Whether you're a beginner fantasy writer or maybe even a barbarian, Fantasy Writing for Barbarians can help take your story to some exciting new worlds. Hosted ...
How to write sci-fantasy (w/ special guest Bridget Serdock!)
Today on Fantasy Writing for Barbarians, we’re blasting off into the hybrid world of science fantasy (or sci-fantasy, speculative fantasy, etc)! Whether you’re dreaming up starships powered by magic or crafting a galaxy of necromancers and tech wizards, this episode is your ultimate guide to blending the fantastical with the futuristic. And for the first time, I'm joined by our wonderful producer Bridget Serdock, as we tackle questions like: What defines science fantasy? How do you balance magic and technology without confusing your readers? And most importantly, how can this underdog genre help your stories stand out? Drawing examples from classics like Dune, The Locked Tomb series, and even Mass Effect, we’ll dig into world-building tips, key tropes, and the challenges (and joys!) of creating a cohesive universe where magic and tech collide. Plus, Bridget shares their insights from building a sci-fantasy D&D campaign, and we swap our favorite storytelling tricks for making this genre work. If you’ve ever thought, “Can I write a space opera with dragons?” the answer is YES. Email your own advice prompt to [email protected] or join our Discord and let us know what's on your mind. Fantasy Writing for Barbarians‘ host is Jon Negroni, author of The Pixar Theory, Killerjoy, and more. Our producers are Natalia Emmons and Bridget Serdock. You can find all our episodes and various podcast app options here. Intro music: "Adventures in Adventureland" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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57:27
How to avoid boring travel sequences
Today on Fantasy Writing for Barbarians, we’re hitting the road—literally! I dive into an all-too common question: How do you write engaging travel scenes without boring your readers? Drawing inspiration from fantasy classics like The Wheel of Time and A Song of Ice and Fire, we’ll explore strategies to keep your story moving. I’ll break down how to make travel scenes emotionally impactful, layer in tension and world-building, and avoid the dreaded repetitiveness that might be plaguing your manuscript. Email your own advice prompt to [email protected] or join our Discord and let us know what's on your mind. You can find the discussion prompt we referenced on the show right here. Fantasy Writing for Barbarians‘ host is Jon Negroni, author of The Pixar Theory, Killerjoy, and more. Our producers are Natalia Emmons and Bridget Serdock. You can find all our episodes and various podcast app options here. Intro music: "Adventures in Adventureland" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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29:43
How to maximize your story's marketability
Today on Fantasy Writing for Barbarians, we're trying something new...video! That's right, you can see me talking for once by checking out this episode on our YouTube channel. As for the episode itself, I answer a listener's burning question: What makes a story maximally marketable? Drawing from examples like Harry Potter, Star Wars, Hunger Games, and more, I break down the patterns and elements that make iconic stories resonate. We'll explore high stakes, unique magic systems, vivid world-building, and crafting stories that feel fresh yet familiar. Plus, I’ll share some personal insights on balancing creativity with commercial appeal and how to inject emotional depth into your writing. Email your show feedback and/or advice prompts to [email protected] or join our Discord. Fantasy Writing for Barbarians‘ host is Jon Negroni, author of The Pixar Theory, Killerjoy, and more. Our producers are Natalia Emmons and Bridget Serdock. You can find all our episodes and various podcast app options here. Intro music: "Adventures in Adventureland" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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45:15
How much description is too much?
Today on Fantasy Writing for Barbarians, we dive into the delicate balance of description in fantasy writing. How much is too much? And how can you make every detail serve your story? We start by reacting to a fantasy writer's advice request about being inspired by Robert Jordan’s descriptive style, while grappling with whether their own prose is overdone or just right. I break down practical tips for crafting purposeful descriptions that enhance immersion, connect to character emotions, and avoid overwhelming readers. Plus, I share insights from my own writing process and discuss how to strike the perfect balance between vivid imagery and storytelling momentum. Email your show feedback and/or advice prompts to [email protected] or join our Discord. You can find the first discussion prompt we referenced on the show right here. Fantasy Writing for Barbarians‘ host is Jon Negroni, author of The Pixar Theory, Killerjoy, and more. Our producers are Natalia Emmons and Bridget Serdock. You can find all our episodes and various podcast app options here. Intro music: "Adventures in Adventureland" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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33:24
How to make sure your word count is just right
Today on Fantasy Writing for Barbarians, I tackle one of the most daunting aspects of writing fantasy: word count. Whether you're an aspiring writer working on a middle grade fantasy, a sprawling apocalypse novel, or an epic high fantasy series, word count is often a major obstacle. So let's break it all down! We start by reacting to an advice post from a writer struggling to balance creativity and marketability with a 250,000+ word debut epic fantasy. I dive into practical advice on navigating traditional publishing constraints, the hidden benefits of self-publishing, and why constraints (like word count caps) can actually make your storytelling stronger. Plus, I share some of my own experiences with cutting down manuscripts, managing expectations, and finding the "magic" balance between creativity and what sells in today’s evolving publishing landscape. Email your show feedback and/or advice prompts to [email protected] or join our Discord. You can find the first discussion prompt we referenced on the show right here. Fantasy Writing for Barbarians‘ host is Jon Negroni, author of The Pixar Theory, Killerjoy, and more. Our producers are Natalia Emmons and Bridget Serdock. You can find all our episodes and various podcast app options here. Intro music: "Adventures in Adventureland" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Whether you're a beginner fantasy writer or maybe even a barbarian, Fantasy Writing for Barbarians can help take your story to some exciting new worlds. Hosted by Jon Negroni and produced by Natalia Emmons and Bridget Serdock.
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