The Fantasy Writers' Toolshed – Details, episodes & analysis

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The Fantasy Writers' Toolshed

Richie Billing

Arts

Education

Frequency: 1 episode/22d. Total Eps: 107

The Fantasy Writers’ Toolshed is a podcast for aspiring and experienced fantasy writers who want to master storytelling, creative writing, worldbuilding and character creation.

Hosted by author Richie Billing, each episode features practical fantasy writing craft advice as well as fiction writing advice generally, publishing tips and guidance, and inspiring author interviews with bestsellers, editors, historians, literary agents, psychologists and even an FBI Special Agent.

Learn how to write, edit and market your fantasy stories with confidence.

New episodes are released on the 14th of each month.

Join our Discord community of hundreds of writers and gain early access to each episode: www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed

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https://mailchi.mp/395aa89d6ec0/join-richie-billings-community-of-writers
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https://richiebilling.com/fantasy-writing-classes
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https://mailchi.mp/be6082d43b39/the-writers-toolshed
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Score global : 68%

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How to Build a Profitable Author Business (Without Burning Out) | Joanna Penn

Season 3 · Episode 28

Saturday, February 14, 2026 • Duration 57:13

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

If you’re serious about turning your writing into income, this episode will help you think strategically, act intentionally, and build long-term author resilience.

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

✍️ Join Our Community and Access Writing Tools:

Join The Discord Community: ⁠https://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed⁠

Richie's Patreon for free stories: https://www.patreon.com/cw/RichieBilling

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Email Marketing for Authors in 2026: How to Grow Your Audience and Sell More Books

Season 3 · Episode 27

Wednesday, January 14, 2026 • Duration 01:05:50

✍️ 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

How to Write Realistic Injuries and Wounds in Fantasy (With an ER Doctor)

Season 3 · Episode 18

Thursday, April 10, 2025 • Duration 39:20

This episode explains how to write realistic injuries and wounds in fantasy stories, focusing on medical accuracy, trauma, and believable consequences, with insights from ER doctor and fantasy author HB Reneau. You’ll learn how different injuries affect the body, how to portray wounds, infections, and recovery realistically, and how to reflect the physical and psychological impact of trauma in your characters. Ideal for fantasy writers who want to improve realism and deepen the emotional impact of their stories.

In this episode, I'm joined by fantasy author and ER doctor, HB Reneau.

HB talks all about injuries we commonly see in fantasy worlds--usually inflicted by swords and magic--and explains how we can best portray things like wounds and infections.

We also talk about the impact of injuries and trauma and mental health too.

HB also tells us all about her new book, The Revenant, and how she's used Kickstarter to fund a pretty awesome project.

ABOUT HB RENEAU

https://hbreneau.com/

GET BOOKS AND CLASSES ON WRITING FANTASY AND JOIN OUR DISCORD COMMUNITY

⁠https://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed⁠

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Fantasy Tropes Explained: How to Subvert Clichés and Write Original Stories

Season 1 · Episode 4

Friday, December 13, 2019 • Duration 30:55

Learn how to use and subvert fantasy tropes to create original, compelling stories while avoiding clichés and predictable storytelling.

Fantasy tropes are the backbone of the genre—but rely on them too heavily, and your story risks feeling predictable and overdone.

In this episode, I’m joined by J.M. Williams to explore how to take classic fantasy tropes and transform them into something fresh, original, and engaging.

We break down the craft of working with tropes, not against them, including:

How to identify overused fantasy tropes that weaken your story
Why readers love familiar conventions—and when to challenge them
Techniques for subverting tropes without losing their appeal
How to combine and reinvent tropes to create unique concepts
Common mistakes when “twisting” tropes (and how to avoid them)
Using theme, voice, and structure to add originality

We also explore examples from fantasy books and film, showing how successful writers play with expectations—and why some trope subversions fall flat.

If you want to write fantasy that feels both familiar and original, this episode will show you how to turn tropes into powerful storytelling tools instead of creative limitations.

