Realm Runners

Pete (Pete_Reviews_Books_Good) & Devin (BroMantasy)
  • 5.0 (3)
  • Books

Pete and Devin sit down with fantasy, romantasy, sci-fi, and indie authors. Not for the press tour. For the real conversation. Books, movies, music, and whatever else comes up. Episodes streamed live on the @realm_runners youtube channel then uploaded to all platforms. Be sure to follow Pete on socials @Pete_Reviews_Books_Good and Devin @BroMantasy for the latest show updates and episode announcements!

  1. Oct 20

    Behind the Shield Wall: John Gwynne on Family, Fantasy & His Writing Journey

    Join us on Realm Runners as we sit down with acclaimed fantasy author John Gwynne. He shares a deeply personal look into his writing process, revealing how family is central to the heart and soul of his gripping narratives and intricate characters. From his unique writing journey beginning as a family project, to the profound influence of films like 'Braveheart' and 'Lord of the Rings,' and even his sons' encouragement to join social media, it's fascinating to see how much authentic connections that shape his epic worlds. Get ready for a heartfelt dive into the heart of an epic storyteller. 👍 If you appreciate the personal side of writing! ➡️ Subscribe to Realm Runners for more genuine author insights! #JohnGwynne #FantasyAuthor #WritingInspiration #FamilyInWriting #RealmRunners #AuthorInterview #EpicFantasy #WritingJourney 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 01:53 Family as a Central Theme in Gwynne's Books 03:58 Influence of Personal Life and Early Writing Days 06:47 Social Media and Public Engagement 08:54 Historical and Mythological Influences in Writing 11:58 Inspiration from Films like Braveheart 14:01 Character Development and Emotional Impact 17:06 Handling Character Deaths and Emotional Scenes 21:03 Writing Process and World-Building Techniques 27:11 Series Planning and Future Projects 36:08 Battle Scenes and POV Techniques 43:55 Personal Loss and Its Influence on Writing 54:02 Mythology, History, and Research in Storytelling 01:00:00 Adaption Possibilities and Future Opportunities 01:03:04 Closing Remarks and Appreciation

  2. Oct 14

    The Indie Author Playbook (Grimdark Edition): Z.B. Steele's Secrets to Publishing Success

    The Crown Price of Grimdark is back! In this episode, Z.B. Steele shares insights on indie publishing, cover art, audiobook production, and navigating the industry with a brutally honest and humorous approach. We discuss the nuances of character development, the importance of transparency in indie publishing, and the strategic use of novellas for fan engagement and marketing. Along with insights on world-building, marketing strategies, and the surprising reader reactions that keep authors motivated, this is a follow up episode with a fan favorite you won't want to miss!

  3. Oct 6

    Marie Lu: from YA to Adult Fantasy, the Art of World-Building and what comes next!

    Join us as Marie Lu discusses her transition from writing YA to adult fantasy. She shares insights into her unique world-building process, detailing how influences like alchemy and gaming shape her intricate story settings. We also explore her approach to character development, relationships, and the careful handling of mature themes. Listen in to understand how she crafts compelling characters and immersive worlds, engaging readers across different genres. Finally, Marie touches on her strategies for series planning and offers a glimpse into her upcoming projects. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and guest background 02:01 Marie Lu's journey from YA to adult fantasy 04:04 Themes and depth in Red City 06:57 Structure and flashbacks in storytelling 10:04 Flipping tropes: magic school and ambition 15:00 Inspiration from London and alchemy 20:09 Magic system development and alchemy's role 24:47 Character relationships and emotional depth 30:06 Series planning and future projects 34:59 Influences from films, books, and personal experiences 39:58 World-building in London and contemporary gods 45:08 Gaming influences and system design 50:01 Writing process and multitasking on projects 54:52 Closing thoughts and appreciation

  4. Sep 22

    Tad Williams talks writing epic fantasy, the world of Osten Ard, and much more!

