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“In difficult days when I'm struggling with my story or I'm struggling with my creative entrepreneur business. I turn to what I know and to what I trust, which is my emotions, my breathing, my physical body, and often it's a sign I need to do a bunch of self-care.” - Beth Barany
What can you trust? Who do you trust? How To Write the Future host, Beth Barany asks you these questions in her latest episode, titled “Trust Your Creative Process” where she shares how learning to trust her emotions lead to understanding her creative process, plus she invites you to the Find Your Creative Entrepreneur Niche Bootcamp which Beth is co-hosting with Gala Russ.
This bootcamp will provide you with support, guidance, and how to discover your strengths to help you take steps towards being a creative entrepreneur.
Find Your Creative Entrepreneur Niche Bootcamp: March 20-24, 2026 online event
https://bethbarany.thrivecart.com/findyourniche
MORE RESOURCES
FOR CREATIVE WRITING PROFESSIONALS - BUILD YOUR BUSINESS SERVING WRITERS
Get your Creative Business Style Quiz to help you create success:
https://bethbarany.com/quiz/
Support our work for creatives!
Buy me a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/bethbarany
GET HELP WITH YOUR WORLD BUILDING - START HERE
Free World Building Workbook for Fiction Writers: https://writersfunzone.com/blog/world-building-resources/
GET SOME FREE WRITING COACHING LIVE ON THE PODCAST
Sign up for the 30-minute Story Success Clinic with Beth Barany: https://writersfunzone.com/blog/story-success-clinic/
GET SUPPORT FOR YOUR FICTION WRITING BY A NOVELIST AND WRITING TEACHER AND COACH
Schedule an exploratory call here and see if Beth can support you today: https://writersfunzone.com/blog/discovery-call/
c. 2026 BETH BARANY
https://bethbarany.com/
Questions? Comments? Send us a text!
Support the show
---
♦︎ JOIN THE MEMBERSHIP: For fiction writers! You've finished your first draft! Congrats! Now what?
Join the Edit the Future: Sci‑Fi/Fantasy Revision Lab. Get premium weekly lessons and a monthly Q&A on Zoom. Subscribe: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2012061/subscribe
♥︎ FREE: Sign up here for the Edit Your Novel Checklist
Helps writers revise faster with less overwhelm by focusing first on diagnosis, not fixing.
Get yours at http://edityournovelchecklist.com.
♡ SHOP: Sci‑Fi & Fantasy 24 Writing Prompts: https://ko-fi.com/s/4ac9160a74
❤️ Want to be interviewed on the podcast? => Email us!
CONNECT WITH BETH
CREDITS
EDITED WITH DESCRIPT (Affiliate link)
MUSIC: Uppbeat.io
DISTRIBUTED BY BUZZSPROUT: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1994465
“Every creative project involves risk, whether you are writing a novel, creating a play, a film, or starting your own creative entrepreneur business.”
-- Beth Barany
In the this episode of How To Write the Future podcast, titled “Risk Taking Without Desperation: Write From Trust,” host Beth Barany discusses how taking risks is unavoidable in both the realm of storytelling and being a creative entrepreneur.
She shares her own business growth and future plans including different ways she thinks about risks.
RESOURCES
FOR CREATIVE WRITING PROFESSIONALS - BUILD YOUR BUSINESS SERVING WRITERS
Sign up to be notified when our training opens and get a short Creative Business Style Quiz to help you create success.
https://bethbarany.com/apprenticeship/
Support our work for creatives!
Buy me a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/bethbarany
GET HELP WITH YOUR WORLD BUILDING - START HERE
Free World Building Workbook for Fiction Writers: https://writersfunzone.com/blog/world-building-resources/
GET SOME FREE WRITING COACHING LIVE ON THE PODCAST
Sign up for the 30-minute Story Success Clinic with Beth Barany: https://writersfunzone.com/blog/story-success-clinic/
GET SUPPORT FOR YOUR FICTION WRITING BY A NOVELIST AND WRITING TEACHER AND COACH
Schedule an exploratory call here and see if Beth can support you today: https://writersfunzone.com/blog/discovery-call/
c. 2026 BETH BARANY
https://bethbarany.com/
Questions? Comments? Send us a text!
