Podcast Episodes
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How to Write Ghost Stories: Haunting, Atmosphere and Fantasy Influences Explained
Season 2 Episode 13
Learn how to write compelling ghost stories, including key techniques for atmosphere, tension, and how the genre influences fantasy storytelling.
Ghos…
4 years, 3 months ago
Jobs In Fantasy
Season 2 Episode 12
In this episode, we take a look at the jobs and occupations we often see in the fantasy genre.
From bards to blacksmiths, a lot of these roles take i…
4 years, 4 months ago
The Moral Psychology Of Characters
Season 2 Episode 11
In part three of our series on creating lifelike characters, we welcome political psychologist, Abby, back to the Toolshed for a discussion on moral …
4 years, 4 months ago
How Dungeons & Dragons Shaped Fantasy: Tropes, Worldbuilding and Storytelling Explained
Season 2 Episode 10
Discover how Dungeons & Dragons influenced modern fantasy, from iconic tropes to worldbuilding techniques and storytelling styles used by writers tod…
4 years, 5 months ago
Weapons In Fantasy
Season 2 Episode 9
You can find all manner of weapons in the fantasy genre. From giant swords to magical axes, writers have conjured all manner of deadly devices over t…
4 years, 5 months ago
Sociology And Creating Characters
Season 2 Episode 8
In this episode of the podcast, I welcome sociologist and fantasy book lover Dr Enn Burke to the Toolshed to teach us how sociological factors can he…
4 years, 6 months ago
Medieval Food and Fairytales
Season 2 Episode 7
In this edition, I'm joined by our oracle of medieval history, Aidan Mattis, for a chat about the food and cuisines of the Middle Ages—something I th…
4 years, 7 months ago
The Psychology Of Characters, How To Create Suspense, and Some Good and Bad News For Writers
Season 2 Episode 6
In this episode, we dive into the process of creating lifelike characters by examining psychology—what makes people who they are? What drives them an…
4 years, 7 months ago
Evolution and Worldbuilding, Using Short Stories, and Greek Mythology
Season 2 Episode 5
In our first episode of the new year, I explore evolution and worldbuilding in the fantasy genre with author and YouTuber, Rachel Emma Shaw. We look …
4 years, 8 months ago
Medieval Warfare, Folklore and AI Book Covers
Season 2 Episode 4
In this episode, we're donning our helmets and hefting our axes and shields before diving headfirst into battle with a look at medieval warfare. We'l…
4 years, 9 months ago