College-level conversations about sci-fi, fantasy, horror, and weird fiction with writer G.L. McDorman.
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Speculative Fiction Writing Made Simple: How to Write, Edit, and Publish Your Debut Fantasy, Science Fiction, or Dystopian Novel
Heather Davis, Writing Coach, Book Coach, and Developmental Editor
Welcome to the Speculative Fiction Writing Made Simple Podcast! The show that’s all about how to brainstorm, write, edit, publish, and sell a powerful speculative fiction novel… and maybe just change the world too. I'm your host, Heather Davis. I’m a seasoned book coach, developmental editor, and fellow storyteller. In my work with writers, I always see the same problems and roadblocks standing in their way and preventing them from achieving their dream of becoming a published author. So it’ ...
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“Don’t tell me the moon is shining; show me the glint of light on broken glass.” --Anton Chekov Interviews and readings with authors and editors of science fiction, fantasy, horror, and speculative poetry. Hosted by Deborah L. Davitt.
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Writing Fantasy, Building Worlds, and Navigating the Publishing World with Leslye Penelope | Episode 42
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49:31Is your novel idea exciting… but the path from first spark to finished book feels confusing, overwhelming, or totally opaque? Do you daydream about epic worlds, lush magic systems, and big emotions… but worry you’ll never quite figure out how to actually build the story (or the career) you want? You’re not alone. I’ve worked with so many talented w…
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Make Your Writing Unputdownable Through Interiority | Episode 41
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16:50Is your writing polished but still not hitting with the emotional punch you want? Do your scenes look great on the surface… but readers don’t lean in, don’t feel connected, and don’t feel compelled to turn the page? You’re not alone. I’ve read thousands of opening pages from talented writers who have gorgeous prose, solid craft, and thoughtful worl…
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Writing as a Business: Self-Publishing Like a Pro (with Alexa Bigwarfe) | Episode 40
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1:06:12Self-publishing can feel overwhelming, confusing, and expensive… but it doesn’t have to stay that way. In this episode, I sit down with publisher, book coach, and summit host Alexa Bigwarfe (founder and CEO of Write|Publish|Sell and the Women in Publishing Summit) to break down your publishing options and demystify what it really takes to self-publ…
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Magical realism in Japan. Support the network and gain access to over fifty bonus episodes by becoming a patron on Patreon. Want more science fiction in your life? Check out The Gene Wolfe Literary Podcast. Love Neil Gaiman? Join us on Hanging Out With the Dream King: A Neil Gaiman Podcast. Lovecraft? Poe? Check out Elder Sign: A Weird Ficti…
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Brain-Friendly Writing Strategies for Writers with ADHD (with Nicole Bross) | Episode 39
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51:56Writing with ADHD can feel like chaos — but it doesn’t have to. In this episode, I sit down with book coach and author Nicole Bross to explore brain-friendly strategies that help neurodiverse writers focus, follow through, and finally finish their drafts. You’ll learn how to design a writing process that fits your brain instead of fighting against …
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4 Types of Writing Feedback Every Author Must Understand | Episode 38
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14:56Feedback can transform your writing — or completely derail your confidence — depending on how you understand it. In this episode, Heather breaks down the four types of writing feedback every author needs to know (and only one that truly helps you improve). You’ll learn how to tell the difference between feedback that leaves you spinning your wheels…
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The 4 Non-Negotiable Writing Foundations Every Novel Needs | Episode 37
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20:41Is your story built on a rock-solid foundation—or is it wobbling under the weight of weak structure, thin characters, or unclear purpose? In this episode of Speculative Fiction Made Simple, I break down the four essential elements every novel must have to truly resonate with readers, hook agents, and stand out in today’s crowded market. 💡 Spoiler: …
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Ep. 88: Good News from Outer Space by John Kessel
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1:46:02Pre-Millennial Tension. Support the network and gain access to over fifty bonus episodes by becoming a patron on Patreon. Want more science fiction in your life? Check out The Gene Wolfe Literary Podcast. Love Neil Gaiman? Join us on Hanging Out With the Dream King: A Neil Gaiman Podcast. Lovecraft? Poe? Check out Elder Sign: A Weird Fiction…
