Idiosyncratic Fables

In this heartfelt and inspiring episode, we sit down with Marty Ogborn, daughter of the late author Bob Liter. After her father’s passing in 2008, Marty took on the mission of preserving and expanding his literary legacy — reissuing his beloved Nick Bancroft mystery series and writing new sequels that continue the story for a new generation. Bob Liter, a U.S. Navy veteran, longtime journalist, and copy editor at the Peoria Journal Star, created the Nick Bancroft Mysteries — a fun, witty, and suspenseful soft-boiled series set in the fictional Central City, Illinois (a town that feels remarkably like Peoria). Nick, a wisecracking freelance reporter and private investigator, was modeled after Bob himself, while his on-again, off-again love interest Maggie Atley was inspired by Marty’s mother, Lillian. Marty shares touching family stories, reveals how rereading her dad’s books gave her new insight into the man behind the stories, and discusses the joys and challenges of stepping into the author role herself. Whether you love classic mysteries, family legacies, or stories about keeping creativity alive across generations, this conversation is full of warmth, wisdom, and Midwestern charm. Discover the Nick Bancroft Mysteries in ebook, paperback, and audiobook formats, and get ready for fresh adventures from the next generation of Bancroft writers. Tune in now and be inspired to protect your own family stories.

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#NickBancroftMysteries #BobLiter #MartyOgborn #LiteraryLegacy #FamilyLegacy #MysteryBooks #IndiePublishing #WritingLegacy #MidwestAuthors #PodcastInterview #BookLovers #CozyMysteries #CarryTheLegacy

In this episode, we sit down with debut author Steve Harthun to discuss his gritty LitRPG progression fantasy series, Ashes of Vaeltharion. Steve introduces us to Burden of Fate, where a washed-up Army Ranger from Kentucky is ripped into a brutal world with nothing but guilt, addiction, and survival instincts. No chosen-one tropes here — just hard-earned power, tactical combat, dark fantasy, and a world where magic has strict rules and weakness gets you killed. We dive into Steve’s journey from IT manager and father of eight to published author, his time on Royal Road, building ruthless progression systems, writing flawed and broken heroes, and the heavy themes of trauma, redemption, and resilience that fuel the series. Whether you’re a fan of Dungeon Crawler Carl, grimdark fantasy, or stories where every level comes at a real cost, this conversation is packed with insight, inspiration, and plenty of world-building details. Tune in for a raw, honest look at what it takes to create a compelling new voice in LitRPG and progression fantasy. Available now on Amazon Kindle Unlimited and Audible.

Join my Discord server here: https://discord.gg/6JKxwNQQJc

#LitRPG #ProgressionFantasy #AshesOfVaeltharion #BurdenOfFate #DarkFantasy #Isekai #Grimdark #LitRPGAuthor #FantasyBooks #IndieAuthor #RoyalRoad #KindleUnlimited #NewFantasy #BookPodcast #FantasyLiterature

Join us for an inspiring deep dive with Tao Wong, the acclaimed author of the A Thousand Li progression fantasy series and the groundbreaking System Apocalypse LitRPG universe. From his roots in Malaysia to building a full-time writing career in Canada, Tao shares his journey from self-publishing his first book in 2017 to landing major traditional hardcover deals with Ace Books in 2026. We explore the inspiration behind his grounded cultivation stories, the authenticity he brings to martial arts and sect life, his writing process, the business of publishing, and what it takes to succeed in the competitive world of genre fiction. Whether you’re a fan of xianxia, LitRPG, progression fantasy, or an aspiring author looking for insights, this conversation is packed with wisdom, stories, and actionable advice. Listen now as we walk the path together — one step at a time.

