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The Artsy Raven Podcast about Writing and Art with host JF Garrard

The Artsy Raven Podcast about Writing and Art with host JF Garrard

By JF Garrard

JF Garrard (writer, editor and publisher) has frank conversations with writers, editors, publishers, artists, actors, directors and other art professionals about what inspires them to create and what led to their success. Writers on the podcast will showcase their work by reading from their book. Free Artsy Raven club featuring a monthly newsletter: https://jfgarrard.com/artsyraven Artsy Raven merch: https://darkhelixpress.com/merchandise The Artsy Raven is on Feed Spot’s list of Top 60 Literature Podcasts & Top 10 Canadian Literature Podcasts on the web.
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Ep 25 A professor shares her writing wisdom with Beth Kaplan

The Artsy Raven Podcast about Writing and Art with host JF GarrardSep 26, 2021

00:00
31:56
Ep 53 How Fantasy Inspires this Writer with Jesse Zimmerman

Ep 53 How Fantasy Inspires this Writer with Jesse Zimmerman

Writer Jesse Zimmerman discusses what inspired him to write, the difficulties of publishing and how he created his main character, "the Challenger" in his first book, Our Adventures with the Challenger.

At time 22:00 he reads from Our Adventures with the Challenger.

Jesse has always lived, worked, and studied in Toronto. Growing up, Jesse enjoyed fiction, particularly speculative fiction and fantasy, anything imaginative. He began writing at a very young age on a DOS computer, creating short stories and little novellas. In his teens he was particularly interested in fantasy, having fond memories of playing Dungeons and Dragons in the late 90s at Jane and Finch, the area he grew up in which led to the creation of the character, "the Challenger." Years later, as an adult, Jesse reimagined the Challenger and began writing stories about him, among other things, having been inspired by the mainstreaming of fantasy fiction in pop culture. The Challenger is a semi-comedic character, though prone to brooding like many famous heroes. Jesse put together numerous Challenger stories into one self-published book, Our Adventures With The Challenger, which he promotes in many ways, including placing copies in Little Free Libraries on lawns and porches throughout the Greater Toronto Area.

Author website: https://junctionlandlord.blogspot.com/2021/12/our-adventures-with-challenger.html

Artsy Raven merch and other nerdy things available here: https://darkhelix.threadless.com

For more about The Artsy Raven Podcast or to join our exclusive Artsy Raven club to receive free books and other cool stuff, visit: https://jfgarrard.com/artsyraven/

If you really like this show, please feel free to send us a digital tip https://ko-fi.com/jfgarrard

Patreon subscribers remember to access your bonus content for each episode: https://www.patreon.com/jfgarrard

Mar 01, 202443:48
Ep 52 Can Writers and AI Co-exist? with Kit Daven

Ep 52 Can Writers and AI Co-exist? with Kit Daven

Author Kit Daven unveils why AI serves as her creative ally, how to utilize AI as a valuable tool to seek feedback on her writing, and why the notion that writers should harbor any fear of AI should be dismissed.

Kit Daven’s heart beats for the eerie and the extraordinary in her tales. Even her sci fantasy series, which begins with The Forgotten Gemstone, unfolds in The Other Castle, and culminates in The Starry Rise, possesses demonly threads running through the trans-dimensional landscape. Her most recent work, The Arrest in Mannequin Row, steps out of the fantasy realm into an urban one, where the living and dead collide in a town beneath the lake waters. Kit enjoys spending her time with her husband and her feline familiars amidst the quiet hills of Hespeler, Ontario.

At time 19:00 she reads from Everyday is Halloween, a short fiction story about the dead coming back and deciding to stay in the world of the living.

Website & Socials

Website: https://www.kitdaven.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kitdaven2

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kitd.eagereye/

Artsy Raven merch and other nerdy things available here: https://darkhelix.threadless.com

For more about The Artsy Raven Podcast or to join our exclusive Artsy Raven club to receive free books and other cool stuff, visit: https://jfgarrard.com/artsyraven/

If you really like this show, please feel free to send us a digital tip https://ko-fi.com/jfgarrard

Patreon subscribers remember to access your bonus content for each episode: https://www.patreon.com/jfgarrard

Feb 16, 202430:05
Ep 51 How to Juggle Editing, Writing & Working at the Same Time! with Matthew Gordan
Feb 02, 202436:30
Ep 50 Why Writing is Zenlike and How Cows Inspire M.A.C. Farrant

Ep 50 Why Writing is Zenlike and How Cows Inspire M.A.C. Farrant

On the Artsy Raven M.A.C. Farrant describes her journey of becoming a prize-winning writer, the Zenlike process of discovery when she writes and how cows inspired her latest Jigsaw Puzzle book.

M.A.C. Farrant - Marion Farrant has been writing and publishing since the 1980s:  18 works of fiction, non-fiction and memoir; two produced plays, countless book reviews for the Vancouver Sun and Toronto Globe & Mail; and over a dozen chapbooks.  Along with Pauline Holdstock she ran the Sidney Reading Series from 1994 – 2009.

