Speculative Sandbox: Recent Episodes
Vickie Lan
New season trailer drops Sept 6!!! Speculative Sandbox is your audio playground for speculative fiction lovers. Each episode, Vickie Lan workshops a trope with an industry professional. From dystopian governments to parallel universes, ghost therapy to interplanetary travel, let's speculate. Want to join the conversation? Answer fun polls and questions on our Instagram, Twitter, and Tik Tok.
Speculative Sandbox is for entertainment purposes only. Opinions expressed by individuals on the podcast are their own.
[Originally aired February 6, 2023] Happy holidays! We're revisiting our BEST episodes! Award-winning Author Nicholas Eames kicks off the spring 2023 season with a deep dive into the ensemble cast in his novel "Kings of the Wyld."
Speculative Sandbox is for entertainment purposes only. This is a volunteer-run program. Opinions expressed by individuals on the podcast are their own.
Main cover art illustrated by Sofia Hansson
Individual episode covers feature royalty-free photography from Pexels.com or Canva.
Links:
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[Originally aired March 23, 2022] Happy holidays! We're revisiting our BEST episodes! Not all Dystopian societies are terrible...right? Guest writer Brad Allis joins me in a discussion of the dystopian trope, why we love to read and write them, and their small silver linings (if any!)
Speculative Sandbox is for entertainment purposes only. This is a volunteer-run program. Opinions expressed by individuals on the podcast are their own.
Main cover art illustrated by Sofia Hansson
Individual episode covers feature royalty-free photography from Pexels.com or Canva.
Links:
Guest form
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Curated episode playlists on Spotify
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[Originally aired March 16, 2022] Happy holidays! We're revisiting our BEST EPISODES. Good protagonists, evil protagonists, evilly good protagonists? Author Matthew C. Brown joins Speculative Sandbox in a chat about complex protagonists, the appeal of evil characters, and how story telling has evolved as our interactions on social media take center stage.
Speculative Sandbox is for entertainment purposes only. This is a volunteer-run program. Opinions expressed by individuals on the podcast are their own.
Main cover art illustrated by Sofia Hansson
Individual episode covers feature royalty-free photography from Pexels.com or Canva.
Links:
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[Originally aired December 6, 2022] Happy holidays! We're revisiting our TOP EPISODES. Jason Pargin, New York Times Bestselling Author of the John Dies at the End and Zoe Ashe books series, joins the podcast to talk about the end of the world. What is it about this trope that has a hold on society? And is our worldwide demise enough stakes to get the audience truly invested? You won't want to miss this one. Your survival depends on it.
Speculative Sandbox is for entertainment purposes only. This is a volunteer-run program. Opinions expressed by individuals on the podcast are their own.
Main cover art illustrated by Sofia Hansson
Individual episode covers feature royalty-free photography from Pexels.com or Canva.
Links:
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Welcome to Speculative Sandbox's first live recording, in partnership with Stacks Book Club and Pine Reads Reviews. Author Matt Mendez talks about his new book, "The Broke Hearts", and unpacks the heartbreak of intergenerational trauma, father and son relationships, and the importance of male friendships. VIDEO: Watch the video interview on Spotify!Stacks Book Club is an indie bookstore located in Oro Valley, Arizona. Husband-and-wife owners, Crispin and Lizzy, believe in the importance of community and supporting local businesses. Learn more and order books by visiting https://www.stacksbookclub.com/. Pine Reads Review is an online children’s and young adult literature publication run by University of Arizona undergraduates in Tucson, Arizona committed to showcasing a combination of debut, diverse, and established authors. For more information, visit https://www.pinereadsreview.com/. Speculative Sandbox is for entertainment purposes only. This is a volunteer-run program. Opinions expressed by individuals on the podcast are their own.Main cover art illustrated by Sofia HanssonIndividual episode covers feature royalty-free photography from Pexels.com or Canva. Links:Guest formMerch storeCurated episode playlists on SpotifySocial media:Follow on InstagramFollow on Tik TokFollow on Twitter
Author Daniel Bautz returns to the podcast in this Author Takeover to walk you through the book cover design process.
Speculative Sandbox is for entertainment purposes only. This is a volunteer-run program. Opinions expressed by individuals on the podcast are their own.
Main cover art illustrated by Sofia Hansson
Individual episode covers feature royalty-free photography from Pexels.com or Canva.
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Is Moby Dick one of the greatest secondary world fantasies ever written? Author David Hopkins takes over the podcast to discuss this classic novel through a new lens.
Speculative Sandbox is for entertainment purposes only. This is a volunteer-run program. Opinions expressed by individuals on the podcast are their own.
Main cover art illustrated by Sofia Hansson
Individual episode covers feature royalty-free photography from Pexels.com or Canva.
Links:
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Author Vanessa Thurgood joins the podcast in this Author Takeover to discuss the "Deals with the Devil" trope.
