Podcast Episodes

How To Create Conflict

In this episode, Richie is talking all things conflict. What is conflict? Why is it important? How do you create it? And he discusses its close relationship with characterisation.

To hammer home every…

Published on 4 years, 10 months ago

Fantasy Armor and Weapons

In our first episode of 2021, we're diving into fantasy armor and fantasy weapons. We examine why the medieval period is so popular in the fantasy genre. And we look at what that means for writers wh…

Published on 4 years, 10 months ago

Christmas Special

In our first-ever Christmas special, we welcome two guests to the Writers' Toolshed - EA Robins and Douglas WT Smith, two fantastic writers who make up the rest of the Of Metal and Magic Publishing T…

Published on 4 years, 11 months ago

Author and Book Marketing

In this episode, we're wading into the deep and murky waters of author and book marketing. We tackle every writer's least favourite job—marketing. And in this particular episode, we're dealing with s…

Published on 5 years ago

How To Write Good Dialogue

In this instalment, we're departing from our fantasy focus and getting down and dirty with dialogue—one of the key components of any great story.

We tackle the do's and don't's of dialogue, ways you c…

Published on 5 years ago

The Best Fantasy Books Of All Time

In our ninth episode, we're taking a look at TIME magazine's recently published list of the top 100 fantasy books of all time. Click here to see the list.

We take a look at the books on the list, disc…

Published on 5 years, 1 month ago

Talking Anthologies with Transmundane Press

Anthology: a collection of selected literary pieces or passages or works of art or music.

In this not-so-mini episode, JM interviews the editors of Transmundane Press, who have made a name for themsel…

Published on 5 years, 2 months ago

Magic Systems in Fantasy

Magic systems play an important role in fantasy. Many people associate wizards, witches, magical weapons, creatures and worlds with the genre.

In this episode, we look at what magic systems are and h…

Published on 5 years, 3 months ago

Audiobooks with Chris Herron of Tall Tale TV

In this episode, we're thrilled to have Chris Herron from Tall Tale TV in the Shed! And we're talking all things audiobooks - trends, how to make your own, how to convert your novels, plus an exclusi…

Published on 5 years, 4 months ago

Writing Humour with Comedian Ant Campbell

In this episode, Richie is joined by the hilarious Scouse comedian, Ant Campbell. Ant has developed a significant following on social media over the past few years, at one point having more followers…

Published on 5 years, 5 months ago