Her books have been a finalist for many awards, among them the Commonwealth Writer’s Prize, the Ethel Wilson fiction prize, two Jessie Richardson theatre awards, The Van City Book Prize, the National Magazine Awards, the ReLit Award, the Gemini Awards for the Bravo short film adaptation of her story, Rob’s Guns & Ammo, and the Victoria Book Prize (three times), the last of which she won in 2014 for her collection of miniature fiction, The World Afloat.

Her 2021 non-fiction book, One Good Thing, was a BC Bestseller.  In 2024, Talon Books will issue the 20th Anniversary Edition of her memoir, My Turquoise Years.

Farrant is well-known for her acerbic wit and laugh-out-loud humour. Sheila Munro, has called her “Canada’s most ascerbic and intelligent humourist”. 

Bill Richardson has called her “a master of the Zen-like art of delivering weight in a way that is featherlight”, further noting that she’s “the most accomplished and unapologetic miniaturist in Canadian letters.”

At time 15:00 she reads from Jigsaw.

Wikipedia page: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M._A._C._Farrant

Artsy Raven merch and other nerdy things available here: https://darkhelix.threadless.com

For more about The Artsy Raven Podcast or to join our exclusive Artsy Raven club to receive free books and other cool stuff, visit: https://jfgarrard.com/artsyraven/

If you really like this show, please feel free to send us a digital tip https://ko-fi.com/jfgarrard

Patreon subscribers remember to access your bonus content for each episode: https://www.patreon.com/jfgarrard

Jan 20, 202430:48
Ep 49 Running an Online Zine with Unconventional Formats with Cormack Baldwin
Jan 14, 202429:14
Ep 48 Will AI Take Jobs Away from Writers? with ANALOG Editor Trevor
Dec 23, 202324:34
Ep 47 Making an Inclusive LGBTQ+ Christmas Movie with Rivkah Reyes

Ep 47 Making an Inclusive LGBTQ+ Christmas Movie with Rivkah Reyes

Rivkah Reyes is a Chicago-bred, LA-buttered actor, writer, producer, and musician. They rose to fame in the 2003 film School of Rock and have been slaying the theatre, film, and comedy world ever since. She starred in the Chicago and Los Angeles productions of Spamilton, the Off-Broadway parody of Hamilton. They hosted a podcast called Where Are We Now?, in which she interviewed fellow former child stars. Rivkah's screenwriting debut, Gianna, also stars Rivkah as both leads and is co-produced by Jack Black. Most recently, they starred in Onyx the Fortuitous and the Talisman of Souls, which premiered at Sundance in 2023. In their free time, Rivkah can be found line dancing, powerlifting, and hosting “HOWL: A Full Moon Party” in Los Angeles.

Recently Riv along with Lindsay Hicks, Marsha Warfield and Jill Larson all star in A Holiday I Do.

A Holiday I Do was made to change the lack of LGBTQ+ representation and is an inclusive Christmas movie. This film was made for everyone. This is not a “coming out” story, but a story showing that “love is love.” The primary themes of A Holiday I Do are being true to who you are and family. Ten percent of the producer’s proceeds supports The Trevor Project to help save young LGBTQ+ lives. The film is streaming on Tello Films.

On The Artsy Raven we discuss what happened on their journey to becoming an actor, why an inclusive Christmas movie is important and what projects they are working on next.

Rivkah Reyes links:

A Holiday I Do movie page and trailer

Rivkah Reyes official website

Artsy Raven merch and other nerdy things available here: https://darkhelix.threadless.com

For more about The Artsy Raven Podcast or to join our exclusive Artsy Raven club to receive free books and other cool stuff, visit: https://jfgarrard.com/artsyraven/

If you really like this show, please feel free to send us a digital tip https://ko-fi.com/jfgarrard

Patreon subscribers remember to access your bonus content for each episode: https://www.patreon.com/jfgarrard

Dec 09, 202320:53
Ep 46 The Journey to Create Diverse Films with Director Quentin Lee

Ep 46 The Journey to Create Diverse Films with Director Quentin Lee

Quentin Lee is the Winner of the 2020 Roddenberry Foundation Impact Awards for TV creators, a member of the Producers Guild of America, Canadian Media Producers Association and Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (Directors and Producers Peer Group), Quentin Lee is a multimedia creator and has directed and produced over ten feature films and three TV series. His first feature Shopping For Fangs premiered at Toronto International Film Festival and became a cult classic as part of the Asian American New Wave Class of 1997.

As a creator, he is currently developing Rez Comedy, the first Canadian Indigenous stand-up comedy TV series for APTN (Aboriginal Peoples TV Network) and Canada Media Fund with a principal photography date of January 2024.

His latest feature THE LAST SUMMER OF NATHAN LEE, explores the story of a Chinese American teenager who upon receiving a devastating diagnosis, chooses to embrace life with an unbridled passion.

