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 whil ...