Support the show
---
♦︎ JOIN THE MEMBERSHIP: For fiction writers! You've finished your first draft! Congrats! Now what?
Join the Edit the Future: Sci‑Fi/Fantasy Revision Lab. Get premium weekly lessons and a monthly Q&A on Zoom. Subscribe: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2012061/subscribe
♥︎ FREE: Sign up here for the Edit Your Novel Checklist
Helps writers revise faster with less overwhelm by focusing first on diagnosis, not fixing.
Get yours at http://edityournovelchecklist.com.
♡ SHOP: Sci‑Fi & Fantasy 24 Writing Prompts: https://ko-fi.com/s/4ac9160a74
❤️ Want to be interviewed on the podcast? => Email us!
CONNECT WITH BETH
CREDITS
EDITED WITH DESCRIPT (Affiliate link)
MUSIC: Uppbeat.io
DISTRIBUTED BY BUZZSPROUT: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1994465
“Marketing and selling, especially learning how to do it in written form, is also a form of magic. It's just using words in a different way.” — Beth Barany
Are you ready to learn the skills needed to market your novel?
In this episode of How To Write the Future podcast, titled “Marketing and Selling Tips for Sci-Fi & Fantasy Writers” Beth takes listeners on an encouraging journey to guide you over the fear of marketing your novel.
From crafting effective marketing hooks to using emotional tropes to how your own writing can market itself.
Own your fear and get marketing ready with the supportive guidance from host and award-winning science fiction and fantasy author Beth Barany.
FOR CREATIVE WRITING PROFESSIONALS - BUILD YOUR BUSINESS SERVING WRITERS
Sign up to be notified when our training opens and get a short Creative Business Style Quiz to help you create success.
https://bethbarany.com/apprenticeship/
Support our work for creatives!
Buy me a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/bethbarany
GET HELP WITH YOUR WORLD BUILDING - START HERE
Free World Building Workbook for Fiction Writers: https://writersfunzone.com/blog/world-building-resources/
GET SOME FREE WRITING COACHING LIVE ON THE PODCAST
Sign up for the 30-minute Story Success Clinic with Beth Barany: https://writersfunzone.com/blog/story-success-clinic/
c. 2026 BETH BARANY
https://bethbarany.com/
Questions? Comments? Send us a text!
Support the show
---
♦︎ JOIN THE MEMBERSHIP: For fiction writers! You've finished your first draft! Congrats! Now what?
Join the Edit the Future: Sci‑Fi/Fantasy Revision Lab. Get premium weekly lessons and a monthly Q&A on Zoom. Subscribe: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2012061/subscribe
♥︎ FREE: Sign up here for the Edit Your Novel Checklist
Helps writers revise faster with less overwhelm by focusing first on diagnosis, not fixing.
Get yours at http://edityournovelchecklist.com.
♡ SHOP: Sci‑Fi & Fantasy 24 Writing Prompts: https://ko-fi.com/s/4ac9160a74
❤️ Want to be interviewed on the podcast? => Email us!
CONNECT WITH BETH
CREDITS
EDITED WITH DESCRIPT (Affiliate link)
MUSIC: Uppbeat.io
DISTRIBUTED BY BUZZSPROUT: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1994465
“If you start asking for feedback too soon, it can really destroy the creative process for you. It can make you doubt the direction you're going in. There's all kinds of reasons why I recommend that you get feedback after you finish your first draft.” - Beth Barany
Do you want feedback on the first page of your manuscript?
Need to know if there’s something just missing?
In “Level Up with Writer Feedback,” this How To Write the Future podcast episode, host Beth Barany guides you through receiving creative writing feedback, with tips on joining local or online groups, reaching out to developmental editors, or potentially receiving feedback from Beth herself as she also explains the importance of finishing your first draft.
