Writing and Breathing Antony Johnston

Jenni Hill (Editorial Director of Orbit Books) joins Antony for our first episode with a non-author, to talk about being a book shepherd, the beauty contest of acquisitions, and how the job involves much less actual editing than you might think.

Simon Scarrow (Eagles of the Empire, Blackout) joins Antony to discuss balancing research with the needs of a story, how every reader creates their own version of a book, and why Italian tomatoes still haunt him.

Jody Houser (Critical Role, Doctor Who) joins Antony to talk about finding new directions in existing properties, whether thinking about writing counts as writing, and getting irate about notes.

Helene Wecker (The Golem and the Djinni, The Hidden Palace) joins Antony to discuss telling details, research that both enlightens and frustrates, and pulling the spine out of a manuscript.

Vinay Patel (Doctor Who, Murdered by My Father) joins Antony to talk about using practice to push yourself, focusing on nailing the parts only you can do, and the balance between empathy and sympathy.

Bonnie MacBird (Tron, Sherlock Holmes) joins Antony to discuss applying cinematic writing to prose, why truth is important even in fiction, and the joys and dangers of writing a beloved character.