Skip to main content
Wizards, Warriors, & Words: A Fantasy Writing Advice Podcast

Wizards, Warriors, & Words: A Fantasy Writing Advice Podcast

By Jed Herne

A fantasy writing advice podcast, hosted by Jed Herne, Rob J. Hayes, Michael R. Fletcher, and Dyrk Ashton.

Past guests include: Will Wight, Anthony Ryan, John Gwynne, Adrian Tchaikovsky, Anna Smith Spark, Gareth Hanrahan, Brian Staveley, R. J. Barker, and more.

Each episode, we discuss a topic related to writing, editing, publishing, or marketing. With over 30 books published by our hosts - through traditional and self-published routes - you're bound to find new insights. Or at least hear some quality authorial banter.

Subscribe for new episodes every Monday.
Listen on Spotify
Available on
Apple Podcasts Logo
Google Podcasts Logo
Overcast Logo
Pocket Casts Logo
RadioPublic Logo
Spotify Logo
Currently playing episode

2.9 How to Write Great Endings

Wizards, Warriors, & Words: A Fantasy Writing Advice PodcastMar 01, 2021

00:00
27:44
3.36 Gabriel Bergmoser talks ‘The Hitchhiker’ - an Audible Original

3.36 Gabriel Bergmoser talks ‘The Hitchhiker’ - an Audible Original

Jed is joined by Gabriel Bergmoser to discuss his latest thriller - an incredibly tense and suspenseful story about a trip through the Australian outback that goes horribly wrong.

To listen to 'The Hitchhiker' for FREE, sign up for a free, 30-day Audible trial here: https://www.audible.com/mk/freetrial

CHECK OUT JED'S PAST CONVERSATIONS WITH GABRIEL:

Wizards, Warriors & Words (2021): https://wizardswarriorswords.com/search/gabriel%20bergmoser

The Novel Analyst Podcast (2020): https://novelanalyst.com/2020/06/03/54

The Novel Analyst Podcast (2019): https://novelanalyst.com/2019/08/06/32

The Novel Analyst Podcast (2018): https://novelanalyst.com/2018/09/01/episode5/

Visit our website to send us a question (and see bonus content): https://wizardswarriorswords.com/

Email us: wizardswarriorswords@gmail.com

FOR MORE ABOUT OUR HOSTS & OUR BOOKS:

Jed Herne: http://jedherne.com/

Dyrk Ashton: http://paternusbooks.com/

Michael R. Fletcher: http://michaelrfletcher.com/

Rob J. Hayes: http://robjhayes.co.uk/

This episode was produced and edited by Adrian M. Gibson: https://amgibson.com/

Thanks to all of our patrons for funding the show, and an extra-special shoutout to our Legendary Wizard patrons, Taylon, Daniel and Luis!

Sep 05, 202201:15:19
3.35 Peter V. Brett (author of The Demon Cycle) explains his writing process
Aug 29, 202239:53
3.34 Peter V. Brett talks about The Demon Cycle
Aug 22, 202230:13
Joe Abercrombie talks about the Age of Madness (Friends Talking Fantasy Podcast Crossover)
Aug 18, 202235:15
3.33 Top 8 beginner writing advice tips

3.33 Top 8 beginner writing advice tips

Aug 15, 202243:47
3.32 Writing interactive fiction with Hannah Powell-Smith & Kate Heartfield
Aug 08, 202258:45
3.31 We talk podcasting with SFF Addicts' Adrian M. Gibson

3.31 We talk podcasting with SFF Addicts' Adrian M. Gibson

In a special crossover episode, we chat about podcasting in the sci-fi and fantasy space with SFF Addicts host Adrian M. Gibson (who is also the producer/editor of WWW). We dig into the origins of WWW and SFF Addicts, the ins and outs of running a podcast, ordering alcohol from Amazon UK, getting yourself a Jed and more. Of course, chaos ensues…

Watch or listen to SFF Addicts podcast here:

https://anchor.fm/sff-addicts/

https://www.youtube.com/c/FanFiAddict/

PODCASTS/BOOKS MENTIONED:

Novel Analyst podcast

Something Like an Autobiography by Akira Kurosawa

The Emerald Forest Diary by John Boorman

Just Tell Me When to Cry by Richard Fleischer

The Magic Lantern by Ingmar Bergman

If you're interested in having Jed Herne edit your book, he'd love to work with you. Apply for book editing here: https://www.jedherne.com/editing

