Margaret Dunlap and Brian Francis Slattery explore their unique contributions to the series, the allure of collaborative shared world writing, war stories from the collaborative trenches, and more!
ARCHIVOS: Insights Episodes
Enjoy a 20-minute conversation with Storytellers from across the media spectrum exploring their unique perspectives and experiences.
Michael explores the rich collaboration that informs his new series "Born to the Blade"
Alasdair Stuart explores how gender informs horror narratives, how to tell a story (or run a game, in this case) in a deeply established media property, and more
Robyn waxes rhapsodic on organizing book research, creating a "writing space", crafting an effective conflict character, and more!
Seanan explores discovering YOUR story, beating creative fatigue, writerly multi-tasking, and more!
Kij Johnson explores how to never write the same story twice, the nature of her diverse storytelling voice, how she learned the nuances of plot, and more...
Seth explores pulp fiction narratives, weaving story into video presentations, his path as a writer, and more!
Veteran podcaster and celebrated author Mur Lafferty discusses her NaNoWriMo strategies, her story development process, and more...
Beth Cato - author of the Clockwork Dagger tales, the Blood of Earth trilogy, and more - explores what makes a "strong character", the magic of urban fantasy/steampunk, and critique readers
Cerece Rennie Murphy - creator fo the Narazu Media Portal, author of The Order of the Seers trilogy, "To Find You", and more - explores worldbuilding, her discoveries in fandom, how she develops her stories, and more.
Author Alyc Helms explores the patterns of storytelling, cultural appropriation, the distinction between gaming and literary narratives, and more!
James Sutter (Executive Editor at Paizo Publishing) explores the craft of storytelling in RPGs, documenting story worlds, choosing your inspirations, and more!
Myke Cole discusses Shadow Ops (trilogy one AND two), his grim dark medieval fantasy series coming from Tor.com, his negotiations for a non-fiction book on ancient military history, and more!
Ada Palmer discusses the optimal skill set for a student of the writerly arts, her fascination with speculative fiction, the challenges of writing short fiction, and more!
Jeanne Cavelos discusses techniques of crafting effective dialogue, working in collaboration with shared world fiction, emotional arcs within a scene, and more!
Kelly Robson explores the qualities of fine non-fiction and its value to a writer, struggling with self-doubt, writerly wisdom acquired from others, the secrets of scene-craft, and more!
Jake Kerr explores the pros and cons of nonfiction as a foundation of writing style, details as a catalyst for reader immersion, the processes of adapting classic fiction, and more.
Mur Lafferty explores the distinctions of writing in different genres, her dream projects, dissecting the frog of humor, and more.
The scope and breadth of Marie Brennan’s experience is pretty remarkable. Anthropology, archaeology, languages, martial arts, music, dance… she’s pursued many passions. But the fundamental passion that has endured through out her life is writing. Author of “A Natural History of Dragons: A Memoir by Lady Trent”, The Onyx Court Series, and “Lies and Prophecy” (and so much more), she has applied her many passions like facets of a jewel to her storytelling. The result is rich authentic story worlds filled with compelling characters and captivating tales.
Joined by the splendid and insightful Marie Bilodeau as co-host, we explore the intersection of gaming and fiction, the development of a solid narrative, indulge in a bit of worldbuilding conversation, and more. This is one for the books, gang, a fabulous conversation fraught with writerly goodness… and it’s all just a click of the “PLAY” button away!
In a very short amount of time, Fran Wilde has done many marvelous things – including crafting marvelous stories like Updraft and The Jewel and her Lapidary. But she has also explored the realms of technology, explored art and a broad spectrum of diverse disciplines, crafts, and exotic pursuits. These explorations give her a unique perspective, both on the world and the writerly arts.
Joined by the fabulous Marie Bilodeau as co-host, we wax rhapsodic with Fran, exploring the value of critiquing both in a writing group and as writer, the way stories start, the merits of curiosity and more. It’s a conversation fraught with writerly goodness… click the “PLAY” button and let the fabulousity commence! (and join us on July 19 for Fran’s equally awesome Workshop Episode!)
Clint Gaige tells stories with light and sound. He’s a film maker with dozens of titles gracing screens (silver and digital) around the world and a life time of experience in the world of media storytelling. His “Shotgun Mythos” series has been picked up by several television stations, his latest endeavor – “A Clean Exit” (from Growth Media Productions) – is making the festival circuit now, and he’s far from finished. His insights into the process of storytelling for film transcend media, opening new perspectives for artists of all disciplines.
