ARCHIVOS Podcast Network

Jeanne Cavelos - author, editor, and founder of the exceptional Odyssey Writers Workshop - returns to the Big Chair at the Roundtable, bringing her storytelling mojo to the brainstorming of a tale about the discovery of aliens on a near-future Earth... but are they here to help us defend ourselves from a threat beyond the stars or are they the true threat?

Our brainstorming table is set by Guest Writer, Jeff Brackett, whose tale of alien manipulation of the human race and its accidental revelation to the entire planet serves a fine spring board for a brainstorming feast. With co-host Nicholas Fife (who is contributing a tale to the very cool Folklore: The Affliction game), we delve into the tale and discover - beneath the alien conspiracy - a veritable trove of Literary Gold. There's plenty to go around, so come and get yours!

Jeanne Cavelos is an astrophysicist, an author (of fiction AND non-fiction), an award-winning editor, AND founder of the astonishing Odyssey Writers Workshop. That esteemed program is entering it's 21st season of incredible workshop sessions and Jeanne's work in guiding the program earned her a World Fantasy Award nomination last year. She has experienced the full spectrum of the storytelling experience, from the trenches to the publisher's desk.

Joined by fellow story explorer, Nicholas Fife, we indulge in (far more than) 20 minutes of writerly discourse with Jeanne, exploring the value and application of primary sources in fiction, breaking down the qualities of a good antagonist, how to END a story, and more. Writer goodness and a whole lot of fun... it doesn't get much better than this.

Returning to the big chair at the RTP this week is the astonishing Madeline Ashby – futurist and author of "Vn", "iD", and the soon-to-be-released "Company Town" – leveraging her storytelling mojo in a brainstorming session for a grimdark tale of political intrigue, entangled destinies, and ancient corruptions.

The tale is offered by Guest Writer David de Burgh, the story of an diplomat caught between four nations, who must unravel the mystery of the current conflict and his own past in order to prevent a devastating war. We are joined once more by the eloquent (and efficient) Lauren “Scribe” Harris – podcaster, narrator, and author of the Millroad Academy Novels "Exorcising Aaron Nguyen" and "The Girl in Acid Park" – and together we have a truly memorable conversation exploring the qualities of an authentic matriarchy, balancing the number of POVs, and so much more. It's an incredible workshop fraught with Literary Gold... come get some for yourself!

Madeline Ashby – futurist and author of "Vn", "iD", and the soon-to-be-released "Company Town" – is most definitely ‘a danger to those who profit by the way things are.’ It says so right on the title of her blog (drawn from a quote by Ursula K. LeGuin) and she’s earned that appellation through her rigorous studies into diverse disciplines and her fearless expression of her discoveries and beliefs through her beautifully wrought prose.

Joined by Lauren “Scribe” Harris – my podcast sister and author of the Millroad Academy Novels "Exorcising Aaron Nguyen" and "The Girl in Acid Park" – we indulge in (far more than) 20 minutes of writerly – and geeky – discourse with Madeline, exploring her perspective on the fundamental motivation of many writers, the spirit of fandom in relation to genre fiction, how to write a sterling first scene, and more. Bring your back-up brain... you’re gonna need it!

Michael R. Underwood - author of The Shootout Solution, first of the fabulous Genrenauts novella series and many more tales of fantasic wonder - returns to the Big Chair at the Roundtable to lend his superior brainstorming skills to a tale of a beleaguered squire apprenticed to a senile ex-hero (or so he appears).

The tale is offered up by Jay Swanson - creageous Guest Writer and author/creator of transmedia experience titled "Into the Nanten: The Record of My Exile" - is a subtle story, a familiar narrative woven with intriguing threads that give it a unique flavor and makes it a truly unique challenge. With co-host Giles Hash (of the delightful Beyond the Trope podcast) adding his aesthetic to the workshop, we navigate the character and plot nuances of Jay's narrative, teasing new dimensions and possibilities from the idea and liberally strewing the virtual studio with Literary Gold. Join us for the ride and collect your share... just hit that "PLAY" button

Michael R. Underwood brings a rare combination of perspectives to any literary discourse. His insights into the industry and market of speculative fiction is informed by his experience as North American rep for Angry Robot Books. His knowledge of narrative form and structure is refined by his academic achievements. But his understanding of storytelling comes from a deep commitment and practice of the craft.

Joined by co-host Giles Hash (co-host of the Beyond the Trope podcast) we engage in (far more than) 20 minutes of writerly discourse of Michael, exploring the structure and execution of the novella, the effective utilization of tropes in storytelling, and a unique perspective on framing your writing towards a specific market. Writerly goodness is at your fingertips, friends... just click that "PLAY" button!

Erin M. Evans - author of "Ashes of the Tyrant" (book FIVE in the Brimstone Angels series) - returns to the Big Chair at the Roundtable to lend her uncanny mutant brainstorming skills to a post-apocalyptic tale of humanity struggling to survive through the aftermath of a holocaust.

The tale is offered up by Guest Writer Dayn Leonardson, who comers to the table with basic story concept of humanity sheltering underwater after nuclear Armageddon and leaves with... well, something bigger. A LOT bigger. Thanks to the sterling efforts of Erin and co-host Katie Bryski, we have what may be the fastest, most explosive succession of ideas and inspirations in Roundtable history. Literary gold is EVERYWHERE, but don't take my word for it... just click that "PLAY" button!

Erin M. Evans - author of "Ashes of the Tyrant" (book FIVE in the Brimstone Angels series) - weaves many threads into her literary creations. Between her degree in anthropology, her years working as an editor, and her long-standing love affair with storytelling, her tales are richly woven tapestries of epic adventure drawn from the hearts of her beloved characters.

Joining me in the co-host chair is Katie Bryski - Stone Coast Alumni and author of "Heartstealer" and "Hapax" - we engage Erin in 20* Minutes of writerly discourse, exploring serialized fiction, structure complex character arcs, white boards, and more. You're writer's toolbox is about get some additions, friends... just click that "PLAY" button!

Jake Bible - author of "Reign of Four: I", "Dead Team Alpha", and so much more - returns to the Big Chair at the Roundtable to lend his brainstorming mojo (literally) to workshopping a tale of zombies as you've never. seen them before.

The tale is offered up by Guest Writer (and fellow Onder Librum creator) AJ Hare, a story of college life, fast/slow brilliant zombies, and the challenges of overcoming the world's expectations of you. Joined once again by co-host and author Suzzane Church, we delve into AJ's twisted world of slackers, frat boys, and diabolical zombies, in search of sweet sweet brains... I mean, gold! Literary Gold! Which, of course, we find. The creative mayhem begins as soon as you hit that "PLAY" button!

Jake Bible writes to entertain his readers. Judging by his readership and the sheer size and scope of his canon, he's damned good at it. He's written more books in the last 5 years, than many authors write in a life time (including "" and "") and exemplifies the discipline and commitment to his craft that paves the way for a truly unique authorial voice in multiple genres for broad spectrum of readers.

My co-host is fellow Onder Librum creative and spec fic author Suzzane Church, author of "Elements" and a vast canon of short fiction that has appeared in numerous "Years Best" anthologies. Together, Suzzane and settle in for a marvelous 20(ish) minutes of writer discourse with Jake, exploring his notions of pulp fiction, the art of the mashup, his writing process, and more. There's writerly goodness awaiting right on the other side of that "PLAY" button friends... click it!