Visit our website to send us a question (and see bonus content): https://wizardswarriorswords.com/

Email us: wizardswarriorswords@gmail.com

FOR MORE ABOUT OUR HOSTS & OUR BOOKS:

Jed Herne: http://jedherne.com/

Dyrk Ashton: http://paternusbooks.com/

Michael R. Fletcher: http://michaelrfletcher.com/

Rob J. Hayes: http://robjhayes.co.uk/

SFF Addicts: https://twitter.com/SFFAddictsPod

Adrian M. Gibson: https://twitter.com/adrianmgibson

This episode was produced and edited by Adrian M. Gibson: https://amgibson.com/

Thanks to all of our patrons for funding the show, and an extra-special shoutout to our Legendary Wizard patrons, Taylon and Daniel!

Aug 01, 202201:38:05
3.30 How to write comics & graphic novels with Mike Carey

3.30 How to write comics & graphic novels with Mike Carey

Mike Carey is a prolific comic book writer and graphic novelist. His work includes The Sandman spin-off series Lucifer, runs on Marvel’s X-Men and Fantastic Four series, and The Girl with All the Gifts, which he helped adapt into a movie.

BOOKS MENTIONED:

Understanding Comics by Scott McCloud

Reinventing Comics by Scott McCloud

Making Comics by Scott McCloud

My Faith in Frankie by Mike Carey

(NOTE: these are affiliate links—using them helps supports the show at no extra cost to you).

If you're interested in having Jed Herne edit your book, he'd love to work with you. Apply for book editing here: https://www.jedherne.com/editing

Support Wizards, Warriors, & Words on Patreon for bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/wizardswarriorswords

Visit our website to send us a question (and see bonus content): https://wizardswarriorswords.com/

Email us: wizardswarriorswords@gmail.com

FOR MORE ABOUT OUR HOSTS & OUR BOOKS:

Jed Herne: http://jedherne.com/

Dyrk Ashton: http://paternusbooks.com/

Michael R. Fletcher: http://michaelrfletcher.com/

Rob J. Hayes: http://robjhayes.co.uk/

This episode was produced and edited by Adrian M. Gibson: https://amgibson.com/

Thanks to all of our patrons for funding the show, and an extra-special shoutout to our Legendary Wizard patrons, Daniel Henderson and Taylon!

Jul 25, 202225:02
3.29 Mike Carey on working with Neil Gaiman & writing Marvel comics
Jul 18, 202228:13
3.28 We critique a book blurb!

3.28 We critique a book blurb!

We take a listener’s blurb and try to improve it.

NOTE: There were some issues with Rob's recording, so he drops out of the episode partway through.

If you're interested in having Jed Herne edit your book, he'd love to work with you. Apply for book editing here: https://www.jedherne.com/editing

Support Wizards, Warriors, & Words on Patreon for bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/wizardswarriorswords

Visit our website to send us a question (and see bonus content): https://wizardswarriorswords.com/

Email us: wizardswarriorswords@gmail.com

FOR MORE ABOUT OUR HOSTS & OUR BOOKS:

Jed Herne: http://jedherne.com/

Dyrk Ashton: http://paternusbooks.com/

Michael R. Fletcher: http://michaelrfletcher.com/

Rob J. Hayes: http://robjhayes.co.uk/

This episode was produced and edited by Adrian M. Gibson: https://amgibson.com/

Thanks to all of our patrons for funding the show, and an extra-special shoutout to our Legendary Wizard patron, Taylon!

Jul 11, 202230:09
3.27 A new host (?), lessons from each other, & pen names (Listener Questions)

3.27 A new host (?), lessons from each other, & pen names (Listener Questions)

We answer a bunch of listener questions!

If you're interested in having Jed Herne edit your book, he'd love to work with you. Apply for book editing here: https://www.jedherne.com/editing

Support Wizards, Warriors, & Words on Patreon for bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/wizardswarriorswords

Visit our website to send us a question (and see bonus content): https://wizardswarriorswords.com/

Email us: wizardswarriorswords@gmail.com

FOR MORE ABOUT OUR HOSTS & OUR BOOKS:

Jed Herne: http://jedherne.com/

Dyrk Ashton: http://paternusbooks.com/

Michael R. Fletcher: http://michaelrfletcher.com/

Rob J. Hayes: http://robjhayes.co.uk/

Thanks to all of our patrons for funding the show, and an extra-special shoutout to our Legendary Wizard patron, Taylon!

