Join co-hosts Adrian M. Gibson and M.J. Kuhn as they chat with award-winning author Cat Rambo about their new novel Rumor Has It, the Disco Space Opera series, writing in different formats and genres, working as an editor, teaching and paying it forward, SFWA and the SFF community, found family, subverting tropes, writing a long series, cooking, foodie culture (in space!) and much more. NOTE: This is part one of a two-part chat with Cat. Stayed tuned next week for their mini-masterclass on Omnis...
Oct 01, 2024•55 min•Ep. 124
Join co-hosts Adrian M. Gibson and M.J. Kuhn as they delve into a writing masterclass on Modernity & Building Believable Futures with award-winning author T. R. Napper . During the episode, Tim unpacks the complexities of modernity, exploring what modernity is, its relationships with hardboiled fiction and cyberpunk, confronting modernity in real life, relevancy and genre expectations, worldbuilding and crafting believable futures, thematic resonance, historical context fact vs. fiction and ...
Sep 24, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 123
Join co-hosts Adrian M. Gibson and M.J. Kuhn as they chat with award-winning author T. R. Napper about his new novel The Escher Man, living abroad and cultural immersion, balancing parenting and writing, cyberpunk and Australia, memory and technology, the creative process and philosophy, writing in the Aliens universe, trunked novels, unreliable narrators and much more. NOTE: This is part one of a two-part chat with Tim. Stayed tuned next week for his mini-masterclass on Modernity & Building...
Sep 17, 2024•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 122
Join co-hosts Adrian M. Gibson and M.J. Kuhn as they delve into a writing masterclass on Researching for Fantasy with author Christian "Miles" Cameron . During the episode, Miles takes a deep dive into research, exploring how research provides convincing surface details, methods for researching, balancing historical fact and creative freedom, lived research and reenactment, combat and swordfighting, systems and worldbuilding details, when to stop researching and more. NOTE: This is part two of a...
Sep 10, 2024•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 121
Join co-hosts Adrian M. Gibson and M.J. Kuhn as they chat with author Christian "Miles" Cameron about his new novel Deep Black, what he's learned after publishing 50(!!!) novels, writing both speculative fiction and historical fantasy, his daily routine and staying productive, how worldbuilding and plotting tie together, trade and economy in fiction, travel experiences, genre as a construct, tabletop RPGs and much more. NOTE: This is part one of a two-part chat with Miles. Stayed tuned next week...
Sep 03, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 120
Join co-hosts Adrian M. Gibson and M.J. Kuhn for a masterclass panel on Content Creation 101 , featuring Evan Leikam from Book Reviews Kill , Mike from Mike's Book Reviews and Kayla from Kay's Hidden Shelf . During the panel, Evan, Mike and Kayla lay out the fundamentals for getting into content creation, including how they started, the big content platforms, editing software and recording equipment, content length on different platforms, algorithms and originality, connecting with your audience...
Aug 27, 2024•1 hr 39 min•Ep. 119
Join co-hosts Adrian M. Gibson and M.J. Kuhn as they delve into a writing masterclass on Writing as Collaboration with bestselling co-authors Daniel Abraham & Ty Franck (AKA James S.A. Corey) . During the episode, Daniel and Ty team up to discuss collabs, exploring the importance of collaboration, screenwriting and TV/film adaptations, co-writing as negotiation, solo vs. collaborative writing, working with editors and writers rooms, critique partners, sensitivity readers and feedback, writin...
Aug 20, 2024•55 min•Ep. 118
NOTE: This is the final TBRCon2024 highlight. See you all at TBRCon2025! Every Friday, we've highlighted a panel from the TBRCon2024 all-virtual SF/F/H convention, looking back on the incredible variety of discussions that we had the honor of hosting. For this final week, join moderator/author Julia Vee and authors Robert Jackson Bennett , Josiah Bancroft , RJ Barker , T.L. Huchu and Steve McHugh for a TBRCon2024 panel on "Genre Mashups in Fantasy." SUPPORT THE SHOW: - ...
