The Novel Analyst Podcast: Creative Writing Advice & Author Interviews

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novelanalyst.com

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jed(at)jedherne.com

I chat with Rob for the second time to discuss his latest grimdark fantasy trilogy, The War Eternal. The trilogy follows Eska, a young magician struggling to reconcile her urges for revenge with her longing for human connection. The books include:

1. Along the Razor’s Edge
2. The Lessons Never Learned
3. From Cold Ashes Risen

We also talk about overcoming doubts, Rob’s techniques for building captivating fantasy worlds, and which of his characters he’d share isolation with. Enjoy!

Show Notes:

My BookNest review of The Lessons Never Learned: https://bit.ly/jedreviews

Rob’s twitter: @RoboftheHayes

Rob’s facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheHeresyWithin

Rob’s blog: http://www.robjhayes.co.uk/

***

My twitter: @JedHerne

Steven's website: sandrewswann.com

Twitter: @SAndrewSwann 

Facebook: facebook.com/sandrewswann

Sword of the Slayer: choiceofgames.com/sword-of-the-slayer

Steven's favorite books: 

- American Gods 

- Jim Butcher's Dresden Files 

- Peter F. Hamilton's books 

- Hyperion 

- The Fireman by Joe Hill

My fantasy book, Across the Broken Stars, is free on Amazon until 01/05/2020! Get it here: https://amzn.to/2Ya3WEf

Previous episodes on Joe Abercrombie's books:

• Episode 50: Before They Are Hanged by Joe Abercrombie - A Simple Way to Craft Compelling Characters
• Episode 7: The Heroes by Joe Abercrombie - Exploring Theme
• Episode 2: The Blade Itself by Joe Abercrombie - Characterisation through Contradiction

Link to all formats here: jedherne.com/firesofthedead

Link to the audiobook deal: bit.ly/FOTDchirp

Episode 2 - The Blade Itself by Joe Abercrombie - Characterisation through Contradiction: bit.ly/bladeitselfNA

7 - The Heroes by Joe Abercrombie - Exploring Theme: bit.ly/theheroesNA

Website: heartfieldfiction.com

Show Notes:

The Magician's Workshop - her interactive fiction story set in Renaissance Florence.

Jed's twitter: @jedherne

Jed's email: jed.herne1(at)gmail.com

Fires of the Dead - just $0.99 on Amazon for a limited time: https://amzn.to/39W9Xaq

The Magician's Workshop: https://www.choiceofgames.com/magicians-workshop/

Sky Pirates of Actorious: https://www.choiceofgames.com/sky-pirates-of-actorius/

Website: www.robjhayes.co.uk

Twitter: @RoboftheHayes

Show Notes:

• My grimdark fantasy novella, Fires of the Dead, just became the #1 bestseller on Amazon's 'Fantasy Adventure Fiction', 'Sword & Sorcery', and various other charts. Read it here: https://jedherne.com/firesofthedead
• My Novel Analyst episode 46 on Never Die by Rob J. Hayes: https://anchor.fm/novelanalyst/episodes/46--Never-Die-by-Rob-J--Hayes---Choreographing-Excellent-Ensemble-Casts-easrko
• Novel Analyst episode 41 on The Ember Blade by Chris Wooding: https://anchor.fm/novelanalyst/episodes/41--The-Ember-Blade-by-Chris-Wooding---Nailing-the-Opening-48-Pages-e96cua

Check it out here: https://amzn.to/32BIwjC

During its free period, it's reached:

• #1 in Gaslamp Fantasy (Kindle Store)
• #1 in Action & Adventure Fantasy (Kindle Store)
• #1 in Alternative History

It's only free in eBook form, but you can download the free Kindle app to read it on any device or computer. Enjoy!

Listen to me read chapter 1 of my latest fantasy novel, Across the Broken Stars: https://anchor.fm/novelanalyst/episodes/Sneak-Peek---Chapter-1-of-Across-the-Broken-Stars---My-Upcoming-Space-Fantasy-Novel-ea9cnk/a-a1b1bre 

(Or just scroll down in this podcast feed to find it manually). 

Buy Across the Broken Stars here: jedherne.com/acrossthebrokenstars

Today's episode features the audio recording from my latest book launch.  Enjoy!

00:00 - 10:20 - Jed's thoughts on how to become more creature

10:20 - 21:12 - Jed reads scene 1 from Across the Broken Stars

21:12 - onwards - Q & A from the audience.

