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Writing Fantasy, Building Worlds, and Navigating the Publishing World with Leslye Penelope | Episode 42

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Manage episode 523555843 series 3576980
Content provided by Heather Davis, Writing Coach, Book Coach, and Developmental Editor, Heather Davis, Writing Coach, Book Coach, and Developmental Editor. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Heather Davis, Writing Coach, Book Coach, and Developmental Editor, Heather Davis, Writing Coach, Book Coach, and Developmental Editor or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://podcastplayer.com/legal.

Is your novel idea exciting… but the path from first spark to finished book feels confusing, overwhelming, or totally opaque? Do you daydream about epic worlds, lush magic systems, and big emotions… but worry you’ll never quite figure out how to actually build the story (or the career) you want?

You’re not alone. I’ve worked with so many talented writers whose imaginations are on fire, but who feel stuck between drafting, revising, worldbuilding, and navigating the publishing landscape. The creativity is there. The ambition is there. But the process still feels murky and out of reach.

The missing ingredient is almost always the same: a clear, sustainable way to develop both your novel and your author career, from someone who’s walked the hybrid path.

In this interview, I sit down with award-winning fantasy author Leslye Penelope to talk about how she develops a novel from idea to finished book, how she balances traditional and self-publishing, and how she builds powerful worlds, magic systems, and character arcs without losing creative control.

You’ll learn:

✨ How Leslye went from self-publishing A Song of Blood and Stone to landing a St. Martin’s Press deal (and a spot on Time’s list of the 100 Best Fantasy Novels of All Time)
Why she chose to self-publish first as a Black epic fantasy romance author—and how she protected her vision and her rights
✨ The levels of professional editing she invested in as an indie author
How she structures her writing life as a hybrid author, including her co-writing sessions, fast-drafting process, and multi-draft revision approach
✨ The plotting frameworks she leans on
How she approaches character work using wounds, misbeliefs, Enneagram types, and theme so her protagonists actually arc on the page
✨ Her philosophy of worldbuilding
How she designs magic systems with real limits and costs, drawing on research and lived traditions so the magic feels fresh.

If you’re dreaming of a long-term speculative fiction career but feel overwhelmed by the craft, the worldbuilding, and the business side, this episode will give you a grounded, practical roadmap for developing your next novel (and protecting your creative freedom) from first spark to final draft.

Grab Leslye's FREE worldbuilding checklist right here!

Ask Me Anything Thursdays👋 Send me your writing question! I'll answer it in an upcoming episode. Include your name if you want a shout out! 🤗

🌻 Sign Up For This Class Before Dec 14th for Early Bird Pricing of $67 🌻

Master The Art Of Backstory

Support the show

  continue reading

43 episodes

Artwork
iconShare
 
Manage episode 523555843 series 3576980
Content provided by Heather Davis, Writing Coach, Book Coach, and Developmental Editor, Heather Davis, Writing Coach, Book Coach, and Developmental Editor. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Heather Davis, Writing Coach, Book Coach, and Developmental Editor, Heather Davis, Writing Coach, Book Coach, and Developmental Editor or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://podcastplayer.com/legal.

Is your novel idea exciting… but the path from first spark to finished book feels confusing, overwhelming, or totally opaque? Do you daydream about epic worlds, lush magic systems, and big emotions… but worry you’ll never quite figure out how to actually build the story (or the career) you want?

You’re not alone. I’ve worked with so many talented writers whose imaginations are on fire, but who feel stuck between drafting, revising, worldbuilding, and navigating the publishing landscape. The creativity is there. The ambition is there. But the process still feels murky and out of reach.

The missing ingredient is almost always the same: a clear, sustainable way to develop both your novel and your author career, from someone who’s walked the hybrid path.

In this interview, I sit down with award-winning fantasy author Leslye Penelope to talk about how she develops a novel from idea to finished book, how she balances traditional and self-publishing, and how she builds powerful worlds, magic systems, and character arcs without losing creative control.

You’ll learn:

✨ How Leslye went from self-publishing A Song of Blood and Stone to landing a St. Martin’s Press deal (and a spot on Time’s list of the 100 Best Fantasy Novels of All Time)
Why she chose to self-publish first as a Black epic fantasy romance author—and how she protected her vision and her rights
✨ The levels of professional editing she invested in as an indie author
How she structures her writing life as a hybrid author, including her co-writing sessions, fast-drafting process, and multi-draft revision approach
✨ The plotting frameworks she leans on
How she approaches character work using wounds, misbeliefs, Enneagram types, and theme so her protagonists actually arc on the page
✨ Her philosophy of worldbuilding
How she designs magic systems with real limits and costs, drawing on research and lived traditions so the magic feels fresh.

If you’re dreaming of a long-term speculative fiction career but feel overwhelmed by the craft, the worldbuilding, and the business side, this episode will give you a grounded, practical roadmap for developing your next novel (and protecting your creative freedom) from first spark to final draft.

Grab Leslye's FREE worldbuilding checklist right here!

Ask Me Anything Thursdays👋 Send me your writing question! I'll answer it in an upcoming episode. Include your name if you want a shout out! 🤗

🌻 Sign Up For This Class Before Dec 14th for Early Bird Pricing of $67 🌻

Master The Art Of Backstory

Support the show

  continue reading

43 episodes

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