Speculative Sandbox is for entertainment purposes only. This is a volunteer-run program. Opinions expressed by individuals on the podcast are their own.
Main cover art illustrated by Sofia Hansson
Individual episode covers feature royalty-free photography from Pexels.com or Canva.
Links:
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Happy Halloween! Author John James Minster returns to the podcast to share his experience with the paranormal and how he instills authenticity in his horror writing.
Speculative Sandbox is for entertainment purposes only. This is a volunteer-run program. Opinions expressed by individuals on the podcast are their own.
Main cover art illustrated by Sofia Hansson
Individual episode covers feature royalty-free photography from Pexels.com or Canva.
Links:
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Do you have difficulty starting your manuscript? You may remember Author and Roundtable Radio podcast host Odin Halvorson from our episode on Maps. He returns in this Author Takeover to discuss the ways writers can channel their creative muse. Speculative Sandbox is for entertainment purposes only. This is a volunteer-run program. Opinions expressed by individuals on the podcast are their own.Main cover art illustrated by Sofia HanssonIndividual episode covers feature royalty-free photography from Pexels.com or Canva. Links:Guest formMerch storeCurated episode playlists on SpotifySocial media:Follow on InstagramFollow on Tik TokFollow on Twitter
Newcomer and author D. A. Randall joins the podcast to talk about the Birth of a Superhero.
Speculative Sandbox is for entertainment purposes only. This is a volunteer-run program. Opinions expressed by individuals on the podcast are their own.
Main cover art illustrated by Sofia Hansson
Individual episode covers feature royalty-free photography from Pexels.com or Canva.
Links:
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Please welcome newcomer Author Katee Stein to Speculative Sandbox, where she walks us through the importance of creating safe spaces and communities as writers.
Speculative Sandbox is for entertainment purposes only. This is a volunteer-run program. Opinions expressed by individuals on the podcast are their own.
Main cover art illustrated by Sofia Hansson
Individual episode covers feature royalty-free photography from Pexels.com or Canva.
Links:
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Curated episode playlists on Spotify
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Author Garrett K. Jones from our episode on “Unreliable Narrators” takes over the podcast to examine the evolution of storytelling in media, from theepisodic format of early sitcoms to the long-form storytelling of today. Examples include the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Friends, and How I Met Your Mother.
Speculative Sandbox is for entertainment purposes only. This is a volunteer-run program. Opinions expressed by individuals on the podcast are their own.
Main cover art illustrated by Sofia Hansson
Individual episode covers feature royalty-free photography from Pexels.com or Canva.
Links:
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Curated episode playlists on Spotify
Social media:
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Drag Queen and Author Joshua Valentine, the "Lady Gaga of the Writing World", joins Speculative Sandbox to unpack symbolism in storytelling.
Speculative Sandbox is for entertainment purposes only. This is a volunteer-run program. Opinions expressed by individuals on the podcast are their own.
Main cover art illustrated by Sofia Hansson
Individual episode covers feature royalty-free photography from Pexels.com or Canva.
Links:
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Curated episode playlists on Spotify
Social media:
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Fantasy author and Shakespeare teacher David Hopkins joins the podcast to talk about the twisted paths of succession. From George R.R. Martin’s “Game of Thrones” to HBO’s “Succession”, what makes an effective succession story? We’ll discuss the types of characters that make good contenders, real-life succession stories, and the ways writers can make the succession journey as messy as possible.
Speculative Sandbox is for entertainment purposes only. This is a volunteer-run program. Opinions expressed by individuals on the podcast are their own.
Main cover art illustrated by Sofia Hansson
Individual episode covers feature royalty-free photography from Pexels.com or Canva.
Links:
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Continuing our talk from our episode "Madness", Ian Young returns to the podcast to talk about "Mass Hysteria." What did the term "hysteria" originally mean? And does a panic on a large scale always have a scientific explanation?
Speculative Sandbox is for entertainment purposes only. This is a volunteer-run program. Opinions expressed by individuals on the podcast are their own.
Main cover art illustrated by Sofia Hansson
Individual episode covers feature royalty-free photography from Pexels.com or Canva.
Links:
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Curated episode playlists on Spotify
Social media:
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What is scifaiku and astropoetry? Wendy Van Camp, Poet Laureate for the City of Anaheim, CA, joins the podcast for a poetry reading and lesson. Participate in the lesson! Read the words submitted by our listeners below, write your own scifaiku, and send it to vickielan@gmail.com or direct message Speculative Sandbox on Instagram. We'll share your poem on social media!
Sci-fi trope:
- Cybernetic implants
- Aliens are humans
- Time travel
- AI goes rogue
- Fish out of water
- Robots
- Evil aliens
- The ghost in the machine
Emotional words:
- Tearful
- Distraught
- Horny
- Anxiety/Anxious
- Somber
- Exhausted
Season/time:
- Serendipity
- Birth
- Spring
- Winter
- Autumn
- Dusk
- Crack epidemic
Speculative Sandbox is for entertainment purposes only. This is a volunteer-run program. Opinions expressed by individuals on the podcast are their own.
