Michael R. Underwood returns to brainstorm a tale by Guest Writer Val Griswold-Ford
ARCHIVOS: Brainstorm Episodes
When writers brainstorm a story idea with a veteran Storyteller, the result is a creative alchemy transforming a raw idea into Literary Gold!
Alasdair Stuart returns to workshop a tale vengeance and intrigue set against the backdrop of a Steampunk world
Robyn returns to workshop a tale of future steampunk, alien invasion, the fate of a planet
Seanan returns to brainstorm at tale of superheroes, romance, and the dark side of adulation
Kij Johnson returns to apply her brainstorming fu to a tale of rival agents in a metropolis of the dark future by Richard Webb
Seth Skorkowsky brainstorms a noir tale of blackmail, kidnapping and betrayal from Sean O'Grady
Mur Lafferty brainstorms a tale of the death and apparent resurrection of a superhero by David "Doc Blue" Wendt.
Beth brainstorms a near future scifi thriller of social media gone horribly wrong.
Cerece workshops a tale of three people struggling to find their true purpose in a world ruled by a fractured god
James brainstorms a tale of post-apocalyptic rock and roll
Myke Cole returns to lend his brainstorming-fu to a tale of future warfare, powered armor, and artificial intelligence.
Ada Palmer brainstorms a tale of political oppression, intrigue, and Lovecraftian deities
Jeanne Cavelos returns to brainstorm a tale of betrayal and revenge in the classic noir tradition.
Kelly Robson returns to brainstorm a tale of Egyptian intrigue, magic, and tangled destinies across time.
Jake Kerr returns to brainstorm a tale of a betrayed emperor seeking his path across the expanse of his interplanetary empire.
Mur Lafferty returns to the Brainstorming Arena to workshop a tale of transdimensional superheroes.
Literary alchemist Marie Brennan – author of “A Natural History of Dragons: A Memoir by Lady Trent”, The Onyx Court Series, and “Lies and Prophecy”, and so much more – returns to the Guest Host chair to lend her astonishing brainstorming savvy to a tale of two strangers who’s lives become entangled by a drug that imparts magical powers as a side effect.
The tale is offered up by a pair of creagous Guest Writers, Saskia den Ouden and Thomas de Man… a street level slice of life where the protagonists walk the very fine line between hero and villain. Joined once again by the fabulous Marie Bilodeau as co-host, we indulge in a bit of worldbuilding (what a shock), as well as delving into what makes for a truly effective antagonist. The Literary Gold flows like Spice (NOT of the pumpkin variety) and your share is just a click of the “PLAY” button away!
Fran Wild – author of Updraft, The Jewel and Her Lapidary and more – returns to the Big Chair at the Roundtable to apply her fabulous storytelling mojo towards brainstorming a tale of our our world where ghosts are real and everyone knows it.
The tale is offered up by Guest Writer Jen Dawson, a poignant story a “ghost seer” contending with the challenges of her gift, her sexuality, and the perceptions of a culture that continues to struggle with (or against) both. Marie Bilodeau returns as Co-Host and together we work our way through the rich tapestry of characters and story woven by Jen’s story, tucking in some threads of Literary Gold along the way.
Clint Gaige – storyteller, film maker, and general badass – returns to the Big Chair at the Roundtable to lend his mojo with visual narratives to a story… no wait, excuse me… a SCRIPT brainstorm of a horror film exploring what happens when our children (ALL our children) turn on us.
The script concept is offered up by creageous Guest Writer Matteo Marsiello, a tale of what happens in a suburban Midwest town when the children go on a murder spree targeting the adults. Marie Bilodeau returns to take the co-host chair and together we enter the dark horrifying world of Matteo’s vision, exploring character arcs and thematic nuances, jumping and shadows and unearthing a treasure trove of Literary Gold. It’s yours for the taking if you DARE… to push that “PLAY” button!