Joined by the remarkable Marie Bilodeau – author of the Nigh series, as well as “Hellmaw: Eye of Glass”, and more – we indulge in a exceptional 20(ish) Minutes of writerly discourse with Clint, exploring the considerations for storytelling in film, the value of doing it and the bane of “perfection”, the keys to successful collaboration, and more. Writerly inspiration awaits you, dear friends… just click that “PLAY” button!
Kat Richardson – author of the Greywalker Series as well as fabulous novellas and shorter tales – takes her storytelling damned seriously. Mind you, she has a marvelous sense of humor and is a delight to chat with (as you’ll soon discover)… but when it comes to writing, she’s not messing around. She pushes herself with each story, expanding and refining her craft because it’s something she deeply loves and respects.
Joined by the marvelous Heather Welliver – friend of the RTP and vocal performer extraordinaire (check out her performance in Cybrosis by P.C. Haring) – we indulge in a fabulous 20(ish) Minutes of writerly discourse with Kat, exploring the challenges she set for herself as a writer, her process, her experience writing a “mosaic” novel, and more. Writerly inspiration awaits you, dear friends… just click that “PLAY” button!
Tim Waggoner’s writing spans genres, demographics, and even licensed properties. His experience both as a writer and as a professor of popular literature and creative writing give him a deep understanding of the craft… and yet his vision of that craft and it’s execution is elegantly simple.
Joined by Samantha Murphy as my co-host, we engage in 20-ish minutes of writerly discourse exploring tactics for developing your craft, writing short and long fiction, character development, and more. It’s a facinating exploration of the writerly arts (as always), and it’s all yours… just click that “PLAY” button!
Cat Rambo is one of THE most dedicated storytellers I’ve ever met. Her commitment to her craft and the enthusiastic determination with which she pursues it is inspiring (and exhausting). This will be her third tour as Guest Host on the RTP and – while I’ve already done the “stalkerish” intro for her – just catching everyone up on her achievements between episodes becomes a whole new epic saga. She is truly a champion storyteller.
In the co-host chair is Denise Lhamon, former Guest Writer, artist, and storyteller who joins us from the ranks of Onder Librum’s Sessorium of Creatives. The three us use Cat’s upcoming class roster as the sylybus for our conversation, exploring the retelling of myths and fairy tales, the use of literary techniques in genre fiction, how to start a novel, and more. Writerly goodness is pretty much guaranteed, gang… just hit that “PLAY” button!
J. Robert King has told hundreds of stories, including “The Incubus Tweets”, “Guild Wars: Edge of Destiny”, “Angel of Death”, and more… and with each story, he seeks a truth. What he finds is rarely what he set out looking for, but he persists in following his stories faithfully and honestly. That makes him a badass in our book.
Joined by veteran podcaster, storyteller, and former Guest Host, John Mierau, we engage in a most intriguing 20(ish) minutes of writerly discourse with Rob, exploring the nature of evil in fiction (and ourselves), the end of the “age of the author”, and more. There’s writerly goodness (and maybe one or two epiphanies) awaiting you, friends… it’s all just a “PLAY” button away
Jeanne Cavelos is an astrophysicist, an author (of fiction AND non-fiction), an award-winning editor, AND founder of the astonishing Odyssey Writers Workshop….
Madeline Ashby – futurist and author of “Vn”, “iD”, and the soon-to-be-released “Company Town” – is most definitely ‘a danger to those who profit by the way things are.’ It says so right on the title of her blog (drawn from a quote by Ursula K. LeGuin) and she’s earned that appellation through her rigorous studies into diverse disciplines and her fearless expression of her discoveries and beliefs through her beautifully wrought prose.
Joined by Lauren “Scribe” Harris – my podcast sister and author of the Millroad Academy Novels “Exorcising Aaron Nguyen” and “The Girl in Acid Park” – we indulge in (far more than) 20 minutes of writerly – and geeky – discourse with Madeline, exploring her perspective on the fundamental motivation of many writers, the spirit of fandom in relation to genre fiction, how to write a sterling first scene, and more. Bring your back-up brain… you’re gonna need it!
Michael R. Underwood brings a rare combination of perspectives to any literary discourse. His insights into the industry and market of speculative fiction is informed by his experience as North American rep for Angry Robot Books. His knowledge of narrative form and structure is refined by his academic achievements. But his understanding of storytelling comes from a deep commitment and practice of the craft.