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

Muddy Villages and Stone Castles - Medieval Settings in Fantasy

Season 1 · Episode 3

Friday, November 29, 2019 • Duration 09:59

Are medieval settings holding fantasy back? In this episode, discover how to reinvent classic worlds and build fantasy settings that feel new and alive.

In this episode of The Fantasy Writers’ Toolshed, Richie Billing and J.M. Williams tackle one of the most hotly debated topics in the fantasy genre — the medieval setting cliché. From muddy villages and wooden houses to knights, castles, and swords, medieval Europe has long been the default backdrop for fantasy stories. But is it time to move on?

Richie and J.M. discuss why the medieval world became such a staple of the genre, why it still resonates with readers, and how modern authors can push beyond the cliché to create richer, more original worlds. They explore how to borrow the best parts of medieval inspiration while still giving your setting a unique twist.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

Why medieval settings dominate fantasy fiction.
How to use historical realism without copying the past.
Fresh worldbuilding approaches to create non-European fantasy cultures.
How geography, technology, and culture shape a world’s tone.
The difference between inspired by and limited by history.
How to balance reader familiarity with creative innovation.
Tips on writing unique societies, cities, and political systems beyond the usual castles and kings.

Whether you love knights and dragons or want to break away from them entirely, this episode gives you fantasy worldbuilding tips to make your setting stand out. Richie and J.M. also share examples of authors who’ve taken inspiration from non-Western and alternative historical models — showing that originality doesn’t mean abandoning authenticity.

Key takeaways:

Are Fantasy Clichés Ruining Your Story? Discover How to Break the Rules and Write Something Fresh

Season 1 · Episode 2

Saturday, November 16, 2019 • Duration 32:21

Tired of hearing your story feels “too familiar”? In this episode, we explore how to spot, avoid, and reinvent common fantasy clichés to make your writing truly original.

In the debut episode of The Fantasy Writers’ Toolshed, hosts Richie Billing and JM Williams dive deep into the world of fantasy tropes and clichés. We all know them — the Chosen One, the wise old mentor, the dark lord who’s evil for the sake of it. But why do these familiar elements get such a bad reputation, and how can you use them to your advantage rather than let them drag your story down?

You’ll learn:

What makes a cliché different from a trope — and why not all clichés are bad.
How to identify tired fantasy conventions that weaken your story’s originality.
Practical writing tips to subvert or reinvent classic fantasy elements.
Creative ways to use clichés intentionally to enhance themes or character arcs.
How to turn reader expectations on their head without losing coherence.
Worldbuilding advice to help your fantasy setting feel unique and immersive.

Richie shares insights from years of studying and teaching fantasy writing, offering clear, actionable strategies for elevating your storytelling. Whether you’re outlining your first novel or polishing your tenth, this episode gives you the tools to recognise patterns in fantasy fiction — and transform them into strengths.

We also discuss some of the most overused fantasy tropes in modern storytelling, including:

The Chosen One prophecy
Elves, dwarves, and orcs lifted straight from Tolkien
Evil villains with no real motive

The Promo

Season 1 · Episode 1

Thursday, October 31, 2019 • Duration 04:26

A brand new monthly podcast looking at all things writing, fantasy fiction, and building your author platform. Hosted by Richie Billing (https://richiebilling.com) and JM Williams (https://jmwilliams.home.blog).

Please consider supporting us on Patreon! (https://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed). You can join our community of writers, get access to exclusive fantasy writing workshops, and copies of acclaimed books on how to write fantasy

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

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Why Agents Reject Your Book (And How to Get a Literary Agent Instead)

Season 3 · Episode 17

Friday, March 14, 2025 • Duration 32:08

This episode explains how to get a literary agent, focusing on query letters, submission strategies, and what agents look for in writers. You’ll learn how to structure a compelling query letter, avoid common submission mistakes, and understand why agents reject manuscripts, with insights from literary agent assistant Brianna Summers. Ideal for writers preparing to query agents and seeking traditional publishing.

