The Fantasy Writers' Toolshed

by Richie Billing

Season 3

Anthropology and Worldbuilding with Michael Kilman - A Goldmine For Writers

In this episode, I'm delighted to be joined by author, podcaster and anthropologist Michael Kilman. Michael shares fantastic insights on what anthropology is and how it can be applied to writing fantasy books. We delve into cause-and-effect, the anthropological roots of monsters, taboos, and cross-cultural myth structures, and discuss why these are goldmines for fantasy writers. We also look at how worldbuilding through anthropology explores real-world, cross-cultural issues, and we look at a wide range of examples of approaches that humans take to structure their societies. In short, using anthropology in your world creation process can help to create more nuanced and complex characters and cultures, making tension and conflict feel more impactful, and stories more immersive. I hope you enjoy it! More About Michael Kilman Michael co-wrote Build Better Worlds: An Introduction to Anthropology for Game Designers, Fiction Writers, and Filmmakers with forensic anthropologist Kyra Wellstrom. He recently published an academic book chapter titled Worldbuilding as Pedagogy: Teaching Anthropology and Diversity in Contentious Times. He's spent 11 years teaching anthropology at university level, including a course called Anthropology Through Science Fiction, has hosted a TED Talk, and also hosts a live Ask an Anthropologist about Worldbuilding series on YouTube, which you can check out for even more on the topic. https://loridianslaboratory.com/ https://www.youtube.com/c/MichaelKilmanAuthor https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uBC4FaVnOAs - Michael's TED Talk https://www.instagram.com/loridianslab/ https://loridianslab.medium.com/ https://substack.com/@loridianslaboratory More From The Toolshed Get my handbook on writing fantasy > https://richiebilling.com/store/books/a-fantasy-writers-handbook-ebook Get courses and classes on creating fantasy stories, plus early access to episodes > https://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed/ More resources and contact > https://richiebilling.com/

S3 · E35

Aug 13, 2026

1:15:30

Jayne Ann Krentz on Core Story, Character Craft & 40+ Years of Bestsellers

More From The Toolshed Get my handbook on writing fantasy > https://richiebilling.com/store/books/a-fantasy-writers-handbook-ebook Get courses and classes on creating fantasy stories, plus early access to episodes > https://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed/ More resources and contact > https://richiebilling.com/ How do you write characters that leap off the page—and keep readers hooked for 40 years? New York Times bestselling author Jayne Ann Krentz joins The Fantasy Writers' Toolshed for a career-spanning masterclass in writing romance, suspense, and gothic fiction. With over 200 books published under three names—Jayne Ann Krentz, Amanda Quick, and Jayne Castle—and more than 30 million copies in print, Jayne reveals the "core story" approach behind her extraordinary longevity, and the single best piece of advice she'd give any writer. We dig into character creation, worldbuilding readers can't resist returning to (yes, we talk dust bunnies—Harmony fans, you know), and the mechanics of romantic suspense, where every twist in the romance drives a twist in the suspense, and vice versa. Jayne also breaks down what defines gothic fiction, how publishing has transformed across her career, and where the industry is heading next. Plus: her brand-new novel Enter the Nightmare (written as Jayne Castle), the latest in the Harmony series—out now. In this episode: the core story method • creating unforgettable characters • worldbuilding • how to write romantic suspense • writing gothic novels • the future of publishing • advice for new and aspiring writers 🔗 JAYNE ANN KRENTZ Website > https://jayneannkrentz.com/ Facebook > https://www.facebook.com/JayneAnnKrentz/ Instagram > https://www.instagram.com/jayneannkrentzauthor/ Enter the Nightmare > https://jayneannkrentz.com/book/enter-the-nightmare/ UK readers > https://www.hachette.co.uk/titles/jayne-castle/enter-the-nightmare/9780349449456/

S3 · E34

Jul 13, 2026

38:02

How to Get Your Short Stories Published & Find a Literary Agent | Benjamin Davis (Chill Subs)

