Writing Quest

Brenden Pugh
  • 5.0 (3)
  • EDUCATION

Writing Quest is me sharing my journey and everything I learn along the way to write and publish my epic fantasy novel.

  1. 04/07/2025

    How Eric July built Rippaverse Comics by BREAKING all the rules

    🎥 Building an Independent Comics Empire | Writing Quest Interview with Eric July 🎥Rippaverse Comics Links:🌐 Website: https://rippaverse.com🐦 Twitter: https://twitter.com/Rippaverse📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/rippaverse📘 Facebook: https://facebook.com/rippaverse▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RippaverseWriting Quest’s Links:📚 Bookshop: https://bookshop.org/shop/questhavenbooks✍️ Storybook: Master Novelist - https://writingquest.gumroad.com/l/StorybookMasterNovelist🐦 Twitter: https://twitter.com/WritingQuest📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/QuestHavenBooks🖊 Scrivener Discount (20% off with code ‘QUEST’): https://www.literatureandlatte.com/scrivener-affiliate.html?fpr=writingquest2Episode Summary:In this exciting interview, Brenden Pugh sits down with Eric July, the creator and founder of Rippaverse Comics. Eric shares his journey from music to comics, how he built a multi-million-dollar independent comic book company, and the challenges of running a fully independent publishing house. They dive deep into the importance of direct-to-consumer sales, navigating distribution issues, and what it takes to scale a successful indie business without relying on traditional industry structures.What’s Inside:🚀 The Birth of Rippaverse Comics:Eric July explains how his background in music and his frustrations with the comic book industry led him to create Rippaverse Comics—a fully independent publishing company that bypasses traditional gatekeepers.💡 Why Independence Matters in Comics:Eric discusses why he chose not to use mainstream distributors like Diamond Comics, how this decision has benefited Rippaverse, and what indie creators can learn from his model.📈 Scaling a Business at Lightning Speed:Hear how Rippaverse Comics went from a small startup to shipping tens of thousands of books worldwide, how they handle logistics, and how their direct-to-consumer approach gives them an edge.🛠 Overcoming Industry Challenges & Criticism:Eric addresses the controversies, criticism, and industry pushback he’s faced since launching Rippaverse, and how he stays focused despite the noise.🔥 Expanding the Rippaverse Universe:From introducing new characters to animated projects and live-action trailers, Eric teases the future of Rippaverse and where he sees the company in 10 years.💬 Join the Conversation!Are you an indie creator looking to break into comics? Have you ever considered launching your own publishing house? Drop a comment below!📺 Subscribe to Writing Quest for more interviews, writing advice, and deep dives into the indie publishing world! Your support keeps these conversations going.#Rippaverse #EricJuly #IndieComics #WritingQuest #ComicBooks #SelfPublishing #IndependentCreator

    1h 3m
  2. From Struggle to Storytelling: Timothy Robare’s Writing Quest

    12/20/2024

    From Struggle to Storytelling: Timothy Robare’s Writing Quest

    🚀 Timothy Robare: Writing, Worldbuilding, and Embracing the Journey 🚀 Writing Quest’s Links: Support my bookstore: https://bookshop.org/shop/questhavenbooks Storybook: Master Novelist: https://writingquest.gumroad.com/l/StorybookMasterNovelist X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/WritingQuest Scrivener Discount (20% off with code ‘QUEST’): https://www.literatureandlatte.com/scrivener-affiliate.html?fpr=writingquest2 Codex Archetypum E-Book: https://gumroad.com/a/398043347/tguwn Episode Summary: In this episode, Timothy Robare shares the inspiring journey behind his Tales of Battle series. From enduring personal challenges to navigating the creative highs and lows of writing and self-publishing, Timothy's story is a testament to perseverance and passion. With a love for crafting dynamic worlds and relatable characters, he dives into the process of turning his ideas into novels and the lessons learned along the way. What’s Inside: From Writing Therapy to Author Career: Timothy explains how writing provided an outlet during his childhood struggles and became a lifelong passion. Crafting Tales of Battle: Inspired by Redwall and a love for elves, Timothy discusses his unique blend of humanoid animals, elves, and humans in his epic fantasy series. Going with the Flow vs. Outlining: While his first series was written fluidly, Timothy reflects on the challenges of retrofitting maps and systems post-draft and shares plans to outline his next series. Publishing Path: After facing setbacks with querying, Timothy shares why he chose self-publishing and the support he received from his editor to take the leap. Advice for Aspiring Authors: Timothy emphasizes the importance of seeking constructive criticism, staying true to your artistic journey, and embracing both the highs and lows of the writing process. Join the Discussion: How do you navigate the ups and downs of writing and publishing? Are you a plotter, pantser, or somewhere in between? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and don’t forget to check out Timothy Robare’s Tales of Battle! Subscribe for more inspiring author interviews and writing tips from Writing Quest! #WritingQuest #TimothyRobare #TalesOfBattle #FantasyWriting #Worldbuilding

