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The Fantasy Writers' Toolshed - Fantasy Writing Craft Advice & Author Interviews: Daily Summaries Delivered
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- 5 days ago47 min
How Michael Chatfield Built a Bestselling Author Business | Writing Process, Patreon & Reader Growth
In this episode of The Fantasy Writers’ Toolshed, host Richie Billing interviews bestselling author Michael Chatfield about the writing process, indie publishing, Patreon, audience growth, character creation and building a sustainable author business. Learn practical ways to generate story ideas, develop compelling characters, engage readers, grow a subscription community and think more commercially about a long-term writing career.In this episode, I'm joined by bestselling indie author Michael Chatfield for a practical and revealing conversation about what it really takes to build a successful writing career.Michael is the author of major fantasy, science fiction and LitRPG series, including The Ten Realms, Emerilia, Harmony War and Restarting the Apocalypse. He's also built an engaged reader community through subscription platforms like Patreon, where fans can access early chapters, exclusive material, behind-the-scenes updates and opportunities to become more involved in the creative process.This episode explores Michael’s writing process, from finding inspiration and developing ideas to creating characters that feel active, motivated and memorable. We also discuss the business side of being an indie author, including how Michael has grown beyond writing alone and developed a publishing operation that employs multiple people.For fantasy writers, LitRPG authors, self-published novelists and anyone interested in author entrepreneurship, this interview offers a valuable look at the link between craft, consistency, reader engagement and commercial sustainability.ABOUT MICHAEL CHATFIELDhttps://michaelchatfield.com/https://www.patreon.com/c/authormichaelchatfield/https://www.facebook.com/authormichaelchatfield/https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14055550.Michael_ChatfieldJOIN OUR WRITING COMMUNITYhttps://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed
- 3 weeks ago32 min
Can I Save This Terrible High Fantasy Story? | Fixing Bad Writing
For the full video experience, please watch on YouTube > https://www.youtube.com/@fixingbadwritingWelcome to Fixing Bad Writing, a new series within The Fantasy Writers' Toolshed podcast, where I take a rubbish story generated by AI and try to make it good, or at least less crappy.In Episode 1, I tackle the "High Fantasy" genre.Walk through the story's analysis with me, watch as I edit, before seeing whether or not I can save this terrible story.If you’re looking for a creative writing challenge or a unique writing exercise, you’re in the right place. This series acts as a writing guide for anyone trying to spot common mistakes and improve their craft.Whether you are looking for writing exercises for beginners or more advanced story writing exercises, hopefully, this live rewrite will teach you new skills!🏆 TAKE THE WRITING CHALLENGEThink you can do better? (You probably can). I want to see your version! And then why not join our Discord community and share it?Join The Community > https://mailchi.mp/be6082d43b39/the-writers-toolshedHere's the original story:In the kingdom of Eldoria there was a man called Brin who was a knight but not a very good one, and one day he was told by the king to go and stop a dark wizard named Maldrake who lived in a tower that was quite far away and also spooky, so Brin said yes even though he was a bit tired and hadn’t eaten much, and he got on his horse which didn’t like him very much and set off slowly while thinking about how dangerous it all sounded. On the way he met a strange old woman who may have been magical but it was not very clear, and she gave him a sword that looked important but also a bit rusty, and told him something vague like “you will need this probably,” which Brin thought was helpful enough. When he got to the tower it was taller than expected and had a door that was already open which seemed suspicious, but he went in anyway and shouted for Maldrake who appeared almost immediately which saved time, and they had a fight that was not very graceful but still quite serious, and Brin mostly waved the sword around until something worked and the wizard fell over in a way that suggested he was defeated. After that Brin felt proud but also confused about how easy it was, and he went back to the kingdom where the king thanked him a lot and there was a feast, although Brin kept wondering if the wizard might not actually be fully gone which made the ending feel a bit unsure.
