Want to get your short stories published? In this episode of The Fantasy Writers' Toolshed, host Richie Billing sits down with Benjamin Davis, co-founder of Chill Subs, for a comprehensive, no-nonsense guide to submitting short fiction to literary magazines, navigating the submissions process, and using it as a genuine route toward landing a literary agent.

Chill Subs is the platform 50,000+ writers use to discover, track and submit to literary magazines, contests and agents — so Ben sees the short-fiction publishing world from the inside. He shares the latest shifts and trends in the literary magazine market, then gives honest, insider answers to the questions writers agonise over most:

• Do cover letters actually matter — and what should (and shouldn't) go in them?
• How should you format a short story submission?
• Are simultaneous submissions acceptable, and how do you keep track of them?
• Can you submit reprints, and where will editors accept them?
• How do short story credits actually help you get a literary agent?
• Where are the best places to submit right now, and how do you find them?

Whether you're submitting your first short story or trying to build a publication history that opens doors to agents and book deals, this is a practical, market-leader's view of how short fiction publishing really works in 2026.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• How to find the right literary magazines for your work using Chill Subs
• What editors really think about cover letters and formatting
• The rules (and etiquette) around simultaneous submissions and reprints
• How short-story publication credits feed into querying literary agents
• The current trends reshaping the literary magazine and submissions market

About Benjamin Davis: Benjamin Davis is a writer and the co-founder of Chill Subs, a submissions platform used by over 50,000 writers to discover and track literary magazines, contests and agents. He also runs Sub Club, a top-selling Substack newsletter on literary publishing opportunities, and is connected with Write or Die Magazine. His own fiction and poetry have appeared in journals including Booth, Hobart and Maudlin House, and he's the author of The King of FU and Things We Do While Waiting to Die.

🔗 Chill Subs: https://www.chillsubs.com

✍️ Join our writing community on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed

📚 More writing tips and classes: https://richiebilling.com

New episodes of The Fantasy Writers' Toolshed release on the 14th of each month.

For the full video experience, please watch on YouTube > https://www.youtube.com/@fixingbadwriting

In this episode of The Fantasy Writers’ Toolshed, Richie Billing takes on a terrible enemies-to-lovers romantasy story and tries to fix it in real time. Expect bad fantasy romance, stolen magic swords, awkward romantic tension, a suspiciously convenient dragon and a practical look at how to make popular tropes work on the page.

This is Episode 2 of Fixing Bad Writing, a writing craft series where Richie deconstructs a weak story draft, explains why it fails, edits it live, then presents a stronger redraft.

This time, he steps outside his dark fantasy comfort zone to tackle one of the biggest tropes in romantasy: enemies to lovers.

Romantasy might look simple from the outside. Put two attractive enemies in danger, add forced proximity, give them sharp dialogue and surely the chemistry will take care of itself.

But good fantasy romance needs more than insults, cheekbones and “kissing probably happening soon”. It needs genuine conflict, believable character motivation, emotional friction and a reason for attraction to grow.

Using a deliberately awful AI-generated romantasy draft, Richie breaks down common problems such as rushed attraction, shallow conflict, cliché dialogue, weak worldbuilding and the dreaded trap of insta-love.

He then works through the scene as a creative writing exercise, showing how small editing choices can create stronger romantic tension, clearer character dynamics and a more engaging fantasy story.

In this episode, you’ll learn how to:

• Build enemies-to-lovers tension that feels earned
• Avoid insta-love and rushed romantic attraction
• Create better conflict between romantic leads
• Use dialogue to reveal character, not just flirtation
• Make romantasy tropes feel more believable
• Turn a weak scene into a stronger redraft
• Keep the fun of a trope while improving the craft

This episode is ideal for romantasy writers, fantasy authors, romance writers, beginner storytellers and anyone looking for practical writing exercises to improve their fiction.

Can you write a better “meet-ugly” than the original draft? Listen to the episode, take the romantasy writing challenge and try your own version.

In this episode of The Fantasy Writers’ Toolshed, host Richie Billing interviews bestselling author Michael Chatfield about the writing process, indie publishing, Patreon, audience growth, character creation and building a sustainable author business. Learn practical ways to generate story ideas, develop compelling characters, engage readers, grow a subscription community and think more commercially about a long-term writing career.

In this episode, I'm joined by bestselling indie author Michael Chatfield for a practical and revealing conversation about what it really takes to build a successful writing career.

Michael is the author of major fantasy, science fiction and LitRPG series, including The Ten Realms, Emerilia, Harmony War and Restarting the Apocalypse.

