ARCHIVOS Podcast Network

It has been far too long since Gail Carriger graced the RTP virtual studios with her presence and we are delighted to rectify that situation today. Author of the New York Times Best Selling "Parasol Protectorate" series and equally decorated "Finishing School" series, AND the newly launched "Custard Protocol" series, Gail brings a wealth of experience and insight into the writerly arts to the table. Of course, she's also an archaeologist and a scientist which adds depths of scholastic rigor and research into the mix. The result is a singular and unforgettable conversation.

Joined by my sister in podcasting, Lauren "Scribe" Harris, as co-host, we engage Gail in 20(ish) minutes of writerly discourse exploring Gail's process for developing a story idea, the influence of academic experience on the writer's craft, the defining elements of the steampunk genre, an exciting alternative to the Hero's Cycle narrative format, and more. There is some prfoundly fabulous writerly goodness awaiting you on the other side of that "PLAY" button friends... click it!

From intimate duels to the death to epic battles, the fight scene is a cornerstone of speculative fiction. For the writer, however, crafting a good fight scene can be an epic struggle to find the right blend of pacing and action.

So my co-host K. T. Bryski and I went on a quest to find the answer to this one question:

What is the key to writing a good fight scene?

To ensure we covered all the bases, we asked that question to seven remarkable storytellers: Seth Skorkowsky, Cat Rambo, David Annandale, Andrea Phillips, Brad Beaulieu, Gail Carriger, and David Nickle.

The result is an inspiring exploration into the nuances and subtleties of recounting the physical struggles of our characters.

Andrea Phillips - author of "Revision", "The Daring Adventures of Captain Lucy Smokeheart" and some much more, returns to the Big Chair at the Roundtable to lend her diverse and refined storytelling mojo in workshopping a tale of death denied and the obsessive allure of creative success.

Our brainstorming feast is provided by creageous Guest Writer Laura Nicole (author, vocal performer, and host of the Gypsy in the Attic podcast), a tale of an obsession so powerful that it defies death... but Death can never be denied. Joined once again by the charming and insightful Dave Thompson as my co-host, we launch into tangled weave of story treads, untying knots (and making a few of our own), until we knit ourselves a tapestry of Literary Gold.

Andrea Phillips - author of the freshly minted novel "Revision" as well as "The Adventures of Captain Lucy Smokeheart" and countless transmedia story events - understands stories differently than most of us. Her work in the storytelling business has been predominantly interactive and collaborative, spanning every media type available. She knows storytelling from every angle, not just the view from the notebook or computer screen. Her unique perspective and extensive experience makes her a truly innovative voice in the writerly arts.

Joined by the remarkable Dave Thompson as co-host, we dive deep into those mysterious waters, exploring the essence of the transmedia experience, unique perspectives on the art of discovery writing, the origins of obscure pirate curses, and more! Avast! There's writerly goodness dead ahead! Just hoist the sails and click that PLAY button! (and tune in on Sept 29 to catch Andrea's Workshop Episode).

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Django Wexler - author of the Shadow Campaigns saga ("The Thousand Names", "The Shadow Throne", "The Price of Valor"), the Forbidden Library tales ("The Forbidden Library", "The Mad Apprentice"), and more - wrote 6 full novels before he finally published one. His commitment to his craft is matched by his love of history and storytelling which infuses his tales a rich tapestry of authentic and engaging storytelling.

Joined by former Guest Writer, David Sobkowiak, we engage Django in some marvelous writerly discourse, exploring the writing of middle-grade fiction, crafting narratives for large-scale battles, the evolution of minor characters into major POV entities, and more. Kick back, pour yourself your favorite libation, and open the loading dock for your brain, 'cause we have some writerly goodness to pour into it.

If you think talking with Ed Greenwood - New York Times best-selling author of almost 200 books and thousands upon thousands of articles, short stories, game modules, campaign settings and more - is a literary thrill for the senses, wait until you brainstorm with him. The "Archmage" returns to the Big Chair at the Roundtable to lend his potent storytelling mojo to a tale of a race's cultural heritage betrayed and rewritten.

The tale is offered up by creageous Guest Writer Justin Cary, and is a story of class struggles and cultural purity among the Elvish race and the lengths some will go to preserve their racial legacy. It's an incredible story feast, make even more delectable by having Alasdair Stuart return as my co-host. With the table set, we tuck in, exploring the possibility of ALL the characters being antagonists, examining the best way to present magic in a story, presenting with character crisis moments, and SO much more. Yeah, it's a little longer, but you won't notice. Trust me... click that "PLAY" button and rock the brainstorm

Ed Greenwood - New York Times best-selling author of almost 200 books and thousands upon thousands of articles, short stories, game modules, campaign settings and more - has inspired creative expression and a love of "story" in the hearts of millions of gamers and readers. His novels alone have sold more than 20 million copies in over 30 languages; there are an estimated 50 million-plus copies of his creations out there somewhere.

It is a rare opportunity to sit down with one of your heroes. To do so with the astonishing Alasdair Stuart as my co-host makes this an unparalleled delight. The three of us indulge in (far more than) 20 minutes of writerly discourse with the "Archmage", exploring the qualities of satisfying fiction, how to keep track of a massive storyverse, the future of storytelling, and more. Settle in and buckle up, dear friends... THIS is a legendary conversation.

Brian Kirk - author of the newly released "We Are Monsters" returns to the Big Chair at the Roundtable to brainstorm a tale of the betrayal of a cadre of super-soldiers in an epic scifi/fantasy world.

The tale is offered up by Cameron Wall (who has been inducted in the RTP "Fan Hall of Fame" for... well, just listen to the episode) and is fraught with political intrigue, forbidden love, warring city-states, and a squad of immortal soldiers. Yeah... it's like that. I'm joined once again by co-host and horror writer CW LaSart and we all dive into a fabulous brainstorm...

...twice.

See, we recorded it once, and then - through a catastrophic sequence of events I have no desire to get into - the audio was lost. So EVERYONE was kind enough to come back and record it again. I was nervous... the brainstorms are spontaneous, organic, creative events. You just can't repeat them. I think we came up with an effective solution AND managed to surge forward with and ever cooler workshop! Click that "PLAY" button and see for yourself!

For Brian Kirk, storytelling is more than a career. It's a way of life and a way of living. Author of the newly released (and deeply disturbing) "We Are Monsters", Brian pursues his craft with the rigor and discipline of someone who truly loves what they do.

Joined by co-host horror writer CW LaSart (who has been on the RTP a few times before), we indulge in a fabulous 20(ish) minutes of writerly discourse with Brian, discussing why he writes, finding the "writer's zone", how to infuse terror into any scene, the distinction between "hero" and "protagonist", and more. The writerly goodness flows like wine... grab a cup, hit the "PLAY" button and get some for yourself