The Fantasy Writers' Toolshed

As you may have heard, I have an audiobook coming out soon—in a few weeks in fact (called Pariah's Lament for anyone interested)I don't know much about audiobooks, so I decided to speak to someone who does—professional voice-over artist for movies, TV and audiobooks, Rachanee Lumayno.In our chat, we talk all about why audiobooks are so popular and why they're worth exploring as authors, how you can go about it, where to find narrators, how to do it yourself, the costs involved and much, much more. You're guaranteed to learn something new!

If you have any questions or requests, please write to us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠

GET A TOOLSHED TSHIRT

⁠⁠⁠⁠https://tinyurl.com/ToolshedTshirt⁠⁠⁠⁠

JOIN OUR WRITING COMMUNITY

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

LEARN MORE ABOUT FANTASY WRITING

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

ABOUT RACHANEE LUMAYNO

https://www.rachanee.net/

Learn how to market your book effectively, build your author brand, and sell more copies with practical strategies from a professional book marketer.

Book marketing is one of the biggest challenges writers face—but understanding the fundamentals can make all the difference between obscurity and consistent sales.

In this episode, I’m joined by marketing expert Nicky Pecone, founder of Iron Age Marketing, to break down what book marketing really is—and what actually works for authors today.

We cover the core principles every writer needs to understand, including:

• What book marketing involves (and what it doesn’t)
• How to start building your author brand from scratch
• Practical ways to promote your book effectively
• Common marketing mistakes authors make
• How to think long-term about sales and visibility
• The key foundations for growing an audience

If you want to sell more books without wasting time on ineffective strategies, this episode will give you a clear, practical approach to marketing that actually works.

ABOUT NICKY AND IRON AGE MARKETING

https://nickpecone.com/iron-age-media-marketing/

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

How do you create characters readers truly believe in — and grow them across a story? In this community panel episode of The Fantasy Writers' Toolshed, award-winning author Karen Heuler joins Richie Billing and the writing community for a deep dive into character creation and development.

The whole conversation centres on characters: creating them, getting to know them, and growing them. Karen and the panel work through specific strategies for building characters from scratch, how to understand what your characters actually want, the often-overlooked role of side characters, and different approaches for developing and evolving your fictional people over the course of a story.

This episode explores questions like:

• How do you create a compelling character from scratch?
• How do you figure out what your character truly wants — and why it matters?
• What role do side characters play, and how do you use them well?
• How do you grow and develop a character across a narrative?

Whether you're writing a sprawling cast for an epic fantasy or a single protagonist, this panel gives you practical, experience-tested approaches to character creation and development.

In this episode you'll learn:

• Concrete strategies for creating characters from the ground up
• How to uncover and use character motivation and desire
• How side characters strengthen a story
• Approaches to developing and evolving characters over time

About Karen Heuler: Karen Heuler is an award-winning author of literary and speculative fiction, including the novel The Splendid City (Angry Robot Books). Thanks also to community members Joshua Parker and Isa Ottoni, who joined the panel.

📝 What is characterization?: https://richiebilling.com/welcome/the-writers-toolshed/writing-tips/what-is-characterization

🔗 Character & plotting: https://richiebilling.com/writing-tips/character-plotting

🌱 Character development: https://richiebilling.com/writing-tips/character-development

💬 Join our writing community (and our Panels): https://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed

Learn how to edit your writing effectively, understand the different types of editing, and work with professional editors to improve your manuscript.

Editing is one of the most important—and most challenging—parts of writing. Done well, it transforms a rough draft into something sharp, compelling, and ready for readers.

In this episode, I’m joined by professional editor Jennia D'Lima to break down the editing process and give you clear, practical guidance on how to improve your work.

We cover everything writers need to know about editing, including:

• The different types of editing (developmental, line editing, copyediting, proofreading)
• How to self-edit your work more effectively
• What professional editors actually do—and when you need one
• How to find a trustworthy editor
• What a fair price looks like (and what to avoid)
• Common editing mistakes writers make

If you want to take your writing to a professional level and avoid costly editing mistakes, this episode will give you the clarity and confidence to do it right.

ABOUT JENNIA D'LIMA

https://jenniaedits.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

Learn how to create realistic fantasy religions with insights from a Norse shaman, covering belief systems, character psychology, and worldbuilding techniques.

Creating believable religions in fantasy is one of the hardest parts of worldbuilding. In this episode, we explore how to build faith systems, gods, and belief structures that feel real, lived-in, and emotionally powerful.

I’m joined by Mark Weisman, a Norse and Celtic shaman and former Christian pastor, whose real-world experience of faith brings a rare depth to this conversation.

We dive into both the philosophical and practical sides of religion in fantasy, including:

• How to create fantasy religions that feel authentic
• Why belief systems shape character behaviour and conflict
• The psychology of devotion and faith in storytelling
• How gods, rituals, and culture intertwine in worldbuilding
• Common mistakes writers make when building religions

Whether you're writing epic fantasy, grimdark, or character-driven stories, this episode will help you create belief systems that resonate with readers and add real weight to your world.

ABOUT MARK WEISMAN

https://akulfhednar.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

Learn the fantasy writing process from Daniel Polansky, including how to build unique worlds, craft conflict, and develop compelling characters.

What does it take to write gripping fantasy with strong characters and immersive worlds?

In this episode, I’m joined by Hugo-nominated author Daniel Polansky to explore his approach to storytelling and the fantasy writing process behind his work, including March’s End.