- Apr 13, 202644 min
How To Write A Query Letter Literary Agents Will Love (With Stephen Aryan)
Learn how to write a query letter for literary agents, including the correct structure, paragraph-by-paragraph breakdown, submission strategy, and proven techniques to increase your chances of getting representation.Writing a query letter is one of the most important—and most misunderstood—steps in the traditional publishing process. It’s your first impression with a literary agent, and it determines whether your manuscript gets read or rejected.In this episode, I’m joined by bestselling author Stephen Aryan, who secured representation with literary agent Juliet Mushens, to break down exactly how to write a query letter that stands out in a competitive submissions inbox.This is a detailed, practical deconstruction of query letters, designed to give you a clear, repeatable framework.We cover every stage of the query process, including:What a query letter is and how literary agents evaluate submissionsThe standard query letter structure (opening hook, synopsis paragraph, author bio, closing)A step-by-step walkthrough of how to write each paragraphKey query letter terminology and industry expectationsHow many agents to query before revising your approachWhether you should follow up with agents—and how to do it professionallyHow to get feedback on your query letter (including services like Stephen’s Write Advice)Real-world insights from Stephen Aryan’s successful query letterThis episode combines craft, strategy, and industry knowledge to give you a complete understanding of how querying works.If you’re preparing to submit to literary agents and want to improve your chances of securing representation, this episode provides a clear, actionable guide to writing a query letter that gets results.ABOUT STEPHEN ARYANhttps://stephen-aryan.com/https://stephen-aryan.com/2014/07/31/how-i-found-an-agent-part-2/https://fantasy-hive.co.uk/2024/06/the-write-advice-4-common-mistakes-in-query-packages/https://www.mushens-entertainment.com/blog/the-perfect-cover-letterJOIN OUR WRITING COMMUNITYhttps://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshedLEARN MORE ABOUT FANTASY WRITINGTo join our writing community, access exclusive interviews, discussions, fantasy writing classes, books and more, head over to our Patreon page - https://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed
- Mar 14, 202648 min
Writing the Fae, Present Tense Storytelling and Confined Fantasy Worlds | Rym Kechacha on The Apple and the Pearl
What makes the fae such enduring figures in fantasy? How do you write in the present tense without it feeling awkward? And can a fantasy story work in a confined setting instead of a vast world?In this episode, I’m joined by author Rym Kechacha to talk about her new novel The Apple and the Pearl. We dive into the strange allure of the fae in fantasy fiction, explore the craft of writing in the present tense, and discuss how powerful stories can unfold in smaller, more contained settings.Rym shares insights into her writing process, including the idea of “vibe writing” — letting the tone and atmosphere of a story guide you as you discover the narrative. We also talk about taking inspiration from artwork and paintings, and how visual sources can shape characters, mood and worldbuilding.One of the most interesting aspects of The Apple and the Pearl is its setting. Rather than a sprawling epic landscape, much of the story unfolds within the confined environment of a train. We discuss how limitations like this can actually strengthen tension, character development and narrative focus.If you’re a fantasy writer or reader, this conversation offers a fascinating look at craft, inspiration and the creative decisions behind a unique fantasy novel.In this episode, you’ll learn:How writing in the present tense can make a story feel immediate and active Why the fae remain one of the most compelling forces in fantasy fiction How to create characters readers genuinely care about The idea behind “vibe writing” and discovering your story as you write How artwork and paintings can inspire story ideas and atmosphere Why confined settings can create powerful fantasy storiesAbout The Apple and the Pearl The Apple and the Pearl blends myth, atmosphere and character-driven storytelling, drawing on fae folklore and rich visual inspiration to create a unique fantasy experience.Whether you’re interested in folklore-inspired fantasy, writing craft, or the creative process behind a novel, this episode offers plenty of insight.Subscribe to the podcast for more conversations with fantasy authors, writing advice and behind-the-scenes discussions about storytelling.Get it here > https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/800526/the-apple-and-the-pearl-by-rym-kechacha/About Rym KechachaRym Kechacha is a fantasy author and teacher whose work blends folklore, art, and literary fantasy. She is the author of Dark River, To Catch a Moon, and the new novel The Apple and the Pearl. Her debut novel Dark River was shortlisted for the British Fantasy Awards for both Best Novel and Best Newcomer.Website https://rymkechacha.squarespace.comX / Twitter https://x.com/rymkechachaInstagram https://www.instagram.com/rymkechacha/
