Crafting Fantasy: The Art of Building Worlds That Last (Ep 284)

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Ever wondered what an air marshal does during those long hours in flight? For Ben Sanford, it became the perfect opportunity to handwrite the first three volumes of his epic fantasy series. In this fascinating conversation, the former military member, border patrol agent, and federal air marshal reveals his transformation into a published fantasy author with multiple series under his belt.
Sanford takes us deep into his creative process, explaining how he falls into the category of storytellers who have vivid tales already formed in their minds but must develop the craft of writing to bring them to life. "It's easier in some ways because you already have the plot outlined in your head and you have the characters in your head," he shares. "Everything's all set except your ability to write it."
The Chronicles of Arax, his seven-book fantasy series featuring gargoyles as antagonists, required extraordinary attention to detail. Sanford created entire ecosystems, languages, maps, and timelines spanning thousands of years of fictional history. His commitment to realism within fantasy shines through as he discusses how flying creatures would fundamentally change medieval battle tactics—a thoughtful approach to worldbuilding that elevates his narratives.
Perhaps most valuable for aspiring authors is Sanford's candid assessment of publishing challenges. "Your worst written book you'll ever do is your first book, and if people don't like that first book, they're not going to read your great books you write later on," he observes with striking honesty. He also highlights the critical distinction between creating content and marketing it: "You can write a masterpiece, but if you don't know how to market, it'll just sit there lost along 20 million other manuscripts."
Discover how diverse life experiences can enrich storytelling as Sanford reveals the unexpected connections between law enforcement and fantasy worldbuilding. Whether you're an aspiring author or simply curious about the creative process, this conversation offers valuable insights into the craft of creating worlds that readers can lose themselves in.

Chapter Markers

0:00 Welcome to Voices for VoicesⓇ

3:01 From Air Marshal to Author

9:18 Two Types of Writers

18:13 Chronicles of Arax's Series

26:22 Writing for Young Readers

31:15 Marketing Challenges for Authors

33:56 Creating an Entire Fantasy World

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