Mythmakers

Annaliese Avery, author of the Wycherley series, joins Julia Golding on the pod to talk about the conclusion to her trilogy. Annaliese and Julia explore the phenomenon of romantasy, the kind of rules necessary to make magic systems believable, and the appeal of the Regency period as a fantasy setting.

Prepare yourself for a few shocking revelations about first drafts and dragons!

To learn more about Annaliese and her writing visit https://www.annalieseavery.com

00:00 Introduction: Welcome to Mythmakers and Romantasy with Annaliese Avery
01:44 The Rise of Romantasy: From Trope to Genre
03:09 Fantasy as Cultural Mirror: From World Wars to COVID
06:36 Romantasy vs. The Hunger Games: Generational Appeal
08:52 Girls and Fantasy: The Romantasy Revolution
16:55 Introducing The Wycherleys: Magic, Curses, and the Season of the Witch
21:50 Magic Systems and Boundaries: The Power of Limitations
23:47 Regency Romance Meets Witchcraft: Rules and Longing
25:51 Building a Magical Regency: Historical Fantasy World-Building
27:20 The Draft Zero Method: Writing by Deleting
30:48 Visual Storytelling: Invitations, Wheels, and Black Pages
37:34 Rivals to Lovers: Aurelia and Jules's Journey
41:46 Multiple Forms of Love: Beyond Romance
44:35 Dragons and Wyverns: The Controversial Six-Limb Rule
46:15 What's Next: Knights, Jousting, and Cozy Crime
48:40 Fantasy Covens: Where Would You Join?

For more information on the Oxford Centre for Fantasy, our writing courses, and to check out our awesome social media content visit:
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When Great Ormond Street Hospital, home to the rights to Peter Pan, asks you to add to its beloved stories, you take on an awesome responsibility.

In this episode of Mythmakers, authors Katie and Kevin Tsang join Julia Golding to share their journey into Neverland in support of this worthy cause, with profits benefiting the hospital’s charity. They made the bold decision to centre the story on Tom, a seriously ill patient at Great Ormond Street, bringing with it a particularly high level of responsibility in how they portray his experience.

As you might expect, Tom finds adventure and friendship on a journey that takes him from the magical spaces of the hospital into the world of imagination. Katie and Kevin also spill the tea on what it’s really like to write as a partnership, before taking us into the world of their other stories, including the Dragon Realm series.

Learn more about Katie and Kevin, and order your own copy of The Neverland Thieves, at https://www.simonandschuster.co.uk/authors/Katie-Tsang/169163632

00:00 Introduction: Welcome to Mythmakers and The Neverland Thieves
01:31 Writing as a Couple: The Journey to 18 Books Together
05:15 The Creative Process: Brainstorming, Dividing, and Conquering
10:17 Introducing The Neverland Thieves: Tom, Felix, and Daisy's Adventure
13:50 Tom's Story: Writing a Seriously Ill Child as Adventure Hero
18:01 The Great Ormond Street Hospital Connection: Legacy and Charity
20:56 London as Magical Space: Flying Over the City
24:14 Inside Great Ormond Street Hospital: Research and Inspiration
26:57 Playing in the Peter Pan Legacy: Rules, Updates, and Respect
34:23 The Dragon Realm Series: Action-Packed Adventures
37:48 Choosing Your Neverland Tribe: Pirates, Mermaids, or Lost Children

For more information on the Oxford Centre for Fantasy, our writing courses, and to check out our awesome social media content visit:
Website: https://centre4fantasy.com/website
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We are going on an adventure! Love The Lord of the Rings? Why not read along with us as we consider the books from the writer's point of view! Taking it chapter by chapter, novelist Julia Golding will reveal new details that you might not have noticed and techniques that will only go to increase your pleasure in future re-readings of our favourite novel. Julia also brings her expert knowledge of life in Oxford and English culture to explain some points that might have passed you by. 