    46 min
  3. Rewriting a Debut Novel: NJ Alexander’s Lessons

    12/13/2024

    Rewriting a Debut Novel: NJ Alexander’s Lessons

    🚀 NJ Alexander on Vanity Presses, Rewriting, and Building a Writing Community 🚀 Writing Quest’s Links: Storybook: Master Novelist: https://writingquest.gumroad.com/l/StorybookMasterNovelist X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/WritingQuest Scrivener Discount (20% off with code ‘QUEST’): https://www.literatureandlatte.com/scrivener-affiliate.html?fpr=writingquest2 Codex Archetypum E-Book: https://gumroad.com/a/398043347/tguwn Episode Summary: In this episode, Brendan sits down with NJ Alexander, author of Fog Bound, to discuss his journey through self-publishing, the perils of vanity presses, and how rewriting his debut novel gave it new life. From sharing lessons learned about dodging scams to detailing his meticulous writing process, NJ delivers a candid and inspiring look at the trials and triumphs of being an indie author. This conversation is packed with actionable advice, from avoiding common pitfalls in publishing to finding your place in a supportive writing community. What’s Inside: A Tale of Redemption: NJ shares how his early experience with a vanity press led to reclaiming his work and relaunching Fog Bound. Rewriting and Reimagining: Discover how NJ transformed his original draft by adding new depth, improving character agency, and restructuring the story. Avoiding Vanity Presses: Warning signs and why authors should never pay a publisher to release their work. Writing Routine: NJ’s disciplined binge-writing strategy and how he balances creativity with a full-time job. Community Building: The importance of finding critique partners, beta readers, and support within the indie writing space. Looking Ahead: NJ’s plans to finish the Echoes of Ono series and venture into writing something weird, wacky, and wildly creative. Join the Discussion: Have you ever had a negative experience with a vanity press? How do you stay motivated to write? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and don’t forget to grab your copy of Fog Bound! Subscribe for more author interviews and writing tips from Writing Quest! #WritingQuest #NJAlexander #FantasyAuthor #FogBound #SelfPublishing #VanityPress #IndieAuthor

    54 min
  4. The Heart of Quinaria: Inside Bethany Garcia’s Fantasy World

    11/26/2024

    The Heart of Quinaria: Inside Bethany Garcia’s Fantasy World

    🚀 Interview with Bethany Garcia: Worldbuilding, Self-Publishing, and Creative Freedom 🚀 Bethany Garcia’s Links: Website: www.bshgarcia.com (Get From the Ashes free by subscribing to her newsletter!) Socials: @bshgarcia on all platforms (primarily on Twitter/X and Instagram) Upcoming Release: Of Love and Loss (Released September 28th) 📚 Ebook Pre-order: https://books2read.com/u/b6pwl0 📚 Paperback and Hardback also available! Writing Quest’s Links: Storybook: Master Novelist: https://writingquest.gumroad.com/l/StorybookMasterNovelist X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/WritingQuest Scrivener Discount (20% off with code ‘QUEST’): https://www.literatureandlatte.com/scrivener-affiliate.html?fpr=writingquest2 Codex Archetypum E-Book: https://gumroad.com/a/398043347/tguwn Episode Summary: In this episode, Brenden sits down with fantasy author Bethany Garcia, author of Of Thieves and Shadows and Of Love and Loss. Bethany shares her journey from acting to writing, the origins of her Quinaria series, and the challenges of balancing family life with creative pursuits. Bethany dives deep into worldbuilding, character development, and the self-publishing process, offering invaluable advice to aspiring authors. From finding the courage to share your work with beta readers to navigating the complexities of publishing, Bethany’s insights are both practical and inspiring. What’s Inside: The Origins of Quinaria: Bethany recounts how a single scene idea during an acting exercise transformed into her debut fantasy series, The Heart of Quinaria. On Worldbuilding: For Bethany, worldbuilding is more than setting—it’s a character in its own right, shaping her story and influencing every decision her characters make. Writing Process & Challenges: Balancing writing with family life, Bethany discusses how becoming a mother reshaped her approach to creativity, and how she shifted from a structured routine to seizing moments of inspiration during naptimes. Self-Publishing vs. Traditional: Bethany reflects on her decision to self-publish after receiving feedback from agents. She highlights the value of creative control, the importance of research, and the ever-evolving landscape of indie publishing. Advice for Aspiring Authors: Finish your drafts, get feedback from beta readers, and build a supportive writing community—Bethany’s advice for writers at any stage of their journey. Join the Discussion: Have you considered self-publishing? What role does worldbuilding play in your stories? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and don’t forget to check out Bethany Garcia’s latest book, Of Love and Loss! Subscribe for more author interviews and writing tips from Writing Quest! #WritingQuest #BethanyGarcia #FantasyAuthor #Worldbuilding #SelfPublishing #OfThievesAndShadows #HeartOfQuinaria

    56 min
  5. From Comics to Fantasy: The Journey of David Hopkins!

