Join co-hosts Adrian M. Gibson and M.J. Kuhn as they delve into a writing masterclass on The Hero's/Heroine's Journey with author R.R. Virdi . During the episode, Ronnie explores the complexities of the monomyth, including its origins/development across human history, oral storytelling traditions, creation myths and language, Joseph Campbell's theory of the monomyth, the heroine's journey and the work of Maureen Murdock, individualism vs. society and more. NOTE: This is part two of a two-part ch...
Jul 18, 2023•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 62
Every week, we are highlighting a panel from TBRCon2023 , looking back on the amazing variety of panels that we had the honor of hosting. This week, join moderator/author Dyrk Ashton and authors Chloe Neill , Steve McHugh , T.L. Huchu , Alex Jennings and Jadie Jang for a TBRCon2023 author panel on "The Evolving Landscape of Urban Fantasy." SUPPORT THE SHOW: - Patreon (for exclusive bonus episodes, author readings, book giveaways and more) - Merch shop (for a selection of tees...
Jul 14, 2023•1 hr 34 min
Join co-hosts Adrian M. Gibson and M.J. Kuhn as they chat with bestselling author R.R. Virdi about his acclaimed novel The First Binding, how Jim Butcher and The Dresden Files inspired him, starting out in self-publishing and how that compares to traditional publishing, the power of stories across time, writing as work (even though we love it), genre bullshit, mythology, Star Wars and much more. NOTE: This is part one of a two-part chat with Ronnie. Stayed tuned next week for his mini-masterclas...
Jul 11, 2023•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 61
Every week, we are highlighting a panel from TBRCon2023 , looking back on the amazing variety of panels that we had the honor of hosting. This week, join moderator/author/editor Xueting C. Ni and authors Micaiah Johnson , Oghenechovwe Donald Ekpeki , Alex White , Khan Wong and Ciel Pierlot for a TBRCon2023 author panel on "The Importance of Diverse Futures." SUPPORT THE SHOW: - Patreon (for exclusive bonus episodes, author readings, book giveaways and more) - Merch shop (for a se...
Jul 07, 2023•1 hr 36 min
Join co-hosts Adrian M. Gibson and M.J. Kuhn as they delve into a writing masterclass on Science in Fantasy with author Kritika H. Rao . During the episode, Kritika hypothesizes about the role of science, including how she incorporated science into her debut novel, balancing science with philosophy and esotericism, how science can affect character, plot, language and worldbuilding, science tropes and stereotypes, the work of Michael Crichton and more. NOTE: This is part two of a two-part chat wi...
Jul 04, 2023•57 min•Ep. 60
Every week, we are highlighting a panel from TBRCon2023 , looking back on the amazing variety of panels that we had the honor of hosting. This week, join moderator/author Alina Boyden and authors Tade Thompson , Vaishnavi Patel , Dan Fitzgerald , Chana Porter and Chris Panatier for a TBRCon2023 author panel on "Bending & Breaking Genre Conventions." SUPPORT THE SHOW: - Patreon (for exclusive bonus episodes, author readings, book giveaways and more) - Merch shop (for a selecti...
Jun 30, 2023•1 hr 25 min
Join co-hosts Adrian M. Gibson and M.J. Kuhn as they chat with author Kritika H. Rao about her debut novel The Surviving Sky, her South Asian heritage and upbringing, the fluidity of genres, Hinduism and philosophy, writing a married couple, incorporating mystery and fast pacing into her book, humanity's connection with nature, thrillers, survival, Jurassic Park and much more. NOTE: This is part one of a two-part chat with Kritika. Stayed tuned next week for her mini-masterclass on Science in Fa...
Jun 27, 2023•53 min•Ep. 59
Join authors Krystle Matar , Ed McDonald , M.J. Kuhn and Justin T. Call for another FanFiAddict author roundtable! During the discussion, these four talented authors share their takes on Surviving a Writing Slog, delving into the roller coaster that is writing, how slogs/slumps can hit you like a creative brick, how to deal with writer's block, story struggles, low points, mental health, publishing, social media and more. This is the fifth edition of our monthly AUTHOR ROUNDTABLE series, where w...
