Episodes
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Episode #161: Rest as a Strength Trellis, Growing Gifts We've Been Given, Part 2 - and Chapter 56 from Dark Blade Forged
Rest Is Part of the Trellis Growing the Gifts We've Been Given – Part 2 Is rest the opposite of growth—or could it actually be part of the support that helps us flourish? In this episode of The Truth About Storytelling, I continue the Growing the Gifts We've Been Given series by exploring how...
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Episode #160: Strengths Need Trellises: Growing our Gifts as Creatives and reading Dark Blade Forged Chapters 54 and 55
Strengths need support just as surely as grapevines need trellises. In this episode, I explore how understanding our natural gifts can help us grow with purpose instead of striving against the way we're designed. Plus, I continue my reading of Dark Blade Forged. Tyrean's Tales Patreon Page
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Episode #159 Walking it Out, Noticing Stories, and Chapters 52 and 53 of Dark Blade Forged
In this episode of The Truth About Storytelling, I reflect on a joyful backyard movie night, the unexpected emotional morning that followed, and a walk that became a reminder to notice the stories unfolding all around us. From friendship and laughter to faith, nature, awkward conversations, and…
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Episode #158 Look Up and Lift Your Head Reflection on Writing, Plus a Reading Chapters 49 thru 51 of Dark Blade Forged
Writers can get caught up in the details of publishing and forget to lift our heads and look around. From discovering the worldwide publishing community to noticing a mother deer and her fawns, this episode explores how looking beyond our own creative bubble can inspire us—without overwhelming...
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Episode #157 Returning to the Story: Realm Makers, the Publishing Industry, and Starting Again
Returning home from Realm Makers, I reflect on what I learned about storytelling, the publishing industry, and finding a creative rhythm again. Plus, an update on my revisions to Dark Blade Unchained and a reading from Dark Blade Forged, chapters 46 and 47. Tyrean's Tales Website Realm Makers
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Episode #156 Cozy Storytelling, The Mandalorian and Grogu, plus, Dark Blade Forged Chapters 45 and 46
In this episode of The Truth About Storytelling, I talk about mythic heroes, cozy storytelling, and why stories like The Mandalorian and Grogu resonate so deeply with audiences and families. I also explore expansive worldbuilding, different types of heroes, and the importance of relational...
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Episode #155 Accessibility, Purple Martin Morning, and Dark Blade Forged Chapters 43 and 44
In this episode of The Truth About Storytelling, I reflect on “A Purple Martin Morning” — an imperfect but meaningful day of walking, noticing, and unexpected grace. I also share thoughts on accessibility, tools, creativity, and caregiving before reading Chapters 43 and 44 of Dark Blade Forged,...
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Episode #154 The Unexpected Audience AND Dark Blade Forged, chapters 41 and 42, a reading
Thank you for your listenership! This episode is a celebration of all my listeners and what I have learned about the potential of audience reach as an author and podcaster. Plus, I continue reading Dark Blade Forged with chapters 41 and 42. Find my work and me at Tyrean's Tales
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Episode #153 Writing Growth AND Dark Blade Forged, Chapters 39 and 40, a reading
In this episode, I discuss long term writing growth, and then read aloud Chapters 39 and 40 from Dark Blade Forged. Links: Tyrean's Tales
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Episode #152 For the Love of Film AND Dark Blade Forged Chapters 37 and 37, a reading
In this episode of The Truth About Storytelling, Tyrean Martinson discusses her love of films and live storied events, then reads Chapters 37 and 38 of Dark Blade Forged. As tensions rise and danger closes in, Dan and his allies face difficult choices, growing conflict, and the weight of justice,...
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Episode #151 Easter Faith, AI Controversy & the Dark Blade Awakens (Dark Blade Forged Ch. 35–36)
In this episode of The Truth About Storytelling, Tyrean Martinson reflects on faith, Easter, and the steady truth of God’s love in a noisy world. She briefly touches on current AI conversations, and the importance of approaching them with decency and respect. Then she reads Chapters 35–36 of Dark...
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Episode #150 One Step at a Time: Writing, Walking, and Growth PLUS Dark Blade Forged Chapters 33-34
In this episode of The Truth About Storytelling, I share a real look at a messy writing day—editing struggles, creative frustration, and the ongoing journey of developing your craft as a writer. I also read Chapters 33-34 from Dark Blade Forged and discuss plot pacing, purpose, and how characters...
