Dec 14, 2021
Mary Anne interviews George R. R. Martin about the writing of epic fantasy. How does one balance realism with fantastical elements? How did Martin approach the creation of the world of Westeros in Game of Thrones? What's the difference between the two kinds of writers Martin refers to as "architects"...
Dec 7, 2021
How does a writer choose a theme to write about? Is it a conscious project, or more of a thing that comes to a writer through time and experience? This is the central question Mary Anne and Ben try to answer in this episode, using their own experiences, as well as the writing exercises, practices, and advice that...
Nov 23, 2021
Mary Anne interviews Filipino writer Vida Cruz about her experience going to cons, winning the Tiptree (now known as Otherwise) award, and what the sci-fi and fantasy community is like in the Philippines.
For show notes, visit:
Nov 16, 2021
Portolan charts were maps used by sailors long ago to navigate the seas of the world, and to find harbor. Similarly, the Speculative Literature Foundation wants to chart the way for writers with Mary Anne's newest endeavor and baby, the Portolan Project. Mary Anne talks with Ben and show producer Darius about the ins...
Nov 10, 2021
Jed Hartman joins Mary Anne and Ben again to talk editing. From acquisitions to development, they discuss the many complex levels of editing as well as the editorial cultures that can arise in a workplace. Also important to the conversation is how they engage with dialectic decisions, especially when it comes to...