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[ISBW] Rachel Howzell Hall on Balancing Thrillers and Fantasy
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DeezerS21 Ep3: Rachel Howzell Hall on Balancing Thrillers and Fantasy
“I will try this new thing and I will learn how to do it.” -Rachel Howzell Hall
(This post went live for supporters on March 18, 2025. If you want early, ad-free, and sometimes expanded episodes, support at Patreon or Substack!)
(recorded February)
In this episode of I Should Be Writing, we dive into the chaotic world of creativity with acclaimed author Rachel Howzell Hall, thriller writer turned fantasy writer. She discusses her new romantasy book, The Last One.
We delve into the importance of urgency in storytelling, the balance of world-building, and the personal experiences that shape a writer’s voice.
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“Balancing Thrillers and Fantasy” is brought to you in large part by my supporters, the Fabulists, who received an early, expanded version of this episode. You can join our Fabulist community with a pledge on Patreon or Substack!
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Transcript
With what we hope is an eventual glimmer of hope amidst the chaos, Evil Mur sets you on a path for the new year. Whether you’re contemplating quitting or seeking motivation to continue, this episode offers a fresh perspective on the writing journey.
We touch on where to get inspiration, and mention Rusty’s Retirement and the modern Greek mythology series, KAOS. This episode is a reminder to embrace creativity and the messy process that comes with it.
I also talk about my upcoming cozy fantasy project, inspired by the likes of Legends & Lattes and T. Kingfisher’s boks, and the challenges of discussing creative work prematurely.
Jen opens up about her experience with self-publishing, the importance of creative outlets, and her plans to reopen submissions, focusing on adult fiction across various genres.
We also delve into Gwynne’s poetry, discussing her unique approach to capturing untold stories from classic films, and her process of deciding whether an idea becomes a poem or a short story.
Join me in welcoming author, community builder, former SFWA president, and all around awesome person Cat Rambo. We dive into Cat’s writing journey, discussing their latest series featuring intelligent spaceships and former mercenaries turned restaurateurs. Cat shares their unique approach to starting a story, the importance of accountability, and how they manage their prolific output despite the challenges all writers face.