Joined by co-host Giles Hash (co-host of the Beyond the Trope podcast) we engage in (far more than) 20 minutes of writerly discourse of Michael, exploring the structure and execution of the novella, the effective utilization of tropes in storytelling, and a unique perspective on framing your writing towards a specific market. Writerly goodness is at your fingertips, friends… just click that “PLAY” button!
Erin M. Evans – author of “Ashes of the Tyrant” (book FIVE in the Brimstone Angels series) – weaves many threads into her literary creations. Between her degree in anthropology, her years working as an editor, and her long-standing love affair with storytelling, her tales are richly woven tapestries of epic adventure drawn from the hearts of her beloved characters.
Joining me in the co-host chair is Katie Bryski – Stone Coast Alumni and author of “Heartstealer” and “Hapax” – we engage Erin in 20* Minutes of writerly discourse, exploring serialized fiction, structure complex character arcs, white boards, and more. You’re writer’s toolbox is about get some additions, friends… just click that “PLAY” button!
Jake Bible writes to entertain his readers. Judging by his readership and the sheer size and scope of his canon, he’s damned good at it. He’s written more books in the last 5 years, than many authors write in a life time (including “” and “”) and exemplifies the discipline and commitment to his craft that paves the way for a truly unique authorial voice in multiple genres for broad spectrum of readers.
My co-host is fellow Onder Librum creative and spec fic author Suzzane Church, author of “Elements” and a vast canon of short fiction that has appeared in numerous “Years Best” anthologies. Together, Suzzane and settle in for a marvelous 20(ish) minutes of writer discourse with Jake, exploring his notions of pulp fiction, the art of the mashup, his writing process, and more. There’s writerly goodness awaiting right on the other side of that “PLAY” button friends… click it!
David Nickle is a singular and unforgettable voice in speculative fiction. His stories disturb and unsettle readers deeply and in ways that linger long after the last page is turned. His works have appeared in editions of The Year’s Best anthologies and won prestigious awards… speaking with him, you can hear the reverence for the writer’s craft in his words, a reverence that drives him to write uncommon stories and hold himself to the highest standards.
Joining me in the co-host chair is another champion of superlative fiction, Alasdair Stuart, the visionary captain of the Escape Artists podcasts and articulate scribe in any medium that involves storytelling. Together, we engage David in 20(ish) minutes of writerly discourse, exploring how one introduces “atmosphere” into a story, the value of writer’s groups, the merits gained by cultivating a critique’s aesthetic, and more. It’s an inspiring conversation fraught with writerly goodness… just click play and let the awesomeness ensue
Andrew Weston has been busy since the last time he appeared on the Roundtable. His creations in the world have expanded to…
Marguerite Reed, author of the newly released (and much acclaimed) “Archangel (The Chronicles of Ubastis)”, knew she was going to be a writer at 13. In her journey to discover her authorial voice, she found her own, along with a love for history, science, and a good fight. Her storytelling is fearless, her characters are authentic, and her artistic vision is fueled by her passion for the writer’s craft.
Joined once again by Lauren “Scribe” Harris – author of “Exorcising Aaron Nguyen (The Millroad Academy Exorcists Book 1)” – as my co-host we launch into a whirlwind of writerly discourse, exploring Marguerite’s perspective on the First Person POV, her process of refining a story, discussing women in Science Fiction, global authenticity in storytelling and more. It’s a veritable buffet of writerly goodness… to fill your plate, just click that “PLAY” button
He was our first Guest Host and now the first person to BE a Guest Host three times. But it’s always worth it… J. Daniel Sawyer – author of “Predestination”, “The Resurrection Junket”, “Making Tracks: A Writer’s Guide to Audiobooks (and How to Produce Them)” and much more – is a rare combination of deep knowledge, savvy business, and writerly mojo.
Joined by Mighty Mike Luoma (of the “Glow in the Dark Radio” podcast), we engage Master Sawyer in 20(ish) minutes of superb writerly discourse, exploring how to prepare and develop a multi-book story arc, the value of using screenplay structure for developing stories, how to assess the storytelling format, and more. The writerly goodness flows as soon as you hit that “PLAY” button.
