Discover what makes romance and cozy mysteries two of the most successful and reader-loved genres in publishing.
In this episode of The Fantasy Writers’ Toolshed, host Richie Billing sits down with bestselling authors Jami Albright and Sara Rosett to uncover what all writers can learn from these powerfully engaging genres.
Jami Albright is an acclaimed romance author known for her laugh-out-loud romantic comedies and bestselling indie success stories. Sara Rosett is a prolific cozy mystery writer whose books are filled with charm, suspense, and unforgettable characters.
Together, they share a wealth of knowledge on writing craft, book marketing, and building a long-term career as an independent author.
We explore:
How to write a book series that keeps readers coming back — from character arcs to emotional payoffs.
The secrets of romance and cozy mystery writing, including reader expectations, tone, pacing, and genre tropes that build loyal audiences.
Worldbuilding techniques that keep continuity consistent across multiple novels.
How to plan a successful book launch and make your release stand out in a crowded market.
Developing an author brand that feels authentic and memorable.
Book marketing strategies that actually work — from mailing lists and newsletters to podcast appearances, social media engagement, and creative promotions.
Writing productivity and mindset tips to help authors finish series and sustain momentum.
This conversation goes beyond genre to deliver universal lessons for storytellers. Whether you write fantasy, science fiction, romance, or thrillers, you’ll gain actionable advice on how to design stories that hook readers, market your books effectively, and build a lasting author career.
Key takeaways:
Learn how romance and cozy mystery writers use structure, reader satisfaction, and emotional beats to keep fans invested.
Understand why character-driven plots and series planning can transform your writing into a sustainable career.
Discover how to create a strong author identity that readers instantly recognise.
Find out how Jami and Sara approach marketing, launches, and branding from a professional and personal perspective.
If you’ve ever wondered how to write a romance novel, how to start a cozy mystery series, or simply how to build a loyal readership, this episode is packed with real-world experience and practical strategies.
FANTASY WRITING BOOKS, CLASSES AND TOOLS
https://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed
JOIN OUR DISCORD COMMUNITY
https://mailchi.mp/395aa89d6ec0/join-richie-billings-community-of-writers
ABOUT JAMI ALBRIGHT
https://wishidknownforwriters.com/
ABOUT SARA ROSETT
GET IN TOUCH
thefantasywriterstoolshed@gmail.com
www.richiebilling.com
RESOURCES
Discover more writing tips and guides here
And learn more about writing fantasy here
I'm delighted to be joined by bestselling fantasy authors Lucy Holland and Dan Coxon for an all-encompassing discussion on writing fantasy.
Dan has curated and co-edited a brilliant new craft book called Writing The Magic, published by Dead Ink, and Lucy has contributed an excellent chapter on Ursula Le Guin's magic system in Earthsea.
We delve into worldbuilding, creating magic systems, explore Ursula Le Guin's Earthsea series and Michael Moorcock's stories, and discuss why we all love the genre so much.
You're bound to learn something new!
FANTASY WRITING BOOKS, CLASSES AND TOOLS
https://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed
JOIN OUR DISCORD COMMUNITY
https://mailchi.mp/395aa89d6ec0/join-richie-billings-community-of-writers
BUY WRITING THE MAGIC
https://deadinkbooks.com/product/writing-the-magic/
ABOUT DAN COXON
https://www.instagram.com/dan.coxon.author/
ABOUT LUCY HOLLAND
https://www.instagram.com/silvanhistorian/
GET IN TOUCH
thefantasywriterstoolshed@gmail.com
www.richiebilling.com
RESOURCES
Discover more writing tips and guides here
And learn more about writing fantasy here
In this episode, I'm delighted to be joined by Professor Charles Li, author of the brilliant new historical fiction novel, Lord Guan.
We chat all about Professor Li's expertise in languages and linguistics, and I pick his brain for worldbuilding tips and advice to help you craft your own languages for your fantasy stories.
We also dive into Chinese history and culture, looking specifically at the life story of Lord Guan and the legend surrounding him, before diving into the writing and researching of the book.
And at 90 years old, Professor Li shares lots of brilliant pieces of wisdom we can all benefit and learn from.
FANTASY WRITING BOOKS, CLASSES AND TOOLS
https://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed
JOIN OUR DISCORD COMMUNITY
https://mailchi.mp/395aa89d6ec0/join-richie-billings-community-of-writers
ABOUT PROFESSOR CHARLES LI
https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Lord-Guan/Charles-N-Li/9781682452325
https://www.simonandschuster.co.uk/authors/Charles-N-Li/185995596
GET IN TOUCH
thefantasywriterstoolshed@gmail.com
www.richiebilling.com
RESOURCES
Discover more writing tips and guides here
And learn more about writing fantasy here
I'm thrilled to be joined by bestselling fantasy author, Jim C. Hines for an extended interview about his two new books, Kitemaster and the relaunch of the beloved classic, Goblin Quest.
