The Fantasy Writers' Toolshed

<p>✍️ <strong>Access The Free Class Here: </strong><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.patreon.com/posts/email-marketing-147973043?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&amp;utm_source=copyLink&amp;utm_campaign=postshare_creator&amp;utm_content=join_link"><strong>Email Marketing For Writers and Authors</strong></a></p><p></p><p>Email marketing remains one of the most powerful tools available to writers and authors — and it’s about to change.</p><p>In this podcast episode, we break down <strong>how email marketing works for writers right now</strong>, and where it’s heading in 2026. Using real data, platform insights, and author-specific examples, we explore why email still outperforms social media, how writers use it to sell books and grow Patreon memberships, and what separates emails that get ignored from emails that drive real engagement.</p><p>We cover the fundamentals every writer needs to understand: choosing the right email platform, setting clear goals, building welcome sequences, improving open and click rates, and creating sustainable email routines. You’ll learn how subject lines, preview text, timing, frequency, and structure directly affect performance — and how to build genuine reader relationships rather than sending forgettable broadcasts.</p><p>Crucially, we also look ahead to <strong>email marketing trends in 2026</strong>, including:</p><ul><li>How inbox providers are prioritising engagement quality over volume</li><li>Why generic drip sequences are losing effectiveness</li><li>The rise of interactive emails, surveys, and community-driven content</li><li>How AI is shaping email creation, analysis, and personalisation</li><li>Why newsletters are becoming a primary publishing platform for writers</li></ul><p>This episode isn’t about spam tactics or quick wins. It’s about <strong>future-proofing your email strategy</strong>, owning your audience, and using email as the central hub of your writing career — not just a promotional afterthought.</p><p>Ideal for:</p><ul><li>Writers and authors at any stage</li><li>Indie authors selling ebooks, paperbacks, audiobooks, or subscriptions</li><li>Creators who want clarity, consistency, and long-term audience control</li></ul><p></p><p>✍️ <strong>Join Our Community and Access Writing Tools:</strong></p><p>Patreon: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed">⁠https://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed⁠</a></p><p>Richie's Patreon for free stories: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.patreon.com/cw/RichieBilling">https://www.patreon.com/cw/RichieBilling</a></p><p>Website and writing classes: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://richiebilling.com/online-writing-classes">⁠https://richiebilling.com/online-writing-classes</a></p><p>Follow on Instagram: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/fantasywriterstoolshed/">https://www.instagram.com/fantasywriterstoolshed/</a></p>

<p>RJ Barker is a critically acclaimed and award-winning fantasy author of the Wounded Kingdom and Tide Child trilogies, and certainly one of the best writers around right now. </p><p></p><p>In this in-depth interview, RJ shares his story of getting into writing, honing his craft, and the process of creating his brilliant stories. </p><p></p><p>We delve into creating characters and worldbuilding, psychological challenges and how to overcome them, and RJ shares his best pieces of advice for all writers out there looking to learn something new. </p><p></p><p><strong>✍️ More from RJ Barker:</strong></p><p>Website: <a href="https://suzyvadori.com/">⁠</a><a href="https://www.rjbarker.com/">https://www.rjbarker.com/</a></p><p>BlueSky: <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/rjbarker.bsky.social">https://bsky.app/profile/rjbarker.bsky.social</a></p><p>Books: <a href="https://store.orbit-books.co.uk/collections/author-rj-barker">https://store.orbit-books.co.uk/collections/author-rj-barker</a></p><p></p><p>✍️ <strong>Join our community &amp; writing tools:</strong></p><p>Patreon: <a href="https://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed">⁠https://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed⁠</a></p><p>Website and writing classes: <a href="https://richiebilling.com/">⁠https://richiebilling.com/</a></p><p></p>

<p><strong>Are you repeating the same writing mistakes without realising it? In this episode, writing coach and author Suzy Vadori reveals the biggest errors she sees in authors, and how to avoid them.</strong></p><p></p><p>Join Richie Billing and Suzy Vadori as they explore Suzy’s journey from businesswoman to bestselling YA fantasy author and coach. </p><p></p><p>We dive into her unique approach to character creation, immersive world-building, and the crucial missteps that hold writers back.</p><p></p><p><strong>In this episode, you’ll learn:</strong></p><ul><li>Why so many authors struggle with character arcs and how to fix them.</li><li>Practical world-building strategies that bring your setting to life without slowing the story.</li><li>The top three mistakes authors make when switching from business mindset to creative craft.</li><li>How Suzy’s coaching practice and author experience provide clarity, structure and growth.</li><li>How to build your author brand and writing career from the ground up.</li></ul><p>Whether you’re working on your first novel or deep into your series, you’ll walk away with actionable advice.</p><p></p><p><strong>✍️ More from Suzy Vadori:</strong></p><p>Website: <a href="https://suzyvadori.com/">https://suzyvadori.com/</a></p><p>Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/suzyvadori/?hl=en">https://www.instagram.com/suzyvadori/?hl=en</a></p><p>Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/suzyvadoriauthor/">https://www.facebook.com/suzyvadoriauthor/</a></p><p></p><p>✍️ <strong>Join our community &amp; writing tools:</strong></p><p>Patreon: <a href="https://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed">https://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed</a></p><p>Website and writing classes: <a href="https://richiebilling.com/">https://richiebilling.com/</a></p>