On The Artsy Raven we discuss what happened on his journey on finding his way to UCLA to study film, how he made his first film and the inspiration behind The Last Summer of Nathan Lee.

Quentin Lee links:

THE LAST SUMMER OF NATHAN LEE movie page You can watch the trailer here and find the press release here for more info. The film will be released on Amazon Prime in November 2023.

Mystery Brothers | Book by Quentin Lee | Official Publisher Page | Simon & Schuster (simonandschuster.com)

Artsy Raven merch and other nerdy things available here: https://darkhelix.threadless.com

For more about The Artsy Raven Podcast or to join our exclusive Artsy Raven club to receive free books and other cool stuff, visit: https://jfgarrard.com/artsyraven/

If you really like this show, please feel free to send us a digital tip https://ko-fi.com/jfgarrard

Patreon subscribers remember to access your bonus content for each episode: https://www.patreon.com/jfgarrard

Nov 25, 202329:49
Ep 45 A Conversation about Loveboats and AI with Abigail Hing Wen

Ep 45 A Conversation about Loveboats and AI with Abigail Hing Wen

Abigail Hing Wen is the New York Times bestselling author of Loveboat, Taipei, which is being adapted for film. She holds a BA from Harvard, a JD from Columbia Law School, and an MFA from the Vermont School of Fine Arts, and, like some of her characters, is obsessed with musicals and dancing. When she’s not writing stories or listening to her favorite scores, she is busy working in artificial intelligence in Silicon Valley, where she lives with her family. You can learn more about her at www.abigailhingwen.com.

On The Artsy Raven she shares her writing journey, what inspired the Loveboat series and how AI will change the creative process.

At time 12:32 she reads from her latest work, Loveboat Forever.

Love in Taipei, a Paramount+ motion picture released in August 2023 was based on Loveboat, Taipei, the first book in the Loveboat series.

Artsy Raven merch and other nerdy things available here: https://darkhelix.threadless.com

For more about The Artsy Raven Podcast or to join our exclusive Artsy Raven club to receive free books and other cool stuff, visit: https://jfgarrard.com/artsyraven/

If you really like this show, please feel free to send us a digital tip https://ko-fi.com/jfgarrard

Patreon subscribers remember to access your bonus content for each episode: https://www.patreon.com/jfgarrard

Nov 10, 202328:42
Ep 44 The benefits of attending writing retreats and conferences with Jass Aujla

Ep 44 The benefits of attending writing retreats and conferences with Jass Aujla

Jass Aujila is the Canadian South-Asian author of debut suspense-thriller, Next of Twin. Jass studied creative writing as an undergraduate at the University of Toronto, and later earned a Certificate in Creative Writing from the School of Continuing Studies@ UofT. She's passionate about creativity, personal growth, and is an active member of the Canadian Authors Association and a Professional Author Member of the Crime Writers of Canada.

When Jass isn't working on one of her twisty novels, she can be found writing poetry and prose on social media. Her microfiction and poetry have appeared in several bestselling anthology publications worldwide, including Hidden In Childhood (by Literary Revelations Publishing House), From One Line (by Kobayaashi Studios), and 50 Give or Take (by Vine Leaves Press)."

On The Artsy Raven she shares why she writes, how conferences have helped her writing and what it’s like to attend a writing retreat.

At time 26:00 she reads from her latest work, Next of Twin.

Jass’ website: https://jassaujla.com/

Artsy Raven merch and other nerdy things available here: https://darkhelix.threadless.com

For more about The Artsy Raven Podcast or to join our exclusive Artsy Raven club to receive free books and other cool stuff, visit: https://jfgarrard.com/artsyraven/

If you really like this show, please feel free to send us a digital tip https://ko-fi.com/jfgarrard

Patreon subscribers remember to access your bonus content for each episode: https://www.patreon.com/jfgarrard

Oct 27, 202333:38
Ep 43 The Difference between Short Fiction and Novels with Thomas Dodson

Ep 43 The Difference between Short Fiction and Novels with Thomas Dodson

Thomas Dodson grew up in a small town in northeast Missouri, here he spent most of his time reading comic books, playing Dungeons and Dragons, and learning martial arts from a badass farmer. He holds graduate degrees from the Ohio State University, Kent State University, and the University of Iowa, where he was an Iowa Arts Fellow at the Iowa Writers’ Workshop in fiction. Founding editor of the journal Printer’s Devil Review, Thomas served as its editor and designer for five years. He was also the executive editor of the Best Indie Lit New England series.

No Use Pretending is an astounding debut collection that expertly blends diverse genres to capture the nature of circumstance. The characters in these stories have been forced into conditions of life that they find unbearable, and the stories chart their often tragically misguided attempts to relieve their suffering via connections with other people or through the pursuit of addictive attachments. This Iowa Short Fiction Award winning piece is perfect for readers interested in the absurd, messy complexity that is being a human in the 21st century.

On The Artsy Raven, we discuss the short story format, what inspires him to write short stories and the difference between short fiction and novels.

At time 18:21, Thomas reads from his debut collection, No Use Pretending.