Jim opens up about his writing journey, what it's like to be a writer—even down to the earnings—and shares some of his best advice for writing short stories, crafting lovable characters, and writing stories that you're passionate about.
It's fantastic to learn from such a seasoned and decorated pro. I learned an awful lot, and I hope you do too!
FANTASY WRITING BOOKS, CLASSES AND TOOLS
https://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed
JOIN OUR DISCORD COMMUNITY
https://mailchi.mp/395aa89d6ec0/join-richie-billings-community-of-writers
ABOUT JIM C. HINES
Goblin Quest (direct from author) - https://payhip.com/b/XBK0D
Kitemaster - https://bookshop.org/p/books/kitemaster/21588658?aid=25009
GET IN TOUCH
thefantasywriterstoolshed@gmail.com
RESOURCES
Discover more writing tips and guides here
And learn more about writing fantasy here
In this episode, I’m joined by New York Times Best Selling fantasy author, Kel Kade.
Kel’s new book, Sanctum of the Soul, was published by Tor in February 2025 and completes her brilliant new trilogy. As well as discussing the new book, we also dive into the character creation process and how to create fantasy worlds, discussing techniques and methods to ensure we don’t info dump!
Kel also shares her favourite and least favourite fantasy tropes, and we discuss some newer and more shocking tropes that writers should think about before including.
And Kel also discusses her amazing journey through the world of writing, starting out as a popular indie author with The King's Dark Tidings, before getting snapped up by Tor.
FANTASY WRITING BOOKS, CLASSES AND TOOLS
https://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed
JOIN OUR DISCORD COMMUNITY
https://mailchi.mp/395aa89d6ec0/join-richie-billings-community-of-writers
ABOUT KEL CADE
https://torpublishinggroup.com/sanctum-of-the-soul/?isbn=9781250293893&format=hardback
https://www.goodreads.com/series/172856-king-s-dark-tidings
GET IN TOUCH
thefantasywriterstoolshed@gmail.com
RESOURCES
Discover more writing tips and guides here
And learn more about writing fantasy here
Award-winning YA author Sarah Arthur returns to the Toolshed to discuss her brilliant new book, Once A Castle.
Sarah also shares her experiences following the release of her debut YA novel (Once A Queen), what it was like writing book two, and how theme has played such an important role in the writing of both.
We also discuss Artificial Intelligence (AI) creeping into the writing world, and Sarah provides her expert insights into what 2025 holds for the world of Young Adult fantasy fiction.
JOIN OUR DISCORD COMMUNITY
https://mailchi.mp/395aa89d6ec0/join-richie-billings-community-of-writers
ABOUT SARAH ARTHUR
https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/authors/2216828/sarah-arthur/
ONCE A CASTLE
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/213618161-once-a-castle
https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/707441/once-a-castle-by-sarah-arthur/
GET IN TOUCH
thefantasywriterstoolshed@gmail.com
RESOURCES
Discover more writing tips and guides here
And learn more about writing fantasy here
In this episode, I'm joined by fantasy author and ER doctor, HB Reneau.
HB talks all about injuries we commonly see in fantasy swords--usually inflicted by swords and magic, and explains how we can best portray things like wounds and infections.
We also talk about the impact of injuries and trauma and mental health too.
HB also tells us all about her new book, The Revenant, and how she's used Kickstarter to fund a pretty awesome project. You can find out more here - https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/theremnant/the-remnant-ya-fantasy-adventure-collectors-edition
GET BOOKS AND CLASSES ON WRITING FANTASY
https://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed
JOIN OUR DISCORD COMMUNITY
https://mailchi.mp/395aa89d6ec0/join-richie-billings-community-of-writers
ABOUT HB RENEAU
GET IN TOUCH
https://richiebilling.com/
RESOURCES
Discover more writing tips and guides here -https://richiebilling.com/writing-tips/
And learn more about writing fantasy here -https://richiebilling.com/fantasy-writing/
https://richiebilling.com/writing-tips/adjectives-that-start-with-th
In this episode, I'm joined by Brianna Summers, literary agent assistant with Holloway Literary. Brianna also works as an editor with Of Metal and Magic Publishing.
Brianna shares her wisdom after spending several years working in the literary agency field. She tells us what it's like for agents on a day-to-day basis and the main reasons she rejects submissions.