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Episode #149 Walking into Story Inspiration, Author Networks, and Chapters 30-32 of Dark Blade Forged / The Truth About Storytelling
In this episode of The Truth About Storytelling, I share how author community has shaped this season of writing, read Chapters 30–32 of Dark Blade Forged, and talk about a small mistake I discovered—and how it will be corrected in the second edition. I also mention my Kickstarter campaign for The...
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Episode #148 Kickstarter Success, Proof Copies & Reading Dark Blade Forged Chapters 28–29 | The Truth About Storytelling
I share a behind-the-scenes update on the Dark Blade Trilogy Kickstarter, which has reached its initial funding goal and is moving into stretch goals like character cards and a bonus story. I discuss preparing a new edition of Dark Blade Forged, ordering proof copies through BookVault, thoughtful...
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Episode #147: Secrets, Escape Attempts, and a Funded Kickstarter
In this episode of The Truth About Storytelling, I read Chapters 26-27 from Dark Blade Forged, the first novel in the Dark Blade Trilogy. These chapters shift into the perspectives of two powerful secondary characters: Theran, a royal sword guard uncovering dangerous secrets alongside Lady…
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Episode #146: Chapters 24 and 25 of Dark Blade Forged and Kickstarter News
In Episode 146 of The Truth About Storytelling, Tyrean Martinson reads Chapters 24–25 of Dark Blade Forged, an epic fantasy novel featuring a cursed sword, faith-driven themes, and a powerful redemption arc. She also shares an update on the upcoming Kickstarter for The Dark Blade Trilogy…
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Episode #145 Chapters 22 and 23 from Dark Blade Forged, a Reading
In this podcast, I share a bit of news about my poetry collection To Speak and The Dark Blade Trilogy Kickstarter Campaign, but my main purpose is the reading of Chapters 22 and 23 of Dark Blade Forged.
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Episode #144: Epic Fantasy Reading: Dark Blade Forged Chapters 20-21 + Why I Love Secondary Characters
In this episode, I read Chapters 20-21 of Dark Blade Forged and explore why I love secondary characters in epic fantasy storytelling. Plus: I mention my poetry collection To Speak and a super short update on my upcoming Dark Blade Trilogy Kickstarter. Faith-driven fantasy, craft talk, and…
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Celebration & Conversation: Poetry, Creative Seasons, and an Interview with Stephanie Shackelford
Today’s episode blends life updates, poetry, and creative conversation. I celebrate the ebook release of To Speak, read a poem aloud, reflect on revisiting earlier work, and share an interview with Stephanie Shackelford, plus a look at where the podcast is headed this spring. Stephanie…
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Episode #142: Caregiving, Boundaries, and Rest
A brief episode sharing a personal update, a reading from a recent social media post, and a pause in the podcast schedule. Tyrean speaks about caregiving, boundaries, faith, and why rest and quiet matter, especially when life doesn’t go to plan.
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Episode #141: The Sound and Silence of Poetry
In this episode, I reflect on sound and silence in poetry — how rhythm, repetition, and even quiet shape meaning on the page and in the voice. From consonance and cadence to visual spacing and the experience of listening differently, I explore how poems can be heard, seen, and felt in more than…
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Episode #140: How I Choose What to Work on Each Month, Each Week, and Each Day
How do you choose what to work on when you have more ideas than time? In this behind-the-scenes episode, I share how I plan my creative work month by month, week by week, and day by day—honoring my strengths while staying grounded in reality and season of life. Tyrean's Tales Website Dark Blade...
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Episode #139: Reading Dark Blade Forged, Chapters 15 Through 19
In this episode, I continue reading my novel Dark Blade Forged, chapters 15 through 19. This epic fantasy novel is out now, in its original format. For more information about this book and all of my others, please head to my website: tyreanstales.com
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Episode #138: Consider Poetry - an invitation
In this episode I reflect on poetry as an open page — a place of possibility, curiosity, and invitation. I explore how poems invite us into moments of wonder, how they hold meaning in small spaces, and how they often begin before the words ever arrive. From the space between seasons to the way...
