Your novel is a novel, not a movie or TV show. And that's not a bad thing! We can do a ton with novels that won't work nearly as well in a screenplay and vice versa. So if you find yourself struggling to make your writing more "cinematic," or for it to follow a visual scene in your head, this might be the episode for you.

Email your show feedback and/or advice prompts to [email protected] or join our Discord. You can find the discussion prompt we referenced on the show right here.

Fantasy Writing for Barbarians‘ host is Jon Negroni, author of The Pixar Theory, Killerjoy, and more. Our producers are Natalia Emmons and Bridget Serdock. You can find all our episodes and various podcast app options here.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our special guest today is Brenna English-Loeb, a literary agent for Transatlantic Literary Agency and the founder of BEL Tower Editorial, a developmental editing business where she helps authors craft rich, compelling stories across multiple genres, including of course fantasy.

Brenna English-Loeb was kind enough to answer a bunch of questions from our community and beyond, like how to know when it's time to do a developmental edit, if TikTok is "ruining" books, and how to set your query up for success. She also gives helpful advice on book titles, magic systems, dealing with criticism, and examples of genres/pitches she would like to see more of from fantasy authors.

Email your show feedback and/or advice prompts to [email protected] or join our Discord. 

Fantasy Writing for Barbarians‘ host is Jon Negroni, author of The Pixar Theory, Killerjoy, and more. Our producers are Natalia Emmons and Bridget Serdock. You can find all our episodes and various podcast app options here.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Just say no to prologues. Right? Well, usually, yes. But there's a reason a lot of the most famous fantasy novels of all time just so happen to have (you guessed it) prologues. Even though a prologue or prelude or "chapter 0" is most likely unnecessary and maybe even detrimental to your own novel, it's smart to understand how they can sometimes work well in the best case scenario.

So today on Fantasy Writing for Barbarians, I take a look at an advice prompt from an author with a rather unique story framing device at the beginning that we think needs a little work. I discuss prologues, of course, but also the importance of starting your novel in the right place and assuring the reader that you have the story under control when it comes to POV, exposition, and more.

Email your show feedback and/or advice prompts to [email protected] or join our Discord. You can find the discussion prompt we referenced on the show right here.

Fantasy Writing for Barbarians‘ host is Jon Negroni, author of The Pixar Theory, Killerjoy, and more. Our producers are Natalia Emmons and Bridget Serdock. You can find all our episodes and various podcast app options here.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today on Fantasy Writing for Barbarians, I critique a magic system from an author who worries their idea might put them in a corner down the road. I get into the differences between hard and soft magic systems, some positive indicators that you're developing a good one, and ultimately how to make sure the rules and creative support and enhance your story and character.

Email your show feedback and/or advice prompts to [email protected] or join our Discord. You can find the discussion prompt we referenced on the show right here.

Fantasy Writing for Barbarians‘ host is Jon Negroni, author of The Pixar Theory, Killerjoy, and more. Our producers are Natalia Emmons and Bridget Serdock. You can find all our episodes and various podcast app options here.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One of the hardest things about writing a fantasy novel (or any novel) is starting. Where do you even begin? And how do you know if you're even ready?

Today on Fantasy Writing for Barbarians, I talk all about overcoming those creative blocks that can mess up our writing process. Especially if you're just trying to get started. I take a look at an advice prompt from an aspiring writer who feels like they've done all the prep work they can, but now when it comes to sitting down and doing the thing, they can't quite find the words. If that sounds like something you've gone through either currently or in the past, then this advice is for you, too.

Email your show feedback and/or advice prompts to [email protected] or join our Discord. You can find the discussion prompt we referenced on the show right here.

Fantasy Writing for Barbarians‘ host is Jon Negroni, author of The Pixar Theory, Killerjoy, and more. Our producers are Natalia Emmons and Bridget Serdock. You can find all our episodes and various podcast app options here.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you're writing a fantasy romance — or maybe just a fantasy with some romance — then at some point you're probably going to wonder if your love interest is compelling enough. Readers typically bemoan one-dimensional love interests who don't really have their own character arcs. When they're just props in the story or merely an extension of the main character instead of their own character.