Aug 16, 2024•1 hr 34 min
Join co-hosts Adrian M. Gibson and M.J. Kuhn as they chat with bestselling co-authors Daniel Abraham & Ty Franck (AKA James S.A. Corey) about their new novel The Mercy of Gods, The Expanse series, blending genres and authorial voice, history and posthumanism, technology and humanity’s future, Babylon and intelligence, space opera and cultural reference, co-writing, success and much more. NOTE: This is part one of a two-part chat with Daniel and Ty. Stayed tuned next week for their mini-maste...
Aug 13, 2024•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 117
Every Friday, we're highlighting a panel from the TBRCon2024 all-virtual SF/F/H convention, looking back on the incredible variety of discussions that we had the honor of hosting. This week, join moderator/blogger Beth Tabler and authors Christopher Paolini , Jenn Lyons , Anthony Ryan , Ryan Cahill and ML Spencer for a TBRCon2024 panel on "Why Are Dragons Beloved in Fantasy?" SUPPORT THE SHOW: - Patreon (for exclusive bonus episodes, au...
Aug 09, 2024•1 hr 33 min
Join co-hosts Adrian M. Gibson and M.J. Kuhn as they delve into a writing masterclass on Writing from the End with co-authors Julia Vee & Ken Bebelle . During the episode, Julia and Ken work back from the end, exploring endings that they love, how to plan your ending while leaving room for spontaneity, writing endings for sequels and series, managing subplots and side characters, effective foreshadowing, pacing and middles, character choices, emotional payoffs, ending anxiety and more. NOTE:...
Aug 06, 2024•59 min•Ep. 116
WARNING: This episode contains major spoilers for Adrian M. Gibson's Mushroom Blues. Join Adrian M. Gibson , Krystle Matar and Sara & Lilly from Fiction Fans Podcast for a spoiler-filled discussion of Adrian's debut novel Mushroom Blues. This originally aired in audio on the Fiction Fans Podcast feed. ABOUT THE BOOK: Mushroom Blues is book one in The Hofmann Report series and the first in The Fungalverse shared universe. It released on March 19 and is available to purchase here in paperback,...
Aug 02, 2024•1 hr 35 min
Join co-hosts Adrian M. Gibson and M.J. Kuhn as they chat with authors Julia Vee & Ken Bebelle about their new novel Blood Jade, how they met in middle school, co-writing vs. solo writing, going from self-publishing to traditional, worldbuilding and mythology in The Phoenix Hoard, setting stories in San Francisco and Tokyo, creating characters that feels real, the challenges of writing sequels and much more. NOTE: This is part one of a two-part chat with Julia and Ken. Stayed tuned next week...
Jul 30, 2024•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 115
Every Friday, we're highlighting a panel from the TBRCon2024 all-virtual SF/F/H convention, looking back on the incredible variety of discussions that we had the honor of hosting. This week, join moderator/author Christian "Miles" Cameron and authors Claire North , Andrea Stewart , R.R. Virdi , J E Hannaford and Joshua Walker for a TBRCon2024 panel on "Success & Satisfaction as an Author." SUPPORT THE SHOW: - Patreon (for exclusive bo...
Jul 26, 2024•1 hr 30 min
Join co-hosts Adrian M. Gibson and M.J. Kuhn as they delve into a writing masterclass on Deep Worldbuilding with award-winning author Paolo Bacigalupi . During the episode, Paolo delves deep into worldbuilding, laying out how to create immersive worlds, his worldbuilding process, deep vs. broad worldbuilding, keeping track of details, lived-in worlds, worldbuilding in YA and short stories, “stacking” world/plot/character and more. NOTE: This is part two of a two-part chat with Paolo. Click here ...
