The Fantasy Writers' Toolshed
Dedicated to all things writing, fantasy fiction and helping you build your writing career!
The Fantasy Writers’ Toolshedis dedicated to all things writing, fantasy fiction, and building your author platform, all with the aim of helping you become a better writer. Expect writing advice and guidance, fantasy fic
Latest Episode2/1/2020
Historical Fiction with Paul Cunningham
Ep. 7
In this episode, JM interviews historical fiction author Paul Cunningham. Paul is the author of the book "Contention," which details "the most chaotic year in Roman history" following the death of Nero. Following our previous episode on fantasy world-building, it seemed a good idea to talk to someone who has to deal with the same issue in a different way. Paul is a master at rolling back time, bringing the reader right into a foreign world from our shared past.As always, leave your comments and questions below or look us up on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/fantasywrite...And you can grab a copy of Paul's last book at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00O6URLUW/
1/19/2020
World-Building: Practical Tips
Ep. 6
In this episode, Richie and JM tackle a source of joy and frustration for perhaps every fantasy writer: world-building.They discuss their favourite bits of advice on introducing those juicy world-building details into the story, the best times to introduce those details, and the most effective means of doing so.As always, if you have comments, queries or questions, get in touch at thefantasywriterstoolshed@gmail.com!
1/4/2020
Is Reading Facing An Existential Crisis?
Ep. 5
A few weeks back, Richie carried out a bit of research inspired by the comments of a professional book reviewer named Damien Walter. Walter argued that the novel is dead, that the decline in quality and the saturation of the market has strangled the enjoyment out of it, and as a result, fewer people are reading. Richie explores whether or not this is the case, before considering whether or not reading as a whole is facing an existential crisis.
12/13/2019
Twisting Fantasy Tropes
Ep. 4
In this episode, we tackle fantasy tropes. How can writers twist conventional fantasy ideas to create unique and interesting angles? We look at a few examples and discuss some ways of finding originality. Plus, the results of our competition!Drop us an email with your questions for episode three or leave us a comment!
11/29/2019
Medieval Settings in Fantasy
Ep. 3
In this shorter episode, JM and Richie discuss a cliche they didn't get round to discussing in episode one: medieval settings in the fantasy genre. It's a hot topic amongst readers and writers at the moment. What are your views? Are you sick and tired of muddy villages and wooden houses, stone castles, swords, shields and all the rest? Drop us an email and tell us (thefantasywriterstoolshed@gmail.com, or leave us a comment!
11/16/2019
Fantasy Clichés
Ep. 2
In our very first episode, we're looking at fantasy clichés. What are they? Why are they bad? How can you avoid them? How can you use them? We tackle the chosen one, wise old mentors, fantasy races, and evil villains for evil's sake. Plus, we've got a few freebies to give away!