On this episode of the Creative Writing Wizard Podcast, I'm joined by author and BJJ Black Belt Drew Weatherhead to talk about his jump from philosophical nonfiction to epic fantasy fiction and how anime storytelling inspired his unique approach.We dive deep into:- How Attack on Titan influenced Drew’s epic fantasy debut- Blending philosophical themes with gripping storytelling- Creating morally complex scenarios inspired by real-world historyDrew shares insights into his writing process, from tackling imposter syndrome to surviving tough edits. Plus, learn how he incorporates unique narrative elements from Japanese storytelling traditions into his novels.Check out Drew’s epic debut novel, Fractures in Love, available now!https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F566GKWX Connect with Drew Weatherhead:Instagram (Author): https://www.instagram.com/drew.w.authorInstagram (Personal/Jiu-Jitsu): https://www.instagram.com/drew.weatherheadLike this conversation? Subscribe for more interviews with indie authors and creative minds!Support the Creative Writing Wizard efforts and the indie author community:https://www.patreon.com/c/CreativeWritingWizardDiscover more indie fantasy releases:https://creativewritingwizard.com/2024/11/18/indie-release-radarIntro and outro music written & recorded by Glen Weatherhead (inspired by Attack on Titan) Key Words: Drew Weatherhead, Creative Writing, Fiction, Philosophy, Attack on Titan, Epic Fantasy, Writing Process, Storytelling Techniques, Author Journey, Podcast, writing, editing, author journey, publication, storytelling, moral dilemmas, perspectives, creativity, inspiration, self-worth

In this episode of the Creative Writing Wizard Podcast, we sit down with fantasy author E. Scott Clevenger, co-founder of Sainan Books, to talk about how a lifelong Dungeons & Dragons Dungeon Master became a published novelist—and accidentally built a publishing house in the process.

We dive deep into:

- Co-writing War of Night

- The balance between plotting vs pantsing

- Crafting a queer normative world and layered magic systems

- Lessons from self-publishing, failures along the way, and building a community

- Lifting other indie authors along the way

If you’re a writer, fantasy reader, or indie author, this one’s for you.

💬 Got questions or thoughts? Drop them in the comments!

📚 Learn more about E. Scott and Sainan Books:

👉 https://sainanbooks.com/

📖 Check out War of Night

✨ Available now in its stunning second edition!

https://sainanbooks.com/books/

🔗 Follow E. Scott on Threads and Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/sainanbooks/

Like this interview? Subscribe for more!

Special Thanks to all the Wizards, join the effort to support indie authors and human creativity: https://www.patreon.com/c/CreativeWritingWizard

Looking for a new book to read? Check out these indie authors with recent releases!https://creativewritingwizard.com/2024/11/18/indie-release-radar/

Intro and Outro Themes written and recorded by Glen Weatherhead

Keywords:Fantasy author, self-publishing, creative writing, indie books, writing podcast, author interview, queer fantasy, plotter vs pantser, magic systems, DnD to author, stephen king

Join me as I chat with YA Fantasy author Ria Parisi about her debut novel Wolves and Stags! We dive into her writing journey—from fanfiction and roleplaying to publishing her first book. Ria shares insights on her unique magic system, plus-size representation in fantasy, her experiences with querying, and how her background in cosplay influences her stories.

Wolves and Stags releases soon—grab your copy here: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/208390290-of-wolves-and-stags

Connect with Ria Parisi:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/riathewolfwrites/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@riathewolfwrites

Threads: https://www.threads.net/@riathewolfwrites

Web: https://www.riaparisi.com/

Like this interview? Follow for more!

Special Thanks to all the Wizards, join the effort to support indie authors and human creativity: https://www.patreon.com/c/CreativeWritingWizard

Looking for a new book to read? Check out these indie authors with recent releases!

https://creativewritingwizard.com/2024/11/18/indie-release-radar/

Intro and Outro Themes written and recorded by Glen Weatherhead

Keywords:Writing Community, YA Fantasy, Indie Author, Enemies To Lovers, BookTok, Fantasy Books, Romantasy, Debut Author, Author Interview, Publishing Journey, Bookish, High Fantasy, Magic System, Diversity In Books, Women Writers