Main cover art illustrated by Sofia Hansson
Individual episode covers feature royalty-free photography from Pexels.com or Canva.
Links:
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Curated episode playlists on Spotify
Social media:
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Could we one day customize our own bodies? Author and podcast host Jordan Griffin joins Speculative Sandbox to talk about gene-editing. How close are we to science fiction? We break down the science, including CRISPR technology, genetically-modified foods, and the ethical concerns of human experimentation.
Speculative Sandbox is for entertainment purposes only. This is a volunteer-run program. Opinions expressed by individuals on the podcast are their own.
Main cover art illustrated by Sofia Hansson
Individual episode covers feature royalty-free photography from Pexels.com or Canva.
Links:
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From combatting systemic oppression to leaning into gender stereotypes to solve the case, female sleuths tend to find themselves in interesting situations. Author Brittany Sweeting joins the podcast to talk about female sleuths! We discuss famous characters like Nancy Drew, Enola Holmes, and Jessica Jones, as well as break down the difference between an amateur sleuth and detective. Finally, we explore real-world sleuthing, including social media and safety in the age of modern dating.
Speculative Sandbox is for entertainment purposes only. This is a volunteer-run program. Opinions expressed by individuals on the podcast are their own.
Main cover art illustrated by Sofia Hansson
Individual episode covers feature royalty-free photography from Pexels.com or Canva.
Links:
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Curated episode playlists on Spotify
Social media:
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Author and robot enthusiast Mara Lynn Johnstone joins Speculative Sandbox to unpack the character development opportunities of fictional robots. From killing machines to tools and the childlike mind, what kind of character arcs can authors explore to give their robots depth? And does a self-fulfilled robot serve humanity's needs?
Speculative Sandbox is for entertainment purposes only. This is a volunteer-run program. Opinions expressed by individuals on the podcast are their own.
Main cover art illustrated by Sofia Hansson
Individual episode covers feature royalty-free photography from Pexels.com or Canva.
Links:
Guest form
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Curated episode playlists on Spotify
Social media:
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Can we always trust what we read? Author and podcaster Garrett K. Jones joins Speculative Sandbox to unpack the unreliable narrator. Whether it’s due to exaggeration, madness, naivety, lying, or having an outsider’s perspective, the unreliable narrator will leave the reader guessing and, to some extent, questioning their own sanity.
Memory lapse: Which book did Vickie have to stop reading because it was so triggering? It was #fashion victim by Amina Akhtar!
Speculative Sandbox is for entertainment purposes only. This is a volunteer-run program. Opinions expressed by individuals on the podcast are their own.
Main cover art illustrated by Sofia Hansson
Individual episode covers feature royalty-free photography from Pexels.com or Canva.
Links:
Guest form
Merch store
Curated episode playlists on Spotify
Social media:
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Author Matthew C. Brown returns to the podcast to discuss the redemption character arc! We cover the important characteristics of a redeemable villain using examples in fiction, as well as discuss characters who didn't deserve their redemption arc and characters whoshould've been redeemed, but weren't.
Speculative Sandbox is for entertainment purposes only. This is a volunteer-run program. Opinions expressed by individuals on the podcast are their own.
Main cover art illustrated by Sofia Hansson
Individual episode covers feature royalty-free photography from Pexels.com or Canva.
Links:
Guest form
Merch store
Curated episode playlists on Spotify
Social media:
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Author Neal Holtschulte returns to the podcast to discuss the latest developments in artificial intelligence, including ChatGPT and its impact on writers and industry professionals, how A.I. is portrayed in speculative fiction compared to real life, and whether or not A.I. has actual feelings.
Speculative Sandbox is for entertainment purposes only. This is a volunteer-run program. Opinions expressed by individuals on the podcast are their own.
Main cover art illustrated by Sofia Hansson
Individual episode covers feature royalty-free photography from Pexels.com or Canva.
Links:
Guest form
Merch store
Curated episode playlists on Spotify
Social media:
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The butler did it! Or...did they? Author Gabrielle Chmilar joins the podcast to investigate the usual suspects in a "whodunit" mystery, as well as the plot structure that allows authors to truly surprise their readers in the second-half of the story.
Speculative Sandbox is for entertainment purposes only. This is a volunteer-run program. Opinions expressed by individuals on the podcast are their own.
Main cover art illustrated by Sofia Hansson
Individual episode covers feature royalty-free photography from Pexels.com or Canva.