In this episode, I'm joined by Brianna Summers, literary agent assistant with Holloway Literary. Brianna also works as an editor with Of Metal and Magic Publishing.

Brianna shares her wisdom after spending several years working in the literary agency field. She tells us what it's like for agents on a day-to-day basis and the main reasons she rejects submissions.

We also take a deep dive into query letters and Brianna shares her ideal structure for what a query letter should contain.

If you're thinking about querying literary agents or want to learn more about it, this episode is a must-listen!

ABOUT BRIANNA SUMMERS

https://www.instagram.com/brianna.summers.338/

https://hollowayliterary.com/

https://ofmetalandmagicpublishing.wordpress.com/

GET BOOKS AND CLASSES ON WRITING FANTASY AND JOIN OUR DISCORD COMMUNITY

https://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed

How to Write Fantasy Short Stories That Get Published (With Editor Dan Coxon)

Season 3 · Episode 16

Friday, February 14, 2025 • Duration 53:23

This episode explains how to write and publish fantasy short stories, focusing on structure, editing, and what editors look for in submissions. You’ll learn how to craft compelling short fiction, avoid common mistakes, improve your editing process, and increase your chances of acceptance, with insights from award-winning writer and editor Dan Coxon. Ideal for writers who want to improve their short story craft and get published in fantasy magazines, anthologies, or competitions.

Short stories are one of the most powerful ways to sharpen your craft—but writing them well (and getting them published) is a skill in itself.

In this episode, I’m joined by Dan Coxon, an award-winning short story writer and editor, to break down exactly how short fiction works from both a writer’s and editor’s perspective.

We cover everything you need to know to improve your fantasy short stories and increase your chances of publication, including:

What defines a fantasy short story (and what doesn’t)
Different short story structures and how to use them
Common mistakes writers make—and how to avoid them
How to edit short fiction for maximum impact
What editors look for when selecting stories
How to write a strong cover letter for submissions

If you want to write tighter, more compelling short stories—and actually get them accepted—this episode gives you the tools and insider knowledge to do it.

ABOUT DAN COXON

https://www.dancoxon.com/

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

GET DAN'S BOOKS

Writing The Uncanny -

How to Write Grimdark Fantasy: Violence, Morality and Character Depth (With Anna Smith Spark)

Season 3 · Episode 15

Tuesday, January 14, 2025 • Duration 52:18

This episode explains how to write grimdark fantasy, focusing on morally complex characters, violence, tone, and emotional depth, with insights from acclaimed author Anna Smith Spark. You’ll learn what defines grimdark as a subgenre, how to avoid common misconceptions, build brutal yet believable worlds, and create flawed characters that feel real. Ideal for fantasy writers who want to write darker, more impactful stories with depth and authenticity.

Grimdark fantasy is one of the most compelling and misunderstood subgenres in modern fantasy—but writing it well requires far more than darkness and violence.

In this episode, I’m joined by the Queen of Grimdark, Anna Smith Spark, author of A Court of Broken Knives, A Woman of the Sword, and A Sword of Bronze and Ashes, to break down exactly what makes grimdark work.

We explore both the craft and philosophy behind the genre, including:

What grimdark fantasy really is (and common misconceptions)
How to write morally complex, flawed characters
Balancing violence, tone, and emotional depth
Anna’s writing process and approach to pantsing
Building immersive, brutal worlds that feel real
Overcoming common writing challenges in dark fantasy

If you want to write darker, sharper, and more emotionally powerful fantasy, this episode will show you how to capture the true essence of grimdark.

ABOUT ANNA SMITH SPARK

https://britishfantasysociety.org/meet-anna-smith-spark/

https://www.instagram.com/annasmithspark/

https://www.facebook.com/queenofgrimdark/

The Fantasy Writers' Toolshed – Details, episodes & analysis

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The Fantasy Writers' Toolshed – Details, episodes & analysis

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