“Just really let your creativity flow. No censorship, no stopping to, is this right? Is this wrong? It doesn't matter.” — Beth Barany

In this How To Write the Future podcast episode, host Beth Barany answers a question from a listener and shares her advice for those in the brainstorming stages of their novel. In “Science Fiction Brainstorming: Two Essential Tips,” Beth highlights the importance of letting your creativity flow and shares about her book, Plan Your Novel Like A Pro, co-written by Ezra Barany, might be a great next step. 

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

Support our work for creatives: leave a tip: 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/

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/

• SHOW PRODUCTION BY Beth Barany
• SHOW CO-PRODUCTION + NOTES by Kerry-Ann McDade

c. 2025 BETH BARANY

https://bethbarany.com/

Questions? Comments? Send us a text!

---

CONNECT
Contact Beth
LinkedIn


CREDITS
EDITED WITH DESCRIPT (Affiliate link)
MUSIC: Uppbeat.io
DISTRIBUTED BY BUZZSPROUT: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1994465

“A well crafted religion can really add depth to your world building and create some incredible conflicts and tensions that can move your story forward.”

In this How To Write the Future podcast episode, host Beth Barany discusses creating original religions in fiction, emphasizing the importance of core beliefs, rituals, and the impact of religion on characters and society. She encourages writers to mix cultural influences and consider how religion shapes their story's world and conflicts. Beth also shares how her World Building Workbook for Fiction Writers can help writers and why her one one-on-one writer support program may be beneficial for you.

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

GET HELP WITH YOUR WORLD BUILDING - START HERE

Free World Building Workbook for Fiction Writers: https://writersfunzone.com/blog/world-building-resources/

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/

• SHOW PRODUCTION BY Beth Barany
• SHOW CO-PRODUCTION + NOTES by Kerry-Ann McDade

c. 2025 BETH BARANY

https://bethbarany.com/

Questions? Comments? Send us a text!

---

CONNECT
Contact Beth
LinkedIn


CREDITS
EDITED WITH DESCRIPT (Affiliate link)
MUSIC: Uppbeat.io
DISTRIBUTED BY BUZZSPROUT: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1994465

“If I could go back in time and tell 22-year-old me not to go into TV, but instead to center on what your heart was, the writing, and the creating stories, and creating characters and people. Do that instead.” — Aspry Jones

In this episode of the How To Write the Future podcast, host Beth Barany talks to sci-fi fantasy author Aspry Jones, about his writing journey from TV and comics to fantasy, including the importance of representing diversity in his characters. Together, they share the challenges of independent publishing, being a fan of science fiction, and the excitement of his debut novel, Protectors of the Light Crown.

ABOUT ASPRY JONES

Broadcast TV industry veteran Aspry Jones, from Asbury Park, NJ hits the literary scene. Growing up a comic book geek and chronic TV watcher, it was a given for this author to seek a career in television. Having retired from the profession after 25 years, Aspry has returned to his first love, writing, with debut novel, "Protectors Of The Light Crown.”

Website: http://aspryjones.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/asprywrites/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aspry.jones

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

GET HELP WITH YOUR WORLD BUILDING - START HERE

Free World Building Workbook for Fiction Writers: https://writersfunzone.com/blog/world-building-resources/

• SHOW PRODUCTION BY Beth Barany
• SHOW CO-PRODUCTION + NOTES by Kerry-Ann McDade

c. 2025 BETH BARANY

https://bethbarany.com/

Questions? Comments? Send us a text!

---

CONNECT
Contact Beth
LinkedIn


CREDITS
EDITED WITH DESCRIPT (Affiliate link)
MUSIC: Uppbeat.io
DISTRIBUTED BY BUZZSPROUT: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1994465

“Even if I didn't have this entire podcast structure, which thank God I actually do, so I can actually focus on something during my travels.“

— Devin Blair

In this episode of How To Write the Future, host Beth Barany talks to Devin Blair, the creator of the sci-fi podcast Chemical Rocketeers. Together they discuss Devin’s current adventures in Afghanistan and why traveling is everything to him. They also share the challenges in world building and the influence travel can have on your creativity.

“Being on the How To Write The Future Podcast with former host Beth Barany was such an energizing experience. Beth asked thoughtful questions that let me dive into the heart of my creative process, and it really helped me connect the dots between my travels, storytelling, and the universe I'm building with Chemical Rocketeers. It was more than an interview—it was a moment to reflect, share, and inspire.” — Devin Blair

About Devin Blair

Devin Blair is the creator of Chemical Rocketeers, a sci-fi podcast that blends immersive storytelling, real-world inspirations, and futuristic themes of exploration, survival, and emergence. Drawing from his travels and background in Chemical Engineering Technology, Devin crafts a richly detailed universe where factions battle for survival, technology meets mysticism, and history shapes the future. Through podcasting, field reports, and multimedia storytelling, he builds an ever-expanding sci-fi universe that connects with fans on multiple levels.

LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/chemicalrocketeers101

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61566804364795

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chemicalrocketeers101/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/devin-blair-8a625a206

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@ChemicalRocketeers

RESOURCES

GET HELP WITH YOUR WORLD BUILDING - START HERE

Free World Building Workbook for Fiction Writers: https://writersfunzone.com/blog/world-building-resources/

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/

• SHOW PRODUCTION BY Beth Barany
• SHOW CO-PRODUCTION + NOTES by Kerry-Ann McDade

c. 2025 BETH BARANY

https://bethbarany.com/

Questions? Comments? Send us a text!

---

CONNECT
Contact Beth
LinkedIn


CREDITS
EDITED WITH DESCRIPT (Affiliate link)
MUSIC: Uppbeat.io
DISTRIBUTED BY BUZZSPROUT: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1994465

“I'm always really fascinated by what gets trimmed off the edges. And because there's gold in there sometimes. And why would a creative professional choose to include this, but not that?” -- Jasper Ezekiel 

In this How To Write the Future episode, host Beth Barany chats with speculative fiction writer Jasper Ezekiel, and talks about what parts of our story worlds we include in our fiction and what gets left out including balancing story elements for the reader experience. 

About Jasper Ezekiel

Jasper Ezekiel is a queer author from the SF Bay Area. He's a jack of all trades, writing poetry, non-fiction, fiction, and plays. He's also a visual artist who specializes in illustration, a fiber artist with dreams of being a pattern creator, and a big ol' goofball. His first book of poetry, Good, Clean Mania was published in 2023. You can find it on multiple platforms here: https://books2read.com/u/3Gp5gO

Social media links:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/s8nicangel/

My personal Substack: https://jasperezekiel.substack.com/

My writing Substack:

https://jasperezekielk.substack.com/

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

GET HELP WITH YOUR WORLD BUILDING - START HERE

Free World Building Workbook for Fiction Writers: https://writersfunzone.com/blog/world-building-resources/

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/

• SHOW PRODUCTION BY Beth Barany
• SHOW CO-PRODUCTION + NOTES by Kerry-Ann McDade

c. 2025 BETH BARANY

https://bethbarany.com/

Questions? Comments? Send us a text!

---

CONNECT
Contact Beth
LinkedIn


CREDITS
EDITED WITH DESCRIPT (Affiliate link)
MUSIC: Uppbeat.io
DISTRIBUTED BY BUZZSPROUT: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1994465

“The really cool thing about character groups is if you're making worlds, let's talk about the situations where worlds are in demand in genre, and that would be fantasy. If you're making a world like that, it's good to get a whole bunch of different character groups.” — Ezra Barany

In this episode of How To Write the Future podcast, titled “Fantasy Character Groups Made Simple with Ezra Barany” host Beth Barany hands the mic over to her husband and fellow author Ezra Barany where he shares an introduction to creating character groups in fantasy words, exploring creating a religion and politics, giving you creative freedom in your story world. Beth Barany also shares a few of the ways she can help you with your world building from taking part in a free story success clinic to appearing on the show. 

ABOUT EZRA BARANY

Ezra Barany loves riveting readers with thrillers, but by order of the Department of Motor Vehicles he must place a warning on every book cover, “Do not read while driving.” His first two books in The Torah Codes series were award-winning international bestsellers. The second two books in the 4-book series wowed readers too! In his free time, he has eye-opening discussions on the art of writing novels with his wife and book coach Beth Barany. A high school physics teacher, Ezra lives in Oakland with his beloved wife and two cats working on the next book in The Torah Codes series. Ezra, not the cats. For a free short story in The Torah Codes series, “The Mourner’s Kaddish,” do please go to http://www.thetorahcodes.com/.

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

GET HELP WITH YOUR WORLD BUILDING - START HERE

Free World Building Workbook for Fiction Writers: https://writersfunzone.com/blog/world-building-resources/

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/

• SHOW PRODUCTION BY Beth Barany
• SHOW CO-PRODUCTION + NOTES by Kerry-Ann McDade

c. 2025 BETH BARANY

https://bethbarany.com/

Questions? Comments? Send us a text!

---

CONNECT
Contact Beth
LinkedIn


CREDITS
EDITED WITH DESCRIPT (Affiliate link)
MUSIC: Uppbeat.io
DISTRIBUTED BY BUZZSPROUT: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1994465

“As a storyteller, WHAT IF is fabulous. What if it was like this? What if it was like that? What if I did this? What if I put it this way?“

In “How to Ask Powerful Questions to Unlock Your Creativity (and Your Life)” podcast host Beth Barany, explains the power of asking questions that include effective questions for creativity and how they can help with the world building for your story. She also shares her current and upcoming projects and the specialized coaching support she offers to writers. Enjoy!

RESOURCES

How is the Question by Beth Barany:

https://writersfunzone.com/blog/2018/05/03/how-is-the-question-by-beth-barany/

Key Words for Critical Thinking, Editing + Essay Questions:

https://writersfunzone.com/blog/2015/09/27/key-words-for-critical-thinking-editing-essay-questions/

GET HELP WITH YOUR WORLD BUILDING - START HERE

Free World Building Workbook for Fiction Writers: https://writersfunzone.com/blog/world-building-resources/

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/

• SHOW PRODUCTION BY Beth Barany
• SHOW CO-PRODUCTION + NOTES by Kerry-Ann McDade

c. 2025 BETH BARANY

https://bethbarany.com/

Questions? Comments? Send us a text!