Jul 23, 2024•53 min•Ep. 114
Every Friday, we're highlighting a panel from the TBRCon2024 all-virtual SF/F/H convention, looking back on the incredible variety of discussions that we had the honor of hosting. This week, join moderator/author Moses Ose Utomi and panelists Martha Wells , Veronica Roth , P. Djèlí Clark , Malka Older and Beth Tabler for a TBRCon2024 panel on "The Rise of Novellas." SUPPORT THE SHOW: - Patreon (for exclusive bonus episodes, author readings,...
Jul 19, 2024•1 hr 30 min
Join co-hosts Adrian M. Gibson and M.J. Kuhn as they chat with award-winning author Paolo Bacigalupi about his new novel Navola, his breakout hit The Windup Girl, Renaissance Italy, languages and cultural immersion, reading resonance and education, near-future settings and climate fiction, research and lived experience, transitioning into fantasy, burnout, discovery writing and much more. NOTE: This is part one of a two-part chat with Paolo. Stayed tuned next week for his mini-masterclass on Dee...
Jul 16, 2024•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 113
Every Friday, we're highlighting a panel from the TBRCon2024 all-virtual SF/F/H convention, looking back on the incredible variety of discussions that we had the honor of hosting. This week, join moderator/author Frasier Armitage and panelists Christopher Paolini , Adrian Tchaikovsky , J.S. Dewes , Ada Hoffmann and K.B. Wagers for a TBRCon2024 panel on "Developing Alien Races." SUPPORT THE SHOW: - Patreon (for exclusive bonus episodes, author...
Jul 12, 2024•1 hr 29 min
Join co-hosts Adrian M. Gibson and M.J. Kuhn as they delve into a writing masterclass on Writing the Opposite Gender with author Stephen Aryan . During the episode, Stephen bridges the gap between genders, exploring the importance of writing outside your own gender, stereotypes and how men often write women badly, how to enjoy writing the opposite gender, the advantages of writing in SFF, how to research other genders, gender norms and little details, intent and power dynamics, awareness, biases...
Jul 09, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 112
Every Friday, we're highlighting a panel from the TBRCon2024 all-virtual SF/F/H convention, looking back on the incredible variety of discussions that we had the honor of hosting. This week, join moderator/blogger Neil Williams and panelists Mike's Book Reviews , M. J. Kuhn , Philip Chase , Mihir Wanchoo and Zoranne Host for a TBRCon2024 panel on "Reading Habits: TBR vs. Mood Reader." SUPPORT THE SHOW: - Patreon (for exclusive bonus episodes, a...
Jul 05, 2024•1 hr 26 min
Join co-hosts Adrian M. Gibson and M.J. Kuhn as they chat with author Stephen Aryan about his new novel The Blood Dimmed Tide, the world of The Coward, ideas and distraction, heroes and PTSD, Persian and Mongol history, research and accuracy, magic systems and weird shit, the publishing landscape, working a day-job and much more. NOTE: This is part one of a two-part chat with Stephen. Stayed tuned next week for his mini-masterclass on Writing the Opposite Gender. OUR SPONSOR: The Dryad's Crown i...
Jul 02, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 111
IMPORTANT NOTE: We do not condone the inappropriate behavior of author Zach Rosenberg, but out of respect for the voices/experiences of the other panelists, we have chosen to make this panel available to listeners. Every Friday, we're highlighting a panel from the TBRCon2024 all-virtual SF/F/H convention, looking back on the incredible variety of discussions that we had the honor of hosting. This week, join moderator/author/editor Sadie Hartmann and authors Delilah S. Dawson , Chris Panatier , S...
Jun 28, 2024•1 hr 17 min
Join co-hosts Adrian M. Gibson and M.J. Kuhn as they delve into a writing masterclass on Making Old Monsters New Again with author Christopher Buehlman . During the episode, Christopher uncovers the mysteries of old monsters, exploring examples of classic monsters, human psychology and allegory, advantages of using classic monsters, monster films and why some monsters feel dated, approaches for different genres/monsters, researching monsters, atmosphere, setting and emotion, gore vs. psychologic...
