The Fantasy Writers' Toolshed

Learn how to build a compelling fantasy magic system from scratch, using real examples like Dungeons & Dragons and witchcraft to inspire your worldbuilding.

Creating a magic system that feels original, balanced, and believable is one of the biggest challenges in fantasy writing.

In this episode, I’m joined by Janina Arndt and Lucy Atkinson from The Fey Fellows Podcast to explore how some of the most influential magic systems have developed—and how you can use them to inspire your own.

We break down both the theory and practical side of magic system design, including:

• What makes a strong and believable magic system
• Lessons from Dungeons & Dragons and real-world witchcraft traditions
• How magic systems evolve over time
• Balancing rules, limitations, and creativity
• Common mistakes when designing magic systems
• Practical steps to create your own from scratch

If you want to build a magic system that enhances your story rather than overwhelms it, this episode will give you the structure, insight, and inspiration to do it right.

OUR GUESTS

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

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 difference between hard and soft magic systems, with examples and practical advice to help you choose the right approach for your fantasy story.

Magic systems are a core part of fantasy worldbuilding—but should yours be hard, soft, or something in between?

In this episode, I’m joined by Janina Arndt and Lucy Atkinson from The Fey Fellows Podcast to break down the two major types of magic systems and how writers can use them effectively.

We explore the theory, examples, and creative possibilities behind magic system design, including:

• What hard and soft magic systems are (and key differences)
• Examples of each—and what makes them work
• The strengths and limitations of both approaches
• How to choose the right system for your story
• Blending hard and soft magic for unique results
• Common mistakes writers make with magic systems

Whether you prefer structured rules or mysterious forces, this episode will help you understand how to use magic more effectively in your writing—and create systems that enhance your story rather than hold it back.

OUR GUESTS

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

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 acclaimed author Juliet E. McKenna, including character creation, worldbuilding, and insights into modern publishing.

What can writers learn from over 20 years in the fantasy publishing world?

In this episode, I’m joined by legendary fantasy author Juliet E. McKenna to explore her approach to storytelling, her writing process, and the lessons she’s learned across a long and successful career.

We dive into both craft and industry insight, including:

• Juliet E. McKenna’s fantasy writing process from idea to finished novel
• Writing The Cleaving and reimagining Arthurian legend from a female perspective
• Techniques for character creation, worldbuilding, and theme
• Approaches to plotting and structuring fantasy stories
• How the publishing industry has changed over the past two decades
• Practical advice for writers looking to improve and grow

This is a thoughtful, experience-rich conversation packed with insights from a seasoned professional.

If you want to better understand the fantasy writing process—and learn from an author with decades of experience—this episode delivers clear, actionable guidance.

OUR GUEST

Juliet E. McKenna - https://www.julietemckenna.com/ | Buy The Cleaving - https://amzn.to/3FWVCgd

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 Amish Tripathi, including how to weave mythology, philosophy, and compelling characters into powerful stories.

What can writers learn from one of the world’s bestselling fantasy authors?

In this episode, I’m joined by Amish Tripathi, often described as “India’s J.R.R. Tolkien,” to explore his approach to storytelling, mythology, and the fantasy writing process.

We dive into both craft and deeper thematic writing, including:

• Amish Tripathi’s fantasy writing process from idea to finished book
• How to incorporate mythology and philosophy into your stories
• Writing about complex and challenging themes
• Creating memorable, impactful characters
• Balancing entertainment with deeper meaning in fiction
• Lessons from one of the fastest-selling authors in modern publishing

This is an open, insightful conversation packed with practical advice and deeper reflections on storytelling.

If you want to elevate your writing and understand how to blend powerful ideas with compelling narrative, this episode offers a masterclass in fantasy storytelling.

OUR GUEST

Amish Tripathi - https://www.authoramish.com/ | The War Of Lanka - https://amzn.to/3TaCyQW

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Learn the fantasy writing process from idea to publication, with practical insights on drafting, editing, and improving your writing from a bestselling author.

What does a successful fantasy writing process actually look like—from first idea to finished, published novel?

In this episode, I’m joined by bestselling author Stephen Aryan, whose novels with major publishers like Orbit and Angry Robot have established him as one of the leading voices in modern fantasy.

We take an open and honest look at the full writing journey, covering both craft and career, including:

• How to develop ideas into compelling fantasy stories
• The reality of drafting and refining a novel
• Editing techniques that elevate your writing
• Creating memorable characters and immersive worlds
• Working with literary agents and navigating publishing
• Lessons from writing multiple fantasy novels at a professional level

This conversation goes beyond surface-level advice, offering real insight into how a working author approaches the craft and business of writing.

If you want to understand the fantasy writing process in depth—and improve your own approach—this episode delivers clear, practical guidance you can apply straight away.

THE JUDAS BLOSSOM

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

OUR GUEST

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

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 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

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

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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