Buy a copy here: https://jedherne.com/broken

And if you buy a copy before midnight Feb 9th, email your receipt to jed.herne1@gmail.com  to receive free bonuses, including:

• The unedited first draft (which was 20 000 words shorter than the final novel)
• My original outline
• A free companion short story
• Other behind-the-scenes looks into my process.

Enjoy!

Full Blurb:

He failed.

Now, Leon’s a broken man, trying to forget the past. He thinks he’s the last angel. But then a young fugitive stumbles onto Leon’s doorstep. She’s an angel, too. And she has a riddle leading to a place where angels still live. Or so the stories claim…

Desperate for redemption, Leon begins a perilous quest through myth and folklore. But will Leon and the fugitive find their legendary destination? Or will Leon lose his last chance for salvation?

Brutal and gripping, this is a story about a flawed man’s search for forgiveness.

The Left Hand of Darkness is a visionary sci-fi story about a lone human ambassador to Winter, an alien world whose inhabitants’ biology allows them to choose—and change—their gender. His goal is to facilitate Winter's inclusion in a growing intergalactic civilization. But to do so he must bridge the gulf between his own views and those of the completely different culture that he encounters. Exploring psychology, society, and human emotion on an alien world, The Left Hand of Darkness is as a landmark achievement - especially considering that it came out in 1969!

In this episode, I examined how despite being very slow-paced (or, perhaps, because of this), Le Guin's novel is incredibly engaging. Enjoy!

Show Notes:

Read my latest space fantasy novel, Across the Broken Stars (out today!): https://jedherne.com/broken

Got thoughts? Email me at jed.herne1 (at) gmail.com - I love hearing from you and I respond to as many messages as I can.

Show Notes:

My interview with Justin, author of Master of Sorrows: https://novelanalyst.com/2020/01/07/justin-call-interview/

My upcoming space fantasy book, Across the Broken Stars: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/49125250-across-the-broken-stars

To celebrate the upcoming release of my epic space fantasy novel, Across the Broken Stars, I'm sharing chapter 1 of the book. The actual book releases on Feb 3rd, 2020. Click here to learn more: jedherne.com/acrossthebrokenstars

He failed.

Now Leon’s a broken man, trying to forget the past. He thinks he’s the last angel. But then a young fugitive stumbles onto Leon’s doorstep. She’s an angel, too. And she has a riddle leading to a place where angels still live. Or so the stories claim…

Desperate for redemption, Leon begins a perilous quest through myth and folklore. But will Leon and the fugitive find their legendary destination? Or will Leon lose his last chance for salvation?

Brutal and gripping, this is a story about a flawed man’s search for forgiveness.

“If you are looking for an epic fantasy that has a unique setting, this is it.” – Kate Valent, Reedsy Discovery.

Justin Call graduated from Harvard University in 2012 with a Master's in Literature and Creative Writing. He has studied fantasy literature for almost two decades and is the author of Master of Sorrows, Book 1 of The Silent Gods tetralogy. Justin is also the CEO of Broomstick Monkey Games and co-designer of the games Imperial Harvest, Royal Strawberries, Royal Scum, and 8 Kingdoms. He currently lives in Park City, Utah with his wife, his two sons, his Great Dane (Pippa) and his St. Bernard-Mastiff (Herbie).

Show Notes:

https://justintcall.com/

https://twitter.com/Justin_T_Call

https://justintcall.com/master-of-sorrows/

Justin's top writing-advice books/resources:

- Save the Cat by Blake Snyder

- The Power of Myth by Joseph Campbell

- The Hero with a Thousand Faces by Joseph Campbell

- The Writing Excuses podcast

- 101 Habits of Highly Effective Writers

- 101 Habits of Highly Effective Screenwriters

Justin's top books/authors:

- 'Crowfall' by Ed McDonald

- Book of the Ancestor Series by Mark Lawrence

- Anything by Brandon Sanderson (I second this suggestion). 

My notes:

Half-Baked Stories podcast

@jedherne (Twitter, Instagram)

jedherne.com

Across the Broken Stars - goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/49125250-across-the-broken-stars

> Best writing advice resources:

Anything by K. M. Weiland
Brandon Sanderson's online lectures
Lessons from the Screenplay
Story by Robert McKee

Dialogue by Robert McKee

The Anatomy of Story by John Truby
The Emotional Craft of Fiction by Donald Maass

(Note: some of those links are affiliate links, which means if you use them, I may receive compensation - at no extra cost to you. It's a win-win!)