Links:
Guest form
Merch store
Curated episode playlists on Spotify
Social media:
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Whether you're writing about paranormal investigations or are simply curious, author and paranormal investigator Daniel Bautz joins the podcast with a wealth of information that will inspire even the non-believer. We'll walk you through the investigative process, including what to expect when you're on a haunted site, the best tools to use, and the types of encounters. Daniel even assesses a ghostly encounter that Vickie Lan had in her childhood home, with chilling results.
Speculative Sandbox is for entertainment purposes only. This is a volunteer-run program. Opinions expressed by individuals on the podcast are their own.
Main cover art illustrated by Sofia Hansson
Individual episode covers feature royalty-free photography from Pexels.com or Canva.
Links:
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Curated episode playlists on Spotify
Social media:
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Fantasy Author and Podcaster Richie Billing joins Speculative Sandbox to talk about music and storytelling, where we cover musical history, character leitmotifs, genre sound coding, and the psychological benefits of music.
MUSIC NOTE: It wouldn't be an episode about music without music! As much as we would love to feature the actual music mentioned in this podcast, we simply don't have the licensing :) Thank goodness for stock music. Music credits: Soundstripe, Motion Array.
Speculative Sandbox is for entertainment purposes only. This is a volunteer-run program. Opinions expressed by individuals on the podcast are their own.
Main cover art illustrated by Sofia Hansson
Individual episode covers feature royalty-free photography from Pexels.com or Canva.
Links:
Guest form
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Curated episode playlists on Spotify
Social media:
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[Originally published March 30, 2022] Ghostwriter and editor Leslie Hinson joins Speculative Sandbox on the search for immortality. Like Dorian Gray and his aging portrait, how do different characters avoid death? How does legacy building ensure our future? And what happens when someone else takes control?
Speculative Sandbox is for entertainment purposes only. This is a volunteer-run program. Opinions expressed by individuals on the podcast are their own.
Main cover art illustrated by Sofia Hansson
Individual episode covers feature royalty-free photography from Pexels.com or Canva.
Links:
Guest form
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Curated episode playlists on Spotify
Social media:
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[Originally published April 20, 2022] Greek mythology set the standard for many story tropes and character archetypes seen in today’s fiction. From tragedies to triumphant battles, petty arguments to unrequited love, the Greek Gods continue to leave a lasting impression because they are undeniably relatable. USA Today Bestselling Romance Author Carly Spade joins Speculative Sandbox to talk about the allure of the greek gods, their shadier pasts, and her approach for retelling their stories to a modern audience.
New episodes will resume in July.
[Originally published September 13, 2022] Author Rob Hart explores the horrors of working in an Amazon-esque corporation in his dystopian thriller “The Warehouse”. Learn about the real-world conditions and events that influenced this book, Rob’s world-building strategies, and how to create a complex billionaire villain. How far away are we from a corporatocracy? And...how can we prevent one?
New episodes will resume in July.
Author John James Minster takes over the podcast this week to examine Edgar Allan Poe.
Speculative Sandbox will return to our regular interview format in July.
[Originally published April 6, 2022.] Thomas More coined the term "Utopia" in his 1516 book of the same name, but is it really the ideal place to live? Author Jacob Devlin joins Vickie Lan in a discussion about fictional utopian societies, what makes them wonderful at first glance, and what makes them terrifying once you read between the lines.
New episodes resume in July.
What does the High Evolutionary and Nazi Germany have in common? The "playing god on society" trope is prevalent in both fiction and real life, and for speculative fiction writers, it's an opportunity to examine the systems and world-building that enables such villainous acts. Disclaimer: this episode briefly summarizes some of the horrifying events that happened during the Holocaust. Regular Speculative Sandbox episodes will resume in July.
Got a graveyard of WIPs in your Google Drive? #WriterProblems
Caitlin Fisher first came on the show to discuss time travel tropes and is back again to talk about the process of writing a first draft and how they help coach beginner writers to finish their first drafts in the face of imposter syndrome, comparison, and self-doubt.
Listen in to learn:
- How to stop being an "aspiring" writer and claim the title of writer
- The change to their writing routine that allowed them to write 104k words in a year, up from approximately 0
- When to stop learning HOW to write and learn BY writing
- How to shift from hustling perfectionist to balanced storyteller
- The importance of taking breaks for integrating your new skills
Interested in writing your own first draft in the next twelve months? Get on the Working Title waitlist at www.workingtitlestudio.com! Check out Caitlin around the internet at @CaitlinLizFisher on Instagram, CaitlinLizFisher.com, and the Neurodivergent Creative Podcast.
New Speculative Sandbox episodes resume in July.
Author Neal Holtschlute joins the podcast to take a tour through the universe to hunt for single-biome planets. These are staple locations in science fiction, most notably used in Star Wars, where a single eco-system wraps an entire planet. How realistic are single-biome planets? And do we have some right in our own solar system?
Is mind control REAL? Author A.R. Mirabal joins the podcast this week to talk about all the ways a mind can be controlled in fiction and in real life, including conditioning and the hive mind. We even go into the challenges of overcoming a very real form of mind control - the algorithm.
