The Fiction Lab Podcast

Author and financial expert Peggy Doviak joins us in the Lab to teach us how we can convince the IRS our creative pursuit is a business! And also, how you can convince yourself it's a business! Learn the story elements with The Fiction Lab.Connect with Peggy: https://www.peggydoviak.comBuy 52 Weeks to Fearless: https://bookshop.org/a/83665/9798218594329Join the Discord: https://bit.ly/fictionlabdiscordLearn More: www.thefictionlab.comMusic: Cool and Crisp featuring OMB by Ketsa, Free Music Archive, CC BY Get full access to The Fiction Lab at www.thefictionlab.com/subscribe

Author marketing expert Ashley Werner-Sithonnorath walks us through, well, how to be our dorky, introverted, writer selves when marketing online. Learn the story elements with The Fiction Lab.Connect with Ashley Werner-Sithonnorath: https://www.thatdigitalrush.com/Subscribe to her Substack & get author marketing tips: https://authormarketing.substack.com/?utm_campaign=profile_chipsBuy Villain Era Goddess: https://shop.ingramspark.com/b/084?params=CKCCZ9dmC9KiTz98PmboBMvzIpv42UmPq1FF0yuvOtTJoin the Discord: https://bit.ly/fictionlabdiscordLearn More: www.thefictionlab.comWatch the Jim Butcher interview: https://youtu.be/F1NWO00SUns?si=-npOE25qXAK7ildBMusic: Cool and Crisp featuring OMB by Ketsa, Free Music Archive, CC BY Get full access to The Fiction Lab at www.thefictionlab.com/subscribe

Author and veteran G.C. Byrne joins us in the Lab to talk about the often-overlooked parts of writing combat in fiction: preparation, decision-making, and aftermath. We dig into what should realistically happen before a fight breaks out and what absolutely can’t be ignored once the adrenaline wears off.Learn the story elements with The Fiction Lab.Connect with G.C. Byrne: https://www.instagram.com/gcbyrneauthor/Join the Discord: https://bit.ly/fictionlabdiscordLearn More: www.thefictionlab.comMusic: Cool and Crisp featuring OMB by Ketsa, Free Music Archive, CC BY Get full access to The Fiction Lab at www.thefictionlab.com/subscribe

Editor Kristy Gibbs joins us in the Lab to walk us through what’s causing your readers to say “I don’t know, something was off.” How can you fix it? Kristy tells us! Learn the story elements with The Fiction Lab.Connect with Kristy: https://deadtreesandink.net/Join the Discord: https://bit.ly/fictionlabdiscordLearn More: www.thefictionlab.comMusic: Cool and Crisp featuring OMB by Ketsa, Free Music Archive, CC BY Get full access to The Fiction Lab at www.thefictionlab.com/subscribe

Author and veteran G.C. Byrne joins us in the Lab to talk about the often-overlooked parts of writing combat in fiction: preparation, decision-making, and aftermath. We dig into what should realistically happen before a fight breaks out and what absolutely can’t be ignored once the adrenaline wears off.Learn the story elements with The Fiction Lab.Connect with G.C. Byrne: https://www.instagram.com/gcbyrneauthor/Join the Discord: https://bit.ly/fictionlabdiscordLearn More: www.thefictionlab.comMusic: Cool and Crisp featuring OMB by Ketsa, Free Music Archive, CC BY Get full access to The Fiction Lab at www.thefictionlab.com/subscribe

Editor Kristy Gibbs joins us in the Lab to walk us through when to know if you’re suffering from writer’s block or burnout.Learn the story elements with The Fiction Lab.Connect with Kristy: https://deadtreesandink.net/Join the Discord: https://bit.ly/fictionlabdiscordLearn More: www.thefictionlab.comMusic: Cool and Crisp featuring OMB by Ketsa, Free Music Archive, CC BY Get full access to The Fiction Lab at www.thefictionlab.com/subscribe

Author and financial expert Peggy Doviak joins us in the Lab to walk us through some of the basics of budgeting with an uneven cash flow.Learn the story elements with The Fiction Lab.Connect with Peggy: https://www.peggydoviak.comBuy 52 Weeks to Fearless: https://bookshop.org/a/83665/9798218594329Join the Discord: https://bit.ly/fictionlabdiscordLearn More: www.thefictionlab.comMusic: Cool and Crisp featuring OMB by Ketsa, Free Music Archive, CC BY Get full access to The Fiction Lab at www.thefictionlab.com/subscribe