Send me your questions: https://jedherne.com/question/

Or: jed.herne1[at]gmail.com

Listen to my in-depth analysis of an amazing fight scene: https://novelanalyst.com/2019/10/16/38-words-of-radiance-by-brandon-sanderson-giving-readers-chills/

Check out my shiny new instagram account for a behind-the-scenes look into my writing life: https://www.instagram.com/jedherne/

jedherne.com/fires – get a free short story and join my email newsletter to hear about future book giveaways!

jedherne.com/question – submit your questions for the show!

anchor.fm – what I use to make my podcast for free (note: I am not sponsored by them and I make no money for this – just recommending a useful tool that I use)

Words of Radiance is the second book in The Stormlight Archive, an epic fantasy series of incredible ambition - and superb execution. What's remarkable about WOR isn't just the world building, the twisting plot, or the amazing characters (although they're all great). No, what made this book remarkable was the emotional response it created within me. In this episode, I explain how you can do the same for your stories. Enjoy!

Read Fires of the Dead, my debut fantasy book: jedherne.com/firesofthedead

Win a signed copy of Fires of the Dead: jedherne.com/win (closes 23/10/2019)

Ask me a question! I might answer on this show: jedherne.com/question

Email: jed.herne1(at)gmail.com

Listen to my episode on The Way of Kings, which is book 1 of The Stormlight Archive.

jedherne.com/win

And use this link to leave a question for me to answer on the show:

jedherne.com/question

(There's also a text form, if you'd rather type instead of talking. However, I'll prioritise voice messages, since they're easier to play on the show). 

Fires of the Dead - available in all formats!

Paperback, Hardback, and eBook

Audiobook (narrated by me)

Read my debut fantasy novella, Fires of the Dead.

"The perfect read for someone looking to be quickly immersed in a magic system unlike anything else." - Nicole Wallace, editor of Synopses by Sarge.

Available in ebook, paperback, hardback, and audio book.

Email me - I love hearing from listeners and I respond to every message: jed.herne1(at)gmail.com

Stoked to interview Gareth Hanrahan, author of The Gutter Prayer - which I analysed on the show just a few days ago. We had an excellent in-depth chat about his book, how writing for role-playing games has helped him as an author, and lots more. Enjoy!

Show Notes:

Gareth's top books/resources:

• DECLARE, Tim Powers
• Lavondyss, Robert Holdstock
• Deep Work, by Cal Newport
• Hyperfocus, Chris Bailey (more accessible version of Deep Work)
• Hamlet's Hit Points, Robin D Laws
• Storyteller Tools, M. Harold Page
• House of Leaves 
• Wonderbook by Jeff Vandermeer
• 7 Wonders of the Industrial World (BBC Series)

My debut fantasy novella, Fires of the Dead, comes out tomorrow! (Sep 20th, 2019). Read it here: https://jedherne.com/firesofthedead

Questions, comments, queries? I love hearing from you! I respond to every email sent to: jed.herne1@gmail.com

8. It's about the intertwining

Show Notes:

My debut fantasy novella, Fires of the Dead, comes out September 20th! Buy a copy during launch week (between 20th-27th September), then send me your receipt and I'll set you up with exclusive bonuses. My email: jed.herne1@gmail.com

Get the book: https://www.amazon.com/Fires-Dead-Fantasy-Jed-Herne-ebook/dp/B07WDBLW9Y

To stay updated with the book launch (and my writing in general), you can join my free author email newsletter: https://jedherne.com/club/. When you sign up, you'll get some bonus fantasy and sci-fi stories!

The Language of Dying is an elegiac, emotionally moving novella, about a woman whose father is dying. In today's episode, I dive deep into analysing how the author crafted such a profound emotional experience. If you want your words to move your readers, this episode explains how.