Jun 23, 2023•1 hr 23 min
Join co-hosts Adrian M. Gibson and M.J. Kuhn as they delve into a writing masterclass on Writing Action Scenes with author/martial artist Alexander Darwin . During the episode, Alexander tackles the ins and outs of action, including why action scenes are integral to stories, action in TV/film vs. fiction, writing believable action scenes, using pacing to control action and narrative, how action can drive plot, character and worldbuilding, dialogue as action and more. NOTE: This is part two of a ...
Jun 20, 2023•51 min•Ep. 58
Every week, we are highlighting a panel from TBRCon2023 , looking back on the amazing variety of panels that we had the honor of hosting. This week, join moderator Emily Hughes and authors Gabino Iglesias , Catriona Ward , Ellen Datlow , Xueting C. Ni and Erika T. Wurth for a TBRCon2023 author panel on "The Future of the Horror Genre." SUPPORT THE SHOW: - Patreon (for exclusive bonus episodes, author readings, book giveaways and more) - Merch shop (for a selection of tees, tote b...
Jun 16, 2023•1 hr 24 min
Join co-hosts Adrian M. Gibson and M.J. Kuhn as they chat with author Alexander Darwin about his debut novel The Combat Codes, mixed martial arts and Brazilian jiu-jitsu, starting his writing career in self-publishing, transitioning to the traditional publishing world, comparing the different sides of publishing, lessons and advice from his writing journey, video games, JRPGs, Studio Ghibli movies and much more. NOTE: This is part one of a two-part chat with Alexander. Stayed tuned next week for...
Jun 13, 2023•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 57
Every week, we are highlighting a panel from TBRCon2023 , looking back on the amazing variety of panels that we had the honor of hosting. This week, join moderator/author Andrea Stewart and authors Kevin Hearne , Rebecca Roanhorse , Sebastien de Castell , Alexander Darwin and Moses Ose Utomi for a TBRCon2023 author panel on "Querying, Agents & Traditional Publishing." SUPPORT THE SHOW: - Patreon (for exclusive bonus episodes, author readings, book giveaways and more) - Merch shop...
Jun 09, 2023•1 hr 2 min
Join co-hosts Adrian M. Gibson and M.J. Kuhn as they delve into a writing masterclass on Worldbuilding 101 with bestselling author Martha Wells . During the episode, Martha unravels the intricacies of worldbuilding, including what it means, why well-crafted worlds are important for stories, first steps for worldbuilding, research vs. creativity, keeping track of details, how to convey information through description, avoiding infodumping, drawing maps, naming shit and more. NOTE: This is part tw...
Jun 06, 2023•52 min•Ep. 56
Every week, we are highlighting a panel from TBRCon2023 , looking back on the amazing variety of panels that we had the honor of hosting. This week, join moderator/author P.L. Stuart and authors Ed McDonald , Premee Mohamed , Ben Galley , Rebecca Zahabi and Scott Drakeford for a TBRCon2023 author panel on "Hard vs. Soft Magic Systems." SUPPORT THE SHOW: - Patreon (for exclusive bonus episodes, author readings, book giveaways and more) - Merch shop (for a selection of tees, tote bags,...
Jun 02, 2023•1 hr 31 min
Join co-hosts Adrian M. Gibson and M.J. Kuhn as they chat with award-winning/bestselling author Martha Wells about her new novel Witch King, her acclaimed The Murderbot Diaries series, hard lessons from her decades-long publishing career, re-releasing old works (and confronting her younger self's writing), writing both science fiction and fantasy, demons, The Untamed, Mr. Snuffleupagus and much more. NOTE: This is part one of a two-part chat with Martha. Stayed tuned next week for her mini-maste...
