We're absolutely thrilled to bring you a very special interview with bestselling author and former FBI special agent, Joe Navarro.

Joe is a world-leading expert on body language. In his career, he conducted over 13,000 interviews and oozes a passion for the subject that you can't help but admire. 

Body language plays such a huge role in storytelling, from written fiction to that found on-screen. But it can be underused and ill-understood. To help us better our understanding and appreciation, there's no better person to ask than Joe.

In this deeply insightful interview, packed with examples, Joe provides vital guidance and advice for writers to help master this form of communication that's arguably more important than dialogue. 

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

JOIN OUR WRITING COMMUNITY

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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

Joe Navarro - https://www.jnforensics.com/ | Buy The Dictionary Of Body Language - https://amzn.to/3Y2VNMZ

Sounds and editing by Odysy - https://www.youtube.com/c/Odysyx

UPDATED - How To Write A Flashback Scene - https://richiebilling.com/writing-tips/how-to-write-a-flashback

NEW - Books On Worldbuilding - https://richiebilling.com/worldbuilding/books-on-worldbuilding

NEW - How To Plot A Story - https://richiebilling.com/welcome/the-writers-toolshed/writing-tips/how-to-plot-a-story

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I've had a lot of specialists on the podcast in recent months but it occurred to me that I've never really reflected on my own experiences as a lawyer and how that can be applied to writing.

When I got to pondering I realised I draw upon these experiences an awful lot. And it was then I began to appreciate just how much scope there is to inject your stories and worlds with conflict.

So in this episode, I reflect upon my time working as an accident and injury lawyer. I discuss the impact that injuries can have on a person, from minor ones to major ones, and how you can utilise these ill-used details in your stories, both from a character creation perspective and a worldbuilding one. 

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 

Sounds and editing by Odysy - https://www.youtube.com/c/Odysyx

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I'm always keen to chat with book bloggers to get an insight into the latest trends in reading. Fantasy romances, for example, are particularly in demand right now. 

But as well as that, I'm always keen to chat with reviewers to learn more about their experiences. Above all, I want to know how I, and other writers like you, can forge better partnerships with them.

I was delighted then to chat with Blaise Ancona from Under The Radar SFF Books about these very things. Blaise runs both a podcast and a website devoted to highlighting fantasy and sci-fi novels that haven't got the credit they deserve.

What began as a lockdown hobby has grown into something quite remarkable. We talk about how it happened and his experiences as a book blogger.  

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

Blaise Ancona of Under The Radar SFF Books - https://undertheradarsffbooks.com/ | https://twitter.com/undertheradarb2

Sounds and editing by Odysy - https://www.youtube.com/c/Odysyx

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We're delighted to welcome to the Writers' Toolshed bestselling fantasy author, Stephen Aryan.

Stephen has published eight novels to date with both Orbit and Angry Robot. This year sees the release of the first in a new trilogy: The Judas Blossom. He's an author at the top of the game and has some wonderful insights to share. 

We have a grand old natter about writing, editing, the publishing industry, working with agents, and ways to improve your writing.

It's a very open and honest interview packed with insights and advice on specific topics ranging from creating memorable characters to building immersive fantasy worlds.

You're guaranteed to learn something new.

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 

ABOUT ANGRY ROBOT BOOKS

This episode is sponsored by the award-winning publisher, Angry Robot Books. You can learn more about them by clicking the link below:

https://angryrobotbooks.com/

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

Sounds and editing by Odysy - https://www.youtube.com/c/Odysyx

OTHER RESOURCES

How to write a villain

How to write a battle scene in a book

The many races found in the fantasy genre

What is a creative writing class?

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In the final episode of 2023, we welcome Vickie Lan to the Toolshed, host of the Speculative Sandbox Podcast.

Vickie is a specialist in deconstructing fantasy tropes. Her show sees her joined by top authors to discuss everything from The Chosen One to beardy wizard mentor figures. 

In our chat, we cover the epic fantasy quest—its classic features and how you can spin them. 

We also discuss tropes around resurrections and mentor figures, as well as tropes generally.

And Vickie shares some fantastic examples of books and writers who have spun things to create something brilliant and original.