Author marketing expert Ashley Werner-Sithonnorath walks us through the psychology of self-promotion and what we can do to break through our own barriers. Learn the story elements with The Fiction Lab.Connect with Ashley Werner-Sithonnorath: https://www.thatdigitalrush.com/Subscribe to her Substack & get author marketing tips: https://authormarketing.substack.com/?utm_campaign=profile_chipsBuy Villain Era Goddess: https://shop.ingramspark.com/b/084?params=CKCCZ9dmC9KiTz98PmboBMvzIpv42UmPq1FF0yuvOtTJoin the Discord: https://bit.ly/fictionlabdiscordLearn More: www.thefictionlab.comWatch the Jim Butcher interview: https://youtu.be/F1NWO00SUns?si=-npOE25qXAK7ildBMusic: Cool and Crisp featuring OMB by Ketsa, Free Music Archive, CC BY Get full access to The Fiction Lab at www.thefictionlab.com/subscribe

Author and YouTuber Seth Ring joins us once again to walk us through his ideal writing workflow and what writing tools he uses the most. Learn the story elements with The Fiction Lab.Connect with Seth: www.sethring.comRegister for Seth’s upcoming webinar: https://bit.ly/4pYor0UJoin the Discord: https://bit.ly/fictionlabdiscordLearn More: www.thefictionlab.comMusic: “Cool and Crisp featuring OMB” by Ketsa, Free Music Archive, CC BYThe Fiction Lab is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to The Fiction Lab at www.thefictionlab.com/subscribe

Rebecca Demarest returns to The Fiction Lab for a thoughtful, candid conversation on writing disability in speculative fiction. As an award-winning author, educator, and writing instructor—and a disabled writer herself—Rebecca brings both craft expertise and lived experience to the table. We dig into common pitfalls, meaningful representation, and how speculative worlds can offer space for richer, more authentic depictions of disability. Whether you’re worldbuilding, shaping characters, or rethinking your own assumptions, this episode offers insight that will elevate your storytelling.Learn the story elements with The Fiction Lab.Connect with RebeccaJoin the Discord: https://bit.ly/fictionlabdiscordLearn More: www.thefictionlab.comMusic: “Cool and Crisp featuring OMB” by Ketsa, Free Music Archive, CC BY Get full access to The Fiction Lab at www.thefictionlab.com/subscribe

Author and troublemaker Rachel A. Rosen joins us for a candid discussion on where activism meets imagination. We dig into how fiction can challenge systems, spark dialogue, and reflect the world we’re fighting to change. From the craft behind politically charged storytelling to the responsibility (and limits) of art, this conversation pulls back the curtain on writing with purpose. Without losing the magic of story.Learn the story elements with The Fiction Lab.Connect with RachelJoin the Discord: https://bit.ly/fictionlabdiscordLearn More: www.thefictionlab.comMusic: “Cool and Crisp featuring OMB” by Ketsa, Free Music Archive, CC BY Get full access to The Fiction Lab at www.thefictionlab.com/subscribe

Author & artist Jacob John White joins us to chat about how he broke into the industry as an indie author and artist. Don’t forget to support his Kickstarter! Link below!Learn the story elements with The Fiction Lab.Connect with JakeCheck out Silverbell KickstarterCheck out Jake’s YouTubeJoin the Discord: https://bit.ly/fictionlabdiscordLearn More: www.thefictionlab.comMusic: “Cool and Crisp featuring OMB” by Ketsa, Free Music Archive, CC BY Get full access to The Fiction Lab at www.thefictionlab.com/subscribe

Helen Thornton-Gussy from EditCo joins us to discuss the basics of worldbuilding and how to keep from infodumping. Learn the story elements with The Fiction Lab.Connect with Helen at EditCo: https://www.editco.nz/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/edit_co._/#Threads: https://www.threads.com/@edit_co._Join the Discord: https://bit.ly/fictionlabdiscordLearn More: www.thefictionlab.comMusic: Cool and Crisp featuring OMB by Ketsa, Free Music Archive, CC BY Get full access to The Fiction Lab at www.thefictionlab.com/subscribe

