Sci-fi and fantasy Writing: World-building, Writer's Block & Finding Your Voice

In this episode, Erica interviews Beth Barany, an award-winning novelist, NLP practitioner, and creativity coach for writers. They discuss various aspects of writing sci-fi and fantasy novels, including what makes a good novel in these genres, common myths and misconceptions, and the current market for sci-fi and fantasy authors. Beth also provides tips and exercises for overcoming writer's block and encourages writers to approach their craft with a gentle and persistent mindset.

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Say hello to Beth!

Beth Barany is an award-winning novelist, master neurolinguistic programming practitioner, and certified creativity coach for writers. She's also an experienced international speaker and podcaster.

Beth specialises in helping writers experience clarity, so they can write, revise, and proudly publish their novels to the delight of their readers. Her courses are packed with useful hands-on information that you can implement right away. She runs a 12-month group coaching program to help science fiction and fantasy writers edit their manuscripts and get published. She also offers bespoke one-on-one coaching and consulting programs for science fiction and fantasy authors and other adventurous thinkers.

To learn more visit bethbarany.com or follow Beth on Instagram! To access Beth’s free World Building Workbook for Fiction Writers follow this link.

Takeaways

• Good sci-fi and fantasy novels have realistic characters and worlds, with complexity, contradictions, and consequences.
• Authors should think through their magical systems, considering causes, consequences, and costs.
• The market for sci-fi and fantasy authors is busy, but there is room for everyone and trends come and go.
• AI tools can be helpful for brainstorming and overcoming creative roadblocks, but authors should find a balance and maintain their unique voice.
• Sci-fi and fantasy authors face the challenge of grounding readers in unfamiliar worlds while also providing familiarity.
• Embracing unique and quirky ideas is important, as readers are always looking for something new. World building is a crucial aspect of writing in the genres of science fiction and fantasy.
• Overcoming writer's block can be achieved through exercises such as setting a timer and engaging in free writing.
• Approaching writing as a gentle exercise and developing a consistent writing habit can help foster creativity.
• Building supportive networks and joining writing organizations can provide valuable connections and resources for writers.
• Persistence is key in pursuing a writing career and achieving success.

 

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Qualification

02:11 Bookish Quickfire Questions

06:03 What Makes a Good Sci-fi or Fantasy Novel

09:40 Myths and Misconceptions about Writing Sci-fi or Fantasy

12:21 The Market for Sci-fi and Fantasy Authors

14:34 Challenges and Opportunities in the Market

23:21 World Building in Science Fiction and Fantasy

24:11 Emphasis on World Building in Sci-Fi and Fantasy

25:07 Overcoming Writer's Block

26:06 Writing Exercises to Overcome Writer's Block

28:26 Writing as a Gentle Exercise

30:17 Managing Ideas and Starting to Write

31:01 Building Supportive Networks

38:35 Beth Barany's 12-Month Mastermind Program

42:53 Beth Barany's Podcast: How to Write the Future

44:24 The Importance of Persistence