Megan Whalen Turner: The Queen's Thief and the Secret of a Long Career as a Fantasy Writer

Welcome back to Mythmakers for our sixth season!

Megan Whalen Turner began her career in 1996 and is still going strong as her series The Queen's Thief becomes available in the UK and the Commonwealth for the first time. US readers have been enjoying the series for years and she won the Newbury Award and Mythopoeia Award in recognition of her achievements. Take a listen as she tells our host Julia Golding about her career, the books that inspired her, and her link to Oxford fantasy through Dianne Wynne Jones. Megan also shares with us her fascinating insights into her unique process for plotting! 

You can catch up with Megan if you are near Bath, England, for the literary festival. Visit the link for more information: https://bathfestivals.org.uk/childrens-literature/

For more information on the Oxford Centre for Fantasy, our writing courses, and to check out our awesome social media content visit:

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0:00 Introduction to Mythmakers Podcast

8:54 The Influence of Diana Wynne-Jones

13:01 Audiobooks and Storytelling

17:55 American Fantasy Influences

23:46 Cultural Storytelling in Fantasy

29:30 The Storytelling Process

35:44 The Mediterranean Influence

44:22 Advice for Aspiring Writers

44:36 Living in a Fantasy World

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!