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

Vickie Lan - https://vickielan.com/podcast | https://www.instagram.com/speculativesandbox

Sounds and editing by Odysy - https://www.youtube.com/c/Odysyx

OTHER RESOURCES

Character Plotting

Avoiding Tropes And Cliches When Writing Fantasy

How To Write A Battle Scene In A Book

Men Writing Women Characters - Things To Watch Out For

Examples Of Sensory Language

Free Worldbuilding Template And Guide

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Award-winning journalist and Afrofuturist author Denise Crittendon stops by the Toolshed to discuss her debut science fantasy novel, Where It Rains In Color, published by Angry Robot Books on 6th December 2022. 

Denise tells us about the new book, how she created her unique and incredible worlds and characters, and reveals some of her favourite writing tips. 

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

Denise Crittendon - https://denisecrittendon.blog/ | https://twitter.com/denicrittendon

Sounds and editing by Odysy - https://www.youtube.com/c/Odysyx

OTHER RESOURCES

The Best Podcasts About Writing - https://richiebilling.com/the-fantasy-writers-toolshed-podcast/best-podcasts-about-writing

A Free Name Generator Tool For Knights - https://richiebilling.com/fantasy-name-generator/knight-name-generator

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We're both thrilled and honoured to welcome to the Toolshed for the first time the New York Times Bestselling author Mary E Pearson.

Mary is the mastermind behind the Remnant Universe, a fantasy world that she explores through her hugely popular YA novels and novellas.

A talented storyteller, Mary tells us all about her latest book, Morrighan, her writing life and her best tips for writers.

We cover everything from character creation to worldbuilding so it's a comprehensive chat packed with tips, advice and inspiration for writers at every stage of their careers.

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

Mary E. Pearson - https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250868350/morrighan | https://www.marypearson.com/ | https://www.instagram.com/maryepearson/

Sounds and editing by Odysy - https://www.youtube.com/c/Odysyx

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

In the latest episode of The Fantasy Writers' Toolshed podcast, I welcome author Nandi Taylor who's achieved remarkable things on Wattpad.

As someone who's never used the platform before, I invited Nandi along to tell us how she managed to accrue nearly 2 million reads of her novel, Given.

Nandi explains her methods, how Wattpad works, and the opportunities that are out there for other writers.

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

Nandi Taylor - https://twitter.com/nandi_taylor

Sounds and editing by Odysy - https://www.youtube.com/c/Odysyx

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

In this instalment, Janina and Lucy from The Fey Fellowes podcast return for a chat about the age-old tales of Beowulf and King Arthur. 

We look at the story behind these two tales and how they've endured for so long. We also explore the influence that they've had on the founders of the fantasy genre, such as Tolkien and CS Lewis. And we consider what writers can learn from these classic epics.

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

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

If you're interested in fantasy writing classes, head here - https://richiebilling.com/fantasy-writing-classes

Learn more about the fantasy writing podcast here - https://richiebilling.com/welcome/the-fantasy-writers-toolshed-podcast 

REGISTER FOR THE EMAIL MARKETING CLASS

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/email-marketing-for-authors-tickets-428073548507

JOIN OUR WRITING COMMUNITY

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OUR GUESTS

Janina Arndt and Lucy Atkinson - The Fey Fellows Podcast - https://www.instagram.com/feyfellowspodcast/ / https://anchor.fm/fey-fellows-podcast

Sounds and editing by Odysy - https://www.youtube.com/c/Odysyx

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

In this episode, I'm joined by science fiction and fantasy literary agent Laura Bennett of the Liverpool Literary Agency. Laura talks us through what it's like to be an agent, telling us about reviewing queries, signing writers, contracts, pitching to publishers and editors, and current market trends (you'll never guess what's making a comeback).

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

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

If you're interested in some of my fantasy writing classes, head here - https://richiebilling.com/fantasy-writing-classes

Learn more about the fantasy writing podcast here - https://richiebilling.com/welcome/the-fantasy-writers-toolshed-podcast 

JOIN OUR WRITING COMMUNITY

Join our community here - https://bit.ly/join-our-writing-group

OUR GUESTS

Laura Bennett - https://twitter.com/Losbennett

The Liverpool Literary Agency - https://www.liverpool-literary.agency/

Sounds and editing by Odysy - https://www.youtube.com/c/Odysyx

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