Best Dimitris Havlidis Podcasts (2025)

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Worldbuilding Factions with Martha Wells (Part 2) 30:12

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7M ago30:12

30:12

How do protagonists and villains get things done in your world? Probably not all by themselves! Factions - whether they're religious, corporate, political or trade organizations - are a VITAL part of your worldbuilding, adding spicy conflict when interests don't align. Join Janet and the AMAZING Martha Wells (The Murderbot Diaries) as they discuss …

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Worldbuilding Factions with Martha Wells (Part 1) 29:15

7M ago29:15

29:15

How do protagonists and villains get things done in your world? Probably not all by themselves! Factions - whether they're religious, corporate, political or trade organizations - are a VITAL part of your worldbuilding, adding spicy conflict when interests don't align. Join Janet and the AMAZING Martha Wells (The Murderbot Diaries) as they discuss …

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Crafting Creatures That Make Scientific Sense with Shirin Sheppard (Part 2) 26:37

7M ago26:37

26:37

We're joined by illustrator and creature designer Shirin Sheppard to talk about making monsters that make scientific sense! How could dragons actually breathe fire? When do you reference real-world biology - and when do you leave it behind? Bring your creature questions to this fun interview! https://www.facebook.com/shirinillustration/ WORLDBUILD …

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Crafting Creatures That Make Scientific Sense with Shirin Sheppard (Part 1) 31:06

7M ago31:06

31:06

We're joined by illustrator and creature designer Shirin Sheppard to talk about making monsters that make scientific sense! How could dragons actually breathe fire? When do you reference real-world biology - and when do you leave it behind? Bring your creature questions to this fun interview! https://www.facebook.com/shirinillustration/ WORLDBUILD …

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Why Monster Hunters Matter with Laura Anne Gilman (Part 2) 33:24

7M ago33:24

33:24

Join us as we chat with best-selling fantasy author Laura Anne Gilman about writing MONSTER HUNTERS. Whether you're talking historical fantasy, urban fantasy or gothic horror, these iconic characters stalk the night. Let's discuss tropes, tips, and what these archetypal heroes add to your games and stories. https://www.lauraannegilman.net/ WORLDBUI…

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Why Monster Hunters Matter with Laura Anne Gilman (Part 1) 32:32

7M ago32:32

32:32

Join us as we chat with best-selling fantasy author Laura Anne Gilman about writing MONSTER HUNTERS. Whether you're talking historical fantasy, urban fantasy or gothic horror, these iconic characters stalk the night. Let's discuss tropes, tips, and what these archetypal heroes add to your games and stories. https://www.lauraannegilman.net/ WORLDBUI…

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Witchy Worldbuilding with Rachel Aaron (Part 2) 28:14

7M ago28:14

28:14

Join us for a spooky season interview with author Rachel Aaron (Hell of a Witch), as we explore the scary practice of worldbuilding with witches. We'll discuss how witches are often treated differently from other magic users in fantasy and TTRPGs, the tricky aspects of crafting believable witches, and how to create a witchcraft-based magic system t…

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Witchy Worldbuilding with Rachel Aaron (Part 1) 24:14

7M ago24:14

24:14

Join us for a spooky season interview with author Rachel Aaron (Hell of a Witch), as we explore the scary practice of worldbuilding with witches. We'll discuss how witches are often treated differently from other magic users in fantasy and TTRPGs, the tricky aspects of crafting believable witches, and how to create a witchcraft-based magic system t…

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Cozy Fantasy Worldbuilding with Caitlin Rozakis (Part 2) 33:41

8M ago33:41

33:41

Join Janet and Caitlin Rozakis, author of The New York Times-bestselling novel Dreadful, for a delightful discussion of all things cozy fantasy! How do you create a setting that feels both cozy AND exciting? What are the essential elements of a cozy fantasy world? Bring your questions (and a cup of your favorite hot beverage) to this fun interview.…

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Cozy Fantasy Worldbuilding with Caitlin Rozakis (Part 1) 30:35

8M ago30:35

30:35

Join Janet and Caitlin Rozakis, author of The New York Times-bestselling novel Dreadful, for a delightful discussion of all things cozy fantasy! How do you create a setting that feels both cozy AND exciting? What are the essential elements of a cozy fantasy world? Bring your questions (and a cup of your favorite hot beverage) to this fun interview.…