Jul 04, 202223:60
3.26 Writing text adventures & running a 6-figure Kickstarter with Aaron A. Reed

3.26 Writing text adventures & running a 6-figure Kickstarter with Aaron A. Reed

Check out Aaron’s ‘50 Years of Text Games’ Kickstarter: bit.ly/50yearskickstarter

Jed is joined by Aaron A. Reed, who’s spent the last year writing in-depth research pieces on text adventure games from the last 50 years. He’s now put his learnings together into an awesome new book, which you can check out on Kickstarter.

We cover:

  • Aaron’s Choice of Games story, Hollywood Visionary (which was a big inspiration for Jed).
  • How to run a successful publishing Kickstarter to launch a book
  • Writing lessons Aaron learned from the 50 games he covered in his new book
  • And more!

If you're interested in having Jed Herne edit your book, he'd love to work with you. Apply for book editing here: https://www.jedherne.com/editing

Support Wizards, Warriors, & Words on Patreon for bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/wizardswarriorswords

Visit our website to send us a question (and see bonus content): https://wizardswarriorswords.com/

Email us: wizardswarriorswords@gmail.com

FOR MORE ABOUT OUR HOSTS & OUR BOOKS:

Jed Herne: http://jedherne.com/

Dyrk Ashton: http://paternusbooks.com/

Michael R. Fletcher: http://michaelrfletcher.com/

Rob J. Hayes: http://robjhayes.co.uk/

Jun 27, 202201:00:28
3.25 Working with a freelance book editor
Jun 20, 202225:16
3.24 Our current book editing processes (2022)
Jun 13, 202231:44
3.23 Great ideas, scene transitions and allegory (Listener Questions)
Jun 06, 202227:41
3.22 We write a book together
May 30, 202226:35
3.21 How to publish starting this year (2022)
May 23, 202227:40
3.20 Our thoughts on fantasy maps & listening to music when writing
May 16, 202229:24
3.19 Rob J. Hayes talks 'Sins of the Mother' (The War Eternal)
May 09, 202240:49
3.18 Behind the scenes of Jed's recent book launch (Siege of Treboulain)

3.18 Behind the scenes of Jed's recent book launch (Siege of Treboulain)

Jed & Michael talk about their different book launch strategies, and we go into depth on Jed's recent launch of Siege of Treboulain. 

Check out Siege of Treboulain here: https://www.choiceofgames.com/siege-of-treboulain/

If you're interested in having Jed Herne edit your book, he'd love to work with you. Apply for book editing here: https://www.jedherne.com/editing

Support Wizards, Warriors, & Words on Patreon for bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/wizardswarriorswords

Visit our website to send us a question (and see bonus content): https://wizardswarriorswords.com/

Email us: wizardswarriorswords@gmail.com

For more about our hosts and our books:

Jed Herne: jedherne.com

Dyrk Ashton: paternusbooks.com

Michael R. Fletcher: michaelrfletcher.com

Rob J. Hayes: robjhayes.co.uk

May 02, 202221:34
3.17 Our current writing routines (2022)
Apr 26, 202224:04
3.16 Project in depth: Siege of Treboulain by Jed Herne

3.16 Project in depth: Siege of Treboulain by Jed Herne

Play Siege of Treboulain here: https://jedherne.com/treboulain/

The Wizards, Warriors, & Words crew grills Jed with questions about his latest project, Siege of Treboulain – an interactive epic fantasy game.

If you're interested in having Jed Herne edit your book, he'd love to work with you. Apply for book editing here: https://www.jedherne.com/editing

Apr 18, 202225:09
You can achieve a lot in 2 years (writing motivation)
Apr 14, 202205:33
3.15 The Chaos Episode: Volume II

3.15 The Chaos Episode: Volume II

Michael R. Fletcher unleashes chaos by springing a surprise topic on the rest of the Wizards, Warriors, & Words crew...

Listen to our previous chaos episode here: https://wizardswarriorswords.com/episode/210-the-chaos-episode

If you're interested in having Jed Herne edit your book, he'd love to work with you. Apply for book editing here: https://www.jedherne.com/editing

Support Wizards, Warriors, & Words on Patreon for bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/wizardswarriorswords

Visit our website to send us a question (and see bonus content): https://wizardswarriorswords.com/

Email us: wizardswarriorswords@gmail.com

For more about our hosts and our books:

Jed Herne: jedherne.com

Dyrk Ashton: paternusbooks.com

Michael R. Fletcher: michaelrfletcher.com

Rob J. Hayes: robjhayes.co.uk

Apr 11, 202244:50
3.14 Our thoughts on Sanderson's kickstarter
Apr 04, 202227:04
Rob J. Hayes reads Sins of the Mother (The War Eternal #4)

Rob J. Hayes reads Sins of the Mother (The War Eternal #4)

Pre-Order Sins of the Mother here: https://amzn.to/3uIvtel (releases May 3rd 2022)

Blurb:  

In her darklight the world will burn.  

