BaranySHOW CO-PRODUCTION + NOTES by Kerry-Ann McDadeEDITORIAL SUPPORT by Iman Llompartc. 2026 BETH BARANY https://bethbarany.com/ Questions? Comments? Send us a text! Support the show --- ♦︎ JOIN THE MEMBERSHIP: For fiction writers! You've finished your first draft! Congrats! Now what? Join the Edit the Future: Sci‑Fi/Fantasy Revision Lab. Get premium weekly lessons and a monthly Q&A on Zoom. Subscribe: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2012061/subscribe ♥︎ FREE: Sign up here for the Edit Your Novel Checklist Helps writers revise faster with less overwhelm by focusing first on diagnosis, not fixing.  Get yours at http://edityournovelchecklist.com. ♡ SHOP: Sci‑Fi & Fantasy 24 Writing Prompts: https://ko-fi.com/s/4ac9160a74 ❤️ Want to be interviewed on the podcast? => Email us! CONNECT WITH BETH via emailvia LinkedIn CREDITS EDITED WITH DESCRIPT (Affiliate link) MUSIC: Uppbeat.io DISTRIBUTED BY BUZZSPROUT: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1994465

  5. Sep 7

    221. Back To School Vibes for Writers

    “I was a very good student, and I loved learning, and I love going back to school. And now that I'm not in school, I'm just learning all the time, and I'm following my nose. I'm following what's interesting to me. So I hope you will do the same.” - Beth Barany In this How To Write the Future podcast episode, titled “Back To School Vibes for Writers” host Beth Barany shares some back to school tips for your writing. From where you can get started and learn from today, to recognizing you’re learning in everything you do. Beth also encourages you to pick a fall focus and explains how our understanding of history is not fixed. ABOUT THE HOW TO WRITE THE FUTURE PODCAST How To Write The Future is a podcast for science fiction and fantasy writers who want to imagine better worlds—and write stories that bring those futures to life. Each episode offers practical craft guidance, creative prompts, and big-picture inspiration to help you draft, revise, and publish with purpose. RESOURCES Support the podcast! https://ko-fi.com/bethbarany Get the workbook: https://writersfunzone.com/blog/world-building-resources/ Join the Edit Lab! https://bethbarany.com/editlab Questions? Comments? Send us a text! Support the show --- ♦︎ JOIN THE MEMBERSHIP: For fiction writers! You've finished your first draft! Congrats! Now what? Join the Edit the Future: Sci‑Fi/Fantasy Revision Lab. Get premium weekly lessons and a monthly Q&A on Zoom. Subscribe: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2012061/subscribe ♥︎ FREE: Sign up here for the Edit Your Novel Checklist Helps writers revise faster with less overwhelm by focusing first on diagnosis, not fixing.  Get yours at http://edityournovelchecklist.com. ♡ SHOP: Sci‑Fi & Fantasy 24 Writing Prompts: https://ko-fi.com/s/4ac9160a74 ❤️ Want to be interviewed on the podcast? => Email us! CONNECT WITH BETH via emailvia LinkedIn CREDITS EDITED WITH DESCRIPT (Affiliate link) MUSIC: Uppbeat.io DISTRIBUTED BY BUZZSPROUT: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1994465

  6. Aug 31

    220. Constructive Critique Basics

    “It is so, so important on how to give constructive feedback to other writers, and also how to receive that feedback from other writers, and how to create a safe space.” - Beth Barany In this How To Write the Future podcast episode, titled “The Mechanics of Constructive Critique” host Beth Barany shares an episode from her premium “Edit Lab” channel where she shares how you can give and receive critique while remaining respectful. Beth explains the communication basics to managing your own expectations when it comes to receiving constructive critique on your writing. This episode shares great insight into what is offered to you in the exclusive Edit Lab group. ABOUT THE HOW TO WRITE THE FUTURE PODCAST How To Write The Future is a podcast for science fiction and fantasy writers who want to imagine better worlds—and write stories that bring those futures to life. Each episode offers practical craft guidance, creative prompts, and big-picture inspiration to help you draft, revise, and publish with purpose. ABOUT BETH BARANY Beth Barany is an award-winning fantasy and science fiction novelist and creativity coach for writers. She helps science fiction and fantasy novelists write, revise, and publish stories that matter by blending practical craft guidance with a commitment to imagination, possibility, and how stories shape our world. RESOURCES Support the podcast! https://ko-fi.com/bethbarany Get the workbook: https://writersfunzone.com/blog/world-building-resources/ Join the Edit Lab! https://bethbarany.com/editlab Questions? Comments? Send us a text! Support the show --- ♦︎ JOIN THE MEMBERSHIP: For fiction writers! You've finished your first draft! Congrats! Now what? Join the Edit the Future: Sci‑Fi/Fantasy Revision Lab. Get premium weekly lessons and a monthly Q&A on Zoom. Subscribe: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2012061/subscribe ♥︎ FREE: Sign up here for the Edit Your Novel Checklist Helps writers revise faster with less overwhelm by focusing first on diagnosis, not fixing.  Get yours at http://edityournovelchecklist.com. ♡ SHOP: Sci‑Fi & Fantasy 24 Writing Prompts: https://ko-fi.com/s/4ac9160a74 ❤️ Want to be interviewed on the podcast? => Email us! CONNECT WITH BETH via emailvia LinkedIn CREDITS EDITED WITH DESCRIPT (Affiliate link) MUSIC: Uppbeat.io DISTRIBUTED BY BUZZSPROUT: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1994465

