ESCAPING EXODUS: SYMBIOSIS author Nicky Drayden talks about her Afrofuturist sci-if/space opera duology that started with ESCAPING EXODUS. We discuss the novels' extraordinary—and squelchy—world-building, the layered social caste and plural family dynamics, and environmentalism themes.
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THE VELOCITY OF REVOLUTION author Marshall Ryan Maresca discusses his "dieselpunk" fantasy novel. We chat about the setting's complex, historically inspired social caste system, the impact of his theater background on dialogue, and the story's magic mushroom that bootstraps empathy.
THE MASK OF MIRRORS author M.A. Carrick—co-writing team Marie Brennan & Alyc Helms—talk about their twisty, intricate Fantasy novel. We explore their collaboration creative process, the impact of their anthropology backgrounds on the world-building, and their setting's casual queerness.
THE RUTHLESS LADY'S GUIDE TO WIZARDRY author C.M. Waggoner talks about creating the whimsical prose style of her latest Fantasy novel. We discuss her character-first approach to story, what elements didn't make the final cut, and a unique approach to magic.
The Storytelling Craft of Science Fiction & Fantasy
FICTITIOUS is a YouTube show and podcast that delves into the craft of Science Fiction & Fantasy storytelling through interviews with authors and other professional writers. These conversations examine the writing process, techniques, and work habits of passionate creators and explore their most recent, and most popular, works.
Fictitious is hosted and produced by Adron Buske, co-produced by Wendy Buske, and is a Nerd For A Living production.
More Recent Fictitious Episodes
AMARI AND THE NIGHT BROTHERS author B.B. Alston talks about writing his Middle Grade Fantasy debut (from Balzer + Bray). We discuss his creative process for the coming-of-age, fish-out-of-water tale he describes as "Men in Black meets Hogwarts".
THE FOREVER SEA author Joshua Phillip Johnson discusses the writing & development process for his debut Fantasy novel. We talk about the unique & challenging world-building, and adding in a narrative framing device late in the book's drafts.
THE FROZEN CROWN author Greta Kelly talks about the creative process for her debut Fantasy novel, the first in a duology. We discuss writing a tightly plotted court-side political drama, layered with tangled romances, conflicting loyalties, and death magic.
FROM UNSEEN FIRE author Cass Morris talks about its sequel, GIVE WAY TO NIGHT, the 2nd book in the AVEN CYCLE. We discuss her creative process for the Ancient Rome-inspired fantasy, the trouble with prophecies, and handling a large cast.
BLACK CANARY: BREAKING SILENCE author Alexandra Monir talks about writing for the DC Icons young adult series, adapting the fan-favorite Black Canary and Court of Owls in a prose novel, and how she got the job of writing a major media tie-in.
WE HEAR VOICES author Evie Green talks about creating her new horror / science fiction novel. We discuss her leap into horror after writing many thriller and YA books, juggling complicated thematic elements, and why readers love the 'creepy kids' trope.