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. 4d ago

    228. Fancy Fresh Ideas for Upcoming Episodes

    “When I'm working on sci-fi, I'm really thinking about this a lot, and I'm thinking about it from my main character's perspective. What is it like to be looking at the Earth from space and from various distances? That just blows me away.” - Beth Barany In this How To Write the Future podcast episode... In this How To Write the Future podcast episode, titled “Fancy Fresh Ideas for Your Sci-Fi/Fantasy Novels” host, Beth Barany shares insight into upcoming podcast episode topic ideas, including discussing what is a circular economy, viewing the world from a non human mind, and tone versus voice. Beth also invites listeners to get in touch about topics they’d like to hear discussed on the podcast. Weigh in! 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 CREDITS 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. Oct 19

    227. Writing Community: Your Secret Publishing Advantage

    “I realized I had to accelerate the pace. And I've seen this in other mediums with other people in completely different domains. If you want to get better at something, hit the publish button.“ - Beth Barany In this How To Write the Future podcast episode, titled “Writing Community: Your Secret Publishing Advantage” host Beth Barany shares how joining a supportive writing community can help advance you from first draft to published novel by receiving the right critique, building upon others successes, and discovering your healthy motivator to keep writing. Beth’s raw honesty reflecting on the the successes she saw others achieve and how that motivated her to accelerate her own writing journey will be refreshing to hear. Beth also shares about her 12-month Edit Mastermind group and monthly Edit Lab membership. 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

  3. Oct 12

    226. Story Alchemy for Sci-Fi and Fantasy Writers

    “I strived for many years to learn how to write fiction, and when I finally learned how, it just felt so magical. Even now, seventeen books in, it still feels magical.” - Beth Barany In this latest How To Write the Future podcast episode, titled “Story Alchemy for Sci-Fi and Fantasy Writers” host Beth Barany shares the transformational journey writing a novel can have on you, including the feeling of magic it can imbue in you. Beth also shares how you can work with her and how to deepen the emotional experience with your readers.  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. Oct 5

    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

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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

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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
    228
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Beth Barany
  • Show Website
    How To Write The Future

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