  7. Aug 24

    219. Read, Write, Restart: Writing Tips for Sci-Fi and Fantasy Writers

    “Everybody's starting line is different. Everybody's starting ingredients are different. We can still do what we want to do.” - Beth Barany In this inspirational How To Write the Future podcast episode, titled “Read, Write, Restart: Writing Tips for Sci-Fi and Fantasy Writers,” host Beth Barany shares why it’s never too late to pursue your writing dreams. She shares a heartfelt message about how she often felt behind with her peers and shares what she says to herself to get motivated into action. With advice on how to feed yourself creatively, there’s also an invitation to sign up to the newsletter and an invitation to Fellowship of the Pen, a Facebook group where you can share your writing wins or struggles in a safe and nurturing creative community. ABOUT THE HOW TO WRITE THE FUTURE PODCAST How To Write The Future is a podcast for science fiction and fantasy writers who want to imagine better worlds—and write stories that bring those futures to life. Each episode offers practical craft guidance, creative prompts, and big-picture inspiration to help you draft, revise, and publish with purpose. ABOUT BETH BARANY Beth Barany is an award-winning fantasy and science fiction novelist and creativity coach for writers. She helps science fiction and fantasy novelists write, revise, and publish stories that matter by blending practical craft guidance with a commitment to imagination, possibility, and how stories shape our world. RESOURCES Support the podcast! https://ko-fi.com/bethbarany Get the workbook: https://writersfunzone.com/blog/world-building-resources/ and you’ll be invited to join Fellowship of the Pen FB group. Join the Edit Lab! https://bethbarany.com/editlab Questions? Comments? Send us a text! Support the show --- ♦︎ JOIN THE MEMBERSHIP: For fiction writers! You've finished your first draft! Congrats! Now what? Join the Edit the Future: Sci‑Fi/Fantasy Revision Lab. Get premium weekly lessons and a monthly Q&A on Zoom. Subscribe: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2012061/subscribe ♥︎ FREE: Sign up here for the Edit Your Novel Checklist Helps writers revise faster with less overwhelm by focusing first on diagnosis, not fixing.  Get yours at http://edityournovelchecklist.com. ♡ SHOP: Sci‑Fi & Fantasy 24 Writing Prompts: https://ko-fi.com/s/4ac9160a74 ❤️ Want to be interviewed on the podcast? => Email us! CONNECT WITH BETH via emailvia LinkedIn CREDITS EDITED WITH DESCRIPT (Affiliate link) MUSIC: Uppbeat.io DISTRIBUTED BY BUZZSPROUT: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1994465

  8. Aug 17

    218. Building Your Inner Circle of Support: How to Find Beta Readers

    This short episode packs a punch! “We may write alone, but we actually edit together.” - Beth Barany Did you know building trusting relationships with your beta readers can make the process easier when it comes to your next book as they’ll be waiting for the email about your new story? Listen to this episode of How To Write the Future titled “Building Your Inner Circle of Support: How to Find Beta Readers” where host Beth Barany shares why it’s important to nurture your beta reader relationships, where to find beta readers, and what questions you can ask them after they’ve read your book. Beth also shares an actual sample email in the resources you can adapt to your book from her article: “3 Essential Editing Tips: Beta Readers (Pt 3).” ABOUT THE HOW TO WRITE THE FUTURE PODCAST How To Write The Future is a podcast for science fiction and fantasy writers who want to imagine better worlds—and write stories that bring those futures to life. Each episode offers practical craft guidance, creative prompts, and big-picture inspiration to help you draft, revise, and publish with purpose. ABOUT BETH BARANY Beth Barany is an award-winning fantasy and science fiction novelist and creativity coach for writers. Through her services and products, she guides novelists to write, revise, and publish stories that matter—blending practical craft guidance with a big-picture commitment to bright imagination, deep meaning, and wide-open possibilities. She calls writers to create with hope and courage—and to speak truth through art, even when it stretches them into a new version of themselves. RESOURCES Getting Feedback on Your Novel by Beth Barany https://writersfunzone.com/blog/2022/01/19/getting-feedback-on-your-novel-by-beth-barany/ 3 Essential Editing Tips: Beta Readers (Pt 3) by Beth Barany https://writersfunzone.com/blog/2015/09/17/3-essential-editing-tips-beta-readers-pt-3-by-beth_barany/ Questions? Comments? Send us a text! Support the show --- ♦︎ JOIN THE MEMBERSHIP: For fiction writers! You've finished your first draft! Congrats! Now what? Join the Edit the Future: Sci‑Fi/Fantasy Revision Lab. Get premium weekly lessons and a monthly Q&A on Zoom. Subscribe: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2012061/subscribe ♥︎ FREE: Sign up here for the Edit Your Novel Checklist Helps writers revise faster with less overwhelm by focusing first on diagnosis, not fixing.  Get yours at http://edityournovelchecklist.com. ♡ SHOP: Sci‑Fi & Fantasy 24 Writing Prompts: https://ko-fi.com/s/4ac9160a74 ❤️ Want to be interviewed on the podcast? => Email us! CONNECT WITH BETH via emailvia LinkedIn CREDITS EDITED WITH DESCRIPT (Affiliate link) MUSIC: Uppbeat.io DISTRIBUTED BY BUZZSPROUT: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1994465

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About

How To Write The Future is a podcast for science fiction and fantasy writers who want to imagine better worlds—and write stories that bring those futures to life. Each episode offers practical craft guidance, creative prompts, and big-picture inspiration to help you draft, revise, and publish with purpose. By science fiction and fantasy author and fiction writing coach, Beth Barany.

Information

  • Creator
    Beth Barany
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    225
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Beth Barany
  • Show Website
    How To Write The Future

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