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In this episode, we tackle fantasy tropes. How can writers twist conventional fantasy ideas to create unique and interesting angles? We look at a few examples and discuss some ways of finding originality. Plus, the results of our competition! Start listening via one of the below (more to be added shortly). Spotify iTunes Google Podcasts… Continue reading [Podcast] Episode Two – Twisting Fantasy Tropes
The podcast market is huge and growing. Making a #podcast has never been more simple or accessible and this presents writers with brilliant opportunities to reach new audiences. In this quick guide, I talk you through everything you need to do to get your voice out there and heard.
Is the novel dead? I'm running a poll in response to an article I saw a couple weeks back and I want to hear from the #writingcommunity.
Here we are. Book day at last! My first ever fiction book is out and available to buy! I'm overwhelmed by the response it's received so far.
https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-tgpmd-c95af9 In this shorter episode, JM and Richie discuss a cliche they didn't get round to discussing in episode one: medieval settings in the fantasy genre. It's a hot topic amongst readers and writers at the moment. What are your views? Are you sick and tired of muddy villages and wooden houses, stone castles, swords,… Continue reading Mini-Episode – Medieval Settings in Fantasy
In our very first episode, we're looking at fantasy clichés. What are they? Why are they bad? How can you avoid them? How can you use them? We tackle the chosen one, wise old mentors, fantasy races, and evil villains for evil's sake. Plus, we've got a few freebies to give away!
Following the release of A Fantasy Writers’ Handbook, my good friend JM Williams and I came up with the idea of launching a podcast in a similar vein. A clever move or a foolish one? Time shall tell. The Fantasy Writers’ Toolshed will serve as a more interactive platform to talk about all things writing, fantasy… Continue reading A Podcast is Born
Netflix is wonderful to fall asleep to. You can choose a show and if you nod off it’s no problem to rewind and pick up where you left off. Lately I’ve been watching Once Upon A Time again. Originally aired on ABC, this is a wonderful retelling of the old fairy tales we know and love, but with a twist.
Created by Edward Kitsis and Adam Horowitz, it ran from October 2011 to May 2018. They also wrote many of the episodes but just a few of the other writers include Jane Espenson, David H. Goodman, Liz Tigelaar and Ian Goldberg. For a full list go to Wikipedia. These bright, imaginative folks turned kiddie stories into fun watching for grownups. A mix of fairy tales, folklore and Disney movies, we get to reconnect with some old favorites.
If you read the Brothers Grimm or Hans Christian Anderson you know some…
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Autumn's grip is tightening. The cold air bites the face and mist billows from mouths. I don't know about you, but I'd much rather be inside with a decent book. And you can get your hands on a couple today for just 0.99! Have you ever wanted to write? Do you write and feel like… Continue reading A Halloween Special
A thousand thank you’s to Steph for this lovely review of ‘A Fantasy Writers’ Handbook’. If you haven’t seen Steph’s blog before, head over there and check it out. You won’t be sorry. It’s brimming with brilliantly insightful reviews on all kinds of books. You won’t struggle to find something to read again.
Steph had some very nice things to say about AFWH, this being my favourite:
“This is an ideal, accessible source for tips and advice, and practical resources for the aspiring fantasy author.”
Thank you again! And if you haven’t checked out AFWH, it’s available cheaply on Amazon!
Go here for Amazon US > https://amzn.to/2SMN5T4
And here for Amazon UK > http://bit.ly/AFWHandbook
(also available in all other countries)
*I received a free copy of this book with thanks to the author. The decision to review and my opinions are my own.*
Blurb: ‘A Fantasy Writers’ Handbook’ provides detailed guidance on the pillars of storytelling as well as aspects of writing that rarely feature in other books, such as writing fight scenes and world-building. At times the focus shifts away from the technical elements and considers the philosophies behind writing, ways to help you maintain focus, and methods of battling the demons of doubt that forever loom over our shoulders.
Section two explores the thriving genre of fantasy and the many facets that make it what it is, before looking at the histories of our world that so often inspire our fantasy tales.
The final part looks at the things that come after you’ve finished your story—formatting, peer reviewing, finding publishers—and other things the contemporary writer can do to enhance…
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