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How to write Audio Drama with Emily Inkpen (Part 2) 27:48

8M ago27:48

27:48

Emily Inkpen is the co-creator of the award-winning Dex Legacy, an incredible audio drama about to enter its 3rd season! Learn Emily's process for writing and creating an audio drama that wins awards in this episode of the World Anvil worldbuilding podcast. https://www.emilyinkpen.com/thedexlegacy-home WORLDBUILD WITH US! Create a ✨free✨ World Anvi…

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How to write Audio Drama with Emily Inkpen (Part 1) 36:37

8M ago36:37

36:37

Emily Inkpen is the co-creator of the award-winning Dex Legacy, an incredible audio drama about to enter its 3rd season! Learn Emily's process for writing and creating an audio drama that wins awards in this episode of the World Anvil worldbuilding podcast. https://www.emilyinkpen.com/thedexlegacy-home WORLDBUILD WITH US! Create a ✨free✨ World Anvi…

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Worldbuilding a Generation Ship with Michael Mammay (Part 2) 29:51

8M ago29:51

29:51

What are the unique worldbuilding challenges (and opportunities) presented by a generation ship? This week, Janet sits down with Michael Mammay, author of the popular Planetside series, to explore the corridors and cultures of this unique scifi subgenre! https://www.michaelmammay.com/ Reviews of Generation Ship: Lightspeed Publishers Weekly Library…

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Worldbuilding a Generation Ship with Michael Mammay (Part 1) 30:52

8M ago30:52

30:52

What are the unique worldbuilding challenges (and opportunities) presented by a generation ship? This week, Janet sits down with Michael Mammay, author of the popular Planetside series, to explore the corridors and cultures of this unique scifi subgenre! https://www.michaelmammay.com/ Reviews of Generation Ship: Lightspeed Publishers Weekly Library…

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Making Magic Schools with T. Alexander Stangroom & Amanda Hamon (Part 2) 33:42

8M ago33:42

33:42

Join Janet with industry experts T. Alexander Stangroom & Amanda Hamon (Strixhaven: Curriculum of Chaos) to talk about MAKING MAGIC SCHOOLS, as we bring World Anvil's INSTITUTIONS OF LEARNING challenge to a close! https://koboldpress.com/the-kobold-team https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandahamon/ https://www.dndbeyond.com/sources/dnd/sacoc WORLDBUILD …

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Making Magic Schools with T. Alexander Stangroom & Amanda Hamon (Part 1) 31:33

8M ago31:33

31:33

Join Janet with industry experts T. Alexander Stangroom & Amanda Hamon (Strixhaven: Curriculum of Chaos) to talk about MAKING MAGIC SCHOOLS, as we bring World Anvil's INSTITUTIONS OF LEARNING challenge to a close! https://koboldpress.com/the-kobold-team https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandahamon/ https://www.dndbeyond.com/sources/dnd/sacoc WORLDBUILD …

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Historical Fantasy Worldbuilding with Chloe Gong (Part 2) 28:08

9M ago28:08

28:08

Join Janet and our guest, award-winning author Chloe Gong, to talk about using history - and Shakespeare - as a jumping off point for fantasy worldbuilding. https://thechloegong.com/ WORLDBUILD WITH US! Create a ✨free✨ World Anvil account today! Worldbuilding software, campaign manager and novel writing software. Created by two nerds, run with love…

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Historical Fantasy Worldbuilding with Chloe Gong (Part 1) 30:21

9M ago30:21

30:21

Join Janet and our guest, award-winning author Chloe Gong, to talk about using history - and Shakespeare - as a jumping off point for fantasy worldbuilding. https://thechloegong.com/ WORLDBUILD WITH US! Create a ✨free✨ World Anvil account today! Worldbuilding software, campaign manager and novel writing software. Created by two nerds, run with love…

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How Does Collaborative Worldbuilding Work? with Owen Greenwald & Paul Kivelson (part 2) 27:48

9M ago27:48

27:48

What are the benefits of collaborative worldbuilding? Who handles which part of a shared world? What mistakes did you make along the way? Janet is live with authors and worldbuilders Owen B. Greenwald and Paul Kivelson, discussing how they collaboratively built their world on World Anvil, for their latest novel, Weapons of the Mind! https://www.owe…

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How Does Collaborative Worldbuilding Work? with Owen Greenwald & Paul Kivelson (part 1) 32:06