Join my Discord server here: https://discord.gg/6JKxwNQQJc

#AThousandLi #ProgressionFantasy #LitRPG #TaoWong #Xianxia #FantasyBooks #idiosyncraticfables #wildernessfireproductions #podcast

Author Doug Lohse is back on the show for an action-packed return episode! Since his last visit, Doug has finished writing Dungeon Emperor Ascendant (Elsewhere Book 6), and the brand-new Elsewhere Omnibus (Books 1-3) has just released — perfect for new readers wanting to dive into Duke’s epic journey in one go. In this conversation we discuss:

The evolution of the Elsewhere series and what to expect in Book 6

The new Omnibus edition and why now is a great time to jump in

Life as a LitRPG author while balancing a demanding day job

Doug’s experience with audiobooks (as [Your Name] is currently narrating Book 6!)

His excitement for LitRPGCon in Denver next week — panels, meetups, and more

Whether you’re a longtime fan of Duke’s aerial battles and dungeon conquests or brand new to the series, this episode is packed with insights, behind-the-scenes stories, and LitRPG community talk. Grab the Elsewhere Omnibus and catch up before Book 6 drops!

#LitRPG #ElsewhereSeries #DungeonEmperorAscendant #LitRPGCon2026

#WildernessFireProductions #IdiosyncraticFables #Audiobook #Narrator #Podcast

Join my Discord community here: https://discord.gg/6JKxwNQQJc

In this episode, we sit down with acclaimed audiobook narrator and actor Steve Corona to explore the fascinating craft of bringing stories to life through voice alone. Steve has narrated hundreds of titles across sci-fi, fantasy, LitRPG, thrillers, and nonfiction. A trained theater artist with an MA in Theatre Arts, he’s also appeared on screen in Breaking Bad, Army of the Dead, The Lone Ranger, and more. As a sought-after accent and dialect coach, he’s worked with Hollywood talent including Helen Mirren and Gerard Butler. We dive deep into:

How Steve creates unforgettable character voices and maintains consistency across massive series

The art and technique of mastering accents and dialects

What it’s really like going from on-camera acting to the solitary (but powerful) world of the recording booth

The rapid growth of the audiobook industry and tips for authors hiring narrators

His personal journey, including reading entire Harry Potter series to his kids with distinct voices for every character

Whether you’re an audiobook lover, aspiring narrator, writer, voice actor, or just fascinated by performance and storytelling, this conversation is packed with practical insights, behind-the-scenes stories, and plenty of vocal wisdom. Tune in for an inspiring look at one of the most important — yet often invisible — roles in modern storytelling. Steve Corona: Award-winning narrator, actor, and dialect coach. Available now on all major platforms.

Find Steve and his work here: https://www.coronaproductions.org

Join my Discord server here: https://discord.gg/6JKxwNQQJc

#AudiobookNarrator #VoiceActor #Audiobooks #VoiceActing #SteveCorona #BreakingBad #FantasyBooks #LitRPG #Accents #PodcastEpisode #WildernessFireProductions #IdiosyncraticFables 

In this episode, I sit down with Jess Herring, founder of Audiobook Empire and former “Audiobookworm,” one of the most trusted names in indie audiobook production. Jess shares her journey from passionate audiobook blogger to building a full-service production company that helps indie authors create professional, high-quality audiobooks — from casting narrators and managing production to multilingual releases and strategic launches. We dive into:

What indie authors need to know before investing in an audiobook

How to find and work successfully with narrators

The current state of AI narration vs. human performers

Practical tips for turning your book into a profitable audio experience

Behind-the-scenes stories from the Audiobook Empire

Whether you’re an author, narrator, or audiobook lover, this conversation is packed with actionable insights and real-world advice you won’t find anywhere else. Tune in now and discover how to succeed in the booming world of audiobooks!

Be sure to join my Discord community too! https://discord.gg/6JKxwNQQJc

#AudiobookEmpire #Audiobooks #IndieAuthor #AudiobookProduction #IndiePublishing #AuthorLife #WritingCommunity #PodcastForAuthors #WildernessFireProductions #IdiosyncraticFables #podcast

