Published on Aug 1, 2024, 5:00:00 AM
Total time: 00:50:16
Imagine starting your journey as a fantasy writer in a media storm where you are greeted as the next J K Rowling. That's precisely what faced Samantha Shannon when her first novel The Bone Season was published while she was in her early 20s. Ten years on and an established writer, Samantha has re-edited the book and is celebrating this anniversary by finishing the fifth in the series.
Join us on today’s episode of Mythmakers as she discusses her beginnings as an author, her relationship to Oxford, and how she goes about her writing. You’ll want to hear her fantasy tips and find out her pick for the best place to have ESP!
For more information on Samantha visit her website at www.samanthashannon.co.uk and view her works on her publisher’s site at www.bloomsbury.com/uk/author/samantha-shannon
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
4:20 Revisiting The Bone Season
5:54 Revising the Entire Series
6:31 Cathartic Editing Process
9:00 Coping with Media Expectations
10:36 Navigating Publishing Pressures
14:25 Unveiling the Atmosphere
18:10 Planting Seeds in Oxford
20:19 Finding Light in Darkness
23:54 Finding Family and Courage
25:53 Craft of World Building
35:20 Balancing Multiple Storylines
43:38 Writing Tip: Music Inspiration
45:38 Challenges of Magic Users
47:38 Exploring Different Worlds
Welcome to Season 6 of Mythmakers!
Mythmakers is the podcast for fantasy fans and creatives brought to you by the Oxford Centre for Fantasy. We will be exploring fantasy old and new, look at what went into writing your favourite series, learn tips from the experts, and discuss new books, TV shows and films.
Mythmakers is brought to you from the city of Oxford - home to many of the world's greatest fantasy writers, from J.R.R. Tolkien and Middle-earth, to C.S. Lewis, creator of Narnia, and the grandfather of them all, Lewis Carroll with his Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. The Oxford story continues with outstanding contemporary writers finding inspiration among the ancient buildings, labyrinthine libraries, and gentle river meadows.
Ready to jump down the rabbit hole with us to find your next mythmaker? Visit https://oxfordcentreforfantasy.org/