Kat Richardson – author of the Greywalker Series as well as fabulous novellas and shorter tales – returns to the Big Chair at the RTP to lend her fabulous brainstorming-fu to an urban fantasy tale of magic unleashed on the world and the newly trained federal agents tasked with cleaning up the mess.
The story is provided by Guest Writer Gary Henderson, a tale of the newly formed Magical Crimes Unit (MCU), a federal task force created deal with the recent emergence of magic and the new flavors of crime that follow in its wake. With Heather Welliver once more in the co-pilot’s chair, we set on the trail for Literary Gold, chasing down leads and interrogating protagonists (spoilers: we TOTALLY close the case). The writerly goodness if fast and furious, and it’s all yours… just click that “PLAY” button
Tim Waggoner – author of “The Winter Box”, “Darkness Wakes” and more – returns to the Big Chair at the Roundtable to lend his considerable workshopping mojo to a take of demonic possession, betrayl, and manipulation.
The tale is offered up by Guest Writer Kaitlin Nichols (who writes as Kaitlin R. Branch), the story of a woman and a demon trapped in a cycle or torment for centuries and a desperate bid for freedom gone horribly wrong. Samantha Murphy returns as my co-host, and together the four of us rock and epic brainstorm, blazing a trail down numerous character arcs and narrative paths, ALL of them strewn liberally with Literary Gold. There’s plenty with which to fill your pockets… just click that “PLAY” button and join us!
Cat Rambo – author of splendid tales of wonder and delight, including “Beasts of Tabat (The Tabat Quartet Book 1)“ – returns to the Big Chair at the Roundtable to once more ply her wizarding ways in the brainstorming of a tale about a wizard who savors the pleasures of status and wealth but has the deep misfortune of being targeted by a demon.
The tale is offered up by Guest Writer Kelby Barker, a truly engaging yarn of dueling wizards and ruthless bounty hunters unwittingly caught in a war between demon-kind. Returning as co-host chair, Denise Lhamon joins in the froth and together the four off us wander the fabulous labyrinth of Kelby’s tale, ultimately emerging victorious and laden with Literary Gold. We kept some for you… all you have to do to claim it is click that “PLAY” button!
J. Robert King – author of Guild Wars: Edge of Destiny, the Mad Merlin series, and Hellmaw: Incubus Tweets – returns to the Big Chair at the Roundtable to lend his considerable storytelling mojo to brainstorming a scifi tale of humanity on the brink of interstellar expansion and a tormented man who has the potential to save it from a dark conspiracy or bring it all crashing down.
Our Guest Writer, Terry Mixon is a repeat offender… er… has appeared in the Guest Writer chair before and this time he brings us a tale of extreme future sports in a solar system where warp drive is possible, but strictly controlled, and dark violent forces are arrayed to seize power for their own ends. With Serving World’s John Mierau returning to the co-host chair, we strap in for from the jump to Awesome Space and havest asteroids loaded with Literary Goal. It’s a heck of a haul… you can get some for yourself by clicking that play button! (and if you want even more writerly goodness, check out Rob’s fabulous 20 Minutes With… episode!)
Jeanne Cavelos – author, editor, and founder of the exceptional Odyssey Writers Workshop – returns to the Big Chair at the Roundtable, bringing her storytelling mojo to the brainstorming of a tale about the discovery of aliens on a near-future Earth… but are they here to help us defend ourselves from a threat beyond the stars or are they the true threat?
Our brainstorming table is set by Guest Writer, Jeff Brackett, whose tale of alien manipulation of the human race and its accidental revelation to the entire planet serves a fine spring board for a brainstorming feast. With co-host Nicholas Fife (who is contributing a tale to the very cool Folklore: The Affliction game), we delve into the tale and discover – beneath the alien conspiracy – a veritable trove of Literary Gold. There’s plenty to go around, so come and get yours!
