Today, we're delighted to welcome Evan Gow to the Writer's Toolshed for a very special chat about <a href="https://storyoriginapp.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Story Origin</a>, the book marketing platform Evan's created by hand. Story Origin brings together a host of different book marketing services, such as group promotions, newsletter swaps, advanced reader copy distribution and book reviews. Evan has built this all with user feedback and continues to add new features, as well as develop existing ones. He and Richie chat about the creation process, Story Origin's key features, and Richie explains how he utilises its features to grow his mailing list each month. To learn more about Story Origin head here - <a href="https://storyoriginapp.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://storyoriginapp.com/</a> Or to read Richie's guide on <a href="https://richiebilling.com/welcome/the-writers-toolshed/writing-tips/5-reasons-why-every-writer-should-use-story-origin" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">5 reasons why every writer should use Story Origin</a>, go here - <a href="https://richiebilling.com/welcome/the-writers-toolshed/writing-tips/5-reasons-why-every-writer-should-use-story-origin" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://richiebilling.com/welcome/the-writers-toolshed/writing-tips/5-reasons-why-every-writer-should-use-story-origin</a> Please consider supporting us on Patreon! (<a href="https://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed</a>). You can join our community of writers, get access to exclusive fantasy writing workshops, and copies of acclaimed books on how to write fantasy.

Book Marketing With Creator Of Story Origin, Evan Gow

A look at how to submit short stories to magazines and journals from the perspective of an editor and publisher.

In this mini-episode, JM gives his editor’s perspective on submissions and short stories in particular. He provides some quick tips on manuscript format and cover letters, and then he identifies some of the recurring issues he sees in the short fiction submissions he’s been receiving, namely point of view, character arcs, and length. JM’s tips on short stories: <a href="https://ofmetalandmagicpublishing.wordpress.com/2021/05/30/on-writing-short-fiction-writing-in-short/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://ofmetalandmagicpublishing.wordpress.com/2021/05/30/on-writing-short-fiction-writing-in-short/</a>Tips on cover letters (for short fiction): <a href="https://www.janefriedman.com/perfect-cover-letter-advice-lit-mag-editor/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.janefriedman.com/perfect-cover-letter-advice-lit-mag-editor/</a>Richie's tips on writing cover letters: <a href="https://richiebilling.com/writing-tips/a-quick-guide-to-cover-letters " rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://richiebilling.com/writing-tips/a-quick-guide-to-cover-letters </a> Please consider supporting us on Patreon! (<a href="https://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed</a>). You can join our community of writers, get access to exclusive fantasy writing workshops, and copies of acclaimed books on how to write fantasy.

Submitting Short Fiction

In this episode we take a look at how to create names for fantasy characters and places. 

If you've ever struggled with coming up with names for your fantasy characters, fantasy worlds and towns and cities within those worlds, you can find some answers here. JM Williams and <a href="https://richiebilling.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Richie Billing</a> discuss the do's and don't's of names in the fantasy genre, covering everything from overly complex names (including them damn apostrophes!) to good principles and guidelines to keep in mind. As always, get in touch with us by heading here to share your questions, comments and curses - <a href="https://richiebilling.com/welcome/the-fantasy-writers-toolshed-podcast" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://richiebilling.com/welcome/the-fantasy-writers-toolshed-podcast</a> If you'd like to check out Richie's very own fantasy name generator, head here - <a href="https://richiebilling.com/welcome/the-writers-toolshed/fantasy-writing/fantasy-name-generator" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://richiebilling.com/welcome/the-writers-toolshed/fantasy-writing/fantasy-name-generator</a> And to read Richie's guide on creating names in the fantasy genre, click here - <a href="https://richiebilling.com/welcome/the-writers-toolshed/fantasy-writing/creating-names-for-fantasy-characters" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://richiebilling.com/welcome/the-writers-toolshed/fantasy-writing/creating-names-for-fantasy-characters</a> Please consider supporting us on Patreon! (<a href="https://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed</a>). You can join our community of writers, get access to exclusive fantasy writing workshops, and copies of acclaimed books on how to write fantasy.