May 30, 2023•52 min•Ep. 55
Join indie booksellers Nicole Brinkley , J.T. Greathouse , Lily Rugo , Jean-Paul Garnier and Meg Wasmer for another FanFiAddict roundtable! During the discussion, these five passionate booksellers delve into the ins and outs of Indie Bookstores, exploring the essentials of brick and mortar bookstores/bookselling, being part of a local book community, recommending the right books to customers, developing relationships with publishers/individual authors and more. This is the fourth edition of our ...
May 26, 2023•1 hr 12 min
Join co-hosts Adrian M. Gibson and M.J. Kuhn as they delve into a writing masterclass on Aliens & First Contact with bestselling author Christopher Paolini . During the episode, Christopher explores the mysteries of aliens, including why humans are fascinated by them, why first contact makes for fantastic story fuel, creating species and environments, science and our understanding of reality, alien tropes, reader emotions, empathetic aliens and more. NOTE: This is part two of a two-part chat...
May 23, 2023•50 min•Ep. 54
Every week, we are highlighting a panel from TBRCon2023 , looking back on the amazing variety of panels that we had the honor of hosting. This week, join moderator/author Jonathan Nevair and authors Cat Rambo , Ruthanna Emrys , Matt Kressel and Sarena Ulibarri for a TBRCon2023 author panel on "Hopepunk & Optimistic Futures." SUPPORT THE SHOW: - Patreon (for exclusive bonus episodes, author readings, book giveaways and more) - Merch shop (for a selection of tees, tote bags, mugs, ...
May 19, 2023•1 hr 30 min
Join co-hosts Adrian M. Gibson and M.J. Kuhn as they chat with internationally bestselling author Christopher Paolini about his new novels Fractal Noise and Murtagh, publishing Eragon/The Inheritance Cycle books and growing up at the same time, imposter syndrome and burnout, advice for young writers, the power of story, comparing science fiction and fantasy, creating the Fractalverse, solving time travel, the impact of dreams and much more. NOTE: This is part one of a two-part chat with Christop...
May 16, 2023•59 min•Ep. 53
Every week, we are highlighting a panel from TBRCon2023 , looking back on the amazing variety of panels that we had the honor of hosting. This week, join moderator/author/editor Xueting C. Ni and authors Nghi Vo , Wesley Chu , Amélie Wen Zhao , Tao Wong and Alice Poon for a TBRCon2023 author panel on "Wuxia, Xianxia & Asian-Inspired Fantasy." SUPPORT THE SHOW: - Patreon (for exclusive bonus episodes, author readings, book giveaways and more) - Merch shop (for a selection of tees, tot...
May 12, 2023•1 hr 35 min
Join co-hosts Adrian M. Gibson and M.J. Kuhn as they delve into a writing masterclass on Revision & Rewriting with author and translator Sue Burke . During the episode, Sue breaks down the nitty gritty of revision, including why it's an important part of the writing process, approaches to first drafts, tools for revision and rewriting, how to keep track of characters and scenes, killing your darlings and more. NOTE: This is part two of a two-part chat with Sue. Click here to check out part...
May 09, 2023•38 min•Ep. 52
Every week, we are highlighting a panel from TBRCon2023 , looking back on the amazing variety of panels that we had the honor of hosting. This week, join moderator Adrian M. Gibson and authors Veronica Roth , Tade Thompson , Claire North , M. R. Carey and Kritika H. Rao for a TBRCon2023 author panel on "The Intersection of Nature & Technology." SUPPORT THE SHOW: - Patreon (for exclusive bonus episodes, author readings, book giveaways and more) - Merch shop (for a selection of tees, tote ...
May 05, 2023•1 hr 32 min
Join co-hosts Adrian M. Gibson and M.J. Kuhn as they chat with sci-fi author, journalist and translator Sue Burke about her new novel Dual Memory, her books Semiosis and Immunity Index, plant consciousness, pandemics, translation, doubt and anxiety as an author, artists vs. artificial intelligence, tulip mania and much more. NOTE: This is part one of a two-part chat with Sue. Stayed tuned next week for her mini-masterclass on Revision & Rewriting. RESOURCES MENTIONED: - The Writer's Book of ...