Writing humor is no joke. Author Jennifer Sneed teaches us how to weave humor into your fiction without forcing a punchline. In this episode, we talk about what makes writing funny, how to balance humor with heart, and why even serious stories benefit from a well-timed laugh.Learn the story elements with The Fiction Lab.Connect with JenniferBuy A Story UnwrittenBuy Guinevere MacKenzie is Not a Nice GirlJoin the Discord: https://bit.ly/fictionlabdiscordLearn More: www.thefictionlab.comSign up for Plottr with discount code 2025FICTIONLABMusic: “Cool and Crisp featuring OMB” by Ketsa, Free Music Archive, CC BY Get full access to The Fiction Lab at www.thefictionlab.com/subscribe

Author & artist Jacob John White joins us to chat about how changing around his medium a little bit actually unlocked his creative flow.Learn the story elements with The Fiction Lab.Connect with JakeCheck out Silverbell KickstarterCheck out Jake’s YouTubeJoin the Discord: https://bit.ly/fictionlabdiscordLearn More: www.thefictionlab.comSign up for Plottr with discount code 2025FICTIONLABMusic: “Cool and Crisp featuring OMB” by Ketsa, Free Music Archive, CC BY Get full access to The Fiction Lab at www.thefictionlab.com/subscribe

Author Samantha Ryan joins me to discuss how to write queer characters with authenticity, depth, and heart. Voices that feel real, not tokenized.Learn the story elements with The Fiction Lab.Connect with Samantha: https://samryanreally.wordpress.com/Join the Discord: https://bit.ly/fictionlabdiscordLearn More: www.thefictionlab.comMusic: “Cool and Crisp featuring OMB” by Ketsa, Free Music Archive, CC BY Get full access to The Fiction Lab at www.thefictionlab.com/subscribe

Author and YouTuber Seth Ring talks to us about how he rediscovers his writing motivation when he falls off the wagon. Learn the story elements with The Fiction Lab.Connect with Seth: www.sethring.comRegister for Seth’s upcoming webinar: https://bit.ly/4pYor0UJoin the Discord: https://bit.ly/fictionlabdiscordLearn More: www.thefictionlab.comMusic: “Cool and Crisp featuring OMB” by Ketsa, Free Music Archive, CC BYThe Fiction Lab is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to The Fiction Lab at www.thefictionlab.com/subscribe

Author and speculative fiction expert Rebecca Demarest joins us to discuss how best to fight that awful imposter syndrome. Learn the story elements with The Fiction Lab.Connect with Rebecca: [https://rebeccademarest.com/](https://rebeccademarest.com/)Join the Discord: [https://bit.ly/fictionlabdiscord](https://bit.ly/fictionlabdiscord)Learn More: [www.thefictionlab.com](http://www.thefictionlab.com/)Music: _Cool and Crisp featuring OMB_ by Ketsa, Free Music Archive, CC BY Get full access to The Fiction Lab at www.thefictionlab.com/subscribe

Get full access to The Fiction Lab at www.thefictionlab.com/subscribe

Amy Le from Quillhawk Publishing joins us to discuss the flow of money in publishing. She helps us understand where it's going, why it's going, and how you can score the biggest and best ROI for you and your story. Learn the story elements with The Fiction Lab.Connect with Amy at Quillhawk Publishing: https://quillhawkpublishing.com/Join the Discord: https://bit.ly/fictionlabdiscordLearn More: www.thefictionlab.comWatch the Jim Butcher interview: https://youtu.be/F1NWO00SUns?si=-npOE25qXAK7ildBMusic: Cool and Crisp featuring OMB by Ketsa, Free Music Archive, CC BY Get full access to The Fiction Lab at www.thefictionlab.com/subscribe

Self-published author Daphne Singingtree shares the mistakes she made in publishing her first book and the lessons she's learned along the way. Learn the story elements with The Fiction Lab.Connect with Daphne Singingtree: http://daphnesingingtree.orgConnect with Daphne on socials: @daphnesingingtreeBuy Circle for the Earth: https://eagletreepress.com/circle-series/Join the Discord: https://bit.ly/fictionlabdiscordLearn More: www.thefictionlab.comWatch the Jim Butcher interview: https://youtu.be/F1NWO00SUns?si=-npOE25qXAK7ildBMusic: Cool and Crisp featuring OMB by Ketsa, Free Music Archive, CC BY Get full access to The Fiction Lab at www.thefictionlab.com/subscribe