    11/25/2024

    From Comics to Fantasy: The Journey of David Hopkins!

    🚀 The Writing Journey of David Hopkins: From Comics to Fantasy Novels 🚀 David Hopkins’s Links: Author website: https://thatdavidhopkins.com The Dryads Crown: https://dryadscrown.com Free copy of War of the Hounds: https://thatdavidhopkins.com/war Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/davidhopkins.author/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thatdavidhopkins/ Writing Quest’s Links: Storybook: Master Novelist - https://writingquest.gumroad.com/l/StorybookMasterNovelist X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/WritingQuest Scrivener (Get 20% off with code ‘QUEST’): https://www.literatureandlatte.com/scrivener-affiliate.html?fpr=writingquest2 Codex Archetypum E-Book: https://gumroad.com/a/398043347/tguwn Episode Summary: In this episode, we chat with David Hopkins, author of The Dryads Crown and War of the Hounds, about his multifaceted writing journey. Starting in the world of comics, David has carved a path through journalism and fantasy fiction, building a robust creative portfolio. He delves into his love for storytelling, the lessons he learned from comics, and why he chose to self-publish his novels. David shares insights into his world-building process, the challenges of indie publishing, and the creative freedom that comes with being an independent author. What’s Inside: From Comics to Fantasy: David explains his transition from writing comic books to novels, sharing how his experience in comics shaped his approach to storytelling. The Power of Indie Publishing: Discover why David chose self-publishing and how it has given him the control to create and market his work on his own terms. Crafting a Series Universe: Learn how The Dryads Crown and War of the Hounds fit into a shared universe and David’s innovative approach to standalone novels within a larger series. Advice for Aspiring Authors: David offers actionable tips on mastering your craft, outlining effectively, and navigating the world of indie publishing while maintaining creative control. Join the Community: What’s your writing journey been like? Are you working on a novel or comic project? Share your thoughts and questions in the comments below! Don’t forget to hit subscribe for more author interviews and writing insights on Writing Quest. Thank you for watching! Dive into the world of fantasy with David Hopkins and continue your writing journey with us here on Writing Quest. #WritingQuest #DavidHopkins #FantasyAuthor #DryadsCrown #WarOfTheHounds #IndieAuthor #ComicsToFiction #WritingTips

    1h 8m
  6. Neon Noir: Inside the Cyberpunk World of Nina Voss!

    11/14/2024

    Neon Noir: Inside the Cyberpunk World of Nina Voss!

    🚀 Nina Voss: Creating Cyberpunk Worlds and Self-Publishing Success 🚀 Nina Voss’s Links: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nina.author Website: https://nina-voss.square.site Threads: https://www.threads.net/@nina.author Writing Quest’s Links: Storybook: Master Novelist - https://writingquest.gumroad.com/l/StorybookMasterNovelist X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/WritingQuest Scrivener (Get 20% off with code ‘QUEST’): https://www.literatureandlatte.com/scrivener-affiliate.html?fpr=writingquest2 Codex Archetypum E-Book: https://gumroad.com/a/398043347/tguwn Welcome back to another episode of Writing Quest! Today, we’re thrilled to have Nina Voss on the show to discuss her debut cyberpunk novel, Neon Noir, and her journey as a self-published author. From early creative sparks writing fanfiction to building the neon-soaked world of “Cyber City,” Nina dives into how she brought Neon Noir to life. What’s Inside: Worldbuilding with Music: Nina shares how synthwave and cyberpunk music shaped her vision for Cyber City, making music one of her biggest inspirations for character and scene development. Navigating Self-Publishing: Discover why Nina chose the indie route for Neon Noir and the advantages (and challenges!) of having full creative control. Using Social Media for Indie Marketing: Find out how Nina built an engaged community of readers on Instagram and Threads and her unique approach to promoting her work online. Building a Series in the Cyberpunk Genre: Learn about her plans for expanding Neon Noir into a multi-book series and what’s next for her characters and the gritty world they live in. Connecting with Readers: From pre-release ARC sign-ups to handling her first reviews, Nina gives us insights on how she connects with readers and embraces feedback to improve her craft. Join the Community: Are you a cyberpunk fan or interested in the self-publishing world? Let us know in the comments if Neon Noir is on your TBR list! Subscribe to Writing Quest on YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram for more engaging author interviews, writing tips, and inspiring stories from indie authors. Thank you for joining us in this inspiring conversation with Nina Voss! Whether you're just beginning your author journey or are a seasoned writer, we hope you find something new and helpful here on Writing Quest. See you in the next episode! #WritingQuest #NinaVoss #NeonNoir #Cyberpunk #SelfPublishing #IndieAuthor #WritingJourney

