The Fantasy Grimoire

Stephanie Storm
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Join your host, Stephanie Storm as she interviews fantasy authors, debut novelists, editors, and Bookstagrammers and we dive into the genre we’ve all come to love. Nothing is off limits as we chat editing, marketing, ethics, bookish hot takes and how to navigate both traditional and self-publishing. Whether you’re penning your debut novel, editing bestsellers, or championing books online, you’ll find relatable discussions with us, and something to appeal to every fantasy reader. Here’s to a refreshingly different take on a fantasy podcast, and helping you find your new favourite author.

  1. The Fantasy Grimoire Presents: Bodysamantix

    3D AGO

    The Fantasy Grimoire Presents: Bodysamantix

    For so many of us, books have changed our life, and for Sam it’s no different. She spotted a unique oppurtunity and was able to bridge the gap between physical movement and the literary world. She didn’t just want to stay active; she wanted to make it fun. So, she took her passion for books and turned it into a business that keeps readers moving. From Black Belts to Bookish Business: How Sam applies the discipline and "never-quit" mindset from her Karate days to the world of entrepreneurship.The ACOTAR Effect: We discuss how Sarah J. Maas’s series serves as a gateway for so many of us, and briefly touch on that iconic Call Her Daddy interview.Books as Connection: Reflecting on how 2020 shifted our worldview and why we are all still searching for the community and connection that only a good book can provide.The Magic of Audiobooks: A look behind the curtain at the production process and the talented narrators who bring our favorite characters to life.Mindf*cks and Superheroes: Why we both share a deep love for the Mindfck* series and the surprising parallels we found in The Boys TV series.Content Warning: This episode contains a brief mention of eating disorders (ED).Spoiler Alert: We discuss plot points for The Boys TV series. Listen with caution if you aren't caught up!In This Episode, We Explore:⚠️ Content & Spoiler Warnings

    48 min
  2. The Fantasy Grimoire presents: Sarah's Starlit Shelf

    MAY 13

    The Fantasy Grimoire presents: Sarah's Starlit Shelf

    If you’ve ever wondered why this podcast features more than just authors, this conversation with Sarah is the perfect answer. She’s convinced that every book has it’s reader and she’s made it her mission to help authors bridge that gap. From building a brand to the nitty-gritty of indie marketing, Sarah joins me to pull back the curtain on the publishing industry. We discuss: The Leap from Hobby to Business: Sarah walks us through her progression from casual posting to being fully booked through the end of 2026.Monetizing Your Passion: The importance of building awareness before you start charging for your work, and how to overcome the nerves of valuing your time.The Indie Author’s Greatest Challenge: Why marketing is the #1 hurdle for indie writers today and how Sarah helps authors find that perfect "blend" to reach their ideal audience."Getting Paid to Read": How Sarah’s husband explains her "dream job" to their kids, and the reality of what it actually takes to maintain it.The Subjectivity of Story: Why reading is so deeply tied to our identities and why Sarah is determined to help every book find its reader—even if it wasn't the right fit for her personally.[SPOILER ALERT] We discuss the Zodiac Academy series and if you have not read it yet, there are some things in our discussion that may be considered a spoiler.

    49 min
  3. The Fantasy Grimoire Presents: EF Watson

    APR 29

    The Fantasy Grimoire Presents: EF Watson

    In this week’s episode we discuss Ema’s latest release and the emotional alchemy of turning fear into art. The Smog Cursed Kingdom will mark a shift in her career, and we dive into how she leveraged her industry experience to navigate a new genre while staying true to her own voice. The Birth of "Traumantasy": We explore this emerging subgenre and what it means to weave deep emotional healing into fantastical worlds.The "Not For Everyone" Philosophy: Ema gets candid about the reality that no book is universal—and why that’s actually a good thing.Embracing the DNF: While some authors fear the "Did Not Finish" shelf on Goodreads, we talk about why we actually love it.The Review Spiral: How authors (and humans!) tend to hunt for the one negative comment in a sea of praise, and how to stop picking yourself apart.Sobriety & Writing: A vulnerable look at balancing real-life challenges with professional goals. Ema shares how her sobriety journey has reshaped her process and how we’re both navigating a culture often centered around drinking.Boundaries & Public Personas: Why keeping an open mind—and a firm set of boundaries—is essential for authors and readers in today’s digital landscape.Whether you’re an aspiring writer or a dedicated reader, this conversation is a raw, refreshing look at the human being behind the book. Ema knows exactly who she is, and she isn’t pretending to be anyone else. And more than anything, that’s the type of voice we need in publishing.