Returning to the big chair at the RTP this week is the astonishing Madeline Ashby – futurist and author of “Vn”, “iD”, and the soon-to-be-released “Company Town” – leveraging her storytelling mojo in a brainstorming session for a grimdark tale of political intrigue, entangled destinies, and ancient corruptions.
The tale is offered by Guest Writer David de Burgh, the story of an diplomat caught between four nations, who must unravel the mystery of the current conflict and his own past in order to prevent a devastating war. We are joined once more by the eloquent (and efficient) Lauren “Scribe” Harris – podcaster, narrator, and author of the Millroad Academy Novels “Exorcising Aaron Nguyen” and “The Girl in Acid Park” – and together we have a truly memorable conversation exploring the qualities of an authentic matriarchy, balancing the number of POVs, and so much more. It’s an incredible workshop fraught with Literary Gold… come get some for yourself!
Michael R. Underwood – author of “The Shootout Solution” and the soon-to-be-released “The Absconded Ambassador” of the fabulous Genrenauts novella…
Erin M. Evans – author of “Ashes of the Tyrant” (book FIVE in the Brimstone Angels series) – returns to the Big Chair at the Roundtable to lend her uncanny mutant brainstorming skills to a post-apocalyptic tale of humanity struggling to survive through the aftermath of a holocaust.
The tale is offered up by Guest Writer Dayn Leonardson, who comers to the table with basic story concept of humanity sheltering underwater after nuclear Armageddon and leaves with… well, something bigger. A LOT bigger. Thanks to the sterling efforts of Erin and co-host Katie Bryski, we have what may be the fastest, most explosive succession of ideas and inspirations in Roundtable history. Literary gold is EVERYWHERE, but don’t take my word for it… just click that “PLAY” button!
Jake Bible – author of “Reign of Four: I”, “Dead Team Alpha”, and so much more – returns to the Big Chair at the Roundtable to lend his brainstorming mojo (literally) to workshopping a tale of zombies as you’ve never. seen them before.
The tale is offered up by Guest Writer (and fellow Onder Librum creator) AJ Hare, a story of college life, fast/slow brilliant zombies, and the challenges of overcoming the world’s expectations of you. Joined once again by co-host and author Suzzane Church, we delve into AJ’s twisted world of slackers, frat boys, and diabolical zombies, in search of sweet sweet brains… I mean, gold! Literary Gold! Which, of course, we find. The creative mayhem begins as soon as you hit that “PLAY” button!
David Nickle – author of Knife Fight and Other Struggles, Eutopia, and so much more – returns to the Big Chair at the Roundtable to lend his considerable storytelling prowess to a steampunk fantasy set in the old west.
The tale is offered up by creageous Guest Writer, Robert Lewis, who’s tale of demon hunters trying to find sanctuary in the American west proves to be a catalyst for a truly memorable brainstorming feast. How could it be otherwise when the mighty Alasdair Stuart joins us in the co-host chair? Together, David, Alasdair, and myself launch into an inspiring exploration of Rob’s tale, unearthing vast expanses of writerly goodness and a mother lode of Literary Gold. The goodness begins, when you hit that “PLAY” button
Andrew Weston – author of “Hell Bound” from Perseid Press – returns to the big chair to workshop a story of survival amid the frozen wastes of a planet in the cold darkness of space.
The story is served up by Guest Writer Justin Tseng whose tale of a colony ship arriving at its destination only to spark a bitter war between the inhabitants of the planet is a fabulous feast for the brainstorming table. With John Mierau (of Serving Worlds fame… known to some as “El Writer Libre”) joining us on this epic quest of epicness, we launch into a brain maelstrom fraught with thunderbolts, epiphanies, and lots of “Oh YEAHs”. A jump start for your creative mojo awaits behind that “PLAY” button… El Writer Libre says “CLICK IT!”
