The Fantasy Writers' Toolshed

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

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 storiesAbout The Apple and the Pearl The Apple and the Pearl blends myth, atmosphere and character-driven storytelling, drawing on fae folklore and rich visual inspiration to create a unique fantasy experience.Whether you’re interested in folklore-inspired fantasy, writing craft, or the creative process behind a novel, this episode offers plenty of insight.Subscribe to the podcast for more conversations with fantasy authors, writing advice and behind-the-scenes discussions about storytelling.Get it here > https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/800526/the-apple-and-the-pearl-by-rym-kechacha/About Rym KechachaRym 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.comX / Twitter https://x.com/rymkechachaInstagram https://www.instagram.com/rymkechacha/

Creating A Successful Author Business With Joanna Penn

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 craftIf you’re serious about turning your writing into income, this episode will help you think strategically, act intentionally, and build long-term author resilience.Because writing as a business isn’t about selling out — it’s about building freedom.About Joanna PennNon-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/TheFantasyWritersToolshed⁠Richie's Patreon for free stories: https://www.patreon.com/cw/RichieBillingWebsite and writing classes: ⁠https://richiebilling.com/online-writing-classesFollow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fantasywriterstoolshed/

Email Marketing for Writers and Authors In 2026

✍️ Access The Free Class Here: Email Marketing For Writers and AuthorsEmail 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 volumeWhy generic drip sequences are losing effectivenessThe rise of interactive emails, surveys, and community-driven contentHow AI is shaping email creation, analysis, and personalisationWhy newsletters are becoming a primary publishing platform for writersThis 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 stageIndie authors selling ebooks, paperbacks, audiobooks, or subscriptionsCreators who want clarity, consistency, and long-term audience control✍️ Join Our Community and Access Writing Tools:Patreon: ⁠https://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed⁠Richie's Patreon for free stories: https://www.patreon.com/cw/RichieBillingWebsite and writing classes: ⁠https://richiebilling.com/online-writing-classesFollow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fantasywriterstoolshed/

RJ Barker On Writing Fantasy

RJ Barker is a critically acclaimed and award-winning fantasy author of the Wounded Kingdom and Tide Child trilogies, and certainly one of the best writers around right now. In this in-depth interview, RJ shares his story of getting into writing, honing his craft, and the process of creating his brilliant stories. We delve into creating characters and worldbuilding, psychological challenges and how to overcome them, and RJ shares his best pieces of advice for all writers out there looking to learn something new. ✍️ More from RJ Barker:Website: ⁠https://www.rjbarker.com/BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/rjbarker.bsky.socialBooks: https://store.orbit-books.co.uk/collections/author-rj-barker✍️ Join our community & writing tools:Patreon: ⁠https://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed⁠Website and writing classes: ⁠https://richiebilling.com/

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=enFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/suzyvadoriauthor/✍️ Join our community & writing tools:Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshedWebsite and writing classes: https://richiebilling.com/