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Ep. 87: World of Darkness - Pomegranates Full and Fine by Don Bassingthwaite
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30:16The World of Darkness! Toronto!! Yes!!! Support the network and gain access to over fifty bonus episodes by becoming a patron on Patreon. Want more science fiction in your life? Check out The Gene Wolfe Literary Podcast. Love Neil Gaiman? Join us on Hanging Out With the Dream King: A Neil Gaiman Podcast. Lovecraft? Poe? Check out Elder Sign:…
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Debunking Harmful Writing Myths With Lisa Cron | Episode 36
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1:01:05👉 Click here to grab your free ticket to the WorldShift: Speculative Fiction Writers’ Summit and hear Lisa Cron’s summit presentation—plus 30+ other craft-deep sessions from top speculative fiction coaches, authors, and industry pros. Most of what you’ve been taught about writing is wrong. At least, that’s what bestselling author and story coach Li…
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Writing An Identity Not Your Own With Alex Temblador | Episode 35
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1:08:54👉 Click here to grab your free ticket to the WorldShift: Speculative Fiction Writers’ Summit and hear Alex Temblador’s summit presentation—plus 30+ other craft-deep sessions from top speculative fiction coaches, authors, and industry pros. Worried you’ll get it wrong when writing a character whose identity isn’t your own—and that you’ll hurt someon…
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Imagination is real. Support the network and gain access to over fifty bonus episodes by becoming a patron on Patreon. Want more science fiction in your life? Check out The Gene Wolfe Literary Podcast. Love Neil Gaiman? Join us on Hanging Out With the Dream King: A Neil Gaiman Podcast. Lovecraft? Poe? Check out Elder Sign: A Weird Fiction Po…
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Robots, Gene-Wolfe-style, but written by Kazuo Ishiguro. Support the network and gain access to over fifty bonus episodes by becoming a patron on Patreon. Want more science fiction in your life? Check out The Gene Wolfe Literary Podcast. Love Neil Gaiman? Join us on Hanging Out With the Dream King: A Neil Gaiman Podcast. Lovecraft? Poe? Check…
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Writing with Publishing in Mind: The Traditional Publishing Pathway Explained | Episode 34
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26:54So many writers dream of getting a traditional book deal—but the process to get there can feel confusing, overwhelming, and totally out of reach. In this episode, I’m giving you a bird’s-eye view of the entire traditional publishing journey—from that first spark of a novel idea to the moment you finally see your book on the shelf. We’ll talk about …
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Gene Wolfe fan-fiction plus, part three! Support the network and gain access to over fifty bonus episodes by becoming a patron on Patreon. Want more science fiction in your life? Check out The Gene Wolfe Literary Podcast. Love Neil Gaiman? Join us on Hanging Out With the Dream King: A Neil Gaiman Podcast. Lovecraft? Poe? Check out Eld…
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Gene Wolfe fan-fiction plus, part two! Support the network and gain access to over fifty bonus episodes by becoming a patron on Patreon. Want more science fiction in your life? Check out The Gene Wolfe Literary Podcast. Love Neil Gaiman? Join us on Hanging Out With the Dream King: A Neil Gaiman Podcast. Lovecraft? Poe? Check out Elder…
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Gene Wolfe fan-fiction plus. Support the network and gain access to over fifty bonus episodes by becoming a patron on Patreon. Want more science fiction in your life? Check out The Gene Wolfe Literary Podcast. Love Neil Gaiman? Join us on Hanging Out With the Dream King: A Neil Gaiman Podcast. Lovecraft? Poe? Check out Elder Sign: A W…
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Fix Your Novel with the Save the Cat Blueprint (Act 3) | Writing Tips & Techniques | Episode 33
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16:45How do you write an ending so compelling that readers not only finish your book but immediately tell their friends, “You HAVE to read this”? Well, that’s a big question—but one thing’s for sure: a strong story structure is essential. In this episode, we’re tackling Act 3 of the Save the Cat story structure framework. I’ll break down how to craft a …
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Ask Me Anything Thursdays: Why are agents rejecting my novel? | Writing Techniques & Tips | Episode 32
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14:19Are you sending out queries but only getting form rejections—or worse, no responses at all? Maybe you're receiving personalized rejections that praise your concept but still pass on your book? If you’re struggling to understand why agents aren’t biting, this episode is for you. In today’s Ask Me Anything Thursday, I’ll break down the biggest reason…