For more about The Artsy Raven Podcast or to join our exclusive Artsy Raven club to receive free books and other cool stuff, visit: https://jfgarrard.com/artsyraven/

Artsy Raven merch available here: https://darkhelix.threadless.com

To send us a digital tip, please visit https://ko-fi.com/jfgarrard/posts

Patreon subscribers remember to access your bonus content for each episode: https://www.patreon.com/jfgarrard

Oct 13, 202329:29
Ep 42 Satirical Novelist Skewers the Worst of Social Media with Jeff Cottrill
Sep 29, 202326:41
Ep 41 “Why Write about Trump?” with Feminist Science Fiction Scholar Dr. Marleen S. Barr

Ep 41 “Why Write about Trump?” with Feminist Science Fiction Scholar Dr. Marleen S. Barr

Dr. Marleen S. Barr is known for her pioneering work in feminist science fiction criticism. She has won the Science Fiction Research Association Award for Lifetime Contributions to Science Fiction Scholarship. Barr is the author of Alien to Femininity: Speculative Fiction and Feminist TheoryLost in Space: Probing Feminist Science Fiction and Beyond, Feminist Fabulation: Space/Postmodern Fiction, and Genre Fission: A New Discourse Practice for Cultural Studies. Barr has edited many critical anthologies and co-edited the science fiction issue of PMLA. She is the author of the novels Oy Pioneer! and Oy Feminist Planets: A Fake Memoir.   Her When Trump Changed: The Feminist Science Fiction Justice League Quashes the Orange Outrage Pussy Grabber is the first single authored Trump short story collection. 

On The Artsy Raven she shares why she writes about Trump so much, how she became a feminist science fiction scholar and why Barbie is so important!

At time 19:00 she reads from her latest work, This Former President: Science Fiction as Retrospective Retrorocket Jettisons Trumpism.

Webpage for her latest book: https://darkhelixpress.com/fiction-and-non-fiction/this-former-president-science-fiction-as-retrospective-retrorocket-jettisons-trumpism/

Artsy Raven merch and other nerdy things available here: https://darkhelix.threadless.com

For more about The Artsy Raven Podcast or to join our exclusive Artsy Raven club to receive free books and other cool stuff, visit: https://jfgarrard.com/artsyraven/

If you really like this show, please feel free to send us a digital tip https://ko-fi.com/jfgarrard

Patreon subscribers remember to access your bonus content for each episode: https://www.patreon.com/jfgarrard

Sep 21, 202328:52
Ep 40 Writing as a Way of Life and to Process Grief with Catherine Graham

Ep 40 Writing as a Way of Life and to Process Grief with Catherine Graham

Catherine Graham is an award-winning poet, novelist and creative writing instructor based in Toronto. Her eighth book, Æther: An Out-of-Body Lyric, was a finalist for the Trillium Book Award, Toronto Book Award, and won the Fred Kerner Book Award. The Celery Forest was named a CBC Best Book of the Year and was a finalist for the Fred Cogswell Award for Poetry. Her debut novel Quarry won The Miramichi Reader Award for Best Fiction, an IPPY Gold Medal for Fiction and was a finalist for the Sarton Women’s Book Award and Fred Kerner Book Award. The Most Cunning Heart is included in The Miramichi Reader’s Best Fiction Book of the Year list. She teaches creative writing at the University of Toronto where she won an Excellence in Teaching Award, leads the Toronto International Festival of Authors’ Book Club, co-hosts The Hummingbird Podcast—part of the WNED PBS Amplify app, and is a judge for the CBC Poetry Prize. Put Flowers Around Us and Pretend We’re Dead: New and Selected Poems is her latest book.

On the Artsy Raven she discusses why she started writing, the beauty of language and how poetry has helped her on her journey through life.

At time 18:00 she reads from her latest work, Put Flowers Around Us and Pretend We’re Dead: New and Selected Poems.

Visit her online at www.catherinegraham.com and @catgrahampoet

Artsy Raven merch and other nerdy things available here: https://darkhelix.threadless.com

For more about The Artsy Raven Podcast or to join our exclusive Artsy Raven club to receive free books and other cool stuff, visit: https://jfgarrard.com/artsyraven/

If you really like this show, please feel free to send us a digital tip https://ko-fi.com/jfgarrard

Patreon subscribers remember to access your bonus content for each episode: https://www.patreon.com/jfgarrard


Sep 15, 202330:41
Ep 39 Becoming a Wattpad Star and Publisher's Weekly Book Reviewer with Idris Grey

Ep 39 Becoming a Wattpad Star and Publisher's Weekly Book Reviewer with Idris Grey

Idris Grey (they/them) is a writer, an experienced authenticity/sensitivity reader, and a book reviewer for Publisher Weekly. They’ve been posting stories on Wattpad since 2013 and have accumulated over 200,000 reads on the platform. They won the LGBT+ Watty Award in 2015 for their F/F romance Girls Chase Girls, and were longlisted for their F/M romance The Fashion of Love in 2018. They’ve been an authenticity/sensitivity reader since 2017, a professional book reviewer since 2018, and a Wattpad Star since 2019. They were a finalist in “Harlequin’s Romance Includes You” Mentorship Contest in 2019 before they signed with literary agent Claire Friedman from Inkwell Management in 2020. They’ve written for the Lure, Radish, and Stori fiction apps, among others. They’re currently pursuing traditional and non-traditional publication.