00:00 Introduction: Welcome to Mythmakers and The Muster of Rohan
01:37 Atmospheric World-Building: Twilight on the Waterfalls
04:34 Merry's Perspective: The Weight of Middle-earth
07:03 Theoden and Merry: A Father-Son Bond
08:49 Theoden's Heroic Speech: Spending My Last Strength
13:03 The Pukel-men and Layers of History
17:47 Paths of the Dead: Aragorn's Fate and Eowyn's Grief
21:59 The Arrow Arrives: Gondor's Call for Aid
23:41 The Day with No Sunrise: War Encroaches
25:45 Merry Left Behind: The Shame of Staying Home
26:08 Eowyn Arms Merry: A Secret Plot Begins
29:23 Dernhelm Appears: Where Will Wants Not, A Way Opens
30:18 Riding Toward Shadow: Hope Wanes in Every Heart

For more information on the Oxford Centre for Fantasy, our writing courses, and to check out our awesome social media content visit:
Website: https://centre4fantasy.com/website
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Today on Mythmakers, Julia Golding and Jacob Rennaker explore the latest film news surrounding some of the biggest upcoming fantasy movies. Thanks to a comprehensive article in Empire, we now have a clearer picture of what Greta Gerwig may be planning for The Magician’s Nephew. What are the pros, what are the possible cons?

From there, Julia and Jacob turn to new set photos from Andy Serkis’ The Hunt for Gollum, before discussing the latest news on Katherine Rundell’s Impossible Creatures film deal. As a final stop in their journey, they offer a book recommendation for those writing for children as Julia reflects on her experience of beginning the publicity part of an author's journey to a book.

00:00 Introduction: Welcome to Mythmakers and Fantasy Film News
00:47 Empire Magazine's Narnia Reveal: First Look at The Magician's Nephew
01:31 Rock Opera Vibes: Gerwig's Bold Creative Direction
03:01 Setting the Scene: 1955 Post-War Britain and Rock Music Origins
04:37 Design Details: The Wood Between the Worlds and the London Underground
06:35 Emotional Resonance: Why This Approach Could Work
08:43 Casting Concerns: Can Child Actors Carry a Rock Opera World?
11:20 The Lion in the Room: Meryl Streep as Aslan
12:26 Spiritual Themes: Stealing Past the Watchful Dragons
15:31 Religious Messaging: Why Downplaying Christianity Makes Sense
16:46 The Garden of Eden Parallel: Narnia's Fall and Redemption
18:06 Comparing Authors: Lewis's Generosity vs Tolkien's Fastidiousness
28:43 Musical Eras: Could Each Narnia Film Have a Different Genre?
30:04 Lord of the Rings Update: The Hunt for Gollum Set Photos
33:00 Autumn in the Shire: Tone and Timeline Speculation
36:22 Stephen Colbert's Hobbit Film: What We Know So Far
36:48 Catherine Rundell's Impossible Creatures: Oxford's Next Big Fantasy
38:21 Pullman vs Rowling: Where Does Impossible Creatures Fit?
40:53 The Challenge of Child-Centered Fantasy: Whimsy vs Cynicism
47:40 Writing for Children: Mac Barnett's Make Believe
50:05 Book News: Julia's Mystery of Treason Castle Proof Copies
53:29 Behind the Scenes: Foreign Rights and the Frankfurt Book Fair
57:56 Closing Thoughts: High Hopes for Gerwig's Narnia

For more information on the Oxford Centre for Fantasy, our writing courses, and to check out our awesome social media content visit:
Website: https://centre4fantasy.com/website
Instagram: https://centre4fantasy.com/Instagram
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We are going on an adventure! Love The Lord of the Rings? Why not read along with us as we consider the books from the writer's point of view! Taking it chapter by chapter, novelist Julia Golding will reveal new details that you might not have noticed and techniques that will only go to increase your pleasure in future re-readings of our favourite novel. Julia also brings her expert knowledge of life in Oxford and English culture to explain some points that might have passed you by. 

00:00 Introduction: Welcome to Mythmakers and Return of the King
01:13 Second Thoughts: Tolkien's Structural Changes
03:58 Merry Left Behind: The Relatable Point of View
06:04 The Arrival of the Grey Company
12:58 Merry's Oath to Théoden: A Father for a Little While
15:45 Aragorn Looks into the Palantir: A Battle of Wills
23:56 The Words of Malbeth the Seer: Prophecy and the Paths of the Dead
26:29 Éowyn's Desperate Plea: Eyes on Fire
33:34 Entering the Haunted Mountain: A Ghost Story Begins
36:24 Gimli's Terror: The Paths of the Dead
41:01 The Wild Hunt: Riding with the Dead Behind
42:25 The Stone of Erech: Aragorn's Oath and Command
43:53 Lost to Mortal Sight: A Cliffhanger Ending

For more information on the Oxford Centre for Fantasy, our writing courses, and to check out our awesome social media content visit:
Website: https://centre4fantasy.com/website
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TikTok: https://centre4fantasy.com/tiktok

Andrew Head, our resident audiobook expert, joins Julia Golding today on Mythmakers to discuss the complete Harry Potter full-cast audio series. Did the switch to different actors for the older Harry, Ron, and Hermione work, or was it disorientating? What does the full-cast experience offer that a traditional audiobook or film adaptation doesn’t? And how might it connect with the forthcoming HBO series?