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Episode #137: New Year, Word of the Year: Thrive
This New Year’s episode focuses on choosing Thrive as a word for the year and setting goals that support growth. I share what I’m excited about creatively in 2026 and how I’m holding space for possibility alongside commitment. Join me for a reflective, encouraging start to the year. Tyrean's Tales
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Episode #136: Year's End 2025: a Gentle, Pause, a Grateful Year, and What Comes Next
In this brief update, I share why this week’s Dark Blade Forged reading is on pause (hello, sore throat), reflect on a full and meaningful year of writing, travel, faith, and family, and look ahead to what’s coming in 2026—including To Speak and The Dark Blade Trilogy. A gentle check-in about...
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Episode #135: Writing the Pacific Northwest: Place, Weather, and Community with Susanne Bacon
Winter in the Pacific Northwest carries its own storytelling language—salt air and tide lines, ferry crossings, evergreen rain, storm winds, and the cozy glow of small-town community. In this episode of The Truth About Storytelling, host Tyrean Martinson talks with Susanne Bacon, author of the...
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Episode #134: Seven Worldbuilding Writing Prompts Inspired by Damien Larkin
In this solo episode, Tyrean Martinson shares seven fiction and reflection writing prompts inspired by the worldbuilding philosophy of Irish science fiction and fantasy author Damien Larkin. Drawing on themes of layered realism, military-influenced settings, terrain-driven storytelling, and…
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Episode #133: Layered Worlds & Gritty Realism with Damien Larkin
Irish author Damien Larkin joins me to discuss gritty worldbuilding, military-influenced science fiction and fantasy, and writing stories that grow organically over time. From dinosaurs instead of dragons to societies shaped by centuries of war, this conversation explores realism, layered...
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#132 Reading Dark Blade Forged Chapters 12 through 14
In this episode of The Truth About Storytelling, I share a cozy fireside reading from my epic fantasy novel Dark Blade Forged. Dark Blade Forged follows a young swordsman whose encounter with a cursed blade sets him on a path of sacrifice, justice, and difficult choices—where light must be chosen...
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Episode #131: Writing Prompts Inspired by Jemi Fraser
In this writing prompt episode of The Truth About Storytelling, Tyrean Martinson shares a set of creative writing prompts inspired by her recent conversation with author and editor Jemi Fraser. These prompts explore practical storytelling tools and techniques, including story bibles and...
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Episode #130: Where Stories Live: Crafting Small-Town Worlds with Jemi Fraser
In this episode, Author Jemi Fraser joins Tyrean Martinson for a craft-focused conversation on small-town storytelling and sense of place. Jemi shares how her fictional towns Fail and Blue Moose evolved into central story elements, how she maintains continuity across interconnected series, and…
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Episode #129 Reading Dark Blade Forged Chapters 8-11 with Author Notes
In this episode of The Truth About Storytelling, I read Chapters 8-11 of Dark Blade Forged, and give some author notes at the end about the characters and about sword-fighting experience as a one-time collegiate fencer. 99cent ebook of Dark Blade Forged The Dark Blade Trilogy Kickstarter…
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Episode #128 Five Writing Prompts Inspired by Five Voices
Writing thrives in conversation. In this episode of The Truth About Storytelling, I share five original writing prompts inspired by the creative encouragement, mindset wisdom, and storytelling conversations offered by five podcasters and creators I deeply respect. Drawing on themes like…
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Episode #127: Five Writing Voices Worth Listening To
In this episode of The Truth About Storytelling, I’m sharing five podcasters and YouTubers whose voices have consistently shaped my thinking about writing, creativity, publishing, and mindset. From industry expertise and indie publishing strategy to creativity, productivity, and encouragement,...
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Episode #126 Fiction Friday: Dark Blade Forged Chapters 3 through 7
In this episode, I give a little intro and read chapters three through seven of Dark Blade Forged. After, I give some brief notes of thoughts I had on marking time in fantasy worlds and the dangers of using consonance in prose. Links: 99cent original ebook edition of Dark Blade Forged The Dark...
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Episode #125 Place and Time Writing Prompts and Minor Reflections for the End of 2025
In this episode, I talk about how much I love the conversational interviews I'm doing with authors on Monday, share two writing prompts about time and place, and reflect on reframing goals for the end of the year and in to the new year. Links: Tyrean's Tales The Dark Blade Trilogy Kickstarter...