On the Artsy Raven she discusses why she started writing, what a Wattpad star entails, her experience as a book reviewer for Publisher’s Weekly and how to look for an agent.

At time 23:40 she reads a preview of a queer mystery work-in-progress they are working on for an agent! 

Aug 19, 202338:48
Ep 38 Jumping from Science/Engineering to Writing about Lab Life with Akemi C. Brodsky
Aug 04, 202332:22
Ep 37 Marketing Differently to get Books into Schools and Landing on the Kelly Clarkson Show!

Ep 37 Marketing Differently to get Books into Schools and Landing on the Kelly Clarkson Show!

Vincent Yee was born in Boston, Massachusetts. For most of his career, he has worked for several Fortune 100 companies in various managerial roles. At all other times, he has a vision...“To write for better Asian Representation.”

Vincent was a former National President for the National Association of Asian American Professionals (NAAAP). He also co-founded the ERG at his last employer and led it with an amazing team, to be one of the largest ERGs with over 450+ members within a few months. He’s also been known to create artistic culinary dishes for friends. When he is not writing, he may be binging a K-Drama on Netflix. He now lives in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

On the Artsy Raven Vincent explains why he wants to do what other people are not doing for marketing, how he published five books in six months and describes the impromptu opportunity of landing on the Kelly Clarkson show.

 At time 15:09 there is an audio excerpt from Clara Wu and the Portal Book.

In addition, Vincent is a judge of “Tell Us Your ABC Story: WuKong Global Essay Contest” along with mega star Daniel Wu! Enter by July 31, 2023: https://www.abcstory-wukongsch.com/

Visit Vincent’s website here: http://www.clarawubooks.com/author.html

For more about The Artsy Raven Podcast or to join our exclusive Artsy Raven club to receive free books and other cool stuff, visit: https://jfgarrard.com/artsyraven/

Artsy Raven merch available here: https://darkhelix.threadless.com

To send us a digital tip, please visit https://ko-fi.com/jfgarrard/posts

Patreon subscribers remember to access your bonus content for each episode: https://www.patreon.com/jfgarrard

Jul 21, 202334:16
Ep 36 Two Longtime Friends Talk about the Past, Present & Future as Writers & Artists

Ep 36 Two Longtime Friends Talk about the Past, Present & Future as Writers & Artists

Gregory James Light was born in 1951 in Canada. He lived abroad for 42 years in Paris, London and Chicago before his recent return to Toronto. He is a writer, performance artist and professor. In addition to four academic books, and 70+ academic papers, he has published four works of poetry and theatre. His plays and performance pieces have been produced and performed in France, the UK, Switzerland, and Canada. He holds two passports and almost speaks two languages. He divides his time between Toronto and an island in the Canadian Shield. For more information, please visit www.gregorylight.com

Rafael Sinclair Mahdavi was born in 1946 in Mexico of an American mother and an Iranian father. He spent his youth in Mallorca where he was home-schooled by his parents until the age of ten. He then attended European schools and completed his university studies in the U.S. As a writer he has written six novels published by Kindle Direct Publishing and as a painter he has had numerous solo shows worldwide. He holds multiple passports, and speaks several languages. He divides his time between France and an island in Greece. For more information, please visit www.rafaelmahdavi.com

On the Artsy Raven, Gregory and Rafael discuss their careers as writers, artists, teachers and the challenges they have faced along the way. Their joint novel, The Dishwasher Dialogues will be making a debut at the Frankfurt Book Fair.

At time 29:00 they read from their novel, The Dishwasher Dialogues.

For more about The Artsy Raven Podcast or to join our exclusive Artsy Raven club to receive free books and other cool stuff, visit: https://jfgarrard.com/artsyraven/

Patreon subscribers remember to access your bonus content for each episode: https://www.patreon.com/jfgarrard

Jul 08, 202344:01
Ep 35 Using The Story Engine Deck’s Lore Weaving prompts to Write Faster

Ep 35 Using The Story Engine Deck’s Lore Weaving prompts to Write Faster

Peter Chiykowski (he/him) is the creator of the award-winning webcomic Rock Paper Cynic, the crowdfunding sensation The Story Engine Deck of writing prompts, and six books of comics and short stories. He has twice won the Aurora Award for “Best Graphic Novel” from the Canadian Science Fiction and Fantasy Association. His fiction, game writing, and poetry have appeared in the award-winning tabletop RPG EMBERWIND, the video game FRACTER, and publications like Best Canadian Poetry, Best Canadian Speculative Writing, Globe & Mail, Asimov’s Science Fiction and more. His comics, memes, and social media shenanigans have been covered by Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, Entertainment Weekly, Buzzfeed, Newsweek, and The Huffington Post.