<p><strong>Discover what makes romance and cozy mysteries two of the most successful and reader-loved genres in publishing.</strong> </p><p></p><p>In this episode of <em>The Fantasy Writers’ Toolshed,</em> host <strong>Richie Billing</strong> sits down with bestselling authors <strong>Jami Albright</strong> and <strong>Sara Rosett</strong> to uncover what all writers can learn from these powerfully engaging genres.</p><p></p><p>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. </p><p></p><p>Together, they share a wealth of knowledge on writing craft, book marketing, and building a long-term career as an independent author.</p><p></p><p>We explore:</p><ul><li><strong>How to write a book series</strong> that keeps readers coming back — from character arcs to emotional payoffs.</li><li><strong>The secrets of romance and cozy mystery writing</strong>, including reader expectations, tone, pacing, and genre tropes that build loyal audiences.</li><li><strong>Worldbuilding techniques</strong> that keep continuity consistent across multiple novels.</li><li><strong>How to plan a successful book launch</strong> and make your release stand out in a crowded market.</li><li><strong>Developing an author brand</strong> that feels authentic and memorable.</li><li><strong>Book marketing strategies</strong> that actually work — from mailing lists and newsletters to podcast appearances, social media engagement, and creative promotions.</li><li><strong>Writing productivity and mindset tips</strong> to help authors finish series and sustain momentum.</li></ul><p></p><p>This conversation goes beyond genre to deliver <strong>universal lessons for storytellers</strong>. 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.</p><p></p><p><strong>Key takeaways:</strong></p><ul><li>Learn how romance and cozy mystery writers use <em>structure, reader satisfaction, and emotional beats</em> to keep fans invested.</li><li>Understand why <em>character-driven plots</em> and <em>series planning</em> can transform your writing into a sustainable career.</li><li>Discover how to create a strong <em>author identity</em> that readers instantly recognise.</li><li>Find out how Jami and Sara approach <em>marketing, launches, and branding</em> from a professional and personal perspective.</li></ul><p></p><p>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.</p><p></p><p><strong>FANTASY WRITING BOOKS, CLASSES AND TOOLS</strong></p><p><a href="https://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed">⁠⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed ⁠⁠⁠</a></p><p></p><p><strong>JOIN OUR DISCORD COMMUNITY</strong></p><p>⁠⁠<a href="https://mailchi.mp/395aa89d6ec0/join-richie-billings-community-of-writers">⁠⁠⁠https://mailchi.mp/395aa89d6ec0/join-richie-billings-community-of-writers⁠⁠⁠</a> ⁠⁠</p><p></p><p><strong>ABOUT JAMI ALBRIGHT</strong></p><p><a href="https://wishidknownforwriters.com/">https://wishidknownforwriters.com/</a></p><p><a href="https://www.jamialbright.com/">https://www.jamialbright.com/</a></p><p></p><p><strong>ABOUT SARA ROSETT</strong></p><p><a href="https://www.sararosett.com/">https://www.sararosett.com/</a></p><p></p><p><strong>GET IN TOUCH</strong></p><p>[email protected]</p><p><a href="https://richiebilling.com">⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.richiebilling.com⁠⁠⁠</a>⁠⁠⁠ </p><p></p><p><strong>RESOURCES</strong></p><p>Discover more</p>

<p>I'm delighted to be joined by bestselling fantasy authors Lucy Holland and Dan Coxon for an all-encompassing discussion on writing fantasy. </p><p></p><p>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.</p><p></p><p>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.</p><p></p><p>You're bound to learn something new!</p><p></p><p><strong>FANTASY WRITING BOOKS, CLASSES AND TOOLS</strong></p><p><a href="https://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed">⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/TheFantasyWritersToolshed ⁠⁠</a></p><p></p><p><strong>JOIN OUR DISCORD COMMUNITY</strong></p><p>⁠⁠<a href="https://mailchi.mp/395aa89d6ec0/join-richie-billings-community-of-writers">⁠⁠https://mailchi.mp/395aa89d6ec0/join-richie-billings-community-of-writers⁠⁠</a> ⁠⁠</p><p></p><p><strong>BUY WRITING THE MAGIC</strong></p><p><a href="https://deadinkbooks.com/product/writing-the-magic/">https://deadinkbooks.com/product/writing-the-magic/</a></p><p></p><p><strong>ABOUT DAN COXON</strong></p><p><a href="https://www.dancoxon.com/">https://www.dancoxon.com/⁠</a></p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/dan.coxon.author/">⁠https://www.instagram.com/dan.coxon.author/</a></p><p></p><p><strong>ABOUT LUCY HOLLAND</strong></p><p><a href="https://lucyhounsom.co.uk/">https://lucyhounsom.co.uk/</a></p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/silvanhistorian/">https://www.instagram.com/silvanhistorian/</a></p><p></p><p><strong>GET IN TOUCH</strong></p><p>[email protected]</p><p><a href="https://richiebilling.com">⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.richiebilling.com⁠⁠</a>⁠⁠⁠ </p><p></p><p><strong>RESOURCES</strong></p><p>Discover more ⁠<a href="https://richiebilling.com/writing-tips">⁠⁠⁠⁠writing tips⁠ and guides⁠⁠⁠⁠</a> here</p><p>And learn more about<a href="https://richiebilling.com/fantasy-writing">⁠⁠ writing fantasy⁠⁠⁠⁠</a>⁠ here</p>