Eskara Helsene is missing. She left her queendom, her friends, her children, even her own name behind. No one has seen the Corpse Queen for a decade.  

Someone is murdering Sourcerers, forcing them to reject their magic and opening scars in reality, and monsters from the Other World are pouring through.  

When an old acquaintance turns up out of the blue, Eska has no choice but to investigate the murders and the holes in reality. 

Can she stop the murderer before the entire world is consumed? And will the conflict reveal her true nature?

Mar 31, 202208:17
3.13 How much does it cost to self-publish a book?
Mar 28, 202233:32
3.12 How to make an audiobook as a self-published author

3.12 How to make an audiobook as a self-published author

Check out our new website: www.wizardswarriorswords.com

We discuss strategies and best practices for producing an audiobook as a self-published author. 

If you're interested in having Jed Herne edit your book, he'd love to work with you. Apply for book editing here: https://www.jedherne.com/editing

Support Wizards, Warriors, & Words on Patreon for bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/wizardswarriorswords

Email us: wizardswarriorswords@gmail.com

For more about our hosts and our books:

Jed Herne: jedherne.com

Dyrk Ashton: paternusbooks.com

Michael R. Fletcher: michaelrfletcher.com

Rob J. Hayes: robjhayes.co.uk

Mar 21, 202226:46
3.11 Dealing with burnout & writer's block
Mar 14, 202229:41
3.10 We critique your covers & blurbs - part 2

3.10 We critique your covers & blurbs - part 2

We continue to critique books submitted by our brave listeners. Strap in, because this section part is a tad more brutal than the first (sorry!).

Watch the video version here: https://youtu.be/9Nq-uA2C9Cc

If you're interested in having Jed Herne edit your book, he'd love to work with you. Apply for book editing here: https://www.jedherne.com/editing

Support Wizards, Warriors, & Words on Patreon for bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/wizardswarriorswords

Email us your questions: wizardswarriorswords@gmail.com

For more about our hosts and our books:

Dyrk Ashton: paternusbooks.com

Michael R. Fletcher: michaelrfletcher.com

Rob J. Hayes: robjhayes.co.uk

Jed Herne: jedherne.com

Mar 07, 202222:21
3.09 We critique your covers & blurbs - part 1

3.09 We critique your covers & blurbs - part 1

Following up from a previous episode (3.06 Making covers & blurbs that sell your book), we had several brave listeners send in their books. In this episode, we critique them! Stay tuned for part 2 next week.

Watch the video version of this episode: https://youtu.be/KcNSxOXhrSs

If you're interested in having Jed Herne edit your book, he'd love to work with you. Apply for book editing here: https://www.jedherne.com/editing

Support Wizards, Warriors, & Words on Patreon for bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/wizardswarriorswords

Email us your questions: wizardswarriorswords@gmail.com

For more about our hosts and our books:

Dyrk Ashton: paternusbooks.com

Michael R. Fletcher: michaelrfletcher.com

Rob J. Hayes: robjhayes.co.uk

Jed Herne: jedherne.com

Feb 28, 202228:46
3.08 TV Adaptations with Peter McClean
Feb 21, 202228:41
3.07 Fantasy Pet Peeves Gameshow
Feb 14, 202230:29
3.06 Making covers & blurbs that sell your book
Feb 07, 202238:50
What are your fantasy pet peeves?

What are your fantasy pet peeves?

Send us an email at wizardswarriorswords@gmail.com and let us know about your fantasy pet peeves! We're going to take these answers and use them in a future game show episode, so stay tuned :)

Feb 02, 202202:02
3.05 How to get reviews before your book is published

3.05 How to get reviews before your book is published

We answer a listener question about getting reviews.

