The Fantasy Writers' Toolshed

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...

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...

Discover what makes romance and cozy mysteries two of the most successful and reader-loved genres in publishing. In this episode of The Fantasy Writers’ Toolshed, host Richie Billing sits down with bestselling authors...

I'm delighted to be joined by bestselling fantasy authors Lucy Holland and Dan Coxon for an all-encompassing discussion on writing fantasy. Dan has curated and co-edited a brilliant new craft book called Writing The...

In this episode, I'm delighted to be joined by Professor Charles Li, author of the brilliant new historical fiction novel, Lord Guan. We chat all about Professor Li's expertise in languages and linguistics, and I pick...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

In this episode, award-winning short story writer and editor Dan Coxon joins me for an in-depth chat about writing short fiction. We look at the definition of a short story, the different structures they can have, the...

In this episode, I’m delighted to be joined by the Queen of Grimdark, Anna Smith Spark! Anna joins me for a deep dive into all things writing. We look at Anna’s process, how she wrote her brilliant books, A Court of...

In this final episode of 2024, I discuss all of the best writing tips I've come across in the past year, as well as the most helpful things I've learned. In particular, I dive into writing short stories and getting them...

In this episode, I'm joined by voice over artist and audiobook producer, Ethan Fifield, for an explainer on how to make an audiobook. Ethan offers a fantastic insight into the process of making audiobooks, explaining...

In this episode, award-nominated author Ciel Pierlot joins me in the Toolshed for a fascinating chat about writing fantasy and writing queer fiction. Ciel's new book, The Hunter's Gambit, was published by Angry Robot...

In this special episode, I'm delighted to be joined by returning guest and bestselling author, Stephen Aryan. Stephen has just released his latest fantasy novel, The Blood Dimmed Tide, and on 1st October, he's releasing...

In this episode I'm delighted to be joined by fantasy author, Kate J. Armstrong. Kate's new book Fyrebirds recently hit the shelves and in this episode we talk all about it. We also dive into Kate's journey through the...

Jennifer L. Armentrout is one of the biggest authors in the world right now. A #1 NYT Bestseller, as well as a #1 International Bestseller, Jennifer has penned over 70 books in a range of genres and for all different...

In this episode, I'm delighted to welcome bestselling author, Sarah Arthur. Sarah's debut YA fantasy novel, Once A Queen has recently hit the shelves courtesy of Penguin Random House. We chat all about writing a YA...

In this episode, we welcome the Kindlepreneur himself, Dave Chesson for a chat about selling books on Amazon and Kindle Direct Publishing. Dave has devoted huge amounts of time and effort into helping authors sell books...

In this episode, I’m delighted to be joined by Sunday Times Bestselling author, Manda Scott. Manda is well known for her historical fiction series, Boudica. And in June, her new novel, Any Human Power is hitting the...

In this episode, I'm joined by fantasy author Gabriela Houston for an honest chat about writing and publishing. Gabriela has developed a reputation for writing brilliant, Slavic-inspired tales. The Bone Roots, published...

I'm joined by author Salinee Goldenberg for a brilliantly honest chat about writing her debut novel, The Last Phi Hunter, getting published, and dealing with challenges like Imposter Syndrome. The Last Phi Hunter is a...

In this episode, award-winning author and leader in the world of children's literature and children's books, Meredith Davis, shares many a pearl of wisdom. Not only is Meredith a leading author of children's books...

In this episode, we cover a very hot topic right now (in more ways than one)—romantasy. With the help of editor Jennia D'Lima and author Lara Buckheit, we look at what romantasy is, its surge in popularity, the reasons...