More From The Toolshed Get my handbook on writing fantasy > https://richiebilling.com/store/books/a-fantasy-writers-handbook-ebook Get courses and classes on creating fantasy stories, plus early access to episodes > https://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed/ More resources and contact > https://richiebilling.com/ Want to get your short stories published? In this episode of The Fantasy Writers' Toolshed, host Richie Billing sits down with Benjamin Davis, co-founder of Chill Subs, for a comprehensive, no-nonsense guide to submitting short fiction to literary magazines, navigating the submissions process, and using it as a genuine route toward landing a literary agent. Chill Subs is the platform 50,000+ writers use to discover, track and submit to literary magazines, contests and agents — so Ben sees the short-fiction publishing world from the inside. He shares the latest shifts and trends in the literary magazine market, then gives honest, insider answers to the questions writers agonise over most: Do cover letters actually matter — and what should (and shouldn't) go in them? How should you format a short story submission? Are simultaneous submissions acceptable, and how do you keep track of them? Can you submit reprints, and where will editors accept them? How do short story credits actually help you get a literary agent? Where are the best places to submit right now, and how do you find them? Whether you're submitting your first short story or trying to build a publication history that opens doors to agents and book deals, this is a practical, market-leader's view of how short fiction publishing really works in 2026. In this episode, you'll learn: How to find the right literary magazines for your work using Chill Subs What editors really think about cover letters and formatting The rules (and etiquette) around simultaneous submissions and reprints How short-story publication credits feed into querying literary agents The current trends reshaping the literary magazine and submissions market About Benjamin Davis: Benjamin Davis is a writer and the co-founder of Chill Subs, a submissions platform used by over 50,000 writers to discover and track literary magazines, contests and agents. He also runs Sub Club, a top-selling Substack newsletter on literary publishing opportunities, and is connected with Write or Die Magazine. His own fiction and poetry have appeared in journals including Booth, Hobart and Maudlin House, and he's the author of The King of FU and Things We Do While Waiting to Die. 🔗 Chill Subs: https://www.chillsubs.com

S3 · E33

Jun 13, 2026

1:05:07

How Michael Chatfield Built a Bestselling Author Business | Writing Process, Patreon & Reader Growth

More From The Toolshed Get my handbook on writing fantasy > https://richiebilling.com/store/books/a-fantasy-writers-handbook-ebook Get courses and classes on creating fantasy stories, plus early access to episodes > https://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed/ More resources and contact > https://richiebilling.com/ In this episode of The Fantasy Writers’ Toolshed, host Richie Billing interviews bestselling author Michael Chatfield about the writing process, indie publishing, Patreon, audience growth, character creation and building a sustainable author business. Learn practical ways to generate story ideas, develop compelling characters, engage readers, grow a subscription community and think more commercially about a long-term writing career. In this episode, I'm joined by bestselling indie author Michael Chatfield for a practical and revealing conversation about what it really takes to build a successful writing career. Michael is the author of major fantasy, science fiction and LitRPG series, including The Ten Realms, Emerilia, Harmony War and Restarting the Apocalypse. He's also built an engaged reader community through subscription platforms like Patreon, where fans can access early chapters, exclusive material, behind-the-scenes updates and opportunities to become more involved in the creative process. This episode explores Michael’s writing process, from finding inspiration and developing ideas to creating characters that feel active, motivated and memorable. We also discuss the business side of being an indie author, including how Michael has grown beyond writing alone and developed a publishing operation that employs multiple people. For fantasy writers, LitRPG authors, self-published novelists and anyone interested in author entrepreneurship, this interview offers a valuable look at the link between craft, consistency, reader engagement and commercial sustainability. ABOUT MICHAEL CHATFIELD https://michaelchatfield.com/ https://www.patreon.com/c/authormichaelchatfield/ https://www.facebook.com/authormichaelchatfield/ https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14055550.Michael_Chatfield

