Jennifer Hayashi Danns: Adventures with Gender

Today we present you with something very different! Jennifer Hayashi Danns tells us about her journey to being an author and describes her innovative fantasy novel Beneath the Burning Wave. This book breaks new ground using neutral pronouns for the first half before evolving into a kind of 'fallen' split language, this gives Jennifer a chance to invent a pre-history for civilisation. As Jennifer is a black British writer, we discuss her experience of representation both on and off the page.

Mythmakers is the podcast for fantasy fans and creatives, brought to you by the Oxford Centre for Fantasy. In each episode, we embark on an exploration of the world of fantasy—both classic and contemporary. From the stories behind your favourite series to expert tips for aspiring writers, we dive into books, films, TV shows, and the creative process behind them.

Brought to you from the heart of Oxford—home to literary greats like J.R.R. Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, and Lewis Carroll—we continue the storytelling tradition in the very city where Narnia, Middle-earth, and even Wonderland took shape drawing on the city’s magical blend of ancient buildings, labyrinthine libraries, and gentle river meadows.

Ready to step into the Wardrobe with us into your next big adventure? Visit https://oxfordcentreforfantasy.org/ to learn more!