The Fantasy Writers' Toolshed - Fantasy Writing Craft Advice & Author Interviews

Want to get your short stories published? In this episode of The Fantasy Writers' Toolshed, host Richie Billing sits down with Benjamin Davis, co-founder of Chill Subs, for a comprehensive, no-nonsense guide to submitting short fiction to literary magazines, navigating the submissions process, and using it as a genuine route toward landing a literary agent.Chill Subs is the platform 50,000+ writers use to discover, track and submit to literary magazines, contests and agents — so Ben sees the short-fiction publishing world from the inside. He shares the latest shifts and trends in the literary magazine market, then gives honest, insider answers to the questions writers agonise over most:Do cover letters actually matter — and what should (and shouldn't) go in them?How should you format a short story submission?Are simultaneous submissions acceptable, and how do you keep track of them?Can you submit reprints, and where will editors accept them?How do short story credits actually help you get a literary agent?Where are the best places to submit right now, and how do you find them?Whether you're submitting your first short story or trying to build a publication history that opens doors to agents and book deals, this is a practical, market-leader's view of how short fiction publishing really works in 2026.In this episode, you'll learn:How to find the right literary magazines for your work using Chill SubsWhat editors really think about cover letters and formattingThe rules (and etiquette) around simultaneous submissions and reprintsHow short-story publication credits feed into querying literary agentsThe current trends reshaping the literary magazine and submissions marketAbout Benjamin Davis: Benjamin Davis is a writer and the co-founder of Chill Subs, a submissions platform used by over 50,000 writers to discover and track literary magazines, contests and agents. He also runs Sub Club, a top-selling Substack newsletter on literary publishing opportunities, and is connected with Write or Die Magazine. His own fiction and poetry have appeared in journals including Booth, Hobart and Maudlin House, and he's the author of The King of FU and Things We Do While Waiting to Die.🔗 Chill Subs: https://www.chillsubs.com ✍️ Join our writing community on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed 📚 More writing tips and classes: https://richiebilling.comNew episodes of The Fantasy Writers' Toolshed release on the 14th of each month.

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 TOOLShttps://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed JOIN OUR DISCORD COMMUNITY⁠⁠https://mailchi.mp/395aa89d6ec0/join-richie-billings-community-of-writers ⁠⁠ABOUT KEL CADEhttps://torpublishinggroup.com/sanctum-of-the-soul/?isbn=9781250293893&format=hardback https://kelkade.com/books/ ⁠⁠https://www.goodreads.com/series/172856-king-s-dark-tidings GET IN TOUCHthefantasywriterstoolshed@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠www.richiebilling.com⁠⁠⁠ RESOURCESDiscover more ⁠⁠⁠writing tips⁠ and guides⁠⁠ hereAnd learn more about ⁠⁠⁠writing fantasy⁠⁠⁠ here

This episode explains how to write realistic injuries and wounds in fantasy stories, focusing on medical accuracy, trauma, and believable consequences, with insights from ER doctor and fantasy author HB Reneau. You’ll learn how different injuries affect the body, how to portray wounds, infections, and recovery realistically, and how to reflect the physical and psychological impact of trauma in your characters. Ideal for fantasy writers who want to improve realism and deepen the emotional impact of their stories.In this episode, I'm joined by fantasy author and ER doctor, HB Reneau.HB talks all about injuries we commonly see in fantasy worlds--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. ABOUT HB RENEAUhttps://hbreneau.com/GET BOOKS AND CLASSES ON WRITING FANTASY AND JOIN OUR DISCORD COMMUNITY⁠https://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed⁠