[artwork by Akihiko Yoshida] Marguerite Reed, author of “Archangel: The Chronicles of Ubastis“, returns to the Big Chair at the Roundtable…
Gail Carriger – author of the Parasol Protectorate series, The Finishing School series, the Custard Protocol, and more – returns to claim her rightful seat in the Big Chair at the Roundtable (with a nice cup of tea) to lend her not inconsiderable writerly mojo to brainstorm a tale of young adventurers in a most dangerous city.
The table for our brainstorming feast is set by creageous Guest Writer Rick Milone, a story of friends caught in conspiracies in a city that defends the world against its greatest evil. Joined once again by the incomparable (and brilliant) Lauren “Scribe” Harris as co-host, we launch into a truly epic, sometimes (very) silly, but ultimately fabulous search for Literary Gold. We found SO MUCH we can’t carry it all… we need your help, so click that “PLAY” button and get you some.
Andrea Phillips – author of “Revision”, “The Daring Adventures of Captain Lucy Smokeheart” and some much more, returns to the Big Chair at the Roundtable to lend her diverse and refined storytelling mojo in workshopping a tale of death denied and the obsessive allure of creative success.
Our brainstorming feast is provided by creageous Guest Writer Laura Nicole (author, vocal performer, and host of the Gypsy in the Attic podcast), a tale of an obsession so powerful that it defies death… but Death can never be denied. Joined once again by the charming and insightful Dave Thompson as my co-host, we launch into tangled weave of story treads, untying knots (and making a few of our own), until we knit ourselves a tapestry of Literary Gold.
Django Wexler – author of the Shadow Campaigns saga, the Forbidden Library tales, and more – returns to the Big Chair at…
If you think talking with 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 – is a literary thrill for the senses, wait until you brainstorm with him. The “Archmage” returns to the Big Chair at the Roundtable to lend his potent storytelling mojo to a tale of a race’s cultural heritage betrayed and rewritten.
The tale is offered up by creageous Guest Writer Justin Cary, and is a story of class struggles and cultural purity among the Elvish race and the lengths some will go to preserve their racial legacy. It’s an incredible story feast, make even more delectable by having Alasdair Stuart return as my co-host. With the table set, we tuck in, exploring the possibility of ALL the characters being antagonists, examining the best way to present magic in a story, presenting with character crisis moments, and SO much more. Yeah, it’s a little longer, but you won’t notice. Trust me… click that “PLAY” button and rock the brainstorm
[image credit: Fan Ming] Brian Kirk – author of the newly released “We Are Monsters” returns to the Big Chair at…
Zig Zag Claybourne – author of “The Brothers Jetstream: Leviathan”, “Historical Inaccuracies”, and so much more – electric boogaloos his way back to the Big Chair at the Roundtable to lend his unique and insightful writerly mojo to brainstorming a steampunk tale of divided societies, betrayal, and revolution.
The story is offered up by Guest Writer Gabriel Snell, a tale of kindred spirits separated by a cultural divide, enslaved populations, and airship pirates. With Brion Humphrey returning once more to the co-host’s chair, we dive in to Gabriel’s story, gender flipping protagonists, delving into true character motivations, and generally doing that voodoo that we do so well. Literary Gold? Check!
C.W. LaSart – weaver of tales of horror featured in collections like “Ad Nauseam” and “Grimm Mistresses” – returns to the Big Chair…
Andrew Weston (author of many tales of thrilling adventure, like “The IX” from Perseid Press – returns to the BIG Chair at the RTP to lend his storytelling mojo to to a tale of evil queens, twisted cobblers, and ultimate balance of power.
The tale is offered up by Guest Writer Clara Robertson, a storytelling trickster in her own right. Her story of the Wicked Witch returning to her land after her defeat from Prince Charming and the mayhem that ensues serves as a marvelous feast for workshop delights. Joined by fabulous co-host Mike Luoma, we dive into brainstorming deep waters, exploring the nature of interweaving characters, the value of foreshadowing, and so much more. Literary Gold awaits you… just click that “PLAY” button!