You have your King. You have your Queen. Now what? Learn from S.G. Blaise the ins and outs of castles. From defense and court life to waste management (or the lack thereof), S.G. takes us on a tour of anything you may want to know for your storybook setting.
"You can't have fantasy fiction without some sort of dogma, it seems." Author Quillem McBreen has a wealth of knowledge on the topic of dogma in speculative fiction. Learn about the different guiding principals explored in fantasy novels like "Game of Thrones", "American Gods", and "Wheel of Time", as well as the dogmatic systems that have a impact on our everyday lives.
How is madness portrayed in fiction, and what impacts do our stories have on the real world? Author Ian Young joins the podcast today to talk about his personal experience with madness, the importance of mental health education, and the ways writers can use madness effectively in their stories.
The Avatar movie franchise is just one of many fictional works that explore corporate colonialism, the practice of a corporation maintaining or extending its control over other countries, especially in establishing settlements or exploiting resources. Writer Lindsay DeFrates join the podcast today to talk about what drives corporate colonialism, how it impacts the native populations, and how fiction can be an effective tool for change.
Isolated settings. Superstitions. Natural forces. Author Kacey Rayburn joins the podcast to talk about folk horror. What makes this sub-genre so chilling? We cover the common elements and themes, unpack some of well-known titles (Midsommar anyone?) and ask ourselves the big question: Is the scariest part of folk horror the demon in the woods....or is it us?
If you could travel back to any time period, when would it be? Writer Caitlin Fisher and I discuss this question, as well as tackle the tangled and complex topic of Time Travel. From the MCU’s multi-verse to the Grandfather Paradox, how can writers explore time travel in their work? And can we do our own time-travel right now, with our memories?
Author John James Minster joins Speculative Sandbox to discuss all the ways we can come back after death: resurrections, reincarnation, realistic revivals, ghosts, and more. Have a taste for the horror? John also gives some advice on how to make your story particularly terrifying.
Author J. Dianne Dotson joins the podcast to talk about food in fiction. We’ll start off with an appetizer of rapid-fire questions, followed by a starter salad of literary devices, then the main course meal of food across different genres. Then, for a little dessert, we tease a future of lab-printed food.
Matthew C. Brown returns to the podcast to talk about Magic Systems! We discuss the fundamentals of magic in fantasy, whether or not science fiction and technology are magical, and how we can challenge the traditional light versus dark in binary magic systems. Stick around until the end, where we debate the classic question: if magic users existed in our modern society, should they be forced to reveal themselves?
U.S.S. Enterprise. Millennium Falcon. Battlestar Galactica. Author and aerospace engineer S.J. Schauer takes our listeners to school with a discussion on spaceships. How can writers apply real-world concepts to their spacecrafts? Is light-speed travel really possible? And what is the most impractical spacecraft seen in fiction?
Author Salem Miles joins the podcast to talk about Meet Cutes! What happens when two potentially-romantic characters cross paths? From character dynamics to real-world experiences, this is an episode you won't want to miss this Valentine's week.
Award-winning Author Nicholas Eames kicks off the spring 2023 season with a deep dive into the ensemble cast in his novel "Kings of the Wyld."
Author Marsheila Rockwell takes over the podcast this week to talk about tie-in fiction.
Speculative Sandbox will return to our regular interview format in February. Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and Tik Tok for information on episodes and soundbites.
Author Andrew Dart takes over the podcast this week to talk about plotting and pantsing a novel.
Speculative Sandbox will return to our regular interview format in February. Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and Tik Tok for information on episodes and soundbites.
Author and Podcaster Jacob Devlin takes over the podcast this week to talk about tricksters in speculative fiction.
Speculative Sandbox will return to our regular interview format in February. Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and Tik Tok for information on episodes and soundbites.
Author Lucy A. McLaren takes over the podcast this week to talk about how she uses counseling strategies to develop her characters.
Speculative Sandbox will return to our regular interview format in February. Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and Tik Tok for information on episodes and soundbites.
Author Matthew C. Brown takes over the podcast this week to take you back to the beginning...of your story. When is a prologue helpful or hurtful? And how can writers improve their beginnings to hook their readers?
Speculative Sandbox will return to our regular interview format in February. Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and Tik Tok for information on episodes and soundbites.
Happy New Year! Learn what's planned for next year and hear a roundup of our 2022 episodes.
Hint: This trope has mystical origins.
We’re taking a break from our normal programming to enjoy the holidays. In the meantime, Speculative Sandbox presents the Twelve Days of Tropes, a limited series of micro-episodes that briefly touch on some well-known - and not so-well-known - tropes. Each episode is a secret until you open it, just like a present. And who knows, maybe you’ll see one of these tropes fully analyzed with a guest on a future episode. And If you’re writing this holiday season, consider exploring or inverting what you hear.