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Fix Your Novel with the Save the Cat Blueprint (Act 2) | Writing Tips & Techniques | Episode 31
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39:11Does your novel feel have a saggy middle? Does it just meander around without a lot of momentum? In this episode, I’ll walk you through Act 2 of the Save the Cat story structure—a simple, effective tool to shape your novel into a story readers can’t put down. Learn how this flexible plotting method can keep your story on track while leaving plenty …
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Ask Me Anything Thursdays: Can I write a dual Point of View novel using a mixed POV structure? | Writing Techniques & Tips | Episode 30
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11:36Ask Me Anything Thursdays: Can I Mix POV Styles in a Dual POV Novel? Have you ever wondered if you can write a dual POV novel where one protagonist is in first person and the other is in third? In this episode, I answer this question from fantasy writer Becca and break down when and how this technique can work beautifully in speculative fiction. Wh…
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Fix Your Novel with the Save the Cat Blueprint (Act 1) | Writing Tips & Techniques | Episode 29
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23:26Does your novel feel like it’s wandering aimlessly, struggling to find direction? In this episode, I’ll walk you through the first five beats of the Save the Cat story structure—a simple, effective tool to shape your novel into a story readers can’t put down. Learn how this flexible plotting method can keep your story on track while leaving plenty …
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Ask Me Anything Thursdays: How Do I Make Readers Love My Protagonist? | Writing Techniques & Tips | Episode 28
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14:24Ask Me Anything Thursdays answering the podcasting question "How do I make sure my protagonist is lovable?" Are you struggling to create a protagonist readers truly care about? In this episode, I share four actionable strategies to help you craft a dynamic, relatable protagonist readers won’t forget. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why connectin…
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3 Simple Ways to Supercharge Your Writing in 2025 | Episode 27
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10:29Are you looking to level up your writing in 2025? In this episode, I dive into three incredibly valuable ways you can improve your writing, get answers to your important writing questions, and get valuable feedback on your work for FREE. Tune in to learn how to navigate your writing challenges and set yourself up for success in 2025! This episode w…
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Buckle-up for a deeply pessimistic first-encounter story. Support the network and gain access to over fifty bonus episodes by becoming a patron on Patreon. Want more science fiction in your life? Check out The Gene Wolfe Literary Podcast. Love Neil Gaiman? Join us on Hanging Out With the Dream King: A Neil Gaiman Podcast. Lovecraft? Poe? Chec…
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Death? Discworld? Definitely! Support the network and gain access to over fifty bonus episodes by becoming a patron on Patreon. Want more science fiction in your life? Check out The Gene Wolfe Literary Podcast. Love Neil Gaiman? Join us on Hanging Out With the Dream King: A Neil Gaiman Podcast. Lovecraft? Poe? Check out Elder Sign: A Weird F…
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Ep. 79: Foundation and Empire - Part I - The General by Isaac Asimov
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1:30:46Procopius fan-fiction IN SPACE. Support the network and gain access to over fifty bonus episodes by becoming a patron on Patreon. Want more science fiction in your life? Check out The Gene Wolfe Literary Podcast. Love Neil Gaiman? Join us on Hanging Out With the Dream King: A Neil Gaiman Podcast. Lovecraft? Poe? Check out Elder Sign: A Weird…
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Ep. 78: The Man Who Fell to Earth by Walter Tevis
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1:46:23Alcoholic aliens plus a little David Bowie. Support the network and gain access to over fifty bonus episodes by becoming a patron on Patreon. Want more science fiction in your life? Check out The Gene Wolfe Literary Podcast. Love Neil Gaiman? Join us on Hanging Out With the Dream King: A Neil Gaiman Podcast. Lovecraft? Poe? Check out Elder S…
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6 Key Steps to Finding Perfect-Fit Comp Titles for Your Novel (While You’re Still Writing) | Episode 26
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16:23Click HERE to find Comp Titles Crash Course! $97 for limited time! Comp titles--they might be one of the most dreaded topics in the writing world. After all, most of us are writing novels that feel unique, so trying to find a novel “like” ours is a nearly impossible feat. In fact… It's a frustrating, overwhelming task that makes us feel more than a…
