Welcome to Here Be Writers, my podcast where I talk about writing, books, and world-building — and sometimes geek out about fantasy tropes.
I get this question all the time: “Where do you get your ideas?” The truth? Everywhere.
In this episode of Here Be Writers, I’m sharing exactly how I generate story ideas and turn them into entire fantasy worlds. I’ll tell you how one vivid dream became the seed for my book The Lantern Bearer and give you my favorite tips for finding inspiration when you feel stuck:
What you’ll learn in this episode:
- How I spot story ideas everywhere — from random dreams to “what if” questions
- Why I keep an “idea compost” and how it helps me grow better stories
- How I deal with shiny new idea syndrome without derailing my drafts
- My go-to trick: free writing to unlock ideas you didn’t even know you had
- How I decide which ideas to keep, combine, or toss aside
If you’ve ever stared at a blank page wishing for inspiration, this episode is for you.
I’ve always loved characters who feel so real, you carry them with you long after the story ends. In this episode, I’m sharing my process for building those kinds of characters — from balancing flaws and strengths to using personality frameworks like MBTI and Enneagram as springboards for depth.
I also talk about why I’m obsessed with writing banter, how tiny details make characters unforgettable, and why consistency is key when shaping personalities on the page.
Whether you’re a young writer, a bookworm, or just curious about the magic behind storytelling, this episode is packed with tips and insights to help you bring your characters to life.
In this very first episode, I introduce myself and tell the story of how I went from scribbling passages in grade school to publishing my first fantasy novel at 9. I share the messy beginnings (yes, even plagiarism practice!), how my book The Five Dragons: Darkness Rising was born out of procrastination, and the lessons I’ve learned about worldbuilding, “shiny new idea syndrome,” and the power of outlines.
You’ll also get a sneak peek into the two books I’m releasing this year—Root & Branch (the sequel to my first novel) and Thornsong: The Lantern Bearer. Plus, I spill some behind-the-scenes excitement about cover designs and character sketches.
If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to grow up with dragons, epic stories, and way too many ideas in your head—this episode is for you!