He's also built an engaged reader community through subscription platforms like Patreon, where fans can access early chapters, exclusive material, behind-the-scenes updates and opportunities to become more involved in the creative process.

This episode explores Michael’s writing process, from finding inspiration and developing ideas to creating characters that feel active, motivated and memorable.

We also discuss the business side of being an indie author, including how Michael has grown beyond writing alone and developed a publishing operation that employs multiple people.

For fantasy writers, LitRPG authors, self-published novelists and anyone interested in author entrepreneurship, this interview offers a valuable look at the link between craft, consistency, reader engagement and commercial sustainability.

ABOUT MICHAEL CHATFIELD

https://michaelchatfield.com/

https://www.patreon.com/c/authormichaelchatfield/

https://www.facebook.com/authormichaelchatfield/

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14055550.Michael_Chatfield

JOIN OUR WRITING COMMUNITY

https://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed⁠

For the full video experience, please watch on YouTube > https://www.youtube.com/@fixingbadwriting

Welcome to Fixing Bad Writing, a new series within The Fantasy Writers' Toolshed podcast, where I take a rubbish story generated by AI and try to make it good, or at least less crappy.

In Episode 1, I tackle the "High Fantasy" genre.

Walk through the story's analysis with me, watch as I edit, before seeing whether or not I can save this terrible story.

If you’re looking for a creative writing challenge or a unique writing exercise, you’re in the right place. This series acts as a writing guide for anyone trying to spot common mistakes and improve their craft.

Whether you are looking for writing exercises for beginners or more advanced story writing exercises, hopefully, this live rewrite will teach you new skills!

🏆 TAKE THE WRITING CHALLENGE

Think you can do better? (You probably can). I want to see your version! And then why not join our Discord community and share it?

Join The Community > https://mailchi.mp/be6082d43b39/the-writers-toolshed

Here's the original story:

In the kingdom of Eldoria there was a man called Brin who was a knight but not a very good one, and one day he was told by the king to go and stop a dark wizard named Maldrake who lived in a tower that was quite far away and also spooky, so Brin said yes even though he was a bit tired and hadn’t eaten much, and he got on his horse which didn’t like him very much and set off slowly while thinking about how dangerous it all sounded. On the way he met a strange old woman who may have been magical but it was not very clear, and she gave him a sword that looked important but also a bit rusty, and told him something vague like “you will need this probably,” which Brin thought was helpful enough. When he got to the tower it was taller than expected and had a door that was already open which seemed suspicious, but he went in anyway and shouted for Maldrake who appeared almost immediately which saved time, and they had a fight that was not very graceful but still quite serious, and Brin mostly waved the sword around until something worked and the wizard fell over in a way that suggested he was defeated. After that Brin felt proud but also confused about how easy it was, and he went back to the kingdom where the king thanked him a lot and there was a feast, although Brin kept wondering if the wizard might not actually be fully gone which made the ending feel a bit unsure.

Learn how to write a query letter for literary agents, including the correct structure, paragraph-by-paragraph breakdown, submission strategy, and proven techniques to increase your chances of getting representation.

Writing a query letter is one of the most important—and most misunderstood—steps in the traditional publishing process. It’s your first impression with a literary agent, and it determines whether your manuscript gets read or rejected.

In this episode, I’m joined by bestselling author Stephen Aryan, who secured representation with literary agent Juliet Mushens, to break down exactly how to write a query letter that stands out in a competitive submissions inbox.

This is a detailed, practical deconstruction of query letters, designed to give you a clear, repeatable framework.

We cover every stage of the query process, including:

• What a query letter is and how literary agents evaluate submissions
• The standard query letter structure (opening hook, synopsis paragraph, author bio, closing)
• A step-by-step walkthrough of how to write each paragraph
• Key query letter terminology and industry expectations
• How many agents to query before revising your approach
• Whether you should follow up with agents—and how to do it professionally
• How to get feedback on your query letter (including services like Stephen’s Write Advice)
• Real-world insights from Stephen Aryan’s successful query letter

This episode combines craft, strategy, and industry knowledge to give you a complete understanding of how querying works.

If you’re preparing to submit to literary agents and want to improve your chances of securing representation, this episode provides a clear, actionable guide to writing a query letter that gets results.