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5 Essential Questions You MUST Answer When Writing Your Opening Scene | Episode 25
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12:12The opening scene of your novel is arguably the most crucial part of your book. If it doesn’t capture readers' curiosity and imagination, they won’t keep reading. No wonder the opening scene is notoriously hard to write! But don’t worry—I’m here to help simplify and clarify the progress! In this episode, you’ll discover: 5 Essential Questions you M…
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9 Tricks to Overcome Writer's Block and Keep Your Writing on Track | Episode 24
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18:43Writer's block is one of the most challenging hurdles an author can encounter. It has the power to derail brilliant stories and thwart dreams of becoming a published author. But fear not—there are effective strategies to combat this creativity killer and keep your writing journey on course. In this episode, we'll delve into practical, actionable st…
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4 Steps to Writing a Flawed Protagonist Who Readers Love | Episode 23
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18:56 Most writers understand that creating a character with no flaws is a huge turnoff to readers because it’s hard to feel connected to someone who is perfect and does everything right. But how do you give your protagonist flaws that feel real and authentic instead of superficially layered on? Worry no more! In this episode, we'll dive deep into exact…
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One of the most terrifying books I've ever read. Support the network and gain access to over fifty bonus episodes by becoming a patron on Patreon. Want more science fiction in your life? Check out The Gene Wolfe Literary Podcast. Love Neil Gaiman? Join us on Hanging Out With the Dream King: A Neil Gaiman Podcast. Lovecraft? Poe? Check out Elder Sig…
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Quick Tip: 6 Steps to Establish a Writing Habit So You Can Finish Your Novel | Episode 22
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12:19The biggest obstacles writers face are overcoming procrastination and avoiding the dreaded writer’s block. In fact, these obstacles are what stand between them and finishing their novel. But what many writers don’t realize is that the key to conquering these obstacles is developing a consistent writing habit that will keep their creative juices flo…
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The Timeline for Crafting a Solid Debut Novel: Writing Tips for Your First Book! | Episode 21
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16:38Writing a speculative fiction novel that resonates with readers is tough work. Many writers feel they're doing something wrong when it takes time to create a draft that feels solid and ready to stand on its own two shaky legs. In fact, one of the very first questions most writers ask me before we start working together is some version of: "How long…
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High fantasy in an imaginary southeast Asia. Support the network and gain access to over fifty bonus episodes by becoming a patron on Patreon. Want more science fiction in your life? Check out The Gene Wolfe Literary Podcast. Love Neil Gaiman? Join us on Hanging Out With the Dream King: A Neil Gaiman Podcast. Lovecraft? Poe? Check out Elder Sign: A…
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How to Write LGBTQ+ Characters with Confidence and Care: Special Guest Sam Cameron | Episode 20
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55:47Many writers want to include more LGBTQ+ characters in their novels, but they’re afraid of getting it wrong and doing more harm than good. If you’re one of those writers, this podcast episode is for you! My friend and colleague, Sam Cameron, explains exactly how every writer can feel empowered to write more inclusive stories. 🌟Take Sam Cameron’s qu…
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The Goal, Motivation, Stakes, and Conflict Chain: How to Write with Narrative Drive | Episode 19
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24:41→Sign up for my free workshop Create a Dynamic Character Arc For Your Protagonist. This workshop, which includes live coaching, will help you develop the foundation elements of your novel and bridge the gap between plot and character arc! https://resources.manyworldswriting.com/workshop You might have heard of Goal, Motivation, Stakes, and Conflict…
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Ep. 74: The Mote in God's Eye by Jerry Pournelle and Larry Niven
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33:44Space exploration, space opera, and space Jesuits! Support the network and gain access to over fifty bonus episodes by becoming a patron on Patreon. Want more science fiction in your life? Check out The Gene Wolfe Literary Podcast. Love Neil Gaiman? Join us on Hanging Out With the Dream King: A Neil Gaiman Podcast. Lovecraft? Poe? Check out Elder S…
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Exploring The Benefits and Dangers of AI Use in Writing | Episode 18