S3 · E32

May 13, 2026

47:17

Can I Save This Terrible High Fantasy Story? | Fixing Bad Writing

More From The Toolshed Get my handbook on writing fantasy > https://richiebilling.com/store/books/a-fantasy-writers-handbook-ebook Get courses and classes on creating fantasy stories, plus early access to episodes > https://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed/ More resources and contact > https://richiebilling.com/ For the full video experience, please watch on YouTube > https://www.youtube.com/@fixingbadwriting Welcome to Fixing Bad Writing, a new series within The Fantasy Writers' Toolshed podcast, where I take a rubbish story generated by AI and try to make it good, or at least less crappy. In Episode 1, I tackle the "High Fantasy" genre. Walk through the story's analysis with me, watch as I edit, before seeing whether or not I can save this terrible story. If you’re looking for a creative writing challenge or a unique writing exercise, you’re in the right place. This series acts as a writing guide for anyone trying to spot common mistakes and improve their craft. Whether you are looking for writing exercises for beginners or more advanced story writing exercises, hopefully, this live rewrite will teach you new skills! 🏆 TAKE THE WRITING CHALLENGE Think you can do better? (You probably can). I want to see your version! And then why not join our Discord community and share it? Here's the original story: In the kingdom of Eldoria there was a man called Brin who was a knight but not a very good one, and one day he was told by the king to go and stop a dark wizard named Maldrake who lived in a tower that was quite far away and also spooky, so Brin said yes even though he was a bit tired and hadn’t eaten much, and he got on his horse which didn’t like him very much and set off slowly while thinking about how dangerous it all sounded. On the way he met a strange old woman who may have been magical but it was not very clear, and she gave him a sword that looked important but also a bit rusty, and told him something vague like “you will need this probably,” which Brin thought was helpful enough. When he got to the tower it was taller than expected and had a door that was already open which seemed suspicious, but he went in anyway and shouted for Maldrake who appeared almost immediately which saved time, and they had a fight that was not very graceful but still quite serious, and Brin mostly waved the sword around until something worked and the wizard fell over in a way that suggested he was defeated. After that Brin felt proud but also confused about how easy it was, and he went back to the kingdom where the king thanked him a lot and there was a feast, although Brin kept wondering if the wizard might not actually be fully gone which made the ending feel a bit unsure.

S3 · E31

Apr 27, 2026

32:21

How To Write A Query Letter Literary Agents Will Love (With Stephen Aryan)

More From The Toolshed Get my handbook on writing fantasy > https://richiebilling.com/store/books/a-fantasy-writers-handbook-ebook Get courses and classes on creating fantasy stories, plus early access to episodes > https://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed/ More resources and contact > https://richiebilling.com/ Learn how to write a query letter for literary agents, including the correct structure, paragraph-by-paragraph breakdown, submission strategy, and proven techniques to increase your chances of getting representation. Writing a query letter is one of the most important—and most misunderstood—steps in the traditional publishing process. It’s your first impression with a literary agent, and it determines whether your manuscript gets read or rejected. In this episode, I’m joined by bestselling author Stephen Aryan, who secured representation with literary agent Juliet Mushens, to break down exactly how to write a query letter that stands out in a competitive submissions inbox. This is a detailed, practical deconstruction of query letters, designed to give you a clear, repeatable framework. We cover every stage of the query process, including: What a query letter is and how literary agents evaluate submissions The standard query letter structure (opening hook, synopsis paragraph, author bio, closing) A step-by-step walkthrough of how to write each paragraph Key query letter terminology and industry expectations How many agents to query before revising your approach Whether you should follow up with agents—and how to do it professionally How to get feedback on your query letter (including services like Stephen’s Write Advice) Real-world insights from Stephen Aryan’s successful query letter This episode combines craft, strategy, and industry knowledge to give you a complete understanding of how querying works. If you’re preparing to submit to literary agents and want to improve your chances of securing representation, this episode provides a clear, actionable guide to writing a query letter that gets results. ABOUT STEPHEN ARYAN https://stephen-aryan.com/ https://stephen-aryan.com/2014/07/31/how-i-found-an-agent-part-2/ https://fantasy-hive.co.uk/2024/06/the-write-advice-4-common-mistakes-in-query-packages/ https://www.mushens-entertainment.com/blog/the-perfect-cover-letter