RESOURCES
Get your Page One Assessment here:
https://bethbarany.com/page-one-assessment-for-novelists/
FOR CREATIVE WRITING PROFESSIONALS - BUILD YOUR BUSINESS SERVING WRITERS
Sign up to be notified when our training opens and get a short Creative Business Style Quiz to help you create success.
https://bethbarany.com/quiz/
GET HELP WITH YOUR WORLD BUILDING - START HERE
Free World Building Workbook for Fiction Writers: https://writersfunzone.com/blog/world-building-resources/
GET SOME FREE WRITING COACHING LIVE ON THE PODCAST
Sign up for the 30-minute Story Success Clinic with Beth Barany: https://writersfunzone.com/blog/story-success-clinic/
Support our work for creatives!
Buy me a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/bethbarany
c. 2026 BETH BARANY
https://bethbarany.com/
Questions? Comments? Send us a text!
Support the show
---
♦︎ JOIN THE MEMBERSHIP: For fiction writers! You've finished your first draft! Congrats! Now what?
Join the Edit the Future: Sci‑Fi/Fantasy Revision Lab. Get premium weekly lessons and a monthly Q&A on Zoom. Subscribe: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2012061/subscribe
♥︎ FREE: Sign up here for the Edit Your Novel Checklist
Helps writers revise faster with less overwhelm by focusing first on diagnosis, not fixing.
Get yours at http://edityournovelchecklist.com.
♡ SHOP: Sci‑Fi & Fantasy 24 Writing Prompts: https://ko-fi.com/s/4ac9160a74
❤️ Want to be interviewed on the podcast? => Email us!
CONNECT WITH BETH
CREDITS
EDITED WITH DESCRIPT (Affiliate link)
MUSIC: Uppbeat.io
DISTRIBUTED BY BUZZSPROUT: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1994465
“For me, writing fiction is a place of play.
So, yeah, that Aha came to me recently and I thought, okay, I need to dedicate myself to just playing with fiction for the next few days or the next few weeks, not taking everything so seriously.
Just have some more fun.”
How do you get unstuck in your writing?
How can you make the process more fun?
These are a couple of the questions How To Write the Future host, Beth Barany ask you in this episode titled “Writing Constraints: The Fast Creativity Reset” where she describes overcoming a creative slump using writing prompts to rediscover the joy of writing.
RESOURCES
10 Ways to Generate Ideas ebook - get your free copy
https://BookHip.com/JWZVXWP
MYTHULU CARDS - https://mythulu.com/pack-a-intro/
c. 2026 BETH BARANY
https://bethbarany.com/
Questions? Comments? Send us a text!
Support the show
---
♦︎ JOIN THE MEMBERSHIP: For fiction writers! You've finished your first draft! Congrats! Now what?
Join the Edit the Future: Sci‑Fi/Fantasy Revision Lab. Get premium weekly lessons and a monthly Q&A on Zoom. Subscribe: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2012061/subscribe
♥︎ FREE: Sign up here for the Edit Your Novel Checklist
Helps writers revise faster with less overwhelm by focusing first on diagnosis, not fixing.
Get yours at http://edityournovelchecklist.com.
♡ SHOP: Sci‑Fi & Fantasy 24 Writing Prompts: https://ko-fi.com/s/4ac9160a74
❤️ Want to be interviewed on the podcast? => Email us!
CONNECT WITH BETH
CREDITS
EDITED WITH DESCRIPT (Affiliate link)
MUSIC: Uppbeat.io
DISTRIBUTED BY BUZZSPROUT: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1994465
“I think that if you sit on the sidelines and you choose to ignore these tools, you have no chance to compete in this new marketplace. You have no chance. I'm not gonna sugarcoat it. These tools can help you do structure, do deep thinking, do critical thinking very quickly and very, very good, and you're gonna be competing with very hungry writers that wanna learn craft, that have incredible tools in their hands.” —Ana del Valle
In this How To Write the Future podcast episode, titled “Ethical AI for Writers with Ana del Valle” host Beth Barany interviews a leading authority in ethical AI for creative writing on tips on how to get the most out out your chat GPT questions plus predictions on the future of AI and how it will affect traditional publishers in 2026.