9M ago32:06

32:06

What are the benefits of collaborative worldbuilding? Who handles which part of a shared world? What mistakes did you make along the way? Janet is live with authors and worldbuilders Owen B. Greenwald and Paul Kivelson, discussing how they collaboratively built their world on World Anvil, for their latest novel, Weapons of the Mind! https://www.owe…

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Modern Mythic Fantasy with Abigail Owen (part 2) 19:35

9M ago19:35

19:35

Storytellers have been remixing tales of Greek gods since... well, ancient Greece! Kat chats with award-winning author Abigail Owens, whose new release Games Gods Play retells the Hades/Persephone myth in present-day San Francisco. Let's talk about worldbuilding a mythic fantasy setting that blends ancient and modern elements! https://abigailowen.c…

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Modern Mythic Fantasy with Abigail Owen (part 1) 26:00

9M ago26:00

26:00

Storytellers have been remixing tales of Greek gods since... well, ancient Greece! Kat chats with award-winning author Abigail Owens, whose new release Games Gods Play retells the Hades/Persephone myth in present-day San Francisco. Let's talk about worldbuilding a mythic fantasy setting that blends ancient and modern elements! https://abigailowen.c…

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Adapting Life to Creative Capacity with Sandra Tayler (part 2) 32:43

9M ago32:43

32:43

How do you fit creative work into an already jam-packed life? Especially when you must account for things like physical and mental health challenges? Join Janet and author Sandra Tayler, whose new book Structuring Life to Support Creativity tackles these questions and more! https://www.sandratayler.com/ https://structuring-life-to-support-creativit…

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Adapting Life to Creative Capacity with Sandra Tayler (part 1) 30:51

9M ago30:51

30:51

How do you fit creative work into an already jam-packed life? Especially when you must account for things like physical and mental health challenges? Join Janet and author Sandra Tayler, whose new book Structuring Life to Support Creativity tackles these questions and more! https://www.sandratayler.com/ https://structuring-life-to-support-creativit…

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Comedy Science Fiction with Andy Law (Part 2) 33:04

10M ago33:04

33:04

To celebrate Douglas Adam's iconic "Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy" we're talking about Comedy Science Fiction. Comedy Scifi is an oft-forgotten genre, but from "Galaxy Quest" to "Rick and Morty" to "Starter Villain" by John Scalzi, it's an increasingly popular take on far future worlds! Join Janet Forbes, Kat Bradbury and Andy Law as we delve de…

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Comedy Science Fiction with Andy Law (Part 1) 25:11

10M ago25:11

25:11

To celebrate Douglas Adam's iconic "Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy" we're talking about Comedy Science Fiction. Comedy Scifi is an oft-forgotten genre, but from "Galaxy Quest" to "Rick and Morty" to "Starter Villain" by John Scalzi, it's an increasingly popular take on far future worlds! Join Janet Forbes, Kat Bradbury and Andy Law as we delve de…

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Anthologies - What, Why & How with Bona Books (Part 2) 29:38

10M ago29:38

29:38

If you're writing short stories, it's good to know what an anthology is, what different kinds of anthologies exist, why people produce them, and how to write for one! Janet & Kat are joined by writing partners Trip Galey and Chris McCartney of Bona Books, who are publishing a themed anthology. https://www.bona-books.com https://www.tripgaley.com @c…

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Anthologies - What, Why & How with Bona Books (Part 1) 28:26

10M ago28:26

28:26

If you're writing short stories, it's good to know what an anthology is, what different kinds of anthologies exist, why people produce them, and how to write for one! Janet & Kat are joined by writing partners Trip Galey and Chris McCartney of Bona Books, who are publishing a themed anthology. https://www.bona-books.com/ https://tripgaley.com/ @chr…

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Episode 54, part 2: Worldbuilding Urban Legends & Folklore with Gregg Hale 30:47

1+ y ago30:47

30:47

The Blair Witch Project created a whole new film genre - and co-producer Gregg Hale is with guest host Kat to talk about worldbuilding urban legends and folk horror (and dark fairytales, like his new multimedia project, Black Velvet Fairies). Take a walk on the darker side of folklore as we explore how to make a creepy setting that uses the familia…

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Episode 54, part 1: Worldbuilding Urban Legends & Folklore with Gregg Hale 30:18

