B.R. Michaels on Stolen Histories, Fantasy, and Building a World Beyond Imagination

On this episode of the Big Time Talker Podcast, recorded live at the American Library Association Summer Conference in Chicago, Burke Allen welcomes award-winning author B.R. Michaels to discuss her debut fantasy novel, Stolen Histories, and her journey into independent publishing. Winner of a Next Generation Indie Book Award, Stolen Histories is an epic fantasy adventure following a deaf Oracle who leads a ragtag team of thieves on a multidimensional heist. Filled with magic, morally complex characters, found family, and unexpected twists, the novel takes readers into a richly imagined world where identity and representation are naturally woven into the story. B.R. shares how she spent nearly a decade developing her characters, researching authentic representation, and creating an expansive fantasy universe. She discusses the challenges of writing and editing an almost 600-page novel, balancing intricate world-building with compelling storytelling, and allowing her characters to shape the direction of the narrative. The conversation also explores B.R.'s decision to establish her own independent publishing company, Once Upon a Queer Publishing, to maintain creative control over her work. She discusses the realities of self-publishing, the challenges of book marketing, and her monthly literary magazine, Lavender Rising, which showcases stories, poetry, essays, and artwork from queer creators. With plans for a six-book fantasy series and ambitions to support more independent authors, B.R. offers an inspiring look at the dedication, creativity, and determination required to bring an original literary vision to life. This episode of Burke Allen’s Big Time Talker was recorded live in the great city of Chicago at the American Library Association Podcast Pavilion, thanks to the Next Generation Indy Book Awards, Headline Books and Speakermatch.com!