ABOUT STEPHEN ARYAN

https://stephen-aryan.com/

https://stephen-aryan.com/2014/07/31/how-i-found-an-agent-part-2/

https://fantasy-hive.co.uk/2024/06/the-write-advice-4-common-mistakes-in-query-packages/

https://www.mushens-entertainment.com/blog/the-perfect-cover-letter

JOIN OUR WRITING COMMUNITY

https://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed⁠

LEARN MORE ABOUT FANTASY WRITING

To join our writing community, access exclusive interviews, discussions, fantasy writing classes, books and more, head over to our ⁠Patreon⁠ page - ⁠https://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed⁠

What makes the fae such enduring figures in fantasy? How do you write in the present tense without it feeling awkward? And can a fantasy story work in a confined setting instead of a vast world?

In this episode, I’m joined by author Rym Kechacha to talk about her new novel The Apple and the Pearl. We dive into the strange allure of the fae in fantasy fiction, explore the craft of writing in the present tense, and discuss how powerful stories can unfold in smaller, more contained settings.

Rym shares insights into her writing process, including the idea of “vibe writing” — letting the tone and atmosphere of a story guide you as you discover the narrative. We also talk about taking inspiration from artwork and paintings, and how visual sources can shape characters, mood and worldbuilding.

One of the most interesting aspects of The Apple and the Pearl is its setting. Rather than a sprawling epic landscape, much of the story unfolds within the confined environment of a train. We discuss how limitations like this can actually strengthen tension, character development and narrative focus.

If you’re a fantasy writer or reader, this conversation offers a fascinating look at craft, inspiration and the creative decisions behind a unique fantasy novel.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How writing in the present tense can make a story feel immediate and active
• Why the fae remain one of the most compelling forces in fantasy fiction
• How to create characters readers genuinely care about
• The idea behind “vibe writing” and discovering your story as you write
• How artwork and paintings can inspire story ideas and atmosphere
• Why confined settings can create powerful fantasy stories

About The Apple and the Pearl

The Apple and the Pearl blends myth, atmosphere and character-driven storytelling, drawing on fae folklore and rich visual inspiration to create a unique fantasy experience.

Whether you’re interested in folklore-inspired fantasy, writing craft, or the creative process behind a novel, this episode offers plenty of insight.

Subscribe to the podcast for more conversations with fantasy authors, writing advice and behind-the-scenes discussions about storytelling.

Get it here > https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/800526/the-apple-and-the-pearl-by-rym-kechacha/

About Rym Kechacha

Rym Kechacha is a fantasy author and teacher whose work blends folklore, art, and literary fantasy. She is the author of Dark River, To Catch a Moon, and the new novel The Apple and the Pearl. Her debut novel Dark River was shortlisted for the British Fantasy Awards for both Best Novel and Best Newcomer.

Website https://rymkechacha.squarespace.com

X / Twitter https://x.com/rymkechacha

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

This episode explains how to build a sustainable and profitable author business, focusing on mindset, income streams, and long-term strategy. You’ll learn how to transition from hobbyist to professional writer, market your books effectively, use AI tools to grow your income, and build a direct relationship with your readers. Ideal for fantasy writers and authors who want to turn their writing into a reliable income without burnout.

What does it really mean to treat your writing as a business?

In this episode, I’m joined by bestselling author and entrepreneur Joanna Penn to explore how writers can build a sustainable writing business without losing their creative spark.

If you want to move from hobbyist to professional author, this conversation breaks down what a real author business looks like — from mindset shifts to practical systems.

We cover:

• What a writing business actually is (and why most authors get this wrong)
• How to balance writing as a business without burnout or overwhelm
• How to get inside your reader’s head and clearly define your target audience
• The essential steps to kickstart your author business today
• Direct book selling, special editions, and owning your customer relationship
• Book marketing methods that still work — email marketing, paid advertising, and author networking
• How to use AI in your writing business (marketing content, concept images, Amazon ads optimisation, book descriptions and more)
• How Joanna Penn uses AI herself to support her fiction and non-fiction author income
• Time management strategies for writers building a business while improving craft

If you’re serious about turning your writing into income, this episode will help you think strategically, act intentionally, and build long-term author resilience.

About Joanna Penn

Non-fiction for authors: https://www.thecreativepenn.com/books-for-authors/

Fiction (J.F. Penn): https://jfpennauthor.com/books/

The Creative Penn Podcast: https://www.thecreativepenn.com/podcasts/

Socials: Website: https://www.thecreativepenn.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jfpennauthor/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheCreativePenn X / Twitter: https://twitter.com/thecreativepenn YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TheCreativePenn

✍️ Join Our Community and Access Writing Tools:

Join The Discord Community: ⁠https://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed⁠

Richie's Patreon for free stories: https://www.patreon.com/cw/RichieBilling

✍️ Access The Free Class Here: Email Marketing For Writers and Authors

This episode explains how email marketing works for authors in 2026, focusing on audience growth, engagement, and book sales. You’ll learn how to build an email list, improve open and click rates, create effective welcome sequences, and use AI to personalise and scale your emails. Ideal for writers and indie authors who want to grow a loyal readership, increase book sales, and take full control of their audience beyond social media.

