Tad Williams and the Navigator's Children: How to Wrap up a Vast Epic Fantasy

Author Tad Williams is well-known for his epic fantasy series, such as The Dragonbone Chair, as well as his sci-fi and urban fantasy works. He joins us today on the Mythmaker's podcast to talk to Julia Golding about The Navigator's Children, his conclusion to a vast epic, this part called The Last King of Osten Ard. This achievement has been compared to Tolkien's legendarium in its ambitious scope, so it is not surprising to hear that Tolkien was one of Tad’s major influences. He tells Julia about how he manages such a complicated, woven plot, how he keeps track, and what steps he takes before getting down to writing, as well as much more. Stick around to hear where would be best for a creation myth in all fantasy! 

To learn more about Tad, and to get your own copies of his incredible books, visit https://hodderscape.co.uk/collections/author-tad-williams-pid-86249?_pos=1&_psq=tad+william&_ss=e&_v=1.0

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0:10 Introduction to Mythmakers
11:09 Early Influences on Fantasy Writing
26:45 Transitioning to Writing
40:02 The Last King of Ostern Ard Series
49:21 Music and Storytelling in Fantasy

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/