- Feb 14, 202657 min
How to Build a Profitable Author Business (Without Burning Out) | Joanna Penn
This episode explains how to build a sustainable and profitable author business, focusing on mindset, income streams, and long-term strategy. You’ll learn how to transition from hobbyist to professional writer, market your books effectively, use AI tools to grow your income, and build a direct relationship with your readers. Ideal for fantasy writers and authors who want to turn their writing into a reliable income without burnout.What does it really mean to treat your writing as a business?In this episode, I’m joined by bestselling author and entrepreneur Joanna Penn to explore how writers can build a sustainable writing business without losing their creative spark.If you want to move from hobbyist to professional author, this conversation breaks down what a real author business looks like — from mindset shifts to practical systems.We cover:What a writing business actually is (and why most authors get this wrong)How to balance writing as a business without burnout or overwhelmHow to get inside your reader’s head and clearly define your target audienceThe essential steps to kickstart your author business todayDirect book selling, special editions, and owning your customer relationshipBook marketing methods that still work — email marketing, paid advertising, and author networkingHow to use AI in your writing business (marketing content, concept images, Amazon ads optimisation, book descriptions and more)How Joanna Penn uses AI herself to support her fiction and non-fiction author incomeTime management strategies for writers building a business while improving craftIf you’re serious about turning your writing into income, this episode will help you think strategically, act intentionally, and build long-term author resilience.About Joanna PennNon-fiction for authors: https://www.thecreativepenn.com/books-for-authors/Fiction (J.F. Penn): https://jfpennauthor.com/books/The Creative Penn Podcast: https://www.thecreativepenn.com/podcasts/Socials: Website: https://www.thecreativepenn.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jfpennauthor/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheCreativePenn X / Twitter: https://twitter.com/thecreativepenn YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TheCreativePenn✍️ Join Our Community and Access Writing Tools:Join The Discord Community: https://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshedRichie's Patreon for free stories: https://www.patreon.com/cw/RichieBilling
- Jan 14, 20261h 5m
Email Marketing for Authors in 2026: How to Grow Your Audience and Sell More Books
✍️ Access The Free Class Here: Email Marketing For Writers and AuthorsThis episode explains how email marketing works for authors in 2026, focusing on audience growth, engagement, and book sales. You’ll learn how to build an email list, improve open and click rates, create effective welcome sequences, and use AI to personalise and scale your emails. Ideal for writers and indie authors who want to grow a loyal readership, increase book sales, and take full control of their audience beyond social media.Email marketing remains one of the most powerful tools available to writers and authors — and it’s about to change.In this podcast episode, we break down how email marketing works for writers right now, and where it’s heading in 2026. Using real data, platform insights, and author-specific examples, we explore why email still outperforms social media, how writers use it to sell books and grow Patreon memberships, and what separates emails that get ignored from emails that drive real engagement.We cover the fundamentals every writer needs to understand: choosing the right email platform, setting clear goals, building welcome sequences, improving open and click rates, and creating sustainable email routines. You’ll learn how subject lines, preview text, timing, frequency, and structure directly affect performance — and how to build genuine reader relationships rather than sending forgettable broadcasts.Crucially, we also look ahead to email marketing trends in 2026, including:How inbox providers are prioritising engagement quality over volumeWhy generic drip sequences are losing effectivenessThe rise of interactive emails, surveys, and community-driven contentHow AI is shaping email creation, analysis, and personalisationWhy newsletters are becoming a primary publishing platform for writersThis episode isn’t about spam tactics or quick wins. It’s about future-proofing your email strategy, owning your audience, and using email as the central hub of your writing career — not just a promotional afterthought.Ideal for:Writers and authors at any stageIndie authors selling ebooks, paperbacks, audiobooks, or subscriptionsCreators who want clarity, consistency, and long-term audience control✍️ Join Our Community and Access Writing Tools:Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshedRichie's Patreon for free stories: https://www.patreon.com/cw/RichieBillingWebsite and writing classes: https://richiebilling.com/online-writing-classesFollow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fantasywriterstoolshed/