Stay tuned as Andrew and Julia share their final verdict—and the all-important rating out of five stars.

00:00 Introduction: Welcome to Mythmakers and Harry Potter Full Cast Audio
01:00 The Voice Shift: New Actors for Books Four Through Seven
03:55 The Goblet of Fire: A Standout Performance
05:30 Why Goblet of Fire Is Andrew's Favorite Book
08:08 The Half-Blood Prince: Forward Momentum vs Pensieve Flashbacks
11:34 Sound Design and the Pensieve Moments
13:09 The Headphone Experience: Immersion Through Audio Quality
16:24 Performance Highlights: Avada Kedavra and Creative Choices
17:18 Knowing the Ending: Creating with the Full Story Arc
19:36 Comparing Audio Formats: Full Cast vs Single Narrator
21:32 Looking Ahead: HBO's Harry Potter Series and Future Adaptations
21:43 Final Verdict: Five Out of Five Stars
24:13 Growing Up with Harry Potter: Andrew's Personal Journey

For more information on the Oxford Centre for Fantasy, our writing courses, and to check out our awesome social media content visit:
Website: https://centre4fantasy.com/website
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Julia Golding is joined today by Jacob Rennaker to look back at the summer for fantasy in the movie theatres and look forward to the major fantasy TV series coming up over the next few months.

What tone will the first season of Harry Potter strike—more child-friendly like the first film, or darker to appeal to adult audiences? What’s happening with Season 3 of The Rings of Power? Which characters will we be rooting for? And what about a talking Balrog played by Simon Pegg?

Julia and Jacob then turn to news about their own fantasy books and discuss what it’s like to be part of a publicity drive, before wrapping up with Brandon Sanderson’s latest updates on the Mistborn screenplay.

00:00 Introduction: Welcome to Mythmakers and Fantasy News Catch-Up
00:59 Christopher Nolan's Odyssey: The Big Summer Fantasy Film
06:30 The Gods Question: Divine or Psychological?
10:48 Sirens and Disappointments: What Didn't Work
11:29 The Greek Myth Renaissance: What's Next for Fantasy?
13:53 Hadestown: Greek Tragedy Meets American Folk
20:02 Backrooms and Horror: Liminal Spaces on Screen
22:23 HBO's Harry Potter Series: First Impressions and Expectations
28:13 Rings of Power Season 3: Fixing the Story Problem
29:32 Tolkien's Letter 131: The Second Age Masterclass
37:10 A Talking Balrog: Simon Pegg and the Cockney Question
42:21 The Storytelling Challenge: Where Are the Hobbits?
44:53 Book News: Jacob's Quest of Wonders
51:01 Julia's New Book: History of Trees and Castle
54:34 The Art of Book Promotion: Readings, Videos, and Finding Your Hook
58:10 Brandon Sanderson's Mistborn Screenplay: Author Transparency
1:01:14 Looking Ahead: Narnia, Andy Serkis, and More Fantasy Films

For more information on the Oxford Centre for Fantasy, our writing courses, and to check out our awesome social media content visit:
Website: https://centre4fantasy.com/website
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We are going on an adventure! Love The Lord of the Rings? Why not read along with us as we consider the books from the writer's point of view! Taking it chapter by chapter, novelist Julia Golding will reveal new details that you might not have noticed and techniques that will only go to increase your pleasure in future re-readings of our favourite novel. Julia also brings her expert knowledge of life in Oxford and English culture to explain some points that might have passed you by. 