    41 min
  4. The Fantasy Grimoire Presents: Elva Stefanie

    APR 22

    The Fantasy Grimoire Presents: Elva Stefanie

    Elva’s entry into book conventions began when she started tattooing at them, and it’s safe to say she’s been deeply embedded in the book community ever since. One thing that stands out immediately about her is how committed she is to giving back. She’s passionate about helping readers and authors connect with stories—and with each other—which is exactly why the welcome packets for Spellbound Book Convention are famously detailed. Elva shares everything she’s learned so others don’t have to make the same mistakes she did. In this episode we talk about: Building community through book events and why spaces like Spellbound matterHow Elva approaches the difficult discourse around book conventionsThe growing demand for English-language fantasy across EuropeWhy Dutch summers are absolutely magnificent—and one of Europe’s most underrated experiences while everyone else rushes to the MediterraneanCreating spaces where books can become solace and escapism when we need them mostAnd why patience and kindness at book conventions go a long way—because authors are people too, and everyone is doing their best⚠️ Spoiler note: If you haven’t read Legendborn or Immortal Dark, we do touch on a few small spoilers during the episode.

    40 min
  5. The Fantasy Grimoire Presents: Stevie Hosler

    APR 15

    The Fantasy Grimoire Presents: Stevie Hosler

    It’s always a treat to find a fellow millenial who has similar tastes in media to you, so we shall dub this, the millenial episode. An ARC reader brough Stevie and I together, and I’m so grateful for the oppurtunity to get to follow Steview and her journey. In this episode, we chat about writing layered characters that reflect our real-life experiences, and how Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Friends helped inspire Shadow of Lillith. We also get into: Why character growth and real change on the page is non-negotiableDiscovering identity at any stage of life—and how to weave that authentically into fictionWhy representation in storytelling matters now more than everThe unspoken author responsibility to emotionally wreck your readers (lovingly) so they have to keep readingThe noticeable shift in how indie authors are viewed by readers—and treated by the publishing industry

    38 min
  6. The Fantasy Grimoire Presents: Sheila Masterson

    APR 8

    The Fantasy Grimoire Presents: Sheila Masterson

    I’ve been on a kick of reading authors who are new to me, falling headfirst into their books, and then immediately tracking them down on social media so I can have them on the podcast, which sounds way creepier than I mean it to. But Sheila is a perfect example of this. ⚠️ Spoiler warning: We discuss The Poison Daughter throughout this episode. Sheila talks about using writing to process intense emotions. While her stories are dark and driven by feminine rage, she’s sweet, bubbly, and thoughtful in person—which makes for a fascinating contrast. In this episode, we dive into: Spice, power, and empowerment in The Poison DaughterThe structure of enemies-to-lovers in fantasyChronic illness representationLuck, timing, and the uncomfortable truth about “making it” as an authorFast-paced, thoughtful, and full of craft talk—this one’s a must-listen.

    58 min
  7. The Fantasy Grimoire Presents: Penn Cole

    JAN 8

    The Fantasy Grimoire Presents: Penn Cole

    Spoiler Warnings: The Kindred Curse Saga There’s something magical about getting a front-row seat to your favourite author’s mind. Penn is genuinely one of the kindest people in this industry — thoughtful, generous, and the kind of storyteller you could listen to for hours. She reminds us that being a full-time author is possible, and she walks us through the realities of creative life, including the Dunning–Kruger effect and why so many of us struggle to trust our own art. In a world obsessed with chasing the next viral hit, she’s encouraging us to focus on craft first and trust that the marketing will follow. I also introduce her to what I’m calling the “Penn Cole Effect,” and she breaks down the thinking behind her hybrid publishing deal — including why she refused to settle for anything less than what she knew she deserved, even when her dream felt far-fetched. This episode is an absolute must for any indie author!

    1h 7m
  8. The Fantasy Grimoire Presents: Nikkita Bell

    JAN 1

    The Fantasy Grimoire Presents: Nikkita Bell

    When I struggled to find a designer to interview, Nikkita didn’t hesitate to step in. To those that have been around for a while, you know she holds a special place in my heart: her first episode is what kickstarted this entire podcast journey, and she’s a very dear friend of mine too. Coming back this time, she shares everything from a designer’s perspective—and truly, no topic is off limits. We talk about hated characters in literature, the key differences artists consider when creating book covers versus character art, and the fantasy sub-genre cover trends we’re seeing right now. Nikkita breaks down how talent, experience, and instinct guide her creative process, and we even get candid about bodies, anatomy, nipples (yes, really), and what it’s like living with breast implants. We also dive into taking familiar urban fantasy tropes and making them uniquely our own, researching experiences you haven’t personally lived so you can still write them authentically, and the often-misunderstood difference between commercial and usage rights. Also, why pre-made covers and character art are becoming increasingly appealing for artists. Most importantly, we talk about trust—what she hopes authors keep in mind when working with artists, and why a strong, respectful author–artist relationship is essential to creating something truly special. You can find Nikkita on Instagram here.

    46 min
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About

Join your host, Stephanie Storm as she interviews fantasy authors, debut novelists, editors, and Bookstagrammers and we dive into the genre we’ve all come to love. Nothing is off limits as we chat editing, marketing, ethics, bookish hot takes and how to navigate both traditional and self-publishing. Whether you’re penning your debut novel, editing bestsellers, or championing books online, you’ll find relatable discussions with us, and something to appeal to every fantasy reader. Here’s to a refreshingly different take on a fantasy podcast, and helping you find your new favourite author.

Information

  • Creator
    Stephanie Storm
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    40
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Stephanie Storm
  • Show Website
    The Fantasy Grimoire