Episode notes:
- Resources: TVTropes.org
- Music from Pixabay
Hint: This trope has extreme disparities.
We’re taking a break from our normal programming to enjoy the holidays. In the meantime, Speculative Sandbox presents the Twelve Days of Tropes, a limited series of micro-episodes that briefly touch on some well-known - and not so-well-known - tropes. Each episode is a secret until you open it, just like a present. And who knows, maybe you’ll see one of these tropes fully analyzed with a guest on a future episode. And If you’re writing this holiday season, consider exploring or inverting what you hear.
Episode notes:
- Resources: TVTropes.org
- Music from Pixabay
This trope is not what it seems.
We’re taking a break from our normal programming to enjoy the holidays. In the meantime, Speculative Sandbox presents the Twelve Days of Tropes, a limited series of micro-episodes that briefly touch on some well-known - and not so-well-known - tropes. Each episode is a secret until you open it, just like a present. And who knows, maybe you’ll see one of these tropes fully analyzed with a guest on a future episode. And If you’re writing this holiday season, consider exploring or inverting what you hear.
Episode notes:
- Resources: TVTropes.org
- Music from Pixabay
Hint: This trope may come back again.
We’re taking a break from our normal programming to enjoy the holidays. In the meantime, Speculative Sandbox presents the Twelve Days of Tropes, a limited series of micro-episodes that briefly touch on some well-known - and not-so-well-known - tropes. Each episode is a secret until you open it, just like a present. And who knows, maybe you’ll see one of these tropes fully analyzed with a guest on a future episode. And If you’re writing this holiday season, consider exploring or inverting what you hear.
Episode notes:
- Resources: TVTropes.org
- Music from Pixabay
This trope might leave you feeling reflective.
We’re taking a break from our normal programming to enjoy the holidays. In the meantime, Speculative Sandbox presents the Twelve Days of Tropes, a limited series of micro-episodes that briefly touch on some well-known - and not so-well-known - tropes. Each episode is a secret until you open it, just like a present. And who knows, maybe you’ll see one of these tropes fully analyzed with a guest on a future episode. And If you’re writing this holiday season, consider exploring or inverting what you hear.
Episode notes:
- Resources: TVTropes.org
- Music from Pixabay
Hint: This trope goes up and down.
We’re taking a break from our normal programming to enjoy the holidays. In the meantime, Speculative Sandbox presents the Twelve Days of Tropes, a limited series of micro-episodes that briefly touch on some well-known - and not so-well-known - tropes. Each episode is a secret until you open it, just like a present. And who knows, maybe you’ll see one of these tropes fully analyzed with a guest on a future episode. And If you’re writing this holiday season, consider exploring or inverting what you hear.
Episode notes:
- Resources: TVTropes.org
- Music from Pixabay
Hint: This trope may give you a sinking feeling.We’re taking a break from our normal programming to enjoy the holidays. In the meantime, Speculative Sandbox presents the Twelve Days of Tropes, a limited series of micro-episodes that briefly touch on some well-known - and not so-well-known - tropes. Each episode is a secret until you open it, just like a present. And who knows, maybe you’ll see one of these tropes fully analyzed with a guest on a future episode. And If you’re writing this holiday season, consider exploring or inverting what you hear.Episode notes: Resources: TVTropes.org Music from Pixabay
Hint: This trope is unsettlingly shaped.
We’re taking a break from our normal programming to enjoy the holidays. In the meantime, Speculative Sandbox presents the Twelve Days of Tropes, a limited series of micro-episodes that briefly touch on some well-known - and not so-well-known - tropes. Each episode is a secret until you open it, just like a present. And who knows, maybe you’ll see one of these tropes fully analyzed with a guest on a future episode. And If you’re writing this holiday season, consider exploring or inverting what you hear.
Episode notes:
- Resources: TVTropes.org
- Music from Pixabay
Hint: This trope might be shaped like a candlestick.
We’re taking a break from our normal programming to enjoy the holidays. In the meantime, Speculative Sandbox presents the Twelve Days of Tropes, a limited series of micro-episodes that briefly touch on some well-known - and not so-well-known - tropes. Each episode is a secret until you open it, just like a present. And who knows, maybe you’ll see one of these tropes fully analyzed with a guest on a future episode. And If you’re writing this holiday season, consider exploring or inverting what you hear.
Episode notes:
- Resources: TVTropes.org
- Music from Pixabay
Hint: This trope may keep you up at night.
We’re taking a break from our normal programming to enjoy the holidays. In the meantime, Speculative Sandbox presents the Twelve Days of Tropes, a limited series of micro-episodes that briefly touch on some well-known - and not so-well-known - tropes. Each episode is a secret until you open it, just like a present. And who knows, maybe you’ll see one of these tropes fully analyzed with a guest on a future episode. And If you’re writing this holiday season, consider exploring or inverting what you hear.