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Episode #124: Advent, PLUS Travel, Myth, and Middle Grade Adventure with Sherry Ellis
In this episode of The Truth About Storytelling, Tyrean Martinson reflects on Advent and speaks with award-winning children’s and middle-grade author Sherry Ellis about writing adventurous stories rooted in real places, history, and culture. Sherry shares how her experiences as a musician and…
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Episode #123: Black Friday, A Writing Prompt, and reading Dark Blade Forged Chapters 1 and 2
In this episode, I share some thoughts about Thanksgiving and Black Friday, a writing prompt, and a reading from Dark Blade Forged, Volume 1 of The Dark Blade Trilogy. Tyrean's Tales The Dark Blade Kickstarter Original ebook edition of Dark Blade Forged for 99 cents!
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Episode #122 Eclectic Wednesday: Kickstarter, Writing Prompts, Settings, Thanksgiving, and Movies
In this episode, I share some thoughts on storytelling in books and movies, share a few writing prompts, and give thanks. Yes, it's eclectic, but I look forward to coming back to these ideas in the future. Tyrean's Tales
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Episode #121: Interview with Tara Tyler, author of Broken Branch Falls, Pop Travel, and More
Links: Tara Tyler Talks (her website) Tara Tyler on Amazon Tyrean's Tales (my website) The Dark Blade Kickstarter Notes: In this episode of The Truth About Storytelling, author and educator Tara Tyler joins the show for a lively conversation about imagination, craft, and creating worlds that feel...
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Episode #120: Courage, Swords, and Writing
In this episode, I talk about having courage, why I write about swords, and how courage affects our writing. Links: Tyrean's Tales Kickstarter
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Episode #119: How Real Landscapes Shape Fiction
In this episode, I discuss how real landscapes shape fiction and share a writing prompt. Links: Tyrean's Tales Kickstarter
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Episode #118: Midnight Writer Fears and Morning Truth
In this episode, I discuss a few writing fears and how I combat them, plus share a writing prompt and an update for my Kickstarter. Links: My Website The Dark Blade Trilogy
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Episode #117: Perspectives in Writing with Two Writing Prompts
In this episode, I share some thoughts on character perspectives and how they shape our writing. Links: From Archeology to Authorship Podcast Episode Tyrean's Tales Website
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Episode #116: Midweek Episode: Thanksgiving for Fellow Writers and Podcasters
This eclectic episode is a recap episode, inviting listeners to the interview with Sean McLachlan I had on Monday and the interview of Donn King on the Creative Penn podcast by Joanna Penn. It also discusses the way authors might know each other for years online and how meeting people is…
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Episode #115: From Archaeology to Authorship: Sean McLachlan on Culture, Curiosity, and the Stories Beneath Our Feet
In this episode, author and adventurer Sean McLachlan joins me to explore how travel, research, and history shape authentic storytelling, from Cairo’s streets to the world's wide horizons. Links: Sean McLachlan The Berlin Murders by Sean McLachlan Tyrean's Tales The Dark Blade Trilogy Kickstarter...
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Episode #114: Hansel and Gretel, a problematic fairy tale, writing thoughts, Kickstarter, and Author Nation
In this episode, I discuss the Grimm's Fairy Tale Hansel and Gretal, writing ideas, a bit about Kickstarter, and Author Nation. The Dark Blade Trilogy Kickstarter
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Episode #113: Halloween Week: The Fisherman's Wife Fairy Tale, Costume Ideas, and a Writing Prompt
Today, I'm sharing The Fisherman and His Wife fairy tale, seeking information about the lesser known fairy tale "She Wants Things," some costume ideas, and a writing prompt. Tyrean's Tales
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Episode #112: Halloween Week Map Monday, Costume and Writing Ideas
In this episode, I discuss why I commissioned Annika Crum as my map-maker, what went into the process, and why I love the map she created. I also offer up a costume and a writing prompt idea.
About this show
A podcast for writers, readers, and creatives. Host Tyrean Martinson shares insights on writing, sharing creative work, the discipline of showing up again and again, and finding joy along the way.
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Tyrean Martinson
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