ABOUT ANA DEL VALLE
Award-winning novelist and technologist, Ana Del Valle is a recognized authority on AI in fiction writing, host of The Novelist Studio Podcast & YouTube channel, and founder of the AI Creative Writing Academy — the first AI-Assist Writing system recognized by the U.S. Copyright Office. Through her AI-Assist framework, she transforms the way writers approach fiction — harnessing AI as a creative ally to build complex, compelling novels, without ever losing their voice, their copyright control, or publishing rights.
Website: https://www.thenoveliststudio.com/
Story Spark Bootcamp: https://www.thenoveliststudio.com/story-spark-bootcamp-2dfc8808-f331-459f-8eba-27e82535328f
AI Creative Writing Academy: https://www.thenoveliststudio.com/ai-creative-writing-academy
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sevennblue
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenoveliststudio/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anadistasio/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@noveliststudio
Ebook: https://www.thenoveliststudio.com/ebook
Support our work for creatives!
Buy me a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/bethbarany
c. 2026 BETH BARANY
https://bethbarany.com/
Questions? Comments? Send us a text!
Support the show
---
♦︎ JOIN THE MEMBERSHIP: For fiction writers! You've finished your first draft! Congrats! Now what?
Join the Edit the Future: Sci‑Fi/Fantasy Revision Lab. Get premium weekly lessons and a monthly Q&A on Zoom. Subscribe: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2012061/subscribe
♥︎ FREE: Sign up here for the Edit Your Novel Checklist
Helps writers revise faster with less overwhelm by focusing first on diagnosis, not fixing.
Get yours at http://edityournovelchecklist.com.
♡ SHOP: Sci‑Fi & Fantasy 24 Writing Prompts: https://ko-fi.com/s/4ac9160a74
❤️ Want to be interviewed on the podcast? => Email us!
CONNECT WITH BETH
CREDITS
EDITED WITH DESCRIPT (Affiliate link)
MUSIC: Uppbeat.io
DISTRIBUTED BY BUZZSPROUT: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1994465
“ I really recommend you write your book anyway. Let it be as messy and chaotic as first drafts are.” - Beth Barany
Hooking a reader in at the beginning without overwhelming them with information is essential, which is why in this How To Write the Future podcast episode, “World-Building Without Information Dumping” host Beth Barany breaks down how to draw your reader in by starting with your main character’s perspective, introducing key elements and essential details gradually.
MORE RESOURCES
3 Powerful Techniques to Weave Backstory Into Your Novel by Beth Barany
https://writersfunzone.com/blog/2024/12/12/3-powerful-techniques-to-weave-backstory-into-your-novel/
Where to insert backstory (Q&A)
https://writersfunzone.com/blog/2024/08/12/where-to-insert-backstory-qa/
Search Result Resources on Writers Fun Zone
https://writersfunzone.com/blog/?s=podcast+world+building
Decode The Obsidian Tower’s Setting
https://writersfunzone.com/blog/2026/01/12/decode-the-obsidian-towers-setting/
Support our work for creatives!
Buy me a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/bethbarany
GET HELP WITH YOUR WORLD BUILDING - START HERE
Free World Building Workbook for Fiction Writers: https://writersfunzone.com/blog/world-building-resources/
c. 2026 BETH BARANY
https://bethbarany.com/
Questions? Comments? Send us a text!
Support the show
---
♦︎ JOIN THE MEMBERSHIP: For fiction writers! You've finished your first draft! Congrats! Now what?
Join the Edit the Future: Sci‑Fi/Fantasy Revision Lab. Get premium weekly lessons and a monthly Q&A on Zoom. Subscribe: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2012061/subscribe
♥︎ FREE: Sign up here for the Edit Your Novel Checklist
Helps writers revise faster with less overwhelm by focusing first on diagnosis, not fixing.