How To Name Fantasy Characters And Places

We're delighted to be joined by the brilliant Alex Greenwood, who shares his insights on writing and marketing

In this episode, Richie is joined by PR guru and award-winning writer, Alex Greenwood, who shares some fantastic marketing tips that writers can utilise as lockdown begins to ease. From book launches to signings, we cover it all. As well as chatting about marketing, Alex also shares lots of great insights on writing mystery and thriller novels, two genres quite similar to the fantasy genre in some respects. Please consider supporting us on Patreon! (<a href="https://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed</a>). You can join our community of writers, get access to exclusive fantasy writing workshops, and copies of acclaimed books on how to write fantasy. Links:Alex Greenwood's website &gt; <a href="http://alexgpr.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">http://alexgpr.com/</a>PR After Hours podcast &gt; <a href="https://prafterhours.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://prafterhours.com/</a>Mysterious Goings On podcast &gt; <a href="https://mgopod.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://mgopod.com/</a>Learn more about the John Pilate Mysteries &gt; <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/kindle/series/B07PQM8HVM/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.amazon.com/gp/kindle/series/B07PQM8HVM/</a>Richie's guide to growing a mailing list &gt; <a href="https://richiebilling.com/book-marketing/fast-way-to-grow-your-mailing-list" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://richiebilling.com/book-marketing/fast-way-to-grow-your-mailing-list</a>Of Metal and Magic Publishing &gt; <a href="https://ofmetalandmagicpublishing.wordpress.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://ofmetalandmagicpublishing.wordpress.com/</a>

Book Marketing Post-Lockdown with Alex Greenwood

Richie's joined by fantasy author and real-life builder of worlds, John Tarrow, for a fascinating chat about worldbuilding

Richie welcomes fantasy author and real-life world builder, John Tarrow, to the Writer’s Toolshed. Over the past 25 years, John has converted his 3 bedroom home into a magical fantasy world. We chat about the building of Talliston House and Gardens, how it’s influenced John’s worldbuilding approach when it comes to writing, and John shares his top tips on how to build a fantasy world—in reality and on the page. Find out more about Talliston House &gt; https://www.talliston.com/Learn more about John &gt; https://www.tarrow.co.uk/Check out Richie’s latest worldbuilding guide, Natural Worldbuilding &gt; https://richiebilling.com/welcome/thewriterstoolshed/fantasy-writing/natural-worldbuilding-guide Please consider supporting us on Patreon! (<a href="https://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed</a>). You can join our community of writers, get access to exclusive fantasy writing workshops, and copies of acclaimed books on how to write fantasy.

How To Build A Fantasy World

In this episode, JM reflects on the first few months in his role as editor-in-chief for Of Metal and Magic Publishing. He discusses upcoming releases, including <a href="mybook.to/PariahsLament" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Pariah's Lament</a> and <a href="http://mybook.to/CallOfTheGuardian" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Call of the Guardian</a>, and provides some crucial tips and advice on when it comes to submitting stories to publishers. As always, get in touch <a href="https://ofmetalandmagicpublishing.wordpress.com/podcast/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">if you have a question or query by clicking here. </a> Please consider supporting us on Patreon! (<a href="https://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed</a>). You can join our community of writers, get access to exclusive fantasy writing workshops, and copies of acclaimed books on how to write fantasy.

Tips On Getting Stories Published

In this episode, we're picking up on fantasy weapons and armour and exploring how writers can employ them in fight and battle scenes. We cover some good rules to follow when writing fight scenes, tips on making the most of battle scenes, ways to maintain clarity amid the chaos, and the importance of doing your research. For more tips and advice on writing battle scenes, check out the guides we referred to in the episode below: + How to write fight scenes &gt; <a href="https://ofmetalandmagicpublishing.wordpress.com/how-to-write-fight-scenes/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://ofmetalandmagicpublishing.wordpress.com/how-to-write-fight-scenes/</a>+ A guide to sieges for fantasy writers &gt; <a href="https://richiebilling.com/fantasy-writing/the-siege" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://richiebilling.com/fantasy-writing/the-siege</a> To join our virtual party on Saturday 20th February to celebrate the launch of Call of the Guardian, head here &gt; <a href="https://fb.me/e/52VuZYect" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://fb.me/e/52VuZYect</a> Please consider supporting us on Patreon! (<a href="https://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed</a>). You can join our community of writers, get access to exclusive fantasy writing workshops, and copies of acclaimed books on how to write fantasy. *Audio Attribution Notes*All audio effect used with open attribution license.Sound Effects from Freesound.org:“Ambient battle noise: swords and shouting”, by Pfranzen, <a href="https://freesound.org/s/192072/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://freesound.org/s/192072/</a>“Unsheathing the sword”, by Ihitokage, <a href="https://freesound.org/s/395364/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://freesound.org/s/395364/</a>“Laugh 1 pun dad joke”, by Jayfrosting, <a href="https://freesound.org/s/333403/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://freesound.org/s/333403/</a>Music from YouTube Audio Library:“Chariots of War”, by Aakash Gandhi“Yonder Hill and Dale”, by Aaron Kenny“Lord Of The Dawn”, by Jesse Gallagher