Episode notes:
- Resources: TVTropes.org
- Music from Pixabay
Hint: This trope has been handed down for generations.
We’re taking a break from our normal programming to enjoy the holidays. In the meantime, Speculative Sandbox presents the Twelve Days of Tropes, a limited series of micro-episodes that briefly touch on some well-known - and not so-well-known - tropes. Each episode is a secret until you open it, just like a present. And who knows, maybe you’ll see one of these tropes fully analyzed with a guest on a future episode. And If you’re writing this holiday season, consider exploring or inverting what you hear.
Episode notes:
- Resources: TVTropes.org
- Music from Pixabay
Hint: This trope comes from a place of authority.
We’re taking a break from our normal programming to enjoy the holidays. In the meantime, Speculative Sandbox presents the Twelve Days of Tropes, a limited series of micro-episodes that briefly touch on some well-known - and not so-well-known - tropes. Each episode is a secret until you open it, just like a present. And who knows, maybe you’ll see one of these tropes fully analyzed with a guest on a future episode. And If you’re writing this holiday season, consider exploring or inverting what you hear.
Episode notes:
- Resources: TVTropes.org
- Music from Pixabay
Jason Pargin, New York Times Bestselling Author of the John Dies at the End and Zoe Ashe books series, joins the podcast to talk about the end of the world. What is it about this trope that has a hold on society? And is our worldwide demise enough stakes to get the audience truly invested? You won't want to miss this one. Your survival depends on it.
Drink up, me hearties! Writer Brad Allis returns to the podcast to discuss the role of taverns in speculative fiction. Why are they such useful locations for story telling? We talk about our favorite fictional taverns and some of our own original cocktails.
Writer and co-founder of the Round Table Writers, Odin Halvorson, joins Speculative Sandbox to talk about fictional placemaking. What can we learn from fantasy classics like Westeros and Narnia? And how can we push the boundaries of maps to present entirely new concepts, particularly in the science fiction genre? We talk about all this and more.
The damsel in distress is a classic trope that typically places a female character in danger so that the hero can save the day. Author Bibiana Krall returns to the podcast to discuss this trope, how it impacts everyone, and the ways we can de-stress the damsel role.
Could computers one day take all our jobs? It's a scary possibility, but that's not all A.I. can do. Author Neal Holtschulte joins the podcast to talk about technological singularity in fiction and in real life. How close are we to this singularity? And what does it mean for humanity?
If future theologians were to examine artifacts from today, what conclusions could they reach about our society that could be interpreted as modern gods? Author Andrew Dart joins me to discuss our modern rituals and belief systems. Which modern god do you subscribe to? And what is the sacrifice in doing so?
Happy Halloween! Author Bibiana Krall returns to the podcast to talk about Halloween traditions and share spooky stories, followed by a live tea leaves reading! To get the full experience, watch the video on Spotify or YouTube.
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5MvhLXzUWQp7FbkeMiMKRk?si=-uwnxdasS9GZEvB7ETnpng
YouTube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCqKsIfTIkHxYTH3guo6xzVQ
Writers: So you want to write about a mass emergency? Learn from guest writer and former firefighter Thomas Slatin about real life emergency response and communications. Topics covered include alien invasions, incoming meteors, nuclear fallout, and more.
Digital Publishing expert and Writer Nick Coveney joins Speculative Sandbox to talk about sexuality in speculative fiction, specifically the evolution of LGBTQ+ representation. We discuss how fiction can be used to challenge "norms", the pressures (and importance!) of representing a marginalized group, the political backlash to having more diverse voices in books, and how authors like J.K. Rowling can hurt a community. Also, do you love X-men? Stay for the deep dive at the end.
Fantasy Author Danielle Orsino joins the podcast to talk about dragon representation in fiction! We cover the differences between western and eastern dragons, common tropes, and Danielle's unique method for making her dragons as realistic as possible on the page.
Fight sequences can be thrilling on the screen, but how can you make them equally thrilling on the page? Writer Matthew. C Brown joins Speculative Sandbox to talk about our favorite fight scenes, tips and trick for writing one, and some pitfalls to avoid.
The Chosen One is arguably one of the most loved or hated story tropes, and Author Lucy A. McLaren joins the podcast to explain why. We cover some famous examples, discuss how the Chosen One is the perfect setup for a villain, and how marginalized characters bring a fresh perspective to the trope.
Author Rob Hart explores the horrors of working in an Amazon-esque corporation in his dystopian thriller “The Warehouse”. Learn about the real-world conditions and events that influenced this book, Rob’s world-building strategies, and how to create a complex billionaire villain. How far away are we from a corporatocracy? And...how can we prevent one?
We're back! Get a sneak preview of the Fall 2022 season topics: Corporatocracy, The Chosen One, Fighting Words, Dragons, Sexuality in Speculative Fiction, Emergency Responders, Modern Gods, Runaway A.I., De-Stressing the Damsel, Maps, Taverns.