My debut fantasy novella, Fires of the Dead, is available on amazon! Get it here: http://bit.ly/firesjedherne

Show Notes:

Fires of the Dead, by Jed Herne - https://jedherne.com/firesofthedead/

Watch my YouTube channel for writing advice every weekday:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVjB-qFoNxNbQq0S3boWxIA?view_as=subscriber  

Join my exclusive free Reader Club email newsletter to stay up to date with my writing projects:  https://jedherne.com/club/

Twitter: @jedherne

Email: jed.herne1@gmail.com

My debut fantasy novella, Fires of the Dead, is available on amazon for pre-order! Get it here: https://amzn.to/31KMCUR

Or use this link to read a free sample chapter:  https://jedherne.com/dead/ 

A Canticle for Leibowitz is a 1959 post-apocalyptic sci-fi novel by Walter M. Miller Jr. It's often described as one of the first post-apocalyptic stories. Without it, there would be no Book of Eli, The Stand, or most other post-apocalyptic tales. Don't just take my word for it. It won the 1961 Hugo Award - one of science fiction's highest honours. Legendary scientist Carl Sagan described it as: "so tautly constructed, so rich in the accommodating details of an unfamiliar society that [it] sweep me along before I have even a chance to be critical".

It's a remarkable novel. I don't have the space in one episode to fully analyse it, so today I'm focusing on just one thing: how it uses an unconventional structure to explore the theme and emotionally gut-punch readers. Enjoy!

Show Notes:

Fires of the Dead, by Jed Herne - https://jedherne.com/dead/ 

Watch my YouTube channel for writing advice every weekday:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVjB-qFoNxNbQq0S3boWxIA?view_as=subscriber  

Join my exclusive free Reader Club email newsletter to stay up to date with my writing projects:  https://jedherne.com/club/

Twitter: @jedherne

Email: jed.herne1@gmail.com

Gabriel Bergmoser is a Melbourne based author and playwright.  He's written the Boone Shepard trilogy (I analysed book 3 in this episode of the podcast) along with multiple plays. His latest novel is The Hunted (aka Sunburnt Country in the UK), which comes out in mid-2020 from HarperCollins. 

It was a pleasure to have Gabe back on the podcast to discuss his recent book & movie deals, along with other aspects of his life as a writer. Have a listen if you're interested in:

- Gabe's advice for being resilient and overcoming rejection;

- What it's like to get a huge book deal with a major publisher (& an equally huge movie deal!);

- The biggest writing lesson he learnt from finishing the Boone Shepard trilogy;

And loads more!

Show Notes:

16 - Boone Shepard - The Silhouette and the Sacrifice by Gabriel Bergmoser - Writing Awesome Endings

Gabe's review of Tana French's Dublin Murder Squad

News about The Hunted and the film deal

Gabe's twitter account:  https://twitter.com/gobergmoser 

For writing advice every weekday, check out my YouTube channel:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVjB-qFoNxNbQq0S3boWxIA?view_as=subscriber  

For free sci-fi & fantasy stories, and to stay updated with my writing projects, join my free newsletter:  https://jedherne.com/club/ 

Twitter: @jedherne

Email: jed.herne1@gmail.com

Enter the free contest to win 7 Joe Abercrombie fantasy novels: http://bit.ly/firstlawgiveaway (Contest ends on 12th August, 2019, so get in quick!)

Join my email newsletter to stay updated with my upcoming book launch:  https://jedherne.com/club/

To build buzz for the launch on my debut fantasy novella, Fires of the Dead, on September 20th, 2019, I'm giving away a paperback collection of Joe Abercrombie's amazing fantasy novels! I've discussed Abercrombie before, on the following podcast episodes:

2 - The Blade Itself by Joe Abercrombie - Characterisation through Contradiction

7 - The Heroes by Joe Abercrombie - Exploring Theme

Hit me up on twitter @JedHerne or email me at jed.herne1[at]gmail.com with any questions. 

Source:  https://www.patreon.com/posts/writing-stable-8172456 

Show Notes:

Go here to see the table I mentioned: https://novelanalyst.com/?p=536 

Episode 25 - all about Crooked Kingdom, the sequel to this novel:  https://novelanalyst.com/2019/04/30/25-crooked-kingdom-by-leigh-bardugo-the-art-of-setting-descriptions/ 

Check out my youtube channel for writing advice every weekday:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVjB-qFoNxNbQq0S3boWxIA?view_as=subscriber  

Join my exclusive free Reader Club email newsletter to stay up to date with my writing projects:  https://jedherne.com/club/

Twitter: @jedherne

Email: jed.herne1@gmail.com

After Dale from The Reading Gorilla podcast sent in a listener request, who was I to ignore it? This is an episode about Orson Scott Card's sci-fi classic, Ender's Game. Specifically, I examine how he crafted such an amazing twist. Enjoy!

And if you want to request an episode, or just have any feedback on the podcast, email me at jed.herne1@gmail.com, or download the free Anchor app to your phone, then search for 'The Novel Analyst Podcast,' and click the appropriate buttons to send me a voice message. 