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26:37Snag my FREE workbook: resources.manyworldswriting.com/AI Everyone in the writing world is talking about AI, but should you really buy into the buzz? In this episode I’m going to explore what it’s okay to use AI for in your writing and what I believe you should never use AI for. In this episode you’ll learn: 3 tasks it’s okay to use AI for. 3 tasks…
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With me today to read the novelette category for the Nebulas are Allen Dyen-Shapiro, Leigh Harlen, and Brent Lambert. Allan Dyen-Shapiro is a Ph.D. biochemist who enjoyed a 19-year research career. He now teaches in high-poverty schools in Southwest Florida and recently ramped up his union activism. He's sold short fiction to venues including Dark …
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8 Essential Hacks for Writing and Self-Editing Your Manuscript to Perfection | Episode 17
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27:29Snag my FREE workbook: resources.manyworldswriting.com/edit Almost every writer wants to get better at self-editing their work. But how? And which techniques improve your work the most dramatically? In this episode I’m going to talk about the self-editing hacks that will help you rapidly improve your work as you write and edit. In this episode you’…
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Shining Moon Episode 40: Reading the Nebulas I; Short Stories
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1:18:22Hello and welcome to Shining Moon, Episode 40. With me today are A.P. Howell, Sam W. Pisciotta, A.T. Sayre, and Risa Wolf. The voting for the Nebulas has just concluded, and we’re here to talk about the contenders on the ballot before the winners are revealed. Let’s get started with some introductions! A. P. Howell For information on published work…
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More horror for children. Support the network and gain access to over fifty bonus episodes by becoming a patron on Patreon. Want more science fiction in your life? Check out The Gene Wolfe Literary Podcast. Love Neil Gaiman? Join us on Hanging Out With the Dream King: A Neil Gaiman Podcast. Lovecraft? Poe? Check out Elder Sign: A Weird Fiction Podc…
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Unlock the 7 Subtle Truths About Writing (That Will Make Your Story Better) | Episode 16
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25:22Snag my FREE workbook: https://resources.manyworldswriting.com/truth Ever wondered why your favorite novels feel so authentic and cohesive? It’s not about all the surface level editing you’ve been driving yourself crazy with. Instead, it’s about the deeper stuff. The bones of the narrative. In this episode I’m going to talk about the subtle parts o…
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Shining Moon Episode 39: Writing Games III, Cerebos the Crystal City
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53:56Zach Welhouse is a librarian and game designer who lives in the Pacific Northwest. He enjoys hot drinks and meeting dogs who look like goblins. His work has appeared in the Costume Fairy Adventures and Deadlands RPGs, and Strange Beast: A Tarot Zine. Cerebos: The Crystal City, a game about crossing a surreal desert by train, is available through Pe…
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Shining Moon Episode 38: Writing Games II--TEETH RPG
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1:08:53Hello, and welcome to Shining Moon: A Speculative Fiction Podcast, Episode 38. Today we’ll continue our series by asking questions about writing games, particularly roleplaying games. This is a subject dear to my heart, because I’ve spent twenty years of my life playing RPGs, mostly in written form, in play-by-post games. I am a big proponent of ho…
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Daniel Ausema is an educator and stay-at-home dad. His poems have appeared in Strange Horizons, Fantasy Magazine, Dreams & Nightmares, and many other places and have been nominated for the Rhysling Award. He is also the author of the Arcist Chronicles and the creator of the Spire City series, as well as the writer of many short stories, roughly a h…
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Welcome to Shining Moon Episode 36, Writing Real World Religions. Priya Chand is a California transplant living in the Midwest, where she regularly cuts down trees and sets them on fire (as a certified volunteer forest steward). When she's not reading, writing, or eating, she enjoys swimming, martial arts, and naps. Her current big project is co-ed…
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7 Crucial Steps to Creating and Writing a Captivating Magic System For Your Novel | Episode 15
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24:58Snag my FREE workbook: resources.manyworldswriting.com/magic Ever wondered how to create an interesting and compelling magic system that readers will love? In this episode I’m breaking down exactly how to create a magic system that works. In this episode you’ll learn: The crucial importance of weaving an engaging magic system into your fantasy worl…
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