- Dec 14, 202546 min
RJ Barker on Fantasy Writing: Character Depth, Worldbuilding, and the Writing Process
This episode explains how to improve your fantasy writing using proven techniques for character development, worldbuilding, and the writing process, based on insights from bestselling author RJ Barker. You’ll learn how to create deeper characters, build immersive fantasy worlds, develop your unique writing voice, and overcome common creative challenges. Ideal for fantasy writers who want to strengthen their storytelling and write more compelling, publishable fiction.What can writers learn from one of the most distinctive voices in modern fantasy?In this episode, I’m joined by RJ Barker, author of the Wounded Kingdom and Tide Child trilogies, to explore his approach to storytelling and the fantasy writing process.We dive into both craft and mindset, including:RJ's new book: Mortedant's Peril, book #1 in The Trials of Irody Hasp seriesRJ Barker’s fantasy writing process from idea to finished novelHow to create deep, memorable charactersBuilding unique and immersive fantasy worldsOvercoming psychological challenges in writingDeveloping your voice and honing your craftPractical advice for writers looking to improveThis is an in-depth, honest conversation packed with insights from a top-tier fantasy author.If you want to strengthen your storytelling and better understand the fantasy writing process, this episode offers clear, actionable guidance you can apply straight away.ABOUT RJ BARKERWebsite: https://www.rjbarker.com/BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/rjbarker.bsky.socialBooks: https://store.orbit-books.co.uk/collections/author-rj-barkerJOIN OUR WRITING COMMUNITYhttps://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshedLEARN MORE ABOUT FANTASY WRITINGTo join our writing community, access exclusive interviews, discussions, fantasy writing classes, books and more, head over to our Patreon page - https://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed
- Nov 14, 202544 min
The Biggest Mistakes Authors Make (According to a Writing Coach) | Suzy Vadori on Character Creation, Worldbuilding & Author Growth
Are you repeating the same writing mistakes without realising it? In this episode, writing coach and author Suzy Vadori reveals the biggest errors she sees in authors, and how to avoid them.Join Richie Billing and Suzy Vadori as they explore Suzy’s journey from businesswoman to bestselling YA fantasy author and coach. We dive into her unique approach to character creation, immersive world-building, and the crucial missteps that hold writers back.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why so many authors struggle with character arcs and how to fix them.Practical world-building strategies that bring your setting to life without slowing the story.The top three mistakes authors make when switching from business mindset to creative craft.How Suzy’s coaching practice and author experience provide clarity, structure and growth.How to build your author brand and writing career from the ground up.Whether you’re working on your first novel or deep into your series, you’ll walk away with actionable advice.✍️ More from Suzy Vadori:Website: https://suzyvadori.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/suzyvadori/?hl=enFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/suzyvadoriauthor/✍️ Join our community & writing tools:Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshedWebsite and writing classes: https://richiebilling.com/
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About The Fantasy Writers' Toolshed - Fantasy Writing Craft Advice & Author Interviews
The Fantasy Writers’ Toolshed is a podcast for aspiring and experienced fantasy writers who want to master storytelling, creative writing, worldbuilding and character creation. Hosted by author Richie Billing, each episode features practical writing advice and tips, publishing guidance, and inspiring interviews with bestselling authors, editors, historians, psychologists and even an FBI Special Agent. Learn how to write, edit and market your stories with confidence. New episodes released monthly. Join our Discord community of hundreds of writers and gain early access to each episode: www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed
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