The Fantasy Writers' Toolshed

More From The Toolshed

Get my handbook on writing fantasy > https://richiebilling.com/store/books/a-fantasy-writers-handbook-ebook

Get courses and classes on creating fantasy stories, plus early access to episodes > https://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed/

More resources and contact > https://richiebilling.com/

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

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

More From The Toolshed

Get my handbook on writing fantasy > https://richiebilling.com/store/books/a-fantasy-writers-handbook-ebook

Get courses and classes on creating fantasy stories, plus early access to episodes > https://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed/

More resources and contact > https://richiebilling.com/

✍️ 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

More From The Toolshed

Get my handbook on writing fantasy > https://richiebilling.com/store/books/a-fantasy-writers-handbook-ebook

Get courses and classes on creating fantasy stories, plus early access to episodes > https://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed/

More resources and contact > https://richiebilling.com/

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

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/

This episode explains how to write a successful book series and build an author brand that drives consistent book sales. You’ll learn how to structure multi-book story arcs, create reader loyalty, plan effective book launches, and develop a recognisable author brand using proven strategies from bestselling authors Jami Albright and Sara Rosett. Ideal for fantasy writers and indie authors who want to grow a loyal audience, sell more books, and build a sustainable writing career.

What separates authors who build loyal readerships from those who struggle to gain traction? The answer often lies in series writing, branding, and smart book marketing.

In this episode, I’m joined by bestselling authors Jami Albright and Sara Rosett to break down the strategies behind their success—and what every writer can learn from romance and cozy mystery.

We explore both craft and career-building, including:

• How to write a book series that keeps readers coming back
• Structuring character arcs and emotional payoffs across multiple books
• What romance and cozy mystery teach us about reader expectations
• Building consistency in worldbuilding and continuity
• How to plan and execute a successful book launch
• Creating an author brand that readers recognise and trust
• Book marketing strategies that actually drive sales
• Productivity and mindset tips for long-term writing success

This episode goes beyond genre to deliver practical, proven strategies you can apply to your own writing—whether you’re working on a fantasy epic or your first novel.

If you want to build a loyal audience, sell more books, and create a sustainable writing career, this episode shows you how to do it.

ABOUT JAMI ALBRIGHT

https://wishidknownforwriters.com/

https://www.jamialbright.com/

ABOUT SARA ROSETT

https://www.sararosett.com/

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

I'm delighted to be joined by bestselling fantasy authors Lucy Holland and Dan Coxon for an all-encompassing discussion on writing fantasy.

Dan has curated and co-edited a brilliant new craft book called Writing The Magic, published by Dead Ink, and Lucy has contributed an excellent chapter on Ursula Le Guin's magic system in Earthsea.

We delve into worldbuilding, creating magic systems, explore Ursula Le Guin's Earthsea series and Michael Moorcock's stories, and discuss why we all love the genre so much.

You're bound to learn something new!

FANTASY WRITING BOOKS, CLASSES AND TOOLS

⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed ⁠⁠

JOIN OUR DISCORD COMMUNITY

⁠⁠⁠⁠https://mailchi.mp/395aa89d6ec0/join-richie-billings-community-of-writers⁠⁠ ⁠⁠

BUY WRITING THE MAGIC

https://deadinkbooks.com/product/writing-the-magic/

ABOUT DAN COXON

https://www.dancoxon.com/⁠

⁠https://www.instagram.com/dan.coxon.author/

ABOUT LUCY HOLLAND

https://lucyhounsom.co.uk/

https://www.instagram.com/silvanhistorian/

GET IN TOUCH

[email protected]

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.richiebilling.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

RESOURCES

Discover more ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠writing tips⁠ and guides⁠⁠⁠⁠ here

And learn more about⁠⁠ writing fantasy⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ here

In this episode, I'm delighted to be joined by Professor Charles Li, author of the brilliant new historical fiction novel, Lord Guan.

We chat all about Professor Li's expertise in languages and linguistics, and I pick his brain for worldbuilding tips and advice to help you craft your own languages for your fantasy stories.

We also dive into Chinese history and culture, looking specifically at the life story of Lord Guan and the legend surrounding him, before diving into the writing and researching of the book.

And at 90 years old, Professor Li shares lots of brilliant pieces of wisdom we can all benefit and learn from.