It has been far too long since Gail Carriger graced the RTP virtual studios with her presence and we are delighted to rectify that situation today. Author of the New York Times Best Selling “Parasol Protectorate” series and equally decorated “Finishing School” series, AND the newly launched “Custard Protocol” series, Gail brings a wealth of experience and insight into the writerly arts to the table. Of course, she’s also an archaeologist and a scientist which adds depths of scholastic rigor and research into the mix. The result is a singular and unforgettable conversation.
Joined by my sister in podcasting, Lauren “Scribe” Harris, as co-host, we engage Gail in 20(ish) minutes of writerly discourse exploring Gail’s process for developing a story idea, the influence of academic experience on the writer’s craft, the defining elements of the steampunk genre, an exciting alternative to the Hero’s Cycle narrative format, and more. There is some prfoundly fabulous writerly goodness awaiting you on the other side of that “PLAY” button friends… click it!
Andrea Phillips – author of the freshly minted novel “Revision” as well as “The Adventures of Captain Lucy Smokeheart” and countless transmedia story events – understands stories differently than most of us. Her work in the storytelling business has been predominantly interactive and collaborative, spanning every media type available. She knows storytelling from every angle, not just the view from the notebook or computer screen. Her unique perspective and extensive experience makes her a truly innovative voice in the writerly arts.
Joined by the remarkable Dave Thompson as co-host, we dive deep into those mysterious waters, exploring the essence of the transmedia experience, unique perspectives on the art of discovery writing, the origins of obscure pirate curses, and more! Avast! There’s writerly goodness dead ahead! Just hoist the sails and click that PLAY button! (and tune in on Sept 29 to catch Andrea’s Workshop Episode).
Django Wexler – author of the Shadow Campaigns saga (“The Thousand Names”, “The Shadow Throne”, “The Price of Valor”), the Forbidden Library tales (“The Forbidden Library”, “The Mad Apprentice”), and more – wrote 6 full novels before he finally published one. His commitment to his craft is matched by his love of history and storytelling which infuses his tales a rich tapestry of authentic and engaging storytelling.
Joined by former Guest Writer, David Sobkowiak, we engage Django in some marvelous writerly discourse, exploring the writing of middle-grade fiction, crafting narratives for large-scale battles, the evolution of minor characters into major POV entities, and more. Kick back, pour yourself your favorite libation, and open the loading dock for your brain, ’cause we have some writerly goodness to pour into it.
Ed Greenwood – New York Times best-selling author of almost 200 books and thousands upon thousands of articles, short stories, game modules, campaign settings and more – has inspired creative expression and a love of “story” in the hearts of millions of gamers and readers. His novels alone have sold more than 20 million copies in over 30 languages; there are an estimated 50 million-plus copies of his creations out there somewhere.
It is a rare opportunity to sit down with one of your heroes. To do so with the astonishing Alasdair Stuart as my co-host makes this an unparalleled delight. The three of us indulge in (far more than) 20 minutes of writerly discourse with the “Archmage”, exploring the qualities of satisfying fiction, how to keep track of a massive storyverse, the future of storytelling, and more. Settle in and buckle up, dear friends… THIS is a legendary conversation.
For Brian Kirk, storytelling is more than a career. It’s a way of life and a way of living. Author of the newly released (and deeply disturbing) “We Are Monsters”, Brian pursues his craft with the rigor and discipline of someone who truly loves what they do.
Joined by co-host horror writer CW LaSart (who has been on the RTP a few times before), we indulge in a fabulous 20(ish) minutes of writerly discourse with Brian, discussing why he writes, finding the “writer’s zone”, how to infuse terror into any scene, the distinction between “hero” and “protagonist”, and more. The writerly goodness flows like wine… grab a cup, hit the “PLAY” button and get some for yourself
Besides being funkalicious, Zig Zag Claybourne is a storyteller whose vision comes from deep within the creative forge. He brings to life tales you’ve never heard before about people you know, characters you recognize in situations you could never imagine. I can’t think of a better definition for “speculative fiction” and Zig is building a whole new wing on that venerable estate.
As fabulous as any conversation with such a gentleman would be, this particular dialog is made even more fabulous by the return of Brion Humphrey, the man who started the RTP with me oh-so-many years ago. With these two visionaries at the Table we launch into a superb 20(ish) minutes of writerly discourse, exploring the creation of conflict, the nuances and practicalities of diversity, authentic character development and more. Buckle up, kids… this is an “E” ticket ride!