How To Write Fight and Battle Scenes

In this episode, Richie is talking all things conflict. What is conflict? Why is it important? How do you create it? And he discusses its close relationship with characterisation. To hammer home everything covered, we're finishing up with a writing exercise. And we're turning it into a competition. Submit your conflict-filled short stories to us and the winner will be published on the Of Metal and Magic Publishing website, plus they'll receive a bunch of free books! Closing date is Saturday 26th February, and submissions should be emailed to ofmetalandmagicpublishing@gmail.com. We'll announce the winner next month. Please consider supporting us on Patreon! (<a href="https://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed</a>). You can join our community of writers, get access to exclusive fantasy writing workshops, and copies of acclaimed books on how to write fantasy. Links mentioned in the episode: GiveawaysOMAM's LOTR giveaway - <a href="https://ofmetalandmagicpublishing.wordpress.com/2021/01/06/announcing-our-first-giveaway/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://ofmetalandmagicpublishing.wordpress.com/2021/01/06/announcing-our-first-giveaway/</a>Richie Billing's sword &amp; sorcery giveaway - <a href="https://richiebilling.com/free-book-competitions-contests-and-giveaways/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://richiebilling.com/free-book-competitions-contests-and-giveaways/</a> LinksRichie's guide on conflict - <a href="https://richiebilling.com/2018/09/03/plotting-the-crucible/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://richiebilling.com/2018/09/03/plotting-the-crucible/</a> Background music and sound effects by BBilling

How To Create Conflict

In our first episode of 2021, we're diving into fantasy armor and fantasy weapons. We examine why the medieval period is so popular in the fantasy genre. And we look at what that means for writers when it comes to including the likes of swords, bows and plated armor in stories. We explore medieval history, looking at the development of weapons and armor, discussing insights into their crafting, use and practical applications throughout time. And we discuss a few weapons that you may not have heard of before. As always, get in touch with your comments, queries and curses by clicking here (<a href="https://ofmetalandmagicpublishing.wordpress.com/get-in-touch/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://ofmetalandmagicpublishing.wordpress.com/get-in-touch/</a>). To enter our current competitions, just enter your details here (<a href="https://mailchi.mp/555959f846a1/join-the-community" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://mailchi.mp/555959f846a1/join-the-community</a>) And to check out Richie's guides mentioned in the episode, just click below: A Fantasy Writer's Guide to Armor (<a href="https://richiebilling.com/2017/09/19/a-fantasy-writers-guide-to-armor/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://richiebilling.com/2017/09/19/a-fantasy-writers-guide-to-armor/</a>) Please consider supporting us on Patreon! (<a href="https://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed</a>). You can join our community of writers, get access to exclusive fantasy writing workshops, and copies of acclaimed books on how to write fantasy.Fantasy and Archery - A Guide (<a href="https://richiebilling.com/archery-and-fantasy-a-complete-guide/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://richiebilling.com/archery-and-fantasy-a-complete-guide/</a>)A Fantasy Writer's Guide to Medieval Weapons (<a href="https://richiebilling.com/2020/09/16/a-fantasy-writers-guide-to-weaponry/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://richiebilling.com/2020/09/16/a-fantasy-writers-guide-to-weaponry/</a>)

Fantasy Armor and Weapons

Dedicated to all things writing, fantasy fiction and helping you build your writing career!

The Fantasy Writers’ Toolshed&nbsp;is dedicated to all things fantasy, creative writing, and book marketing. It's created by fantasy writers, for fantasy writers with the purpose of helping you overcome the obstacles and challenges that crop up on your journey. Expect general writing tips as well as discussions on the fantasy genre, such as on worldbuilding, fantasy tropes and fantasy names. And with regular guests including historians, folklorists, mythologists and book bloggers, you'll be sure to find plenty of inspiration and knowledge to use in your fantasy novels and stories. Hosted by Richie Billing (<a href="https://richiebilling.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://richiebilling.com</a>). Write to us at any time with your comments, questions or queries at <a href="mailto:thefantasywriterstoolshed@gmail.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">thefantasywriterstoolshed@gmail.com</a>. And please consider supporting us on Patreon! (<a href="https://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed</a>). You can join our community of writers, get access to exclusive fantasy writing workshops, and copies of acclaimed books on how to write fantasy.

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