FANTASY WRITING BOOKS, CLASSES AND TOOLS

⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed ⁠⁠

JOIN OUR DISCORD COMMUNITY

⁠⁠⁠⁠https://mailchi.mp/395aa89d6ec0/join-richie-billings-community-of-writers⁠⁠ ⁠⁠

ABOUT PROFESSOR CHARLES LI

https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Lord-Guan/Charles-N-Li/9781682452325

https://www.simonandschuster.co.uk/authors/Charles-N-Li/185995596

GET IN TOUCH

[email protected]

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.richiebilling.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

RESOURCES

Discover more ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠writing tips⁠ and guides⁠⁠⁠⁠ here

And learn more about⁠⁠ writing fantasy⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ here

This episode explains how to improve your fantasy writing by focusing on character development, short story craft, and long-term creative growth, with insights from bestselling author Jim C. Hines. You’ll learn how to write compelling characters, approach short fiction effectively, build a sustainable writing career, and stay motivated over time. Ideal for fantasy writers who want practical advice on both craft and the realities of being an author.

I'm thrilled to be joined by bestselling fantasy author, Jim C. Hines for an extended interview about his two new books, Kitemaster and the relaunch of the beloved classic, Goblin Quest.

Jim opens up about his writing journey, what it's like to be a writer—even down to the earnings—and shares some of his best advice for writing short stories, crafting lovable characters, and writing stories that you're passionate about.

It's fantastic to learn from such a seasoned and decorated pro. I learned an awful lot, and I hope you do too!

ABOUT JIM C. HINES

https://www.jimchines.com/

Goblin Quest (direct from author) - https://payhip.com/b/XBK0D

Kitemaster - https://bookshop.org/p/books/kitemaster/21588658?aid=25009

FANTASY WRITING BOOKS, CLASSES AND TOOLS

⁠https://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed ⁠

JOIN OUR DISCORD COMMUNITY

⁠⁠⁠https://mailchi.mp/395aa89d6ec0/join-richie-billings-community-of-writers⁠ ⁠⁠

In this episode, I’m joined by New York Times Best Selling fantasy author, Kel Kade.

Kel’s new book, Sanctum of the Soul, was published by Tor in February 2025 and completes her brilliant new trilogy. As well as discussing the new book, we also dive into the character creation process and how to create fantasy worlds, discussing techniques and methods to ensure we don’t info dump!

Kel also shares her favourite and least favourite fantasy tropes, and we discuss some newer and more shocking tropes that writers should think about before including.

And Kel also discusses her amazing journey through the world of writing, starting out as a popular indie author with The King's Dark Tidings, before getting snapped up by Tor.

FANTASY WRITING BOOKS, CLASSES AND TOOLS

https://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed

JOIN OUR DISCORD COMMUNITY

⁠⁠https://mailchi.mp/395aa89d6ec0/join-richie-billings-community-of-writers ⁠⁠

ABOUT KEL CADE

https://torpublishinggroup.com/sanctum-of-the-soul/?isbn=9781250293893&format=hardback

https://kelkade.com/books/ ⁠⁠

https://www.goodreads.com/series/172856-king-s-dark-tidings

GET IN TOUCH

[email protected]

⁠⁠⁠www.richiebilling.com⁠⁠⁠

RESOURCES

Discover more ⁠⁠⁠writing tips⁠ and guides⁠⁠ hereAnd learn more about ⁠⁠⁠writing fantasy⁠⁠⁠ here

Award-winning YA author Sarah Arthur returns to the Toolshed to discuss her brilliant new book, Once A Castle.

Sarah also shares her experiences following the release of her debut YA novel (Once A Queen), what it was like writing book two, and how theme has played such an important role in the writing of both.

We also discuss Artificial Intelligence (AI) creeping into the writing world, and Sarah provides her expert insights into what 2025 holds for the world of Young Adult fantasy fiction.

JOIN OUR DISCORD COMMUNITY

⁠https://mailchi.mp/395aa89d6ec0/join-richie-billings-community-of-writers⁠

ABOUT SARAH ARTHUR

⁠⁠https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/authors/2216828/sarah-arthur/ ⁠

⁠www.saraharthur.com ⁠

ONCE A CASTLE

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/213618161-once-a-castle

https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/707441/once-a-castle-by-sarah-arthur/

GET IN TOUCH

[email protected]

⁠⁠www.richiebilling.com⁠⁠

RESOURCES

Discover more ⁠⁠writing tips⁠ and guides⁠ here

And learn more about ⁠⁠writing fantasy⁠⁠ here