On the Artsy Raven, Peter talks about his journey from being a writer to making a "Story Engine" deck to help writers and gamers formulate stories. His latest project is The Story Engine: Lore Master’s Deck, a deck of lore-weaving prompts for writers, worldbuilders, and game masters.

Website: https://storyenginedeck.com/


Around 27:00 Peter demonstrates how to use The Story Engine: Lore Master’s Deck to create a story!

Note - The Story Engine: Lore Master’s Deck is launching live on June 20th 2023 on BackerKit, grab your copy with extra goodies by visiting the website for the BackerKit link!


For more about The Artsy Raven Podcast or to join our exclusive Artsy Raven club to receive free books and other cool stuff, visit: https://jfgarrard.com/arpodcast

Artsy Raven merch available here: https://darkhelix.threadless.com

Patreon subscribers remember to access your bonus content for each episode: https://www.patreon.com/jfgarrard

Jun 19, 202341:36
Ep 34 Professor Joseph Sassoon Discusses the Rise and Fall of a Global Empire
Jun 09, 202328:42
Ep 33 Pitching on #DVpit to meet Agents with Kara H.L. Chen
May 26, 202328:32
Ep 32 What Happens Behind the Scene in Literary Contests? Paula Sheridan, Page Turner Awards
May 12, 202334:15
Ep 31 Building a Complex Fantasy World with Sienna Tristen and Avi Silver

Ep 31 Building a Complex Fantasy World with Sienna Tristen and Avi Silver

Sienna Tristen (they/them) is an author, poet, and literary organizer living in Treaty 3 territory who explores queer platonic partnership, the nonhuman world, and mythmaking in their work. The first installment of their award-winning fantasy duology The Heretic’s Guide to Homecoming came out from the indie arts collective The Shale Project in 2018; the sequel was released in October 2022. You can find their poetry in Augur Magazine and Plenitude, and their short fiction in Nothing Without Us Too. Their latest chapbook, hortus animarum: a new herbal for the queer heart, is out with Frog Hollow Press. You can see what they're up to next at siennatristen.com.

Avi Silver (he/they) is a speculative fiction author of the Sãoni Cycle, the Co-Editor-in-Chief of Augur Magazine, and a poet with an honorable mention from the Rhysling Awards. Find their short fiction in Common Bonds: An Aromantic Speculative Anthology and Nothing Without Us Too. His poetry has been published in Strange Horizons and Uncanny Magazine. In 2018, they co-founded The Shale Project, an award-winning indie arts collective, and have not stopped worldbuilding since. Pluralities, their big trans slipstream-means-space-opera novella, will be out this October with Atthis Arts. For more information, visit mxavisilver.com. For lizard pictures, follow him on Twitter @thescreambean.

On the Artsy Raven they discuss how The Shale Project started (already the fifth anniversary!), how their day jobs in the literary world helps them with writing and why they adore lizards.

At time 22:07 Avi reads from Two Dark Moons and at time 29:45 Sienna reads from The Heretic’s Guide to Homecoming.

For more about The Artsy Raven Podcast or to join our exclusive Artsy Raven club to receive free books and other cool stuff, visit: https://jfgarrard.com/arpodcast

 Patreon subscribers remember to access your bonus content for each episode: https://www.patreon.com/jfgarrard

Apr 21, 202336:50
Ep 30 What Happens after Writing a Bestseller? with Lindsay Wong
Apr 07, 202322:59
Ep 29 A Creative Journey from Engineer to Actor with Liam Ma
Mar 28, 202323:58
Ep 28 The Value of Having Writing Mentors with Natasha D. Lane
Nov 07, 202137:12
Ep 27 Fantasy Writer Saves Halloween with Goblins! Interview with Kris Bowser
Oct 24, 202129:32
Ep 26 Writing about Retail Life during COVID with Adam Jonathan Kaat
Oct 10, 202144:44
Ep 25 A professor shares her writing wisdom with Beth Kaplan
Sep 26, 202131:56
Ep 24 Imagining a World on the Cusp of Climate Catastrophe with Sarah Lahey
Sep 12, 202144:12
Ep 23 How To World Build a Series and Why It’s OK to say No to a Publisher with Lauren L. Garcia

Ep 23 How To World Build a Series and Why It’s OK to say No to a Publisher with Lauren L. Garcia

Lauren L. Garcia has been a storyteller all her life. She started writing down my stories around the age of twelve; two decades and over two million words later, she has shown no sign of stopping. In addition to living in various fantasy worlds of her own making, she earned a BA in English Literature and married her high school sweetheart. She currently reside in North Florida with her husband and pets, where she enjoys hiking, weightlifting, kayaking, and dancing at music festivals.   On the Artsy Raven she shares how she started writing, world building a series (she’s written five in a row!) and why she chose to self-publish after pulling her books from a publisher who changed directions.  

