The Fantasy Writers' Toolshed

by Richie Billing

Books How To

Season 3

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

S3 · E26

Dec 14, 2025

46:10

The Biggest Mistakes Authors Make (According to a Writing Coach) | Suzy Vadori on Character Creation, Worldbuilding & Author Growth

Are you repeating the same writing mistakes without realising it? In this episode, writing coach and author Suzy Vadori reveals the biggest errors she sees in authors, and how to avoid them. Join Richie Billing and Suzy Vadori as they explore Suzy’s journey from businesswoman to bestselling YA fantasy author and coach. We dive into her unique approach to character creation, immersive world-building, and the crucial missteps that hold writers back. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why so many authors struggle with character arcs and how to fix them. Practical world-building strategies that bring your setting to life without slowing the story. The top three mistakes authors make when switching from business mindset to creative craft. How Suzy’s coaching practice and author experience provide clarity, structure and growth. How to build your author brand and writing career from the ground up. Whether you’re working on your first novel or deep into your series, you’ll walk away with actionable advice. ✍️ More from Suzy Vadori: Website: https://suzyvadori.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/suzyvadori/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/suzyvadoriauthor/ ✍️ Join our community & writing tools: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed Website and writing classes: https://richiebilling.com/

S3 · E25

Nov 14, 2025

44:28

Jim C. Hines on Writing Fantasy: Characters, Short Stories, and the Author Journey

This episode explains how to improve your fantasy writing by focusing on character development, short story craft, and long-term creative growth, with insights from bestselling author Jim C. Hines. You’ll learn how to write compelling characters, approach short fiction effectively, build a sustainable writing career, and stay motivated over time. Ideal for fantasy writers who want practical advice on both craft and the realities of being an author. I'm thrilled to be joined by bestselling fantasy author, Jim C. Hines for an extended interview about his two new books, Kitemaster and the relaunch of the beloved classic, Goblin Quest. Jim opens up about his writing journey, what it's like to be a writer—even down to the earnings—and shares some of his best advice for writing short stories, crafting lovable characters, and writing stories that you're passionate about. It's fantastic to learn from such a seasoned and decorated pro. I learned an awful lot, and I hope you do too! ABOUT JIM C. HINES https://www.jimchines.com/ Goblin Quest (direct from author) - https://payhip.com/b/XBK0D Kitemaster - https://bookshop.org/p/books/kitemaster/21588658?aid=25009 FANTASY WRITING BOOKS, CLASSES AND TOOLS ⁠https://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed ⁠ JOIN OUR DISCORD COMMUNITY ⁠⁠⁠https://mailchi.mp/395aa89d6ec0/join-richie-billings-community-of-writers⁠ ⁠⁠

S3 · E21

Jul 14, 2025

58:17

Writing Fresh Fantasy With Kel Kade

In this episode, I’m joined by New York Times Best Selling fantasy author, Kel Kade. Kel’s new book, Sanctum of the Soul, was published by Tor in February 2025 and completes her brilliant new trilogy. As well as discussing the new book, we also dive into the character creation process and how to create fantasy worlds, discussing techniques and methods to ensure we don’t info dump! Kel also shares her favourite and least favourite fantasy tropes, and we discuss some newer and more shocking tropes that writers should think about before including. And Kel also discusses her amazing journey through the world of writing, starting out as a popular indie author with The King's Dark Tidings, before getting snapped up by Tor. FANTASY WRITING BOOKS, CLASSES AND TOOLS https://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed JOIN OUR DISCORD COMMUNITY ⁠⁠https://mailchi.mp/395aa89d6ec0/join-richie-billings-community-of-writers ⁠⁠ ABOUT KEL CADE https://torpublishinggroup.com/sanctum-of-the-soul/?isbn=9781250293893&format=hardback https://kelkade.com/books/ ⁠⁠ https://www.goodreads.com/series/172856-king-s-dark-tidings GET IN TOUCH thefantasywriterstoolshed@gmail.com ⁠⁠⁠www.richiebilling.com⁠⁠⁠ RESOURCES Discover more ⁠⁠⁠writing tips⁠ and guides⁠⁠ hereAnd learn more about ⁠⁠⁠writing fantasy⁠⁠⁠ here

S3 · E20

Jun 14, 2025

29:31

Theme, Premise and Writing YA In 2025 with Sarah Arthur

Award-winning YA author Sarah Arthur returns to the Toolshed to discuss her brilliant new book, Once A Castle. Sarah also shares her experiences following the release of her debut YA novel (Once A Queen), what it was like writing book two, and how theme has played such an important role in the writing of both. We also discuss Artificial Intelligence (AI) creeping into the writing world, and Sarah provides her expert insights into what 2025 holds for the world of Young Adult fantasy fiction. JOIN OUR DISCORD COMMUNITY ⁠https://mailchi.mp/395aa89d6ec0/join-richie-billings-community-of-writers⁠ ABOUT SARAH ARTHUR ⁠⁠https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/authors/2216828/sarah-arthur/ ⁠ ⁠www.saraharthur.com ⁠ ONCE A CASTLE https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/213618161-once-a-castle https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/707441/once-a-castle-by-sarah-arthur/ GET IN TOUCH thefantasywriterstoolshed@gmail.com ⁠⁠www.richiebilling.com⁠⁠ RESOURCES Discover more ⁠⁠writing tips⁠ and guides⁠ here And learn more about ⁠⁠writing fantasy⁠⁠ here

S3 · E19

May 14, 2025

47:13

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

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

S3 · E18

Apr 10, 2025

39:20

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

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

S3 · E17

Mar 14, 2025

32:08

2 of 12

The Fantasy Writers' Toolshed

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

The Biggest Mistakes Authors Make (According to a Writing Coach) | Suzy Vadori on Character Creation, Worldbuilding & Author Growth

How to Write a Book Series and Build an Author Brand That Sells More Books

Writing The Magic With Lucy Holland and Dan Coxon

Linguistics and Historical Fiction with Professor Charles Li

Jim C. Hines on Writing Fantasy: Characters, Short Stories, and the Author Journey

Writing Fresh Fantasy With Kel Kade

Theme, Premise and Writing YA In 2025 with Sarah Arthur

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

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