We dive into both craft and mindset, including:

• Daniel Polansky’s fantasy writing process from idea to finished novel
• How he built the world and central conflict in March’s End
• Techniques for creating tension and character-driven storytelling
• Where ideas come from—and how to develop them
• Handling the challenges and setbacks of writing
• Practical advice to improve your craft and finish your work

This is an honest and engaging conversation packed with insights from an experienced fantasy author.

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

ABOUT DANIEL POLANSKY

Website: http://www.danielpolansky.com/

March's End: https://amzn.to/3D9n4VU

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

Learn how to write a query letter, craft a strong synopsis, and find a literary agent with practical advice from industry experts.

Getting a literary agent is one of the biggest hurdles in traditional publishing—but with the right approach, it’s absolutely achievable.

In this panel episode, we’re joined by Laura Bennett to break down exactly what agents are looking for and how to give your submission the best chance of success.

We answer real questions from writers and cover the key steps to securing representation, including:

• How to write a compelling query letter that stands out
• What agents look for in a synopsis (and common mistakes)
• How to craft a blurb that hooks attention
• Where and how to find the right literary agents
• Red flags and pitfalls to avoid when querying
• What to expect from the traditional publishing process

If you’re serious about getting published traditionally, this episode gives you the clarity, strategy, and insider knowledge to approach agents with confidence.

FOLLOW LAURA

https://twitter.com/Losbennett

ABOUT THE LIVERPOOL LITERARY AGENCY

https://www.liverpool-literary.agency/

RESOURCES ON FINDING LITERARY AGENTS

Cover letters - https://www.liverpool-literary.agency/news/guide-to-query-letters /

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

Publisher's Marketplace: https://www.publishersmarketplace.com/

The Bookseller: https://www.thebookseller.com/home

R/Pubtips: https://www.reddit.com/r/PubTips/

Jericho Writers: https://jerichowriters.com/

I AM in Print: https://www.iaminprint.co.uk/

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

Award-winning literary fantasy author Karen Heuler stops by the Toolshed to talk about pantsing and writing in the literary style.

Karen's new book, The Splendid City, published by Angry Robot, offers a fantastic example of the style and approach, and we dive into it to understand how to write literary fantasy fiction.

Karen is also a massive pantser and we discuss the benefits of taking this approach and how you can give pantsing a go yourself.

If you have any questions or requests, please write to us at [email protected]

JOIN OUR WRITING COMMUNITY

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

LEARN MORE ABOUT FANTASY WRITING

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

OUR GUESTS

Karen Heuler - The Splendid City - https://angryrobotbooks.com/books/the-splendid-city/ | More about Karen - https://www.karenheuler.com/

Sounds and editing by 3D Sound Studio - https://www.youtube.com/@3DSoundStudio

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Learn how to build rich, immersive fantasy worlds with practical advice, common pitfalls, and expert insights from a bestselling author.

Worldbuilding is one of the most exciting parts of writing fantasy—but it can also be one of the most overwhelming.

In this panel episode, I’m joined by bestselling author Stephen Aryan, along with writers Isa Ottoni, Joshua Parker, and Jonny Altair, to tackle the biggest challenges writers face when building worlds.

We dive into both the fundamentals and the real struggles of worldbuilding, including:

• How to create immersive, believable fantasy settings
• Common worldbuilding mistakes—and how to avoid them
• Balancing detail with storytelling and pacing
• Building cultures, histories, and environments that feel real
• Practical techniques to overcome worldbuilding blocks
• Insights from Stephen Aryan’s approach to crafting The Judas Blossom

Drawing on real questions from the writing community, this episode delivers honest, practical advice you can apply straight to your own work.

If you want to build fantasy worlds that feel alive, coherent, and engaging, this episode will give you the tools and confidence to do it right.

THE JUDAS BLOSSOM

https://angryrobotbooks.com/books/judas-blossom/

OUR GUESTS

Stephen Aryan - https://stephen-aryan.com/ | Stephen's YouTube channel - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZlaVQ9rks4GaN-x3Jkos0A

RESOURCES

Get a free worldbuilding template - https://richiebilling.com/worldbuilding

Learn how to start worldbuilding - https://richiebilling.com/worldbuilding/how-to-start-worldbuilding

Check out the best books on worldbuilding - https://richiebilling.com/worldbuilding/books-on-worldbuilding

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

In this episode, I welcome three members from our writing community, Isa, Josh and Jonny, for a chat about our community writing groups.

Not so long ago, Josh approached me about setting up some writing groups through our Discord community.

These small groups of around 5 or 6 people meet regularly and are matched by genre, time zone and how regularly you can meet.

We have about 6 or 7 groups running at present and you can join one too. Just click below to join our Discord community and head to #writing-groups.

In this episode, we discuss the benefits being in a group has given us. We explain how they work, how to join one, and how to approach editing and taking feedback.

JOIN OUR WRITING COMMUNITY (DISCORD)

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

LEARN MORE ABOUT FANTASY WRITING

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

OUR GUESTS

Jonny Altair - Twitter - @JonnyLeeAltair

Isa Ottoni - https://www.instagram.com/isa.ottoni.writes/

Josh Parker - Ontheedgebusiness.wordpress.com

Sounds and editing by 3D Sound Studio (ASMR Specialists) - https://www.youtube.com/c/Odysyx

NEW RESOURCES

Worldbuilding tips and advice - https://richiebilling.com/worldbuilding

Sensory language examples - https://richiebilling.com/welcome/the-writers-toolshed/writing-tips/sensory-language-examples

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.