At time 18:06, she reads from her Catalyst Moon Series, Book #1 Incursion.

Website: https://laloga.com/ 

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15266429.Lauren_L_Garcia 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/laloga 

Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/859225654453729/  

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lalogawrites/  

Enter a draw for a series of Lauren's books and Amazon giftcard (Aug 29-Sept 10, 2021): https://kingsumo.com/g/ejj8km/lauren-l-garcia-fantasy-romance-e-books-and-amazon-gift-card-giveaway-august-29-september-10-2021-2-winners

For more about The Artsy Raven Podcast or to join our exclusive Artsy Raven club to receive free books and other cool stuff, visit: https://jfgarrard.com/artsyraven/  

Patreon subscribers remember to access your bonus content for each episode: https://www.patreon.com/jfgarrard

Aug 29, 202128:22
Ep 22 Writing fantasy romance and running Kuumba Publishing with N.D. Jones

Ep 22 Writing fantasy romance and running Kuumba Publishing with N.D. Jones

N.D. Jones, Ed.D. is a USA Today bestselling author who lives in Maryland with her husband and two children. In her desire to see more novels with positive, sexy, and three-dimensional African American characters as soul mates, friends, and lovers, she took on that challenge herself. Along with the fantasy romance series Forever Yours, and a contemporary romance trilogy, The Styles of Love, she has authored three paranormal romance series: Winged Warriors, Death and Destiny, and Dragon Shifter Romance. N.D. is also the founder of Kuumba Publishing, an art, audiobook, eBook, and paperback company that is a forum for creativity, with a special commitment to promoting and encouraging creative works from authors and artists of African descent.

On the Artsy Raven she talks abouts why she started writing, how she manages writing projects, why she started a company and why she writes fantasy romance with a focus on African culture.

At time 30:00, N.D. reads from Mafdet’s Claws which is available on her website:

https://www.ndjonesparanormalpleasure.com/booksbyndjones/feline-nation-duology/mafdets-claws/

Visit N.D. Jones:

Website - https://www.ndjonesparanormalpleasure.com/about-nd-jones-author/

FB -  https://www.facebook.com/ndjonesparanormalromanceauthor/

Instagram -  https://www.instagram.com/ndjonesauthor/?hl=en

Pinterest -  https://www.pinterest.ca/ndjones001/_created/

Twitter - https://twitter.com/ndjonesauthor?lang=en

For more about The Artsy Raven Podcast or to join our exclusive Artsy Raven club to receive free books and other cool stuff, visit: https://jfgarrard.com/artsyraven/

Patreon subscribers remember to access your bonus content for each episode: https://www.patreon.com/jfgarrard

Aug 15, 202139:19
Ep21 Writing Reflections about Surviving Bullying in Teenagehood by Rutendo Alyssa-Joy Mushonga
Aug 01, 202158:59
Ep 20 Should we be suspicious of a doctor who writes medical crime series? with Dr. Melissa Yi

Ep 20 Should we be suspicious of a doctor who writes medical crime series? with Dr. Melissa Yi

Melissa Yi is an emergency physician and award-winning writer. In her newest crime novel, SCORPION SCHEME, Dr. Hope Sze (SI) lands in Cairo and discovers a man with a nail through his skull who might hold the key to millions in buried gold. Previous Hope Sze thrillers were recommended by The Globe and Mail, CBC Books, and The Next Chapter as one of the best Canadian suspense novels. Yi was shortlisted for the Derringer Award for the world’s best short mystery fiction. Under the name Melissa Yuan-Innes, she also writes medical humour and has won speculative fiction awards.   

On the Artsy Raven she talks about how she got into writing, why she has two pen names and how she balances being a doctor as well!  

At time 22:28, Melissa reads from Scorpion Scheme. Her website is http://www.melissayuaninnes.com/  

For more about The Artsy Raven Podcast or to join our exclusive Artsy Raven club to receive free books and other cool stuff, visit: https://jfgarrard.com/artsyraven/  

Patreon subscribers remember to access your bonus content for each episode: https://www.patreon.com/jfgarrard

Jul 25, 202137:34
Ep 19 The Comedian, Producer, and Simpleton on the Podcasting Path to Enlightenment with Josh Williams
Jul 18, 202138:48
Ep 18 Coaching and Podcasting to Give BIPOC Women Self-Confidence with Sheena Yap Chan
Jul 11, 202126:43
Ep 17 Writing Spec Fic While Surviving Being a Mother with Melissa Small
Jul 01, 202129:49
Ep 16 Getting Back Up and Living His Truth with Harma Hartouni
Jun 27, 202129:02
Ep 15 Get Real, Stand Tall and Take your place with Britt East

Ep 15 Get Real, Stand Tall and Take your place with Britt East

Britt East is an author and speaker who uses his experience, strength, and hope to challenge and inspire change-oriented gay men to get down to the business of improving their lives. With over two decades of personal growth and development experience in a variety of modalities, such as the 12 Steps, Nonviolent Communication, yoga, meditation, talk therapy, and the Hoffman Process, Britt is committed to building a personal practice of self-discovery that he can then share with gay men everywhere. He lives in Seattle with his husband and their crazy dog.