Jun 25, 2024•1 hr•Ep. 110
Every Friday, we're highlighting a panel from the TBRCon2024 all-virtual SF/F/H convention, looking back on the incredible variety of discussions that we had the honor of hosting. This week, join moderator/author K.C. Smith and panelists Ryan Cahill , Matt (The Broken Binding) , Ben Galley and Zack Argyle for a TBRCon2024 panel on "The Popularity of Special Editions." SUPPORT THE SHOW: - Patreon (for exclusive bonus episodes, author readings, boo...
Jun 21, 2024•1 hr 32 min
Join co-hosts Adrian M. Gibson and M.J. Kuhn as they chat with author Christopher Buehlman about his new novel The Daughters' War, The Blacktongue Thief, renaissance fairs, "Christoph the Insulter," comedy and empathy, creating an engrossing atmosphere, writing a range of voices and tones, invention vs. research, trusting your characters and much more. NOTE: This is part one of a two-part chat with Christopher. Stayed tuned next week for his mini-masterclass on Making Old Monsters New Again. OUR...
Jun 18, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 109
Every Friday, we're highlighting a panel from the TBRCon2024 all-virtual SF/F/H convention, looking back on the incredible variety of discussions that we had the honor of hosting. This week, join moderator/blogger Mihir Wanchoo and authors Anna Smith Spark , Casey Blair , Dyrk Ashton , Olivia Atwater and Kian N. Ardalan for a TBRCon2024 panel on "Cozy Fantasy's Rise - Grimdark's Demise?" SUPPORT THE SHOW: - Patreon (for exclusive bonus episodes, au...
Jun 14, 2024•1 hr 41 min
Join host Adrian M. Gibson as he delves into a writing masterclass on Creating Fictional Cultures with bestselling, award-winning author Rebecca Roanhorse . During the episode, Rebecca weaves a cultural tapestry, exploring why “culture” is important to human beings, approaches for creating a fictional culture, research and lived experience, details and sensory descriptors, characters in relation to culture, real world vs. secondary world cultures, cultural appropriation vs. inspiration and more....
Jun 11, 2024•50 min•Ep. 108
Every Friday, we're highlighting a panel from the TBRCon2024 all-virtual SF/F/H convention, looking back on the incredible variety of discussions that we had the honor of hosting. This week, join moderator/blogger Tom Bookbeard and authors Shirtaloon , Matt Dinniman , Casualfarmer , Abby Goldsmith and Travis M. Riddle for a TBRCon2024 panel on "LitRPG & Progression Fantasy." SUPPORT THE SHOW: - Patreon (for exclusive bonus episodes, author readin...
Jun 07, 2024•1 hr 24 min
Join host Adrian M. Gibson as he chats with bestselling author Rebecca Roanhorse about her new novel Mirrored Heavens, the Between Earth and Sky trilogy, Mesoamerican history, Native American representation, writing memorable characters, finishing an epic fantasy trilogy, writing for television and much more. NOTE: This is part one of a two-part chat with Rebecca. Stayed tuned next week for her mini-masterclass on Creating Fictional Cultures. OUR SPONSOR: Chloe's Kingdom is a thrilling YA/sci-fi...
Jun 04, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 107
Every Friday, we're highlighting a panel from the TBRCon2024 all-virtual SF/F/H convention, looking back on the incredible variety of discussions that we had the honor of hosting. This week, join moderator/booktuber Nicholas W. Fuller and authors Max Gladstone , Gareth L. Powell , Ai Jiang , Jendia Gammon and Sadir S. Samir for a TBRCon2024 panel on "Why Sci-Fi is More Than Space Opera." SUPPORT THE SHOW: - Patreon (for exclusive bonus episodes, author...
May 31, 2024•1 hr 28 min