This episode explains how to write and publish fantasy short stories, focusing on structure, editing, and what editors look for in submissions. You’ll learn how to craft compelling short fiction, avoid common mistakes, improve your editing process, and increase your chances of acceptance, with insights from award-winning writer and editor Dan Coxon. Ideal for writers who want to improve their short story craft and get published in fantasy magazines, anthologies, or competitions.Short stories are one of the most powerful ways to sharpen your craft—but writing them well (and getting them published) is a skill in itself.In this episode, I’m joined by Dan Coxon, an award-winning short story writer and editor, to break down exactly how short fiction works from both a writer’s and editor’s perspective.We cover everything you need to know to improve your fantasy short stories and increase your chances of publication, including:What defines a fantasy short story (and what doesn’t)Different short story structures and how to use themCommon mistakes writers make—and how to avoid themHow to edit short fiction for maximum impactWhat editors look for when selecting storiesHow to write a strong cover letter for submissionsIf you want to write tighter, more compelling short stories—and actually get them accepted—this episode gives you the tools and insider knowledge to do it.ABOUT DAN COXONhttps://www.dancoxon.com/https://www.instagram.com/dan.coxon.author/GET DAN'S BOOKSWriting The Uncanny -https://deadinkbooks.com/product/writing-the-uncanny/https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/author/B0034PDEYMJOIN OUR WRITING COMMUNITYhttps://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed⁠LEARN MORE ABOUT FANTASY WRITINGTo join our writing community, access exclusive interviews, discussions, fantasy writing classes, books and more, head over to our ⁠Patreon⁠ page - ⁠https://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed⁠

Discover the most effective writing tips to improve your craft, get published, and build a successful writing career.Writing advice is everywhere—but what actually works in practice?In this episode, I break down the most valuable writing tips I’ve learned, focusing on practical lessons you can apply immediately to sharpen your skills and move forward as a writer.We cover essential areas every writer should understand, including:How to write and publish short stories successfullyKey insights from legendary author Ian RankinWhat actually helps writers improve over timeTools and resources to find publication opportunitiesThe most important mindset shifts for long-term successIf you want clear, actionable writing advice without the fluff, this episode delivers the insights that make a real difference.Resources mentioned in the episode:https://thegrinder.diabolicalplots.com/https://duotrope.com/https://richiebilling.com/writing-tools/list-of-fantasy-magazinesThank you as always for listening and for your fantastic support!JOIN OUR WRITING COMMUNITYhttps://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed⁠LEARN MORE ABOUT FANTASY WRITINGTo join our writing community, access exclusive interviews, discussions, fantasy writing classes, books and more, head over to our ⁠Patreon⁠ page - ⁠https://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed⁠

This episode explains how to write fantasy and queer fiction, focusing on character development, storytelling craft, and the path to publication, with insights from author Ciel Pierlot. You’ll learn how to create engaging and authentic characters, approach inclusive storytelling, develop your writing process, and navigate the journey to finding a literary agent. Ideal for fantasy writers who want to strengthen their craft and write more diverse, character-driven stories.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!ABOUT CIEL PIERLOThttps://cielpierlot.com/GET THE HUNTER'S GAMBIThttps://angryrobotbooks.com/books/the-hunters-gambit/JOIN OUR WRITING COMMUNITYhttps://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed⁠LEARN MORE ABOUT FANTASY WRITINGTo join our writing community, access exclusive interviews, discussions, fantasy writing classes, books and more, head over to our ⁠Patreon⁠ page - ⁠https://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed⁠

This episode explains how to improve your fantasy writing process, focusing on character creation, magic systems, and immersive worldbuilding, with insights from author Kate J. Armstrong. You’ll learn how to develop compelling characters, design magic systems readers love, find inspiration when it fades, and build worlds that feel rich and escapist. Ideal for fantasy writers who want to strengthen their craft and create more engaging stories.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.ABOUT KATE J. ARMSTRONGhttps://www.katejarmstrong.com/https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/pub-dates/id1589892622https://www.theexploresspodcast.com/GET FYREBIRDShttps://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/697069/fyrebirds-by-kate-j-armstrong/JOIN OUR WRITING COMMUNITYhttps://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed⁠LEARN MORE ABOUT FANTASY WRITINGTo join our writing community, access exclusive interviews, discussions, fantasy writing classes, books and more, head over to our ⁠Patreon⁠ page - ⁠https://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed⁠