    54 min
  7. Creating The Eye of Eternity: Inside Mark Timmony’s Epic Series

    10/25/2024

    Creating The Eye of Eternity: Inside Mark Timmony’s Epic Series

    🔥 Building Epic Fantasy Worlds with Author Mark Timmony 🔥 Mark Timmony’s Links: Website: https://marktimmony.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marktimmony/ X (Twitter): https://x.com/MarkTimmony Writing Quest’s Links: Storybook: Master Novelist - https://writingquest.gumroad.com/l/StorybookMasterNovelist X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/WritingQuest Scrivener (Get 20% off with code ‘QUEST’): https://www.literatureandlatte.com/scrivener-affiliate.html?fpr=writingquest2 Codex Archetypum E-Book: https://gumroad.com/a/398043347/tguwn Mark Timmony, author of The Blood of the Spear, joins us to dive deep into the world of epic fantasy writing. In this episode, we explore Mark’s journey from an avid reader of fantasy classics like The Wheel of Time to creating his own expansive series, The Eye of Eternity. Discover how Mark balances world-building, character development, and plotting in a long-form fantasy series, and get a sneak peek into his process for creating maps and intricate storylines that span multiple books. What You’ll Learn: The Influence of Fantasy Classics: Mark shares how reading The Wheel of Time and Game of Thrones influenced his approach to writing epic sagas. World-Building and Map Creation: Find out how Mark’s love for maps in fantasy books shaped the world of The Eye of Eternity and how he brings his settings to life. Writing a Series Beyond a Trilogy: Mark talks about the challenges and rewards of writing a seven-book series and the importance of planning. Are You Building Your Own Fantasy World? Tell us how you’re building your fantasy universe in the comments below! And don’t forget to subscribe for more writing tips and author interviews. #WritingQuest #MarkTimmony #FantasyWriting #EpicFantasy #WorldBuilding #TheBloodOfTheSpear #WritingTips

    55 min
  8. From Dreams to Demons: The Dark Fantasy World of Cal Logan

    10/22/2024

    From Dreams to Demons: The Dark Fantasy World of Cal Logan

    🔥 From Dreams to Demons: The Journey of Author Cal Logan 🔥 Cal Logan’s Links: Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CZ95T51R Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/210480686-shadowbane Website: https://callogan.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/calplogan Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cal_logan_author/ Writing Quest’s Links: Storybook: Master Novelist - https://writingquest.gumroad.com/l/StorybookMasterNovelist X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/WritingQuest Scrivener (Get 20% off with code ‘QUEST’): https://www.literatureandlatte.com/scrivener-affiliate.html?fpr=writingquest2 Codex Archetypum E-Book: https://gumroad.com/a/398043347/tguwn In this episode, we chat with fantasy author Cal Logan, whose debut novel Shadow Bane is making waves in the Grimdark fantasy world. From turning a terrifying nightmare into an epic fantasy story to the intricacies of setting a novel in feudal Japan, Cal Logan shares his creative journey and passion for world-building. We also delve into his transition from traditional publishing to self-publishing and why taking creative control has been a game-changer for him. What You’ll Learn: Creating Complex Characters: How Cal shapes his protagonists and antagonists, making them both relatable and fearsome. Navigating Publishing Choices: Learn why Cal Logan chose to self-publish Shadow Bane after exploring traditional publishing and how he’s taken the reins of his own destiny. Blending Mythology with Fantasy: Cal’s unique approach to infusing Japanese yokai and cultural elements into his dark, demon-filled world will inspire you to think outside the box in your own writing. Join the Conversation: Have you ever wanted to turn your dreams into a story? Comment below on how you get your best writing ideas, and don’t forget to subscribe for more interviews, tips, and writing inspiration from Writing Quest! #WritingQuest #CalLogan #ShadowBane #FantasyWriting #SelfPublishing #GrimdarkFantasy #IndieAuthor #Yokai

    49 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Writing Quest is me sharing my journey and everything I learn along the way to write and publish my epic fantasy novel.

Information

  • Creator
    Brenden Pugh
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2025
  • Episodes
    131
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Brenden Pugh
  • Show Website
    Writing Quest