Don't fret, we'll be back soon in the fall. Learn how you can participate in future episodes, or tell us what tropes you'd like to learn about next!
"The Body Scout" by Lincoln Michel has been heralded as a “timeless and original” sci-fi thriller (New York Times) about a hardboiled baseball scout who must solve the murder of his brother in a world transformed by body modification. Sit back as Vickie Lan and author Lincoln Michel take you on a tour of this cyberpunk world. *NOTE! Reading the book is not a requirement for following along with this episode. There will be world-building spoilers, but no plot spoilers. If you prefer zero spoilers, feel free to come back and listen when you're ready!*
Vickie Lan and Author Bibiana Krall talk about ghost stories and real-life hauntings! Why do ghosts come back? How can writers capture a chilling encounter in an authentic way? And why should you ignore the shadow in the corner? Learn all this and more in this deliciously spooky episode.
Conspiracy theories seek answers for the patterns we see in everyday life. They can be fun, they could be important, and they can also be dangerous. Aspiring writer Mike Crawford joins the podcast to discuss Q-anon, Flat Earth, the Dead Internet theory, and more.
Have you ever finished a book and wanted to throw it across the room? Or have you ever left the theater with tears running down your face? Beta-reader Elizabeth Brown joins the podcast to talk about unhappy endings. What purpose do they serve? Do you love or hate them? And what famous happily-ever-after story should have ended on a low note? DISCLAIMER: we do talk about endings of popular fiction! If you prefer to not be spoiled, you may need to skip this episode or fast-forward at your discretion.
Middle Earth, the Wizarding World, and the Marvel Cinematic Universe are just a few examples of shared universes where independent stories exist with interconnecting characters, locations, and events. Matthew C. Brown returns to the podcast to discuss the joys and challenges of writing a shared universe.
BSFA-Award-Winning Author Gareth L. Powell joins Speculative Sandbox to talk about space colonies! Will we ever leave Earth? Which planets would make good homes? And how can science fiction writers warn us of potential pitfalls? Go on a tour through our solar system with us.
It's hard to look anywhere without seeing comic book superheroes. From Marvel's MCU domination to DC's attempt to reboot their characters again...and again...and again...maybe it's time to give superheroes an upgrade. Author Brad Allis revisits Speculative Sandbox to talk about the evolution of superheroes in pop culture and what superheroes would be like today if they took on modern problems with modern solutions.
It's not easy being a hero. It's even worse being the mentor. Why do most mentors die a gruesome death right before the hero wins the day? Writer Jonathan Carlson and Vickie Lan unpack this trope, looking at popular examples from books and movies, and discuss ways to make this plot device feel fresh again.
Vickie Lan answers questions submitted to the Speculative Sandbox Instagram or Twitter DMs.
In honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Vickie Lan chats with editor and "Bookish Brews" blogger Amanda Khong about speculative fiction that is meaningful to them, magic, and the importance of representation in the book industry.
Greek mythology set the standard for many story tropes and character archetypes seen in today’s fiction. From tragedies to triumphant battles, petty arguments to unrequited love, the Greek Gods continue to leave a lasting impression because they are undeniably relatable. USA Today Bestselling Romance Author Carly Spade joins Speculative Sandbox to talk about the allure of the greek gods, their shadier pasts, and her approach for retelling their stories to a modern audience.
We watch them on TV. We read about them in books. We learn about their nefarious behaviors in the news. I’m talking about Dark Triad Personalities. Narcissists. Machiavellians. Psychopaths. They’re the villains of both our stories and our real lives. Author Marsheila Rockwell joins Vickie Lan in a discussion of what defines these three personality types, how they apply to both fictional and real-life people, and the ways writers can develop compelling Dark Triad characters.
Thomas More coined the term "Utopia" in his 1516 book of the same name, but is it really the ideal place to live? Author Jacob Devlin joins Vickie Lan in a discussion about fictional utopian societies, what makes them wonderful at first glance, and what makes them terrifying once you read between the lines.
Ghostwriter and editor Leslie Hinson joins Speculative Sandbox on the search for immortality. Like Dorian Gray and his aging portrait, how do different characters avoid death? How does legacy building ensure our future? And what happens when someone else takes control?
Not all Dystopian societies are terrible...right? Guest writer Brad Allis joins me in a discussion of the dystopian trope, why we love to read and write them, and their small silver linings (if any!)
Good protagonists, evil protagonists, evilly good protagonists? Author Matthew C. Brown joins Speculative Sandbox in a chat about complex protagonists, the appeal of evil characters, and how story telling has evolved as our interactions on social media take center stage.
What is speculative fiction? What can you expect from this podcast? Who am I? Learn all this and more in the introductory episode of Speculative Sandbox.