We also take a deep dive into query letters and Brianna shares her ideal structure for what a query letter should contain.
If you're thinking about querying literary agents or want to learn more about it, this episode is a must-listen!
GET BOOKS AND CLASSES ON WRITING FANTASY
https://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed
JOIN OUR DISCORD COMMUNITY
https://mailchi.mp/395aa89d6ec0/join-richie-billings-community-of-writers
ABOUT BRIANNA SUMMERS
https://www.instagram.com/brianna.summers.338/
https://ofmetalandmagicpublishing.wordpress.com/
GET IN TOUCH
https://richiebilling.com/
RESOURCES
Discover more writing tips and guides here -https://richiebilling.com/writing-tips/
And learn more about writing fantasy here -https://richiebilling.com/fantasy-writing/
https://richiebilling.com/writing-tips/adjectives-that-start-with-th
In this episode, award-winning short story writer and editor Dan Coxon joins me for an in-depth chat about writing short fiction.
We look at the definition of a short story, the different structures they can have, the pitfalls to avoid, and best practices for editing.
Dan also shares his best tips on getting short stories published, sharing vital insights on what it's like to be an editor with a publisher. You can also find a very helpful explanation for writing cover letters.
It's a must-listen for anyone keen to learn more about writing short stories and getting them published.
JOIN OUR DISCORD COMMUNITY
https://mailchi.mp/395aa89d6ec0/join-richie-billings-community-of-writers
ABOUT DAN COXON
https://www.instagram.com/dan.coxon.author/
GET DAN'S BOOKS
Writing The Uncanny -https://deadinkbooks.com/product/writing-the-uncanny/
https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/author/B0034PDEYM
GET IN TOUCH
https://richiebilling.com/
RESOURCES
Discover more writing tips and guides here -https://richiebilling.com/writing-tips/
And learn more about writing fantasy here -https://richiebilling.com/fantasy-writing/
In this episode, I’m delighted to be joined by the Queen of Grimdark, Anna Smith Spark!
Anna joins me for a deep dive into all things writing. We look at Anna’s process, how she wrote her brilliant books, A Court of Broken Knives, A Woman Of The Sword, and A Sword Of Bronze and Ashes, and how she approaches pantsing.
Anna also shares her fantastic wisdom on Grimdark, explaining what it is and what the key features are for writers.
We also discuss character creation, worldbuilding, and dealing with writing challenges. You’re bound to learn something new!
JOIN OUR DISCORD COMMUNITY
https://mailchi.mp/395aa89d6ec0/join-richie-billings-community-of-writers
ABOUT ANNA SMITH SPARK
https://britishfantasysociety.org/meet-anna-smith-spark/
https://www.instagram.com/annasmithspark/
https://www.facebook.com/queenofgrimdark/
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15935255.Anna_Smith_Spark
GET A SWORD OF BRONZE AND ASHES
https://www.flametreepublishing.com/a-sword-of-bronze-and-ashes-isbn-9781787588400.html
GET IN TOUCH
thefantasywriterstoolshed@gmail.com
RESOURCES
Discover more writing tips and guides here - https://richiebilling.com/writing-tips/
And learn more about writing fantasy here - https://richiebilling.com/fantasy-writing/
In this final episode of 2024, I discuss all of the best writing tips I've come across in the past year, as well as the most helpful things I've learned.
In particular, I dive into writing short stories and getting them published, amazing pieces of wisdom from legendary author Ian Rankin, and the most important thing I learned over the past 12 months.
Here are some useful links I referred to in the ep.
https://thegrinder.diabolicalplots.com/
https://richiebilling.com/writing-tools/list-of-fantasy-magazines
Thank you as always for listening and for your fantastic support. I sincerely appreciate it and can't wait to create more helpful things for you in 2025!
JOIN OUR DISCORD COMMUNITY
https://mailchi.mp/395aa89d6ec0/join-richie-billings-community-of-writers
GET IN TOUCH
thefantasywriterstoolshed@gmail.com
https://richiebilling.com/
RESOURCES
Discover more writing tips and guides here - https://richiebilling.com/writing-tips/
And learn more about writing fantasy here - https://richiebilling.com/fantasy-writing/
In this episode, I'm joined by voice over artist and audiobook producer, Ethan Fifield, for an explainer on how to make an audiobook.
Ethan offers a fantastic insight into the process of making audiobooks, explaining what it's like to be a producer and what it's like to work with publishers and authors.
Ethan also offers practical advice on how to make an audiobook, using platforms like ACX to create projects that narrators can pitch for. He also explains how different contracts can be arranged, like royalty splits, meaning you can make an audiobook with the help of a narrator today without paying a penny!
