Exposition. Every story needs it, but one lengthy or poorly timed info dump could land your novel on readers’ DNF shelves. So how do we deliver essential information about character, worldbuilding, and backstory without dropping a Wiki article in the middle of our stories? Become storytelling magicians, of course.

In this first installment of our new Writing Wizardry series, we’re diving into the art of invisible exposition. Looking at the brilliant storytelling in Source Code, The Hunger Games, and many others, we examine how writers successfully weave essential context into compelling narratives. Sometimes audiences absorb crucial information without even realizing it; other times, they’re so hungry for answers that exposition feels like a reward rather than an interruption. Pull up a seat as we discuss how to deliver the information your readers need without breaking the spell of your story.

Episode 25: Writing Wizardry #1: The Art of Invisible Exposition

Join us again as we talk shop with speculative fiction author and freelance editor S.D. Grimm. We unpack our favorite fantasy tropes, those we thought we hated until someone changed our minds, and how we adjust our use of beloved fantasy conventions when writing for middle grade, young adult, and adult audiences. We also speculate about what’s behind the meteoric rise of LitRPG in fantasy literature and how romantasy might shape the broader genre in years to come. And, of course, we tackle the truly pressing questions in our lightning round–because every fantasy writer should know where they stand on dragons vs. unicorns.

Episode 24: Fantasy Round Table with Guest S.D. Grimm, Part II

Pull up a seat at our table as we chat with speculative fiction author and freelance editor S.D. Grimm. Together we explore the wide world(s) of fantasy fiction, unpacking some of the unique elements of writing in fantasy’s various subgenres. How can storytellers organically introduce readers to the fantastical, mystical elements of their imaginary worlds? What questions should you ask yourself when building your fantasy worlds, and how do your answers impact the story you’re telling? We discuss all this and more, leaving you with fresh questions to ask of your own fantasy worlds and a clearer sense of how thoughtful world-building choices can deepen character, conflict, and story.

Episode 23: Fantasy Round Table with Guest S.D. Grimm, Part I

Branding is so much more than logos and colors and carefully curated posts filling your social feed. It’s your essence as an author, the vibe that helps readers understand who you are and what they can expect from your work. But what happens when you like to write All The Things? How far can an author brand bend without breaking, and just how much are we “allowed” to experiment with our identity and our writing? Join us as we unpack some nuances of author branding, explore ideas for managing several brand identities, and share tips on how to make the most of the branding tools at our disposal.

Episode 22: Who Am I? Thoughts on Author Branding

Ever wonder what makes a book series successful and why second installments so often fall flat? In this episode, we dive into the nuts and bolts of what makes a series work and why some sequels are amazing—and others not so much—using beloved movie franchises as examples. We explore the marketing advantages of writing a series, but also why writing a standalone may sometimes be the best choice. Join us as we share practical advice for keeping readers invested from the first page to the final installment.

Episode 21: The Sequel Strikes Back

Most novelists have heard the advice to join a critique group. But why is that recommendation so universal? In this episode, we unpack the benefits of critique groups, from honing your story craft to finding your community—and potentially saving money. We also discuss what separates a cohesive group from a frustrating one and how to hunt for a group that fits your needs. Whether you’re looking for your first critique group or wondering if your current group is the best fit, this episode shares practical advice on finding (or creating) a supportive circle of storytellers that helps you take your writing to the next level.

Episode 20: Fantastic Critique Groups and Where to Find Them

Where do story ideas come from? In this listener-requested episode, we’re pulling back the curtain on the inspiration behind some of our books. From real-life relationships to striking mental images to titles that grew into entire novels, we’re exploring the surprising, sometimes winding journeys our stories took from Once Upon a Time to The End. Whether you’re looking for inspiration or just curious about the creative process of two storytellers, we hope you’ll come away with one simple truth: Inspiration is everywhere, and the human imagination has a remarkable way of turning ordinary moments into extraordinary stories.

Episode 19: The Story Behind the Story

Are writers’ conferences magical, career-making opportunities or just expensive weekends fueled by caffeine and creative anxiety? In this episode, we’re setting realistic expectations to help you get the most out of your conference experience by capitalizing on the biggest benefits while avoiding the pitfalls that can lead to disappointment. Whether you’re attending your first conference or your fifteenth, we’ll walk you through planning with intention while staying open to the unexpected–because sometimes the most valuable part of the weekend is the plot twist you never saw coming.

Episode 18: What’s the Deal with Writers’ Conferences?

In this episode of Quilling It, we look at what literary agents do, when they’re helpful, and which authors may not need one. Whether you’re aiming for traditional publishing, a small press, or indie publishing, this episode will discuss the various ways an agent could help your writing career and what you should expect from their efforts.

Episode 17: To Agent or Not to Agent

Join us as we sit down with multi-award-winning speculative fiction author Jill Williamson to talk about all the things we wish we'd known when we were younger—both chronologically and in our writing careers. Between Paul, Lindsay, and Jill, we bring a combined thousand years of publishing experience (give or take a century), and we're sharing the hard-earned lessons, practical advice, and encouragement we wish someone had given us sooner. So grab a chair, pour yourself a cup of tea, and consider us your Gandalf, your Obi-Wan, your Uncle Iroh, reporting for duty.

Episode 16: Advice to Young Writers with Guest Jill Williamson

Paul Regnier is the co-host of the Quilling It Podcast.

Speculative fiction authors Paul Regnier and Lindsay A. Franklin invite you to pull up a chair as we spill the ink on writing, publishing, and the wonderfully weird realities of being professional sto

Quilling It · Zencastr

Quilling It

Speculative fiction authors Paul Regnier and Lindsay A. Franklin invite you to pull up a chair as we spill the ink on writing, publishing, and the wonderfully weird realities of being professional storytellers. We’re sharing all the hard-won wisdom of our combined twenty-five years in the publishing trenches so you don't have to wander alone. Whether you're new to writing or have been at it for years, we've saved you a seat at this table.