Author marketing expert Ashley Werner-Sithonnorath walks us through the psychology of self-promotion and what we can do to break through our own barriers. Learn the story elements with The Fiction Lab.Connect with Ashley Werner-Sithonnorath: https://www.thatdigitalrush.com/Subscribe to her Substack & get author marketing tips: https://authormarketing.substack.com/?utm_campaign=profile_chipsBuy Villain Era Goddess: https://shop.ingramspark.com/b/084?params=CKCCZ9dmC9KiTz98PmboBMvzIpv42UmPq1FF0yuvOtTJoin the Discord: https://bit.ly/fictionlabdiscordLearn More: www.thefictionlab.comWatch the Jim Butcher interview: https://youtu.be/F1NWO00SUns?si=-npOE25qXAK7ildBMusic: Cool and Crisp featuring OMB by Ketsa, Free Music Archive, CC BY Get full access to The Fiction Lab at www.thefictionlab.com/subscribe

Author Samantha Ryan joins us to chat about what you need and don't need in your query letter. Learn the story elements with The Fiction Lab.Connect with Samantha Ryan: https://samryanreally.wordpress.com/Buy Pride: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DHF3X86CBuy Words My Friends Have Thrown Away: https://siambzine.com/item_page/prod_SfWLeTfqUJjvv4Join the Discord: https://bit.ly/fictionlabdiscordLearn More: www.thefictionlab.comWatch the Jim Butcher interview: https://youtu.be/F1NWO00SUns?si=-npOE25qXAK7ildBMusic: Cool and Crisp featuring OMB by Ketsa, Free Music Archive, CC BY Get full access to The Fiction Lab at www.thefictionlab.com/subscribe

Helen Thornton-Gussey from EditCo joins us to discuss all things show, don't tell. She chats with me about the basics of show, don't tell. And what the heck it even means. Learn the story elements with The Fiction Lab.Connect with Helen at EditCo: https://www.editco.nz/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/edit_co._/#Threads: https://www.threads.com/@edit_co._Join the Discord: https://bit.ly/fictionlabdiscordLearn More: www.thefictionlab.comWatch the Jim Butcher interview: https://youtu.be/F1NWO00SUns?si=-npOE25qXAK7ildBMusic: Cool and Crisp featuring OMB by Ketsa, Free Music Archive, CC BY Get full access to The Fiction Lab at www.thefictionlab.com/subscribe

Hells Bells! We had the incredible honor of hosting Jim Butcher—bestselling author of The Dresden Files, Codex Alera, and The Cinder Spires—for an exclusive live Q&A inside The Fiction Lab. Jim answers questions directly from our members, sharing his thoughts on crafting compelling characters, building rich fantasy worlds, building a writing habit, and tons of other awesome writerly goodies. Learn the story elements with The Fiction Lab. Join the Discord: https://bit.ly/fictionlabdiscord Learn More: www.thefictionlab.com Buy Storm Front: https://bookshop.org/a/83665/9780451457813Music: Cool and Crisp featuring OMB by Ketsa, Free Music Archive, CC BY Get full access to The Fiction Lab at www.thefictionlab.com/subscribe

Amy Le from Quillhawk Publishing joins us to discuss all things publishing. She breaks down the differences between traditional, hybrid, and self-publishing and which is right for you.Learn the story elements with The Fiction Lab.Connect with Amy at Quillhawk Publishing: https://quillhawkpublishing.com/Join the Discord: https://bit.ly/fictionlabdiscordLearn More: www.thefictionlab.comWatch the Jim Butcher interview: https://youtu.be/F1NWO00SUns?si=-npOE25qXAK7ildBMusic: Cool and Crisp featuring OMB by Ketsa, Free Music Archive, CC BY Get full access to The Fiction Lab at www.thefictionlab.com/subscribe

Check out the trailer for The Fiction Lab's podcast with book coach and editor Katrina Schroeder.Learn the story elements with The Fiction Lab.Join the Discord: https://bit.ly/fictionlabdiscordLearn More: www.thefictionlab.comWatch the Jim Butcher interview: https://youtu.be/F1NWO00SUns?si=-npOE25qXAK7ildBMusic: Cool and Crisp featuring OMB by Ketsa, Free Music Archive, CC BY Get full access to The Fiction Lab at www.thefictionlab.com/subscribe