If you're keen to learn more about audiobooks, this episode is guaranteed to help.
JOIN OUR DISCORD COMMUNITY
https://mailchi.mp/395aa89d6ec0/join-richie-billings-community-of-writers
ABOUT ETHAN FIFIELD
https://www.audible.com/search?searchNarrator=Ethan+Fifield
GET THE PARIAH'S LAMENT
https://mybook.to/PariahsLament
GET IN TOUCH
thefantasywriterstoolshed@gmail.com
RESOURCES
Discover more writing tips and guides here - https://richiebilling.com/writing-tips/
And learn more about writing fantasy here - https://richiebilling.com/fantasy-writing/
In this episode, award-nominated author Ciel Pierlot joins me in the Toolshed for a fascinating chat about writing fantasy and writing queer fiction.
Ciel's new book, The Hunter's Gambit, was published by Angry Robot earlier this year. We chat all about the writing of the story, Ciel's writing process as a whole, and crafting characters who are interesting and engaging.
Ciel also discusses her experience of the query trenches and how she found a literary agent.
As always, you're bound to learn something new!
JOIN OUR DISCORD COMMUNITY
https://mailchi.mp/395aa89d6ec0/join-richie-billings-community-of-writers
ABOUT CIEL PIERLOT
GET THE HUNTER'S GAMBIT
https://angryrobotbooks.com/books/the-hunters-gambit/
GET IN TOUCH
thefantasywriterstoolshed@gmail.com
RESOURCES
Discover more writing tips and guides here - https://richiebilling.com/writing-tips/
And learn more about writing fantasy here - https://richiebilling.com/fantasy-writing/
In this special episode, I'm delighted to be joined by returning guest and bestselling author, Stephen Aryan.
Stephen has just released his latest fantasy novel, The Blood Dimmed Tide, and on 1st October, he's releasing his first-ever crime novella, New York Minute.
We chat all about New York Minute, writing novellas, mixing fantasy and other genres together, crafting characters readers love, and navigating the world of self-publishing.
It's an interview packed with advice and insights—you're bound to learn something new. And if you enjoy it, why not check out Stephen's awesome new novella? You can find the link below.
JOIN OUR DISCORD COMMUNITY
https://mailchi.mp/395aa89d6ec0/join-richie-billings-community-of-writers
ABOUT STEPHEN ARYAN
GET NEW YORK MINUTE
https://stephen-aryan.com/2024/08/01/new-york-minute/
GET IN TOUCH
thefantasywriterstoolshed@gmail.com
RESOURCES
Discover more writing tips and guides here - https://richiebilling.com/writing-tips/
And learn more about writing fantasy here - https://richiebilling.com/fantasy-writing/
In this episode I'm delighted to be joined by fantasy author, Kate J. Armstrong. Kate's new book Fyrebirds recently hit the shelves and in this episode we talk all about it.
We also dive into Kate's journey through the world of writing, how she found inspiration when it left her, and the crafty questions we love so much, such as how to create characters, magic systems readers love, and worlds people want to escape into.
JOIN OUR DISCORD COMMUNITY
https://mailchi.mp/395aa89d6ec0/join-richie-billings-community-of-writers
ABOUT KATE J. ARMSTRONG
https://www.katejarmstrong.com/
https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/pub-dates/id1589892622
https://www.theexploresspodcast.com/
GET FYREBIRDS
https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/697069/fyrebirds-by-kate-j-armstrong/
GET IN TOUCH
thefantasywriterstoolshed@gmail.com
RESOURCES
Discover more writing tips and guides here
And learn more about writing fantasy here
Jennifer L. Armentrout is one of the biggest authors in the world right now. A #1 NYT Bestseller, as well as a #1 International Bestseller, Jennifer has penned over 70 books in a range of genres and for all different audiences.
In this episode, we talk all about Jennifer's journey into writing and how it all led to the release of her brand new book, Born Of Blood And Ash, which hit the shelves on 13.08.2024 (link below).
We take a deep dive into Born Of Blood And Ash, exploring the writing side and how it felt to bring together the final book in the Flesh And Fire series.
We also dive into worldbuilding, character creation, and plotting, and Jennifer shares her best tips for writers.
It's truly an insightful interview with one of the best writers in the world. You're bound to learn something new.
JOIN OUR DISCORD COMMUNITY
https://mailchi.mp/395aa89d6ec0/join-richie-billings-community-of-writers
ABOUT JENNIFER L. ARMENTROUT
https://jenniferlarmentrout.com/
GET BORN OF BLOOD AND ASH
Get exlusive editions and signed copies here - https://jenniferlarmentrout.com/books/born-of-blood-and-ash/
GET IN TOUCH
thefantasywriterstoolshed@gmail.com
RESOURCES
Discover more writing tips and guides here
And learn more about writing fantasy here
In this episode, I'm delighted to welcome bestselling author, Sarah Arthur.