Show Notes:

Check out my new youtube channel for writing advice every weekday:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVjB-qFoNxNbQq0S3boWxIA?view_as=subscriber  

Join my exclusive free Reader Club email newsletter to stay up to date with my writing projects:  https://jedherne.com/club/

Twitter: @jedherne

Email: jed.herne1@gmail.com

What does it mean to craft epic fantasy? How is it different that other forms of fantasy? What are it's unique strengths, and potential pitfalls? All those questions and more answered in today's episode, which focuses on The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson. Enjoy!

Check out my new youtube channel for writing advice every weekday:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVjB-qFoNxNbQq0S3boWxIA?view_as=subscriber  

Join my exclusive free Reader Club email newsletter to stay up to date with my writing projects:  https://jedherne.com/club/

Twitter: @jedherne

Email: jed.herne1@gmail.com

Let me know what you think of these short bonus episodes by emailing jed.herne1@gmail.com.

Also, if you want free sci-fi and fantasy stories written by me, go to jedherne.com/club. It’ll let you join my brand new Reader Club, and when you do that I’ll send you 5 free short stories, plus exclusive bonus content.

3 - Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince by J. K. Rowling - Creating Suspense Using Question Arcs

11 - Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J. K. Rowling - Narrative Misdirection

Twitter: @JedHerne

Email: jed.herne1 [at] gmail.com

Website: novelanalyst.com

Join my VIP email list: novelanalyst.com/email

Let me know what you think of these short bonus episodes by emailing jed.herne1@gmail.com.

Also, if you want free sci-fi and fantasy stories written by me, go to jedherne.com/club. It’ll let you join my brand new Reader Club, and when you do that I’ll send you 5 free short stories, plus exclusive bonus content. 

Let me know what you think of these short bonus episodes by emailing jed.herne1@gmail.com.

Also, if you want free sci-fi and fantasy stories written by me, go to jedherne.com/club. It’ll let you join my brand new Reader Club, and when you do that I’ll send you 5 free short stories, plus exclusive bonus content. 

19 - Skulduggery Pleasant by Derek Landy - The Art of Naming

Twitter: @JedHerne

Email: jed.herne1 [at] gmail.com

Website: novelanalyst.com

Join my VIP email list: novelanalyst.com/email 

Let me know what you think of these short bonus episodes by emailing jed.herne1@gmail.com.

Also, if you want free sci-fi and fantasy stories by yours truly, go to jedherne.com/club. It’ll let you join my brand new Reader Club, and when you do that I’ll send you 5 free short stories, plus some exclusive bonus content. 

Starting a new series! In addition to your normal Novel Analyst episodes, for the next month I’ll be posting a Quick Writing Tip episode every Monday. Let me know what you think and if you want more of them, email jed.herne1@gmail.com or hit me up on twitter @JedHerne.

Also, if you want free sci-fi and fantasy stories by yours truly, go to jedherne.com/club. It’ll let you join my brand new Reader Club, and when you do that I’ll send you 5 free short stories, plus some exclusive bonus content. 

Harry Potter as Ring Composition and Ring Cycle By John Granger http://www.lulu.com/au/en/shop/john-granger/harry-potter-as-ring-composition-and-ring-cycle/paperback/product-13042044.html

Harry Potter - Hedwig's Theme (Piano Version) Piano Version by Patrik Pietschmann https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jTPXwbDtIpA

John Williams - Buckbeak's Flight (Extended) | London Symphony Orchestra https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DLiXPbjaZrA

Twitter: @JedHerne

Email: jed.herne1 [at] gmail.com

Website: novelanalyst.com

Join my VIP email list: novelanalyst.com/email

Website: novelanalyst.com

Join my VIP email list: novelanalyst.com/email

https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/FunWithHomophones

https://www.writersdigest.com/online-editor/humor-writing-filled-novel

Twitter: @JedHerne

Email: jed.herne1 [at] gmail.com

Website: novelanalyst.com

Join my VIP email list: novelanalyst.com/email

http://www.sfcenter.ku.edu/Workshop-stuff/MICE-Quotient.htm

Twitter: @JedHerne

Email: jed.herne1 [at] gmail.com

Website: novelanalyst.com

Join my VIP email list: novelanalyst.com/email

Website: novelanalyst.com

Join my VIP email list: novelanalyst.com/email