Unstoppable Authors

Today it's time for Angeline's first solo episode, and I'm talking about building your author platform. It's not just a simple case of getting yourself online, and I discuss all the issues around tackling imposter syndrome, and mindset, as well as delving into what you should be doing to build your platform. Hear about how I got started, and how, and when, you should get started too. Packed full of tips and advice, this is essential listening no matter where you are in your author journey.

In today's episode, we're going back to school, and talking about building education and learning into your world. We discuss the different things you need to think about; from how education fits into your wider world, to the different kinds of education you could include. We chat about tropes, and the problems that can arise, as well as how to overcome them. Hear about our favourite and least favourite school subjects, and a teacher's criticism that Angeline lost no sleep over!

This episode is the first with our new format. From now on, we'll be publishing new episodes every week. Today, Holly is flying solo and interviewing author Sacha Black about villainy, heroes and everything in between.

This episode marks the beginning of our second season, and we have some big changes and big news for you. We look back over the year so far; discussing the podcast and our own writing. We look at the goals we achieved, the goalposts that had to be moved, and discuss how we cope when things go awry. Hear our publishing plans going forward, planned changes to the podcast, and some big news of a fantastic opportunity for you.

On request, we're revisiting the subject of food in your fictional world. And we love to talk about food! In this episode, you'll hear about our own fantasy food creations, from the mathematics of a vampire's diet to lifelong obsessions with dumplings. Listen to our tips of things to consider when introducing food to your worldbuilding; starting out with nutritional needs and food availability. We also discuss traditions around food, as well as superstitions, and unhealthy relationships with food.

It’s a classic expectation: a beautiful map in the front of a fantasy book. But, whether you're an expert cartographer, or your drawing skills are limited to a few squiggly lines, maps are a helpful way to stop yourself from getting lost in the world you create. Which is actually surprisingly easy. In this episode, find out about the maps we've created, and the big lessons we've learnt along the way. Hear where to start with map making, how to layout your map, and what to include in the landscape. Also check out the various methods for actually creating your fantasy world map in either physical or digital form.

On the morning after attending Edge-Lit writing convention, while still suffering from post-con exhaustion, we gathered our thoughts about the event. Discussing workshops and panels, networking, and the need to clone ourselves several times over. Hear our highs and lows, and our biggest takeaways from the day. Holly talks about meeting her hero, and we tackle the hardest 'would you rather' question ever!

Today, we’re breaking away from the stereotype of the solitary author hunched over the manuscript, and we’re getting out in the real world. Yes; it really does exist. We’re talking about real life events: literary conventions, book festivals, book signings, and public readings. We share our experiences with events, our thoughts, and, yes, our fears. And hear Angeline's top tips for surviving a writing convention.