1+ y ago30:18

30:18

The Blair Witch Project created a whole new film genre - and co-producer Gregg Hale is with guest host Kat to talk about worldbuilding urban legends and folk horror (and dark fairytales, like his new multimedia project, Black Velvet Fairies). Take a walk on the darker side of folklore as we explore how to make a creepy setting that uses the familia…

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Episode 53, part 2: Two Player and Couples RPGs with Alex Roberts 32:27

1+ y ago32:27

32:27

Join Janet as we sit down with talented game designer (and counselor!) Alex Roberts, creator of Star Crossed, For the Queen and Our Time on Earth to explore the world of two-player and couples tabletop roleplaying games. Discover the magic of creating shared stories with just one other player and explore the ways RPGs can build connections and stre…

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Episode 53, part 1: Two Player and Couples RPGs with Alex Roberts 29:12

1+ y ago29:12

29:12

Join Janet as we sit down with talented game designer (and counselor!) Alex Roberts, creator of Star Crossed, For the Queen and Our Time on Earth to explore the world of two-player and couples tabletop roleplaying games. Discover the magic of creating shared stories with just one other player and explore the ways RPGs can build connections and stre…

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Episode 52, part 2: Titling Your Novel or Short Story w/Trip Galey & Chris McCartney 36:20

1+ y ago36:20

36:20

What's in a name? Maybe everything! Janet is joined by authors Trip Galey, Chris McCartney, and Kat Bradbury to discuss pro tips (and what to avoid) when it comes to naming your novels, titling your stories, and deciding what to call That Crazy Thing You Created.

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Episode 52, part 1: Titling Your Novel or Short Story w/Trip Galey & Chris McCartney 32:32

1+ y ago32:32

32:32

What's in a name? Maybe everything! Janet is joined by authors Trip Galey, Chris McCartney, and Kat Bradbury to discuss pro tips (and what to avoid) when it comes to naming your novels, titling your stories, and deciding what to call That Crazy Thing You Created.

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Episode 51, part 2: Gaslamp Fantasy Worldbuilding with Laura Ann Gilman 33:39

1+ y ago33:39

33:39

Join Janet and award-winning and best-selling author Laura Anne Gilman for a conversation about the historical fantasy world she's built in the Huntsmen series. What is "gaslamp fantasy"? And how can you create an immersive fantastical world grounded in real world history?

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Episode 51, part 1: Gaslamp Fantasy Worldbuilding with Laura Ann Gilman 26:27

1+ y ago26:27

26:27

Join Janet and award-winning and best-selling author Laura Anne Gilman for a conversation about the historical fantasy world she's built in the Huntsmen series. What is "gaslamp fantasy"? And how can you create an immersive fantastical world grounded in real world history?

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Episode 50, part 2: Setting Sustainable Creative Goals with Peter Chiykowski 38:46

1+ y ago38:46

38:46

Storytellers obsess over our goals - long and short term. In this episode, Janet is chatting with Peter Chiykowski, creator of the Story Engine Deck, about doing it in a balanced, responsible way to avoid burnout and overwhelm. Grab a cozy beverage, your favorite planners and pens, and let's prepare for an amazing year of worldbuilding!…

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Episode 50, part 1: Setting Sustainable Creative Goals with Peter Chiykowski 33:01

1+ y ago33:01

33:01

Storytellers obsess over our goals - long and short term. In this episode, Janet is chatting with Peter Chiykowski, creator of the Story Engine Deck, about doing it in a balanced, responsible way to avoid burnout and overwhelm. Grab a cozy beverage, your favorite planners and pens, and let's prepare for an amazing year of worldbuilding!…

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Episode 49, part 2: Mixing Mystery & SciFi with Mur Lafferty 32:38

1+ y ago32:38

32:38

We've got a killer interview today! Join Janet and Mur Lafferty, Hugo Award winning podcaster and author of Solo: A Star Wars Story and the Midsolar Murders series. We'll discuss blending genres - specifically sci-fi and murder mysteries. You won't want to miss it!

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Episode 49, part 1: Mixing Mystery & SciFi with Mur Lafferty 29:39

1+ y ago29:39

29:39

We've got a killer interview today! Join Janet and Mur Lafferty, Hugo Award winning podcaster and author of Solo: A Star Wars Story and the Midsolar Murders series. We'll discuss blending genres - specifically sci-fi and murder mysteries. You won't want to miss it!

