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“I am a horrible little goblin like that, and it's just what happens. So I have to trick myself and the ways that I trick myself are to really let myself see what I want to create.” - LA Bourgeois
About this episode
In this How To Write the Future podcast episode, host Beth Barany, talks to Kaizen Muse Certified Creativity Coach, end of life doula, and author LA Bourgeois where they define the meaning behind a creativity coach, and LA discusses strategies for establishing writing habits, emphasizing the importance of starting with tiny, manageable steps to overcome resistance.
About LA Bourgeois
LA Bourgeois is a Kaizen-Muse certified creativity coach, end-of-life doula, and author. Her readers delight in her Diary of a Lesbian Housewyfe and find inspiration & book reviews at The Thriving Creative.
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/housewyfe/
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/la.bourgeois/
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/lahousewyfe/
LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/la-bourgeois-16b7542b/
YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@LAHousewyfe
Subscribe to the Thriving Creative and get my quick tips on Tricking Yourself into a Creative Habit!
https://labourgeois.substack.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
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. 2025 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'm not asking for everybody to center queer characters in their narratives in world-building, which would be nice, actually, you know, as nice as that would be.
But just to include us and to show that we exist and in whatever ways are appropriate in your world, whether that is a more like marginal existence in some worlds.” - Chad Grayson
In this episode on the How To Write the Future podcast, “Seamless Queer Characters in Fantasy World Building,” host Beth Barany talks to sci-fi and fantasy author Chad Grayson about the importance of queer and neurodivergent representation in world building, protecting your creativity, and shares productivity tips for neurodivergent writers.
ABOUT CHAD GRAYSON
Chad Grayson has worn many hats: tech support flunky, gas station philosopher, reluctant middle school wrangler, and, for one unforgettable night, cheese-mold removal specialist. These days he lives in far Northern California, where he writes hopeful, character-focused sci-fi and fantasy that will break your heart and duct tape it back together. He can usually be found painting tiny fantasy heroes and monsters, wandering the woods in deep narrative contemplation, or yelling at his plot outlines like they’ve personally betrayed him (they know what they did).
His superpowers include procrastination, dyscalculia, and making emotionally devastating story beats sound like a perfectly reasonable life choice.
Here is a short story collection that showcases my fiction. https://dl.bookfunnel.com/b2p8y4vi0l
Website: https://www.chadgrayson.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/c.e.grayson
RESOURCES
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. 2025 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
“Your biggest challenge is how to start, how to overcome confusion and overwhelm, and maybe how to overcome some procrastination.” - Beth Barany
Revisit an informative, positive, and uplifting episode with host Beth Barany to help “Your Story World Diagnosis: What Stage Are You In?” where she will share the five stages of story world building, including common world-building challenges and how to overcome them.
In this episode, you will:
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. 2025 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
Have you stopped to ask yourself: what is it that you want? And dared to listen to the answer.” - Beth Barany
In the latest How To Write the Future podcast episode, “In the Age of AI, Think Critically, Write Creatively, Act Compassionately,” host Beth Barany encourages listeners to critically think about the tools they are using and to create a compassionate place to be curious about the systems they live within. She encourages listeners to learn from their mistakes: “feedback, not failure,” and asks, “Would you dare listen to the answer if you stopped to ask yourself what it is you wanted?”
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/
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. 2025 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
“This is a new field, in which we are trying to use living neurons to process information, and we want to use them as processors, to process information as today we do with computers.” - Ewelina Kurtys
ABOUT THIS EPISODE
Explore the potential of biocomputing in this How To Write the Future podcast episode, as host Beth Barany talks to scientist-turned-strategist, Ewelina Kurtys, where Ewelina shares how living neurons could revolutionize AI with energy-efficient processing in “What is Biocomputing? Interview with Ewelina Kurtys.”
ABOUT EWELINA KURTYS
Scientist-turned-entrepreneur with a PhD in neuroscience (+20 peer-reviewed papers). After academia, I transitioned into business development and technology commercialization, advising tech companies on sales, partnerships, and market strategy.
I founded Ekai Ltd to support innovation and scale in science-driven companies. My work spans advisory roles, go-to-market planning, and translating complex R&D into real-world impact. I also speak publicly on innovation, neuroscience, and the intersection of science and entrepreneurship.