Resources mentioned:

Reedsy book review blog list: https://blog.reedsy.com/book-review-blogs/

Booksirens: https://booksirens.com/

Self-Published Fantasy Book-Off (SPFBO)

If you're interested in having Jed Herne edit your book, he'd love to work with you. Apply for book editing here: https://www.jedherne.com/editing

Support Wizards, Warriors, & Words on Patreon for bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/wizardswarriorswords

Email us your questions: wizardswarriorswords@gmail.com

For more about our hosts and our books:

Dyrk Ashton: paternusbooks.com

Michael R. Fletcher: michaelrfletcher.com

Rob J. Hayes: robjhayes.co.uk

Jed Herne: jedherne.com

Jan 31, 202228:11
3.04 (Listener Questions) Writing long series, disabled characters, and point of view

3.04 (Listener Questions) Writing long series, disabled characters, and point of view

We answer listener questions from our wonderful patrons! 

If you want priority Q&A access (like these patrons enjoyed in this episode), please consider joining our patreon: https://www.patreon.com/wizardswarriorswords

If you're interested in having Jed Herne edit your book, he'd love to work with you. Apply for book editing here: https://www.jedherne.com/editing

Join Jed Herne's Writing Advice Wednesday newsletter: jedherne.com/wednesday

Email us your questions: wizardswarriorswords@gmail.com

For more about our hosts and our books:

Dyrk Ashton: paternusbooks.com

Michael R. Fletcher: michaelrfletcher.com

Rob J. Hayes: robjhayes.co.uk

Jed Herne: jedherne.com

Jan 24, 202241:29
3.03 How to avoid scams as a writer
Jan 17, 202227:02
3.02 Our fave books we read in 2021

3.02 Our fave books we read in 2021

The Wizards, Warriors, & Words crew discuss the best books (and movies!) we read/saw last year. Also, Jed posted a more detailed list of his top reads on his website: Click here to check it out.

If you're interested in having Jed Herne edit your book, he'd love to work with you. Apply for book editing here: https://www.jedherne.com/editing

Support Wizards, Warriors, & Words on Patreon for bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/wizardswarriorswords

Join Jed Herne's Writing Advice Wednesday newsletter: jedherne.com/wednesday

Email us your questions: wizardswarriorswords@gmail.com

For more about our hosts and our books:

Dyrk Ashton: paternusbooks.com

Michael R. Fletcher: michaelrfletcher.com

Rob J. Hayes: robjhayes.co.uk

Jed Herne: jedherne.com

Jan 10, 202253:29
3.01 What writing lessons did we learn in 2021?
Jan 04, 202232:32
2.50 Writing progression fantasy: tips from Will Wight (author of Cradle)
Dec 20, 202136:46
2.49 Will Wight (author of Cradle) on the danger of success
Dec 13, 202132:38
2.48 When should you know your story’s theme?
Dec 06, 202124:37
2.47 Developing your voice, tone, & style
Nov 29, 202122:58
2.46 Introducing readers to new fantasy worlds
Nov 22, 202119:04
2.45 When is a book done?
Nov 15, 202124:01
2.44 How to focus

2.44 How to focus

If you're interested in having Jed Herne edit your book, he'd love to work with you. Apply for book editing here: https://www.jedherne.com/editing

Support Wizards, Warriors, & Words on Patreon for bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/wizardswarriorswords

Join Jed Herne's Writing Advice Wednesday newsletter: jedherne.com/wednesday

Email us your questions: wizardswarriorswords@gmail.com

For more about our hosts and our books:

Dyrk Ashton: paternusbooks.com

Michael R. Fletcher: michaelrfletcher.com

Rob J. Hayes: robjhayes.co.uk

Jed Herne: jedherne.com

Nov 08, 202133:40
2.43 Gabriel Bergmoser: defining the modern Australian thriller
Nov 01, 202101:12:37
2.42 Resurrecting old writing projects

2.42 Resurrecting old writing projects

We discuss how to get back into working on an old story. 

If you're interested in having Jed Herne edit your book, he'd love to work with you. Apply for book editing here: https://www.jedherne.com/editing

Support Wizards, Warriors, & Words on Patreon for bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/wizardswarriorswords

Join Jed Herne's Writing Advice Wednesday newsletter: jedherne.com/wednesday

Email us your questions: wizardswarriorswords@gmail.com

For more about our hosts and our books:

Dyrk Ashton: paternusbooks.com

Michael R. Fletcher: michaelrfletcher.com

Rob J. Hayes: robjhayes.co.uk

Jed Herne: jedherne.com

Oct 25, 202123:44
2.41 Recovering from failure as a writer
Oct 18, 202131:52