00:00 Introduction: Welcome to Mythmakers and Return of the King
01:26 Synopsis and Setting the Stakes: The Final Darkness
03:07 Pippin Takes Center Stage: A New Point of View
05:31 The Journey to Minas Tirith: Gandalf's Ride and the Beacons
09:14 The Beacons of Gondor: History and Film Comparison
11:59 Comedy and Stakes: Pippin Falls Asleep During the Lecture
14:16 The Pelennor Wall and Meeting Ingold: Pippin's Honesty
16:41 First Sight of Minas Tirith: Piercing Beauty and Seven Walls
22:29 The Court of the Fountain: The Dead White Tree
23:24 Confrontation with Denethor: A Clash of Leaders
28:43 Pippin's Pledge of Service: Pride and Purpose
31:03 The Joust Between Gandalf and Denethor: Smoldering Fire
34:03 Two Stewards: Gandalf's Greater Purpose Revealed
35:55 Gandalf's Laughter: The Fountain of Mirth
37:39 The Chessboard is Set: Strategy and Pieces Moving
38:05 Meeting Beregond: Breakfast and the Old Campaigner
40:18 The Deep Breath Before the Plunge: Waiting for Battle
41:34 Pippin the Hero: My Heart Will Not Yet Despair
42:38 The Prince of Halflings: Walking Through the City
43:21 Meeting Bergil: Boy Challenges and Teasing Friendship
44:35 The Arrival of Leaders: A Roll Call and Sombre Sunset
45:26 Blackout and No Dawn: Gandalf's Dark Prophecy

For more information on the Oxford Centre for Fantasy, our writing courses, and to check out our awesome social media content visit:
Website: https://centre4fantasy.com/website
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In this bonus episode of Mythmakers, Julia Golding looks at the latest trailers and interviews for the upcoming HBO Harry Potter series, reading the tea leaves to consider what approach the creators may be taking. She then expands the discussion to other major fantasy and sci-fi reboots, from Star Trek to Star Wars.

When is it too soon to return to a beloved story? And could a Lord of the Rings series be made within the next decade?

00:00 Introduction: Welcome to Mythmakers and HBO's Harry Potter Series
02:11 First Impressions: Tonal Shifts and Natural Landscapes
03:12 The New Young Cast: A More Natural Performance
05:39 Knowing the Ending: A Different Creative Challenge
09:08 Expanding the Wizarding World: IP, Theme Parks, and Video Games
10:14 Why Remake Harry Potter? The Question of Necessity
11:59 The Creative Team: Television Writers Take the Helm
15:23 Lessons from Other Reboots: Star Trek's Success
18:59 When Reboots Fail: Star Wars and Retreading Old Ground
20:55 Looking Ahead: Could Lord of the Rings Be Next?

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Julia Golding returns home for the ninth season of Mythmakers by looking at literature’s first famous homecoming king: Odysseus. Beginning with a brief survey of Homer’s original Odyssey, Julia explores what makes this ancient epic feel like one of the original fantasy stories, as well as the many books and retellings it has inspired through the ages.

She then turns to the new Nolan film, noting some key differences from the original poem and considering how the story has been reshaped for the screen. There is much to praise, but Julia also has one major difference with the filmmaker—one that, for her, makes this a good film rather than a great one.

Listen in to hear Julia’s verdict, and let us know whether you agree.

00:00 Introduction: Welcome to Mythmakers and The Odyssey
00:39 Who Was Homer? The Mystery Behind the Epic
01:17 Reading The Odyssey: Structure and Dactylic Hexameter
02:23 The Plot and Themes: Homecoming, Hospitality, and War's Aftermath
04:01 The Gods and Nolan's Internalization: A Key Difference
05:00 The Odyssey's Legacy: From Virgil to the Renaissance
06:01 Modern Retellings: Tennyson, Joyce, and Contemporary Authors
09:50 Women Reclaim the Narrative: Atwood, Miller, and Barker
12:28 Circe's Island: Magic, Transformation, and Unexplained Elements
15:22 Calypso and Lost Levity: The Missing Joy of the Original
19:43 The Violence Problem: What the Film Avoids
22:57 Sexual Violence Reversed: Clytemnestra and Agamemnon
24:48 What Worked: Imagery, Performances, and Fantasy Elements
26:44 Final Verdict: A Good Film, Not a Great One
27:09 Closing Thoughts: Join the Conversation

For more information on the Oxford Centre for Fantasy, our writing courses, and to check out our awesome social media content visit:
Website: https://centre4fantasy.com/website
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