Email marketing remains one of the most powerful tools available to writers and authors — and it’s about to change.

In this podcast episode, we break down how email marketing works for writers right now, and where it’s heading in 2026. Using real data, platform insights, and author-specific examples, we explore why email still outperforms social media, how writers use it to sell books and grow Patreon memberships, and what separates emails that get ignored from emails that drive real engagement.

We cover the fundamentals every writer needs to understand: choosing the right email platform, setting clear goals, building welcome sequences, improving open and click rates, and creating sustainable email routines. You’ll learn how subject lines, preview text, timing, frequency, and structure directly affect performance — and how to build genuine reader relationships rather than sending forgettable broadcasts.

Crucially, we also look ahead to email marketing trends in 2026, including:

• How inbox providers are prioritising engagement quality over volume
• Why generic drip sequences are losing effectiveness
• The rise of interactive emails, surveys, and community-driven content
• How AI is shaping email creation, analysis, and personalisation
• Why newsletters are becoming a primary publishing platform for writers

This episode isn’t about spam tactics or quick wins. It’s about future-proofing your email strategy, owning your audience, and using email as the central hub of your writing career — not just a promotional afterthought.

Ideal for:

• Writers and authors at any stage
• Indie authors selling ebooks, paperbacks, audiobooks, or subscriptions
• Creators who want clarity, consistency, and long-term audience control

✍️ Join Our Community and Access Writing Tools:

Patreon: ⁠https://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed⁠

Richie's Patreon for free stories: https://www.patreon.com/cw/RichieBilling

Website and writing classes: ⁠https://richiebilling.com/online-writing-classes

Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fantasywriterstoolshed/

This episode explains how to improve your fantasy writing using proven techniques for character development, worldbuilding, and the writing process, based on insights from bestselling author RJ Barker. You’ll learn how to create deeper characters, build immersive fantasy worlds, develop your unique writing voice, and overcome common creative challenges. Ideal for fantasy writers who want to strengthen their storytelling and write more compelling, publishable fiction.

What can writers learn from one of the most distinctive voices in modern fantasy?

In this episode, I’m joined by RJ Barker, author of the Wounded Kingdom and Tide Child trilogies, to explore his approach to storytelling and the fantasy writing process.

We dive into both craft and mindset, including:

• RJ's new book: Mortedant's Peril, book #1 in The Trials of Irody Hasp series
• RJ Barker’s fantasy writing process from idea to finished novel
• How to create deep, memorable characters
• Building unique and immersive fantasy worlds
• Overcoming psychological challenges in writing
• Developing your voice and honing your craft
• Practical advice for writers looking to improve

This is an in-depth, honest conversation packed with insights from a top-tier fantasy author.

If you want to strengthen your storytelling and better understand the fantasy writing process, this episode offers clear, actionable guidance you can apply straight away.

ABOUT RJ BARKER

Website: ⁠https://www.rjbarker.com/

BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/rjbarker.bsky.social

Books: https://store.orbit-books.co.uk/collections/author-rj-barker

JOIN OUR WRITING COMMUNITY

https://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed⁠

LEARN MORE ABOUT FANTASY WRITING

To join our writing community, access exclusive interviews, discussions, fantasy writing classes, books and more, head over to our ⁠Patreon⁠ page - ⁠https://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed⁠

Are you repeating the same writing mistakes without realising it? In this episode, writing coach and author Suzy Vadori reveals the biggest errors she sees in authors, and how to avoid them.

Join Richie Billing and Suzy Vadori as they explore Suzy’s journey from businesswoman to bestselling YA fantasy author and coach.

We dive into her unique approach to character creation, immersive world-building, and the crucial missteps that hold writers back.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why so many authors struggle with character arcs and how to fix them.
• Practical world-building strategies that bring your setting to life without slowing the story.
• The top three mistakes authors make when switching from business mindset to creative craft.
• How Suzy’s coaching practice and author experience provide clarity, structure and growth.
• How to build your author brand and writing career from the ground up.

Whether you’re working on your first novel or deep into your series, you’ll walk away with actionable advice.

✍️ More from Suzy Vadori:

Website: https://suzyvadori.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/suzyvadori/?hl=en

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/suzyvadoriauthor/

✍️ Join our community & writing tools:

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed

Website and writing classes: https://richiebilling.com/