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Episode 48, part 2: Solo Journaling RPGs with Anna Blackwell 32:18

1+ y ago32:18

32:18

The biggest villain in tabletop RPGs is ... scheduling. But what if you could play a satisfying roleplaying game all on your own? Solo Journaling RPGs have taken off in recent years, and today Janet has acclaimed game designer Anna Blackwell, creator of Apothecaria, DELVE, and the upcoming For Small Creatures Such As We to talk about what makes the…

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Episode 48, part 1: Solo Journaling RPGs with Anna Blackwell 31:15

1+ y ago31:15

31:15

The biggest villain in tabletop RPGs is ... scheduling. But what if you could play a satisfying roleplaying game all on your own? Solo Journaling RPGs have taken off in recent years, and today Janet has acclaimed game designer Anna Blackwell, creator of Apothecaria, DELVE, and the upcoming For Small Creatures Such As We to talk about what makes the…

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Episode 47, part 2: Pulp Fiction Genre 34:24

1+ y ago34:24

34:24

What IS Pulp Fiction? In this episode Janet talks with authors Trip Galey and Chris McCartney of Bona Books about unpacking this action-packed genre! What are the common tropes that make pulp AWESOME?! And how do we reinvent Pulp without the Problems?

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Episode 47, part 1: Pulp Fiction Genre 29:51

1+ y ago29:51

29:51

What IS Pulp Fiction? In this episode Janet talks with authors Trip Galey and Chris McCartney of Bona Books about unpacking this action-packed genre! What are the common tropes that make pulp AWESOME?! And how do we reinvent Pulp without the Problems?

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Episode 46, part 2: Designing Fantasy Castles with Wolfgang Baur 29:29

1+ y ago29:29

29:29

Worldbuilding Fantasy Castles with Wolfgang Baur!❤️ 🏰 Where should your castles be on the map? 🗺️ 🏰 What does everyone forget when worldbuilding castles? 🤔 🏰 How do you STORM a fantasy castle... or defend one!? 🐉 🧙 Janet (founder and CEO of World Anvil) chats with castle fanatic and Ennie Award-winning worldbuilding expert Wolfgang Baur (Founder an…

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Episode 46, part 1: Designing Fantasy Castles with Wolfgang Baur 33:20

1+ y ago33:20

33:20

Worldbuilding Fantasy Castles with Wolfgang Baur!❤️ 🏰 Where should your castles be on the map? 🗺️ 🏰 What does everyone forget when worldbuilding castles? 🤔 🏰 How do you STORM a fantasy castle... or defend one!? 🐉 🧙 Janet (founder and CEO of World Anvil) chats with castle fanatic and Ennie Award-winning worldbuilding expert Wolfgang Baur (Founder an…

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Episode 45, part 2: Character First Plotting and Building an Audience with Hannah Nicole Maehrer 39:05

1+ y ago39:05

39:05

Hannah Nicole Maehrer's debut release, Assistant to the Villain, started out as a series of TikTok sketches. Janet sits down with her to talk about building a novel's worth of plot character-first, and using episodic formats to develop characters, settings, and plot for a longer work. They also discuss building a platform and connecting with reader…

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Episode 45, part 1: Character First Plotting and Building an Audience with Hannah Nicole Maehrer 29:10

1+ y ago29:10

29:10

Hannah Nicole Maehrer's debut release, Assistant to the Villain, started out as a series of TikTok sketches. Janet sits down with her to talk about building a novel's worth of plot character-first, and using episodic formats to develop characters, settings, and plot for a longer work. They also discuss building a platform and connecting with reader…

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Episode 44, part 2: The Undying Appeal of Vampires with Jason Carl 31:39

1+ y ago31:39

31:39

Vampires! Their undying appeal is unquestioned. But how can writers, gamemasters and tabletop RPG players inject new life into these monstrous heroes in games and fiction? Join Janet as she sits down with Jason Carl, brand marketing manager for Vampire: The Masquerade, to talk about fresh approaches to writing vampires!…

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Episode 44, part 1: The Undying Appeal of Vampires with Jason Carl 33:07

1+ y ago33:07

33:07

Vampires! Their undying appeal is unquestioned. But how can writers, gamemasters and tabletop RPG players inject new life into these monstrous heroes in games and fiction? Join Janet as she sits down with Jason Carl, brand marketing manager for Vampire: The Masquerade, to talk about fresh approaches to writing vampires!…