So in this episode of Fantasy Writing for Barbarians, I discuss ways you can create "round" love interests who make readers swoon as much as the main character. I take a look at a specific prompt from a fantasy writer and provide direct feedback on their question. While also offering some examples from popular TV shows and books to help illustrate the contrast between a well-written romance and a weak one. 

Email your show feedback and/or advice prompts to [email protected] or join our Discord. You can find the discussion prompt we referenced on the show right here.

Fantasy Writing for Barbarians‘ host is Jon Negroni, author of The Pixar Theory, Killerjoy, and more. Our producers are Natalia Emmons and Bridget Serdock. You can find all our episodes and various podcast app options here.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Most fantasy stories benefit from a great map. But is it really ok to draw upon real-world geography as inspiration? Well, yeah! There are certainly some do's and don'ts when it comes to mirroring real locations, but it usually comes down to when and how you start thinking about your setting as a living, breathing, world. Not just an abstract idea.

So today on Fantasy Writing for Barbarians, I talk all about maps for your fantasy setting and how they can actually make your narrative even more unique and original. I take a look at some examples from popular fantasy novels as well, so all you aspiring authors can find practical ways to make your map more convincing and true to you.

Email your show feedback and/or advice prompts to [email protected] or join our Discord. You can find the discussion prompt we referenced on the show right here.

Fantasy Writing for Barbarians‘ host is Jon Negroni, author of The Pixar Theory, Killerjoy, and more. Our producers are Natalia Emmons and Bridget Serdock. You can find all our episodes and various podcast app options here.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Special guest Kate Brauning (creator of the Breakthrough Writers' Bootcamp) joins me today to answer a particularly dicey question about original ideas. What if your concept for a new fantasy story has already been done before? Kate and I discuss the current landscape of publishing in the fantasy genre and how to break through the noise with your novel. We also get into strategies for finding success with original ideas, starting with honing your premise. Then we answer a listener question about navigating your media influences and embracing comparisons to your work.

Email your show feedback and/or advice prompts to [email protected] or join our Discord. You can find the discussion prompt we referenced on the show right here.

Fantasy Writing for Barbarians‘ host is Jon Negroni, author of The Pixar Theory, Killerjoy, and more. Our producers are Natalia Emmons and Bridget Serdock. You can find all our episodes and various podcast app options here.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Your inciting incident is going to be one of the most crucial moments in your entire story. No pressure, of course. So today on Fantasy Writing for Barbarians, I take a look at a prompt from a fantasy writer who's having trouble making logical and emotional sense out of their inciting incident. Plus they're struggling with the motivations of a key (albeit minor) character. As usual, I give some unscripted feedback live on air, dig into the comments, and answer a quick listener question about one of our producers.

Email your show feedback and/or advice prompts to [email protected] or join our Discord. Check out our prompt for this week here.

Fantasy Writing for Barbarians‘ host is Jon Negroni, author of The Pixar Theory, Killerjoy, and more. Our producers are Natalia Emmons and Bridget Serdock.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We all want our stories to be fantastical and original. But when does a novel have "too many things?" Balancing fantastical elements with simple, efficient storytelling is a serious challenge, but that's where this podcast comes in. Today on Fantasy Writing for Barbarians, I dig into a prompt from a writer who wants to know if their story is too "out there" with its fantastical world-building. I provide a few examples, dig into some of the comments, and answer a reader question about our podcast logo.

Email your show feedback and/or advice prompts to [email protected] or join our Discord. Check out our prompt for this week here.

Fantasy Writing for Barbarians‘ host is Jon Negroni, author of The Pixar Theory, Killerjoy, and more. Our producers are Natalia Emmons and Bridget Serdock.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.