    In this episode, Tad Williams shares insights from his four-decade career in fantasy and science fiction writing, discusses the importance of character-driven stories, and explores the challenges and joys of world-building and series continuity. We also talk about his new book, The Splinted Sun, the massive series encompassing his Osten Ard universe, unexpected influences and more. Don't miss out on this absolute legendary appearance by one of fantasy's best authors of all time!

  5. Sep 15

    From Writing a Video Game to Writing a SPFBO Finalist with Tim Carter

    In this episode, Tim Carter shares his journey from Hollywood to video games to indie fantasy writing, revealing behind-the-scenes stories from his work on Mortal Kombat Legacy and Sleeping Dogs. He discusses his creative process, the importance of humor in fantasy, and how his background influences his storytelling. His book Jester is currently a SPFBO finalist! Be sure to go grab a copy of that and his amazing debut, Majordomo! 00:00 Introduction and guest background 01:22 Working on audiobook narration during health crises 03:22 Transition from video games to indie fiction 04:50 Producing Mortal Kombat Legacy 07:00 Background in Hollywood and film 10:22 Writing style: humor and heavy themes 12:20 Inspiration from Dungeons & Dragons campaigns 20:20 Creating relatable characters from non-human races 30:34 Reader engagement and highlights 52:55 Unexpected reader reactions and highlights

  6. Sep 1

    Talking about Epic Fantasy, Brutal Battles, Morally Grey Characters and more with M.H. Ayinde

    In this episode, author M.H. Ayinde shares insights into her epic fantasy series, the creative process behind her book covers, and how her cultural background influences her storytelling. We explore themes of magic, colonialism, genre blending, and character development. Be sure to pick up both of her amazing books now!

  7. Aug 25

    Sci-Fi Romance Hidden Inside a Grim Future with Elliot Blake

    A sci-fi romance about two people trying to live their lives while the universe quietly comes apart, Elliot Blake reveals the gritty, fast-moving story behind Into the Great and why he chose to build a love story inside a world of mining planets, border-town thieves, and unnerving alien visitors who say nothing and stare. Blake brings an unusually deep entertainment background to the page. He is the executive producer of Apple TV’s The Sisters Grimm, and the director and executive producer of the three-season Moriarty Audible Original, set in a twisted Sherlock Holmes universe. That mix of animation, audio drama, and screen storytelling shapes everything about how he writes, from pacing and POV to the way he grounds big ideas in sharp character work. We break down how Into the Great went from a shelved comic concept to a prose novella, including the challenge of adapting from script-style writing into past tense fiction. We also get into the influences that shaped the book’s atmosphere: the lived-in grit of Blade Runner, Alien, The Expanse, John Scalzi, and the Culture novels of Iain M. Banks. If you love science fiction that's character-driven, and emotionally alive, this episode is for you.

  8. Aug 11

    Exploring Darkness and Complexity in Fiction with Sheila Masterson

    In this episode, Sheila Masterson joins us to discuss her latest works and the intricacies of writing dark romance. With a captivating mix of humor and seriousness, Sheila reveals the challenges and joys of creating complex characters in intense settings. Sheila shares her journey into the realm of dark romance, starting with her acclaimed book, The Poison Daughter. A story about a woman with a poison kiss, who lures unsuspecting men to their demise, until one night, things take an unexpected turn. Join us in exploring the full episode to hear more about Sheila's writing process and her exciting future projects. You won't want to miss it!

See All (51)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Pete and Devin sit down with fantasy, romantasy, sci-fi, and indie authors. Not for the press tour. For the real conversation. Books, movies, music, and whatever else comes up. Episodes streamed live on the @realm_runners youtube channel then uploaded to all platforms. Be sure to follow Pete on socials @Pete_Reviews_Books_Good and Devin @BroMantasy for the latest show updates and episode announcements!

Information

  • Creator
    Pete (Pete_Reviews_Books_Good) & Devin (BroMantasy)
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    51
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Pete (Pete_Reviews_Books_Good) & Devin (BroMantasy)
  • Show Website
    Realm Runners