Get yours at http://edityournovelchecklist.com.
♡ SHOP: Sci‑Fi & Fantasy 24 Writing Prompts: https://ko-fi.com/s/4ac9160a74
❤️ Want to be interviewed on the podcast? => Email us!
CONNECT WITH BETH
CREDITS
EDITED WITH DESCRIPT (Affiliate link)
MUSIC: Uppbeat.io
DISTRIBUTED BY BUZZSPROUT: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1994465
“Do your research, read widely in the genre, and don't limit yourself to strict rules; go ahead and create something new. That would be cool.” - Beth Barany
In this How To Write the Future podcast episode, “Fantasy Steampunk: Do You Need Magic?” host Beth Barany answers a listener's question on whether magic is needed as an element to a steampunk novel.
She dives into how to understand what genre you are writing, how to work using your instincts, plus why it can be exciting to create something completely new and unique by combining genres and elements.
RESOURCES
FOR CREATIVE WRITING PROFESSIONALS - BUILD YOUR BUSINESS SERVING WRITERS
Sign up to be notified when our training opens and get a short Creative Business Style Quiz to help you create success.
https://bethbarany.com/apprenticeship/
Support our work for creatives!
Buy me a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/bethbarany
GET HELP WITH YOUR WORLD BUILDING - START HERE
Free World Building Workbook for Fiction Writers: https://writersfunzone.com/blog/world-building-resources/
GET SOME FREE WRITING COACHING LIVE ON THE PODCAST
Sign up for the 30-minute Story Success Clinic with Beth Barany: https://writersfunzone.com/blog/story-success-clinic/
GET SUPPORT FOR YOUR FICTION WRITING BY A NOVELIST AND WRITING TEACHER AND COACH
Schedule an exploratory call here and see if Beth can support you today: https://writersfunzone.com/blog/discovery-call/
c. 2026 BETH BARANY
https://bethbarany.com/
Questions? Comments? Send us a text!
Support the show
---
♦︎ JOIN THE MEMBERSHIP: For fiction writers! You've finished your first draft! Congrats! Now what?
Join the Edit the Future: Sci‑Fi/Fantasy Revision Lab. Get premium weekly lessons and a monthly Q&A on Zoom. Subscribe: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2012061/subscribe
♥︎ FREE: Sign up here for the Edit Your Novel Checklist
Helps writers revise faster with less overwhelm by focusing first on diagnosis, not fixing.
Get yours at http://edityournovelchecklist.com.
♡ SHOP: Sci‑Fi & Fantasy 24 Writing Prompts: https://ko-fi.com/s/4ac9160a74
❤️ Want to be interviewed on the podcast? => Email us!
CONNECT WITH BETH
CREDITS
EDITED WITH DESCRIPT (Affiliate link)
MUSIC: Uppbeat.io
DISTRIBUTED BY BUZZSPROUT: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1994465
“By setting in this case, we are getting the scope of the world. We are learning the rules of magic in this story.” — Beth Barany
In this How To Write the Future podcast episode, titled “Decode The Obsidian Tower's Setting,” host Beth Barany analyzes The Obsidian Tower by Melissa Caruso, showing you exactly how she works as a developmental editor and coach. You'll discover how character voice hooks readers, how setting creates intrigue, and how to ground your story in your character's perspective. Plus, Beth throws down a challenge for you to try.
RESOURCES
The Obsidian Tower (Rooks and Ruin Book 1) by Melissa Caruso: https://books2read.com/u/b5NqYA
FOR CREATIVE WRITING PROFESSIONALS - BUILD YOUR BUSINESS SERVING WRITERS
Sign up to be notified when our training opens and get a short Creative Business Style Quiz to help you create success.
https://bethbarany.com/apprenticeship/
Support our work for creatives!