S3 · E30

Apr 13, 2026

44:50

Writing the Fae, Present Tense Storytelling and Confined Fantasy Worlds | Rym Kechacha on The Apple and the Pearl

More From The Toolshed Get my handbook on writing fantasy > https://richiebilling.com/store/books/a-fantasy-writers-handbook-ebook Get courses and classes on creating fantasy stories, plus early access to episodes > https://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed/ More resources and contact > https://richiebilling.com/ What makes the fae such enduring figures in fantasy? How do you write in the present tense without it feeling awkward? And can a fantasy story work in a confined setting instead of a vast world? In this episode, I’m joined by author Rym Kechacha to talk about her new novel The Apple and the Pearl. We dive into the strange allure of the fae in fantasy fiction, explore the craft of writing in the present tense, and discuss how powerful stories can unfold in smaller, more contained settings. Rym shares insights into her writing process, including the idea of “vibe writing” — letting the tone and atmosphere of a story guide you as you discover the narrative. We also talk about taking inspiration from artwork and paintings, and how visual sources can shape characters, mood and worldbuilding. One of the most interesting aspects of The Apple and the Pearl is its setting. Rather than a sprawling epic landscape, much of the story unfolds within the confined environment of a train. We discuss how limitations like this can actually strengthen tension, character development and narrative focus. If you’re a fantasy writer or reader, this conversation offers a fascinating look at craft, inspiration and the creative decisions behind a unique fantasy novel. In this episode, you’ll learn: How writing in the present tense can make a story feel immediate and active Why the fae remain one of the most compelling forces in fantasy fiction How to create characters readers genuinely care about The idea behind “vibe writing” and discovering your story as you write How artwork and paintings can inspire story ideas and atmosphere Why confined settings can create powerful fantasy stories About The Apple and the Pearl Get it here > https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/800526/the-apple-and-the-pearl-by-rym-kechacha/ About Rym Kechacha Rym Kechacha is a fantasy author and teacher whose work blends folklore, art, and literary fantasy. She is the author of Dark River, To Catch a Moon, and the new novel The Apple and the Pearl. Her debut novel Dark River was shortlisted for the British Fantasy Awards for both Best Novel and Best Newcomer. Website https://rymkechacha.squarespace.com X / Twitter https://x.com/rymkechacha Instagram https://www.instagram.com/rymkechacha/

S3 · E29

Mar 14, 2026

48:51

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

More From The Toolshed Get my handbook on writing fantasy > https://richiebilling.com/store/books/a-fantasy-writers-handbook-ebook Get courses and classes on creating fantasy stories, plus early access to episodes > https://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed/ More resources and contact > https://richiebilling.com/ 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 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

S3 · E28

Feb 14, 2026

57:13

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

More From The Toolshed Get my handbook on writing fantasy > https://richiebilling.com/store/books/a-fantasy-writers-handbook-ebook Get courses and classes on creating fantasy stories, plus early access to episodes > https://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed/ More resources and contact > https://richiebilling.com/ ✍️ 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 This episode isn’t about spam tactics or quick wins. It’s about future-proofing your email strategy, owning your audience, and using email as the central hub of your writing career — not just a promotional afterthought. Ideal for: Writers and authors at any stage Indie authors selling ebooks, paperbacks, audiobooks, or subscriptions Creators who want clarity, consistency, and long-term audience control

S3 · E27

Jan 14, 2026

1:05:50

RJ Barker on Fantasy Writing: Character Depth, Worldbuilding, and the Writing Process

S3 · E26

Dec 14, 2025

46:10

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