Today on Fantasy Writing for Barbarians, we’re sharpening our axes and hacking into one of the most powerful storytelling tools: third-person close narration. A listener writes in asking how to wield third close effectively in epic fantasy, What makes it such a strong choice? How do you avoid common pitfalls? And how do you keep the immersion deep without slipping into first-person territory...

Email your own advice prompt to fantasywritingforbarbarians@gmail.com or join our Discord and let us know what's on your mind. You can find the discussion prompt we referenced on the show right here.

Fantasy Writing for Barbarians‘ host is Jon Negroni, author of The Pixar Theory, Killerjoy, and more. Our producers are Natalia Emmons and Bridget Serdock. You can find all our episodes and various podcast app options here.

Intro music: "Adventures in Adventureland" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today on Fantasy Writing for Barbarians, we’re diving into one of the most intriguing challenges in fantasy storytelling: crafting trials and competitions that are dangerous, high-stakes, and compelling—without relying on combat!

Inspired by an author prompt, we brainstorm creative ways to test a character’s worthiness for the "throne" beyond the typical sword fights and archery contests. From uncovering court conspiracies to brokering high-risk negotiations, we explore how fantasy trials can emphasize intelligence, diplomacy, and even necromantic abilities.

Email your own advice prompt to fantasywritingforbarbarians@gmail.com or join our Discord and let us know what's on your mind. You can find the discussion prompt we referenced on the show right here.

Fantasy Writing for Barbarians‘ host is Jon Negroni, author of The Pixar Theory, Killerjoy, and more. Our producers are Natalia Emmons and Bridget Serdock. You can find all our episodes and various podcast app options here.

Intro music: "Adventures in Adventureland" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today on Fantasy Writing for Barbarians, we’re diving into another first-page critique, breaking down what makes an opening scene compelling, immersive, and effective. Particularly when you're using first-person narration!

We dig into the first page of a YA fantasy novel from an author looking for feedback on their voice. And then I take a look at what’s working, what could be tightened up, and how the author can refine voice, pacing, and tension to create an irresistible first page. Along the way, we discuss the importance of grounding readers in the "now," avoiding too much exposition, and ensuring your opening scene serves as an invitation into the world of your story.

Email your own advice prompt to fantasywritingforbarbarians@gmail.com or join our Discord and let us know what's on your mind. You can find the discussion prompt we referenced on the show right here.

Fantasy Writing for Barbarians‘ host is Jon Negroni, author of The Pixar Theory, Killerjoy, and more. Our producers are Natalia Emmons and Bridget Serdock. You can find all our episodes and various podcast app options here.

Intro music: "Adventures in Adventureland" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today on Fantasy Writing for Barbarians, we’re tackling a crucial question for fantasy writers: How long is too long for a chapter?

We start by digging into whether long chapters are a turnoff for readers or if length doesn’t matter as long as the content is engaging. With epic fantasy novels often stretching the boundaries of chapter length, we explore the real issue: scene structure, pacing, and reader experience.

Is 7,000 words too much for one chapter? How do you decide when to break up a chapter? And most importantly, how do you keep readers turning the page without overwhelming them? Let’s break down the craft of chapter structure and how you can make the right choice for your novel.

Email your own advice prompt to fantasywritingforbarbarians@gmail.com or join our Discord and let us know what's on your mind. You can find the discussion prompt we referenced on the show right here.

Fantasy Writing for Barbarians‘ host is Jon Negroni, author of The Pixar Theory, Killerjoy, and more. Our producers are Natalia Emmons and Bridget Serdock. You can find all our episodes and various podcast app options here.

Intro music: "Adventures in Adventureland" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today on Fantasy Writing for Barbarians, we’re tackling a classic worldbuilding challenge: How do you create a dominant, world-spanning empire without making every villain feel the same?

Inspired by a prompt about structuring an overarching antagonist group, I break down why your empire needs layers of control, why real-life history—not just fiction—should guide your choices, and how to avoid the dreaded “this feels too much like One Piece” problem. Whether you’re designing a totalitarian world government or a fractured superpower, this episode will help you build a villainous force that’s both intimidating and narratively rich.

Email your own advice prompt to fantasywritingforbarbarians@gmail.com or join our Discord and let us know what's on your mind. You can find the discussion prompt we referenced on the show right here.

Fantasy Writing for Barbarians‘ host is Jon Negroni, author of The Pixar Theory, Killerjoy, and more. Our producers are Natalia Emmons and Bridget Serdock. You can find all our episodes and various podcast app options here.

Intro music: "Adventures in Adventureland" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today on Fantasy Writing for Barbarians, we’re confronting one of the most misleading pieces of writing advice out there: “Just Write.”

You’ve heard it a million times: just sit down, write every day, push through, and success will follow. But is that actually good advice? Or is it one of the biggest traps holding writers back? Drawing from my own experience as a writer and editor, I dig into why “Just Write” can be both helpful and harmful depending on how it’s interpreted.

We’ll discuss why writing isn’t just about churning out words, but about writing with intention. I break down how to approach creativity in a way that prevents burnout, keeps writing joyful, and actually moves your story forward instead of just filling up a document with empty words.

Email your own advice prompt to fantasywritingforbarbarians@gmail.com or join our Discord and let us know what's on your mind. You can find the discussion prompt we referenced on the show right here.

Fantasy Writing for Barbarians‘ host is Jon Negroni, author of The Pixar Theory, Killerjoy, and more. Our producers are Natalia Emmons and Bridget Serdock. You can find all our episodes and various podcast app options here.

Intro music: "Adventures in Adventureland" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today on Fantasy Writing for Barbarians, we’re tackling one of the most crucial questions for fantasy writers: How much research is necessary to write a convincing novel?

Inspired by a discussion prompt about writing a Flintlock-era fantasy, I dig into why research isn’t just helpful—it’s essential. Whether you’re recreating the intricate details of 18th-century gunpowder weaponry or exploring the psychology of your characters, we’ll explore how research can elevate your story from flat to fantastic.

Email your own advice prompt to fantasywritingforbarbarians@gmail.com or join our Discord and let us know what's on your mind. You can find the discussion prompt we referenced on the show right here.

Fantasy Writing for Barbarians‘ host is Jon Negroni, author of The Pixar Theory, Killerjoy, and more. Our producers are Natalia Emmons and Bridget Serdock. You can find all our episodes and various podcast app options here.

Intro music: "Adventures in Adventureland" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today on Fantasy Writing for Barbarians, we’re revisiting a controversial topic: prologues. Are they essential world-building tools or unnecessary speed bumps in your story? In this episode, I dive into the nuances of prologues through the lens of a detailed critique, offering a step-by-step breakdown of one writer’s attempt.

We’ll revisit the big questions from our first prologue episode, like why some authors get away with them while others don’t, and dig into fresh insights about tone, stakes, turning points, and pacing. Plus, I’ll share practical tips for making your prologue (or any scene) more engaging, cohesive, and impactful.

Email your own advice prompt to fantasywritingforbarbarians@gmail.com or join our Discord and let us know what's on your mind. You can find the discussion prompt we referenced on the show right here.

Fantasy Writing for Barbarians‘ host is Jon Negroni, author of The Pixar Theory, Killerjoy, and more. Our producers are Natalia Emmons and Bridget Serdock. You can find all our episodes and various podcast app options here.

Intro music: "Adventures in Adventureland" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.