Join us on Idiosyncratic Fables for a delightfully chaotic conversation with Reck Well, the LitRPG and cozy fantasy author behind the Potions and Perils series and the wildly entertaining Stumbling Up: A Loser’s Guide to Progression. In this episode, Reck dives into their journey from private writer to published author, the joys of writing deeply flawed characters who somehow keep leveling up, and why “loser protagonists” make for such compelling stories. We explore the cozy swamp vibes and found-family warmth of Potions and Perils, the banana slug shenanigans and questionable life choices in Stumbling Up, and how humor, heart, and humanity shine through both progression fantasy and low-stakes fantasy. Reck also shares insights on the evolving LitRPG genre, their writing process, building community as an indie author, and what it’s like balancing cozy comfort with genuine character growth and chaos. Expect laughs, honest craft talk, and plenty of idiosyncratic wisdom. Whether you’re a fan of cozy fantasy, LitRPG, underdog stories, or just enjoy watching characters make gloriously bad decisions on their way to victory, this episode is packed with warmth, wit, and inspiration. Reck Well — bringing the slugs, the stats, and the heart. Available now on all major platforms.

Be sure to join my Discord server too! https://discord.gg/6JKxwNQQJc

#IdiosyncraticFables #ReckWell #LitRPG #CozyFantasy #StumblingUp #PotionsAndPerils #BananaSlug #ProgressionFantasy #FantasyBooks #LitRPGPodcast #CozyFantasyBooks #IndieAuthor #FoundFamily #FantasyPodcast #BookTok #LitRPGCommunity

#Audiobooks #AudiobookNarrator #ChristopherBrown #PatrickBrawn #VoiceActor #FantasyAudiobooks #RomanceAudiobooks #Audiobookstagram #BehindTheMic

Join us for an inspiring and high-energy conversation with one of LitRPG’s most prolific and multifaceted authors — Sean Oswald! From serving as a US Marine straight out of high school to earning a degree in ancient languages, doing missionary work in India, practicing law, and raising nine children, Sean brings a wealth of real-life experience to his storytelling. He’s the bestselling author of the hit series Welcome to the Multiverse, Life in Exile, Dragon Sorcerer, Draconic Core, and dozens more — with over 50 books written or co-written. In this episode, Sean opens up about his incredible journey, how his diverse background shapes his worldbuilding, and what it really takes to maintain that kind of creative output while balancing family and a legal career. We dive into LitRPG systems, power progression, writing massive interconnected universes, fatherhood, and the themes that drive his stories. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Welcome to the Multiverse or just discovering LitRPG, this episode is packed with insights, laughs, and plenty of behind-the-scenes stories from one of the genre’s hardest-working authors.

Find all of Sean's books here: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B082P3914C

Be sure to join my Discord here: https://discord.gg/6JKxwNQQJc

#LitRPG #SeanOswald #WelcomeToTheMultiverse #GameLit #LitRPGAuthor #ProgressionFantasy #WildernessFireProductions #IdiosyncraticFables

In this episode, we sit down with Lars Machmüller — Danish author, family man, and one of LitRPG’s most creative voices. From writing quirky bards who solve problems with music and wits to reincarnated dragons conquering the world and high-stakes card-deck battles, Lars has carved out a unique space in the genre with humor, heart, and smart game systems. We dive into his journey from part-time writer to full-time author, the challenges and joys of the World of Chains series (The Wayward Bard), the epic conclusion of the Dragon Core Chronicles, and his newest series Theft of Decks. Lars shares what it takes to build memorable characters, fresh mechanics, and stories that stand out in a crowded genre, plus practical advice for aspiring writers and plenty of behind-the-scenes stories. Whether you’re a longtime LitRPG fan or new to the genre, this conversation is packed with insight, laughs, and inspiration.

Go check out his website here: https://larsm-writes.com

His Patreon is here: https://www.patreon.com/Moulder666

Also join his Discord server here: https://discord.gg/z6S8RbKmT

You can also join my Discord server here: https://discord.gg/6JKxwNQQJc

#LitRPG #GameLit #LarsMachmuller #DragonCore #TheWaywardBard #TheftOfDecks #LitRPGAuthor #FantasyBooks #Isekai #ProgressionFantasy #Audiobooks #IndieAuthor #podcast #idiosyncraticfables #wildernessfireproductions