Originally trained in biology and biomedical science, I expanded into engineering through client projects, gaining experience in signal processing and Python.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/finalspark/posts/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ewelinakurtys/
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/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/
CREDITS to add manually in Buzzsprout
c. 2025 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
“The Gift from Aelius is a sci-fi tale that explores the meaning of purpose and life and what it means to be alive.” - Michael Colon
ABOUT TODAY'S EPISODE
In this How To Write the Future podcast episode, host Beth Barany talks to sci-fi author Michael Colon about his journey of creative confidence and authentic storytelling through science fiction. Learn how his novel explores AI-human relationships with a refreshing optimistic perspective, challenging traditional sci-fi narratives while inspiring writers to trust their unique creative voices.
ABOUT MICHAEL COLON
My name is Michael Colon born and raised in New York City. I am a novelist and a freelance writer. My author's story is about hard work, perseverance, and believing in the power of imagination. My inspiration comes from various societal elements and my own life experiences. Outside of writing I enjoy working out, watching sports, and going on hiking trails with my wife.
MORE ABOUT MICHAEL: https://www.clippings.me/users/michaelcolon
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/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/
c. 2025 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 of hope.
And especially in a world that can be seen as cruel, that can be experienced as cruel, I think of those who have the capacity to do what they can to spread that hope and to spread that joy so we can uplift the folks that need a little bit more help.”
- Melquea Smith
In this How To Write the Future podcast episode, host Beth Barany chats to children’s book illustrator Melquea Smith where Melquea shares the inspiration behind her unique art style, plus how her multicultural perspective enhances her vibrant, forward-thinking illustrations.
Melquea also describes the importance of representation in art and on creating diverse, positive visuals through her inclusive character design.
ABOUT MELQUEA SMITH
Melquea Smith is a New York based illustrator with an obsession with color, animals, and children’s media.
When not illustrating or traveling, you can find her watching cartoons and animated movies, learning all about Japan, terribly dancing with her cat Kilala, and giving her other cat Bumblebee pit-pats on her super fluffy tummy.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/prettykittypaintings/
Get 3 free illustrations to use on your content! https://prettykittypaintings.com/free-illos
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. 2025 BETH BARANY
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
“We have a fabulous program that we are launching for the first time. It's a pilot program. And this is for you if you are a writer and you want to serve writers, that is you want to build a business helping other writers.”
In this How To Write the Future podcast episode, host Beth Barany shares upcoming classes in Barany School of Fiction, including how you can sign up for them, and how they will benefit writers. From a critique group to a creative entrepreneurship training program, craft and mindset trainings, listen to the episode for details.
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/
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. 2025 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 believe that your unique vision that you are sharing in your stories can impact the readers in unknown and amazing ways.” - Beth Barany
How To Write the Future podcast host, Beth Barany, invites listeners to sign up for a free Story Success Clinic session. In these sessions, Beth will coach you and give you feedback on a short piece of your writing. You’ll gain insights into how to enhance scenes in your world-building and brainstorm ideas to bring your story world to life. The Story Success Clinic is designed to leave you confident and ready to take the next step in your writing. All recorded sessions get featured as an episode on the podcast.
Sign up for a 30 minute Free Story Success Clinic Session
https://writersfunzone.com/blog/story-success-clinic/
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
Sign up for a 30 minute Free Story Success Clinic Session
https://writersfunzone.com/blog/story-success-clinic/
Previous Story Success Clinics on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFt3x70-_d9Iy7lB-H35UnEYLrqJ2JRQj
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. 2025 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
”The message of the story is the thing that they need to learn, which means that they have opposite beliefs that are preventing them, you know, flawed beliefs that are preventing them from learning the story message.” - Emily Golden
In this special episode of How To Write the Future, host Beth Barany chats with Emily Golden and Rachel May about story theme, world building, and conflict. They share their collaboration journey and touch on diving into character arcs and the messages that drive stories. Plus, they explore why asking "why" is so crucial to helping writers develop their unique character arcs for their stories.
ABOUT EMILY GOLDEN AND RACHEL MAY, BOOK COACHES
Emily Golden and Rachel May are the founders of Golden May. Their joint love of amazing stories and mutual fascination with writing craft evolved into a book coaching business devoted to helping tenacious writers develop the unique writing craft, process, and mindset that works for them—because every writer is different. If you’re ready to stop fighting what your writing life ‘should’ look like and start dreaming about what’s possible for you, they're the coaches for you!
Get the goodie: THE MAGIC OF CHARACTER ARCS: A free email course to craft the backbone of your story. https://goldenmayediting.com/arcsmagic
Site: https://goldenmayediting.com
Community program: https://www.tenaciouswriting.com/
INSTAGRAM:
https://www.instagram.com/ebgoldenbooks
https://instagram.com/bookcoachrachel
https://instagram.com/tenaciouswriting
SUBSTACK:
https://ebgolden.substack.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
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. 2025 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
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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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