Subject: Writing Inclusive Fantasy for Modern Readers 🚀 ❤️

🚀 Specializing in supporting science fiction, fantasy, and speculative fiction writers. 🐉

Writing Inclusive Fantasy for Modern Readers

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Podcast this week!

This week's How To Write The Future podcast episode:

🎧 Ep. 151: Writing Inclusive Fantasy for Modern Readers with Sci-Fi Fantasy Author, Aspry Jones

https://writersfunzone.com/blog/2025/05/05/writing-inclusive-fantasy-for-modern-readers-with-sci-fi-fantasy-author-aspry-jones/

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This email may be long, so you may need to click to open the full email or read online.

Friday, May 9, 2025

Hi Friend,

I have thoughts on time and rest and also doing what you can. I'd love to hear your thoughts on these topics too.

Here goes...

We have all the time in the world... well, until our lifespan ends.

The end comes to us all.

But we don't have to rush around.

Why do we say things like "I'm behind..." or "I don't have time for..."?

When in fact each thing occurs in its own time.

The ebb and flow of the tides.
The beating of our hearts.

The in and out of our breathing.

All of life has this in-and-out, ebb-and-flow.

We are not mechanicals.

We *are* designed to eat, and sleep, and move, and pause.

To be creative in any area of your life, you need to act *and* you need to rest.

How do you rest?

About doing what you can, I love this video by a former CIA agent on doing what you can in the moment when faced with overwhelm. (Stay out of the comments though. That won't help you get your writing done.)

Really useful advice for us writers who deal with overwhelm on a regular basis like I do.

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On to the weekly podcast...

Writing Inclusive Fantasy for Modern Readers with Sci-Fi Fantasy Author, Aspry Jones

“If I could go back in time and tell 22-year-old me not to go into TV, but instead to center on what your heart was, the writing, and the creating stories, and creating characters and people. Do that instead.” — Aspry Jones

In this week's podcast episode, I talk to sci-fi fantasy author Aspry Jones about his writing journey from TV and comics to fantasy fiction, including the importance of representing diversity in his characters.

Together, we share the challenges of independent publishing, being a fan of science fiction, and the excitement of his debut novel, Protectors of the Light Crown.

Enjoy!

To listen or read this episode's transcript, go here (Writer's Fun Zone):

Or watch on YouTube

Apple Podcast

Spotify

The How To Write The Future podcast is for science fiction and fantasy writers who want to write positive futures and successfully bring those stories out into the marketplace.

Enjoy!

In the next episode, Ep. 152, I'm discussing creating original religions in fiction, emphasizing the importance of core beliefs, rituals, and the impact of religion on characters and society.

Stay tuned on How To Write The Future podcast.

(All previous episodes listed here.)

Like/Subscribe/Share/Review

Wherever you listen to your podcast, if you're so moved, please Like, Subscribe, or Share the How To Write The Future podcast.

YouTube!

And now How To Write The Future podcast is on YouTube here!

Please like and subscribe. And leave a review on your podcast listening service. Thanks!

We now have 370 subscribers. Wow!

Thank you! Help us get to 400!! We're almost there!

Thanks! And since we have an international listenership: Merci , Muchas Gracias, Obrigada, Prego, Arigatō

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Get 3 your FREE vibrant illustrations directly in your inbox. By Melquea!

I love what Melquea is up to as a children's book illustrator and creative entrepreneur, so am spreading the word.

Awesome Clip Art for Your Socials

If you create content on social media and you're looking to jazz up your posts with handmade illustrations, look no further!

Melquea is diversifying the clip art scene by creating art of Black and brown kids that you can use!

She's offering 3 of her illustrations for free to use!

Click here to get them delivered directly to your inbox.

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100 Day Writing Challenge

A creativity coach colleague, Jana Van der Veer, is running a 100 Day Writing Challenge!

The details are:

* The kick off for the Challenge is with a half-day writing retreat via Zoom on Saturday, May 10 from 1:00-5:00 pm ET. There you'll meet, discuss our goals for the Challenge, and write!

* Jana will be contacting you to set up your 1:1 coaching session with her to discuss your project and any questions you have.

* She'll send weekly emails with encouragement and a writing prompt for those who need it.

* Jane will let you know about the daily check-in app so you can check in daily with the group.

* There will be a final half-day retreat on Sunday, August 17 - Day 100 and she may do another halfway through, depending on interest.

Total investment is $99.

Jana will be sending the Zoom details for the first retreat on Friday afternoon/evening.

Please let Jana know if you have any questions! And email her to register: setyourmuseonfire@gmail.com.

See details: https://www.setyourmuseonfire.com/

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Upcoming Student Event! Writing Sprint!

Fellowship of the Pen Writing Sprints

2nd and 4th Sundays

Next sprint, in 2 days: Sunday, May 11, 10am PT/1pm ET

Gather on Zoom to check in and write for 2 20-minute sprints.

-- I email you day-of and I post reminders in Fellowship of the Pen Facebook group. Click to join Fellowship of the Pen group, if you haven't already. Be sure to answer the 3 questions!

Happy Writing!

Best,

Beth

PS. Missed the Romantic Subplot class with Gala Russ? The replay and handout are now up and you can take the class now here: https://bethbarany.thrivecart.com/crafting-compelling-romantic-subplots/

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When you're ready to work together, here's some more ways we can do that:

😁 Essential Character Traits Workbook

📚 Start (or Finish!) Your Novel 1-1 Mentorship Program

❤️ 12-month small group mastermind program for Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers!

🌟 If you find my resources helpful, please forward them to a friend who may need them too. Thanks!

Beth Barany
Creativity Coach for Writers

Teacher, Speaker, Workshop Facilitator

Creativity is the answer.

bethbarany.com

I not only teach and coach novelists, I am one too!

Author of *Magical Tales of Romance, Mystery, and Adventure*
author.bethbarany.com

Award-winning science fiction & fantasy novelist.

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Writer's Fun zone blog by and for creative writers, published by Beth Barany

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Beth Barany is an award-winning science fiction and fantasy novelist, and certified creativity coach for writers.

She specializes in helping writers experience clarity, so they can write, revise, and proudly publish their novels to the delight of their readers.

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The Solar System. → Carina–Sagittarius Arm in the Milky Way galaxy. Milky Way subgroup → Local Group → Local Sheet → Virgo Supercluster → Laniakea Supercluster → Local Hole → Observable universe → Universe.

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