On the Artsy Raven Britt shares his inspiration for his new book, A Gay Man's Guide to Life, overcoming challenges despite of obstacles and how he wrote his book.

At time 24:17 he reads from A Gay Man's Guide to Life.

Britt's website is https://www.britteast.com/

For more about The Artsy Raven Podcast or to join our exclusive Artsy Raven club to receive free books and other cool stuff, visit: https://jfgarrard.com/arpodcast 

Patreon subscribers remember to access your bonus content for each episode: https://www.patreon.com/jfgarrard


Jun 20, 202137:03
Ep14 What Do Book Reviewers Do and How To Avoid Rejection when Submitting to an Anthology with Alex Carrigan

Ep14 What Do Book Reviewers Do and How To Avoid Rejection when Submitting to an Anthology with Alex Carrigan

Alex Carrigan is an editor, writer, and literary critic from Alexandria, Virginia. He has edited and proofed the anthologies CREDO: An Anthology of Manifestos and Sourcebook for Creative Writing (C&R Press, 2018) and Her Plumage: An Anthology of Women’s Writings from Quail Bell Magazine (Quail Bell Press & Productions 2019). He has had fiction, poetry, and literary reviews published in Quail Bell Magazine (of which he is the senior critic), Lambda Literary Review, Empty Mirror, Quarterly West, Whale Road Review, Gertrude Press, HASH Journal, The Blue Nib, Passionate Chic, Writer's Egg Magazine, Stories About Penises (Guts Publishing, 2019), Closet Cases: Queers on What We Wear (Et Alia Press, 2020), and ImageOutWrite Vol. 9. He is also a former news copy editor and currently serves as an editorial coordinator for the non-profit, the Society of American Foresters. You can find his work at carriganak.wordpress.com and follow him on Twitter @carriganak.

On the Artsy Raven podcast, Alex discusses his journey to become a book reviewer, editor and reveals submission dos and don’ts for his latest House of Lobsters Literary project, "Please Welcome to the Stage…: A Drag Literary Anthology."   

At time 21:31 he reads his short story "Odessa Remembers" published in ImageOutWrite Vol. 9. Note this episode is slightly longer than usual as Alex reads the entire story for our enjoyment. Trigger warning: some violence, foul language and bits of naughtiness is in this story.

The Please Welcome to the Stage…: A Drag Literary Anthology deadline for submissions of poetry, fiction, nonfiction, and art is November 30, 2021.

More information about this submission opportunity can be found here:

Website: https://houseoflobstersliterary.wordpress.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/houseoflobsters

Twitter: @LobstersLit

For more about The Artsy Raven Podcast or to join our exclusive Artsy Raven club to receive free books and other cool stuff, visit: https://jfgarrard.com/arpodcast

Patreon subscribers remember to access your bonus content for each episode: https://www.patreon.com/jfgarrard

Jun 13, 202145:08
Ep13 Chasing a Good Story as a Journalist with Emi Sasagawa
Jun 06, 202133:56
Ep12 Sharing the love of Filipino Food in Writing and Podcasts with Nastasha Alli
May 30, 202132:35
Ep11 Healing Through Poetry with Moni Brar
May 23, 202132:11
Ep10 What I Learned When Applying for my MFA and Writing my Own History with Kathy Quyen Pham
May 16, 202138:43
Ep9 Writing about HK and Canadian Life, pursuing dreams with Kevin Wong
May 09, 202133:48
Ep8 Intersections between Architecture, Writing and Art with Bianca Weeko Martin
May 02, 202131:20
Ep7 Creative Strategies to Develop and Perform Stories that Wow an Audience with Corey Rosen
Apr 25, 202134:35
Ep6 Talking about Freelance Writing, Editing and Self-Publishing with Kirsten McNeill

Ep6 Talking about Freelance Writing, Editing and Self-Publishing with Kirsten McNeill

This episode of the Artsy Raven features Kirsten McNeill, writer, editor and business owner of KM Writing Services. She shares her experience in the writing and publishing industry, from her work as a freelance writer, to self-publishing her own books and using Instagram to market her writing services as an editor to other writers. Despite COVID being around, she has not slowed down one bit and continues to inspire writers with her positive messages about writing success on her blog, Instagram and website! 

Kirsten’s website is https://kirstenmcneill.com

For more about The Artsy Raven Podcast or to join our exclusive Artsy Raven club to receive free books and other cool stuff, visit: https://jfgarrard.com/arpodcast 

Patreon subscribers remember to access your bonus content for each episode: https://www.patreon.com/jfgarrard

Apr 18, 202123:51
Ep5 Selling Books Made Easy (An Insider's Guide) with The Idea Shop
Apr 11, 202132:44
Ep4 Writing about Surviving in an Indifferent, Violent World with Ed Seaward
Apr 04, 202130:08