138. Building Authentic Stories: Real-World Elements in Fantasy and Sci-Fi with Lewis Jorstad

“I really enjoy leaning on real world history to write my stories.”
-- Lewis Jorstad

In this episode of How To Write the Future, host Beth Barany chats with bestselling author and editor Lewis Jorstad about how to incorporate real-world elements into your speculative fiction stories. They discuss drawing from historical events and share practical advice about crafting compelling fiction that feels authentic while maintaining that crucial suspension of disbelief.


About Lewis Jorstad

Lewis Jorstad is a bestselling author and editor who helps passionate fiction writers master their craft and find their readers at The Novel Smithy. When he isn't busy coaching students or writing books of his own, you can find him babying his houseplants and baking far too many homemade bagels.

Website: https://thenovelsmithy.com/


RESOURCES

GET HELP WITH YOUR WORLD BUILDING - START HERE
Free World Building Workbook for Fiction Writers: https://writersfunzone.com/blog/world-building-resources/

Sign up for the 30-minute Story Success Clinic with Beth Barany: https://writersfunzone.com/blog/story-success-clinic/

Get support for your fiction writing by a novelist and writing teacher and coach. Schedule an exploratory call here and see if Beth can support you today: https://writersfunzone.com/blog/discovery-call/

• SHOW PRODUCTION BY Beth Barany
• SHOW CO-PRODUCTION + NOTES by Kerry-Ann McDade

c. 2025 BETH BARANY

https://bethbarany.com/

Questions? Comments? Send us a text!

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CONNECT
Contact Beth: https://writersfunzone.com/blog/podcast/#tve-jump-185b4422580
Email: beth@bethbarany.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bethbarany/

CREDITS
EDITED WITH DESCRIPT: https://get.descript.com/0clwwvlf6e3j
MUSIC: Uppbeat.io
DISTRIBUTED BY BUZZSPROUT: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1994465