Dive into this inspiring conversation with Richie Billing, who left behind a legal career to embrace his passion for fantasy writing. Discover the bold decisions, struggles, and creative breakthroughs behind his journey from courtrooms to crafting gritty, character-driven worlds. Richie and Paul explore how personal backgrounds shape storytelling, the power of hope, and why representation and authenticity matter in modern fantasy. If you love tales of risk, resilience, and the magic of everyday people, this episode is for you

You can find Richie Billing’s latest writing, stories, and podcasts on his Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/cw/RichieBilling. He’s also got a website: richiebilling.com, where you’ll discover his guides, resources for writers, and everything about his fantasy work—plus, he’s easy to spot with a quick Google search too. Whether you want to read his novels, listen to interviews, or join his creative community, those are the best places to connect and keep up with Richie’s journey.

00:00 Highlights & Intro

00:31 Influences

02:34 The Role of Fantasy in Life

05:49 Character Development and Realism

08:48 The Impact of Family Background

11:46 Writing Style and Genre Preferences

14:46 The Magic of Storytelling

18:09 Building a Fantasy World

21:03 Exploring Good vs Evil

23:00 Politics and Writing

27:05 Character Development in Together We Rise

33:09 The Role of Music in Storytelling

38:06 Personal Connections in Writing

41:02 The Journey of Self-Publishing

45:57 Podcasting and Creative Community

56:11 The Joy of Mentoring Writers

01:00:19 Wearing Many Hats: The Multifaceted Life of a Writer

01:01:45 Nature as Inspiration for Writing

01:02:58 The Writing Process: Daily Routines and Midnight Sessions

01:04:13 Music and Storytelling: The Soundtrack of Creativity

01:05:44 The Power of Fantasy in Storytelling

01:07:21 Rapid Fire Round: Insights and Favorites

01:18:49 Life-Changing Books and Future Aspirations

01:23:07 OUTRO