Sarah's debut YA fantasy novel, Once A Queen has recently hit the shelves courtesy of Penguin Random House.
We chat all about writing a YA fantasy novel, creating characters, transitioning from writing non-fiction to fiction, creating a magic portal-based system, and building a fantasy world within our real world.
We also explore writing Young Adult fiction (YA) and how it's become its own genre that deals with issue-driven stories. Sarah shares some brilliant insights into how to connect with and reach a younger audience here.
JOIN OUR DISCORD COMMUNITY
https://mailchi.mp/395aa89d6ec0/join-richie-billings-community-of-writers
ABOUT SARAH ARTHUR
https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/authors/2216828/sarah-arthur/
ONCE A QUEEN
https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/707440/once-a-queen-by-sarah-arthur/
GET IN TOUCH
thefantasywriterstoolshed@gmail.com
RESOURCES
Discover more writing tips and guides here
And learn more about writing fantasy here
In this episode, we welcome the Kindlepreneur himself, Dave Chesson for a chat about selling books on Amazon and Kindle Direct Publishing.
Dave has devoted huge amounts of time and effort into helping authors sell books and reach readers. We chat about the latest changes Amazon has made to its book category system, how selling books on Amazon works, how you can use Amazon ads to great effect, and what best practices authors can follow (like using keywords) to find more success.
The book marketing advice you'll find here will help you sell both fantasy fiction books, non-fiction books, and books of all genres. Dave reveals all about how Amazon works for selling books here.
As always, if you have any questions, comments or requests, please email us at thefantasywriterstoolshed@gmail.com
JOIN THE COMMUNITY
https://mailchi.mp/395aa89d6ec0/join-richie-billings-community-of-writers
GET FANTASY WRITING CLASSES AND BOOKS
https://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed
ABOUT OUR GUEST
Learn more about Dave Chesson: https://kindlepreneur.com/
Get Dave's free Amazon Ads course: www.amscourse.com
ABOUT RICHIE BILLING
In this episode, I’m delighted to be joined by Sunday Times Bestselling author, Manda Scott. Manda is well known for her historical fiction series, Boudica. And in June, her new novel, Any Human Power is hitting the shelves.
Any Human Power is a fantasy story of a family at the centre of a global uprising. A band of young tech-visionaries in the real world are guided from the afterlife by their anthropologist grandmother Lan, as they find themselves at the heart of a terrifying, worldwide media storm. It offers a critique of aspects of our current society, social media culture in particular, and we chat all about it here.
We also dive into the writing process and Manda’s style of storytelling, which is known as Thrutopian.
Thrutopia is the art of writing engaging route-maps through to a world we’d all be proud to leave to future generations. The current global crisis is so overwhelming that, it’s tempting for writers to stick with what we know: dystopias, because it’s easy to imagine how bad things could be, or utopias, because we can leap forward and imagine something better as long as it’s somewhere distant.
We talk all about Thrutopian writing, how writers can incorporate it into their storytelling, and how it has the potential to change our culture and hopefully the worst parts of our world.
As always, you're bound to learn something new!
JOIN OUR DISCORD COMMUNITY
https://mailchi.mp/395aa89d6ec0/join-richie-billings-community-of-writers
ABOUT MANDA SCOTT
ANY HUMAN POWER
https://septemberpublishing.org/product/any-human-power-hb/
GET IN TOUCH
thefantasywriterstoolshed@gmail.com
Discover more writing tips and guides here
And learn more about writing fantasy here
In this episode, I'm joined by fantasy author Gabriela Houston for an honest chat about writing and publishing.
Gabriela has developed a reputation for writing brilliant, Slavic-inspired tales. The Bone Roots, published by Angry Robot, is her latest book.
We talk all about it, as well as Gabriela's journey through writing, what it's like to be traditionally published versus self-publishing, and more than a few honest assessments about the publishing process as a whole.
Join Our Discord Community
Join our writing community on Discord and get involved in the conversation - https://mailchi.mp/395aa89d6ec0/join-richie-billings-community-of-writers
Resources
Creative Writing Tips For Beginners - https://richiebilling.com/writing-tips/
Advice On Writing Fantasy - https://richiebilling.com/fantasy-writing
About The Guest
Gabriela Houston - https://www.gabrielahouston.com/
Buy The Bone Roots - https://angryrobotbooks.com/books/the-bone-roots/
Richie Billing: https://richiebilling.com