Today on Fantasy Writing for Barbarians, we’re diving into the brutal art of the prologue—how to do it right, how to do it wrong, and why so many fantasy authors start their books in the worst possible place. We’re putting a fellow author's submitted prologue under the microscope, dissecting its opening scene with the precision of a literary agent on their third cup of coffee. What works? What flops? And most importantly, does this prologue actually serve the story, or is it just an excuse to dump lore?

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 the age-old question: Should you write for the market or write what you love? A listener asks if quirky, unconventional story ideas can actually find an audience, or if sticking to what’s popular is the only way to succeed. We’re breaking down the balance between originality and marketability, why chasing trends is a losing game, and how fresh twists on familiar ideas are the secret to standing out. Plus, we’ll explore why experimental concepts often work best as short stories, how the publishing industry’s tastes change faster than you think, and when self-publishing might be your best bet.

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 taking a hard look at hierarchies in fantasy worldbuilding. An author asks whether they should invent a brand-new ranking system instead of using the classic prince/princess structure—but is reinventing the wheel always the best move? We’re breaking down First Book Syndrome (why new writers try too hard to be original), the right way to brainstorm worldbuilding, and how real history offers way better hierarchy ideas than just “British nobility but with magic.” Plus, we’ll dive into small, effective twists that make your monarchy feel fresh without confusing your readers.

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 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.