Buy me a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/bethbarany
GET HELP WITH YOUR WORLD BUILDING - START HERE
Free World Building Workbook for Fiction Writers: https://writersfunzone.com/blog/world-building-resources/
GET SOME FREE WRITING COACHING LIVE ON THE PODCAST
Sign up for the 30-minute Story Success Clinic with Beth Barany: https://writersfunzone.com/blog/story-success-clinic/
c. 2026 BETH BARANY
https://bethbarany.com/
Questions? Comments? Send us a text!
Support the show
---
♦︎ JOIN THE MEMBERSHIP: For fiction writers! You've finished your first draft! Congrats! Now what?
Join the Edit the Future: Sci‑Fi/Fantasy Revision Lab. Get premium weekly lessons and a monthly Q&A on Zoom. Subscribe: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2012061/subscribe
♥︎ FREE: Sign up here for the Edit Your Novel Checklist
Helps writers revise faster with less overwhelm by focusing first on diagnosis, not fixing.
Get yours at http://edityournovelchecklist.com.
♡ SHOP: Sci‑Fi & Fantasy 24 Writing Prompts: https://ko-fi.com/s/4ac9160a74
❤️ Want to be interviewed on the podcast? => Email us!
CONNECT WITH BETH
CREDITS
EDITED WITH DESCRIPT (Affiliate link)
MUSIC: Uppbeat.io
DISTRIBUTED BY BUZZSPROUT: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1994465
“Go ahead and base your sci-fi entirely on your own imagination, whatever science that you want to integrate into your story. And make it feel real.“ —Beth Barany
How Much Science in Your Sci-Fi Stories?
That’s the question from a listener Beth Barany is answering in this How To Write the Future podcast episode.
She answers whether you can base your novel entirely on your imagination, whether studying science is necessary, plus she invites you to get in touch with any questions that are niggling you about your science fiction writing.
ABOUT THE HOW TO WRITE THE FUTURE PODCAST
The How To Write The Future podcast is for science fiction and fantasy writers who want to write positive futures and successfully bring those stories out into the marketplace. Hosted by Beth Barany, science fiction novelist and creativity coach for writers. We cover tips for fiction writers and get curious about the future of humanity.
ABOUT BETH BARANY
Beth Barany, an award-winning fantasy and science fiction novelist, teaches novelists how to write, edit, and publish their books as a coach, teacher, consultant, and developmental editor.
RESOURCES
FOR CREATIVE WRITING PROFESSIONALS - BUILD YOUR BUSINESS SERVING WRITERS
Sign up to be notified when our training opens and get a short Creative Business Style Quiz to help you create success.
https://bethbarany.com/apprenticeship/
Support our work for creatives!
Buy me a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/bethbarany
GET HELP WITH YOUR WORLD BUILDING - START HERE
Free World Building Workbook for Fiction Writers: https://writersfunzone.com/blog/world-building-resources/
c. 2026 BETH BARANY
https://bethbarany.com/
Questions? Comments? Send us a text!
Support the show
---
♦︎ JOIN THE MEMBERSHIP: For fiction writers! You've finished your first draft! Congrats! Now what?
Join the Edit the Future: Sci‑Fi/Fantasy Revision Lab. Get premium weekly lessons and a monthly Q&A on Zoom. Subscribe: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2012061/subscribe
♥︎ FREE: Sign up here for the Edit Your Novel Checklist
Helps writers revise faster with less overwhelm by focusing first on diagnosis, not fixing.
Get yours at http://edityournovelchecklist.com.
♡ SHOP: Sci‑Fi & Fantasy 24 Writing Prompts: https://ko-fi.com/s/4ac9160a74
❤️ Want to be interviewed on the podcast? => Email us!
CONNECT WITH BETH
CREDITS
EDITED WITH DESCRIPT (Affiliate link)
MUSIC: Uppbeat.io
DISTRIBUTED BY BUZZSPROUT: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1994465
From the publisher's feed
How To Write The Future is a podcast for science fiction and fantasy writers who want to imagine better worlds—and write stories that bring those futures to life. Each episode offers…

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