May 02, 2023•52 min•Ep. 51
Join authors Shauna Lawless , Rob J. Hayes , Xueting C. Ni and Moses Ose Utomi for another FanFiAddict author roundtable! During the discussion, these five talented authors share their takes on How SFF Is Changing , exploring how the genres have shifted over the past five years, rising and declining subgenres, the role of movie and TV adaptations in popularizing SFF, social media, self-publishing, eBooks and more. This is the third edition of our monthly AUTHOR ROUNDTABLE series, where we bring ...
Apr 28, 2023•1 hr 31 min
Join co-hosts Adrian M. Gibson and M.J. Kuhn as they delve into a writing masterclass on Animal Companions with fantasy author Andrea Stewart . During the episode, Andrea explores the furry foundations of animal companions, including why they're so well suited for SFF, using real animals vs. creating new creatures, what animal companions can bring to a story and its characters, writing from the POV of animals, anthropomorphism, empathy and more. NOTE: This is part two of a two-part chat with And...
Apr 25, 2023•39 min•Ep. 50
Every week, we are highlighting a panel from TBRCon2023 , looking back on the amazing variety of panels that we had the honor of hosting. This week, join moderator/blogger Beth Tabler and bloggers/booktubers Bookborn , David Walters , Allen "Library of Allenxandria" Walker and Mihir Wanchoo for a TBRCon2023 industry panel on "Book Blogging & Booktube 101." SUPPORT THE SHOW: - Patreon (for exclusive bonus episodes, author readings, book giveaways and more) - Merch shop (for a selection of tee...
Apr 21, 2023•1 hr 52 min
Join co-hosts Adrian M. Gibson and M.J. Kuhn as they chat with fantasy author Andrea Stewart about her new book The Bone Shard War, wrapping up The Drowning Empire series, finding a balance between writing and family, struggling in the querying trenches, her new series The Gods Below, why she loves trilogies, the validation of getting an agent, giant ground sloths and much more. NOTE: This is part one of a two-part chat with Andrea. Stayed tuned next week for her mini-masterclass on Animal Compa...
Apr 18, 2023•44 min•Ep. 49
Every week, we are highlighting a panel from TBRCon2023 , looking back on the amazing variety of panels that we had the honor of hosting. This week, join moderator/author Evan Winter and authors Andrea Stewart , RJ Barker , Christian "Miles" Cameron , Anna Smith Spark and Nick Martell for a TBRCon2023 author panel on "How to Write a Kick-Ass Battle." SUPPORT THE SHOW: - Patreon (for exclusive bonus episodes, author readings, book giveaways and more) - Merch shop (for a selection of tees, tote ba...
Apr 14, 2023•1 hr 26 min
Join co-hosts Adrian M. Gibson and M.J. Kuhn as they delve into a writing masterclass on Morally Gray Characters with award-winning author Fonda Lee . During the episode, Fonda shares her "problematic faves" and untangles the moral complexity that we often find in fictional stories, including what draws us to morally gray characters, what compels authors to write them, stories that lend themselves well to moral grayness, the fine line between morally gray and evil, incorporating moral frameworks...
Apr 11, 2023•41 min•Ep. 48
Every week, we are highlighting a panel from TBRCon2023 , looking back on the amazing variety of panels that we had the honor of hosting. This week, join moderator/book blogger Mihir Wanchoo (Fantasy Book Critic) and panelists Robin Sullivan , Dyrk Ashton , Virginia McClain , Intisar Khanani and J.D.L. Rosell for a TBRCon2023 author panel on “Crowdfunding Your Project.” SUPPORT THE SHOW: - Patreon (for exclusive bonus episodes, author readings, book giveaways and more) - Merch shop (for a select...
Apr 07, 2023•1 hr 55 min