---

CONNECT
Contact Beth
LinkedIn


CREDITS
EDITED WITH DESCRIPT (Affiliate link)
MUSIC: Uppbeat.io
DISTRIBUTED BY BUZZSPROUT: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1994465

“Women have had an impact in world history throughout the ages. We just haven't been told those stories. So one of my missions in life is to bring these stories to life, both through fiction and through nonfiction.”

Dive into “How Ancient Female Warriors Shape Our Future”, an episode for How To Write The Future podcast, where host Beth Barany shares stories of female warriors throughout history, challenging myths and revealing their crucial roles shaped civilization. And how knowing these stories can help us shape our futures.

Content/Trigger Warning: Mention of sexual assault

RESOURCES

Books mentioned in this episode:

— Encyclopedia of Amazons: Women Warriors from Antiquity To The Modern Era by **Jessica Amanda Salmonson

— Women Warriors: A History by David E. Jones

— Women Warriors and Unexpected History by Pamela D. Toler

— Warrior Women: An Archeologist's Search For History's Hidden Heroines by Janine Davis Kimball, PhD with Mona Behan

GET HELP WITH YOUR WORLD BUILDING - START HERE

Free World Building Workbook for Fiction Writers: https://writersfunzone.com/blog/world-building-resources/

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/

• SHOW PRODUCTION BY Beth Barany
• SHOW CO-PRODUCTION + NOTES by Kerry-Ann McDade

c. 2025 BETH BARANY

https://bethbarany.com/

Questions? Comments? Send us a text!

---

CONNECT
Contact Beth
LinkedIn


CREDITS
EDITED WITH DESCRIPT (Affiliate link)
MUSIC: Uppbeat.io
DISTRIBUTED BY BUZZSPROUT: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1994465

“Did you ever wonder who invented Kevlar, the coffee filter, the car heater, or liquid paper? Would you be surprised to find out that they're all invented by a woman?” 

In this podcast episode, titled “Women in Science: From Ancient Times to Modern Breakthroughs,” host Beth Barany shares 3 books, great learning resources to uncover the history of women in science. Beth spotlights inspiring women scientists and inventors who revolutionized science, technology, and medicine, such as Barbara McClintock , Rachel Carson and Patricia Bath who shaped how we live today. Plus, she shares a book about the ground-breaking actress, Nichelle Nichols, and how she and Star Trek helped advance civil rights.

RESOURCES

Books referenced in this episode

To Boldly Go: How Nichelle Nichols and Star Trek Helped Advance Civil Rights by Angela Dalton (Author), Lauren Semmer (Illustrator) https://www.harpercollins.com/products/to-boldly-go-how-nichelle-nichols-and-star-trek-helped-advance-civil-rights-angela-dalton

Women in Science: 50 Fearless Pioneers Who Change the World written and illustrated by Rachel Ignotofsky https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/534776/women-in-science-by-rachel-ignotofsky/

Women of Invention: Life-Changing Ideas by Remarkable Women by Charlotte Montague (Author) https://www.abebooks.com/9780785835004/Women-Invention-Life-Changing-Ideas-Remarkable-0785835008/plp

GET HELP WITH YOUR WORLD BUILDING - START HERE

Free World Building Workbook for Fiction Writers: https://writersfunzone.com/blog/world-building-resources/

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/

• SHOW PRODUCTION BY Beth Barany
• SHOW CO-PRODUCTION + NOTES by Kerry-Ann McDade

c. 2025 BETH BARANY

https://bethbarany.com/

Questions? Comments? Send us a text!

---

CONNECT
Contact Beth
LinkedIn


CREDITS
EDITED WITH DESCRIPT (Affiliate link)
MUSIC: Uppbeat.io
DISTRIBUTED BY BUZZSPROUT: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1994465

“I think it's really important that we read books and reread authors who aren't similar to us, who are very different from us culturally come from different backgrounds, different parts of the world.”

In this How To Write the Future episode, host Beth Barany explains in detail why you need to read the “Binti Trilogy by Nnedi Okorafor,” plus why she believes readers need to explore books that are different to our own cultures and backgrounds. Beth invites listeners to share their favorite authors including a sneak peek a topic for a future episode.

Note: The audio-only version has long pauses where I show the book covers. Go to the Youtube version to see Okorafor’s beautiful covers.

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

Nnedi Okorafor: https://nnedi.com/

GET HELP WITH YOUR WORLD BUILDING - START HERE

Free World Building Workbook for Fiction Writers: https://writersfunzone.com/blog/world-building-resources/

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/

• SHOW PRODUCTION BY Beth Barany
• SHOW CO-PRODUCTION + NOTES by Kerry-Ann McDade

c. 2025 BETH BARANY

https://bethbarany.com/

Questions? Comments? Send us a text!

---

CONNECT
Contact Beth
LinkedIn


CREDITS
EDITED WITH DESCRIPT (Affiliate link)
MUSIC: Uppbeat.io
DISTRIBUTED BY BUZZSPROUT: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1994465