Best Kate J. Armstrong Podcasts (2025)

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Ladies Who Sleuth in Regency England with Alison Goodman 1:10:03

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16d ago1:10:03

1:10:03

Season 6, Episode 6. Welcome to Exploress Book Club! Join me in talking to Alison Goodman, author of The Benevolent Society of Ill-Mannered Ladies, as she tells us what life was really like for the ladies in Regency England. Alison has done a LOT of research into this period, and she has a lot to tell us about the agency (or lack thereof) of women …

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Theme, Premise and Writing YA In 2025 with Sarah Arthur 47:13

23d ago47:13

47:13

Award-winning YA author Sarah Arthur returns to the Toolshed to discuss her brilliant new book, Once A Castle. Sarah also shares her experiences following the release of her debut YA novel (Once A Queen), what it was like writing book two, and how theme has played such an important role in the writing of both. We also discuss Artificial Intelligenc…

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1,001 Nights with Al-Khayzuran 23:52

29d ago23:52

23:52

Season 6, Episode 5. One Thousand and One Nights – the famed collection of stories in which the vizier’s daughter, Scheherazade, agrees to wed a paranoid king who marries a new bride each night only to kill her in the morning. To delay her execution, Scheherazade starts to tell the king a different story every evening, but makes sure to leave it un…

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A Lady's Life in the Viking Age, Part 3: The Daily Grind 43:35

1M ago43:35

43:35

Season 6, Episode 4. In this series, we're exploring what life was like for women in the Viking (Norse) Age. In this episode, we're going to spend a day with your average Norse woman. We'll find out everything from what we're sleeping on, what sorts of chores we're doing, what we're wearing and eating, what our houses are like, where we're going to…

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Writing About Injuries and Wounds 39:20

2M ago39:20

39:20

In this episode, I'm joined by fantasy author and ER doctor, HB Reneau. HB talks all about injuries we commonly see in fantasy worlds--usually inflicted by swords and magic, and explains how we can best portray things like wounds and infections. We also talk about the impact of injuries and trauma and mental health too. HB also tells us all about h…

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A Lady's Life in the Viking Age, Part 2: Relationships, Marriage, and Power 45:34

2M ago45:34

45:34

Season 6, Episode 3. In this series, we're exploring what life was like for women in the Viking (Norse) Age. In this episode, we're going to find out more about what the Vikings looked for in their ladies: what traits did the ideal Norse woman possess, according to the Sagas? We'll also explore courtship and marriage: Norse runic love notes, father…

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A Lady's Life in the Viking Age, Part 1: Finding the Norse 42:56

3M ago42:56

42:56

Season 6, Episode 2. In this series, we're exploring what life was like for women in the Viking (Norse) Age. Let's start by talking about our sources: how do we know what we know about the Vikings? We'll explore our written sources, runes, and archeological material, as well as the biases male writers and scholars have brought to the study of women…

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How To Get A Literary Agent 32:08

3M ago32:08

32:08

In this episode, I'm joined by Brianna Summers, literary agent assistant with Holloway Literary. Brianna also works as an editor with Of Metal and Magic Publishing. Brianna shares her wisdom after spending several years working in the literary agency field. She tells us what it's like for agents on a day-to-day basis and the main reasons she reject…

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A Lady's Life in the Viking Age: The Goddess Freyja 15:37

3M ago15:37

15:37

Season 6, Episode 1. In this series, we're going to explore what life was like for women in the Viking (Norse) Age. But first, let's meet Freyja, a powerful Nordic goddess, who will introduce us to the Viking religious pantheon. We'll hear some of her more famous stories and learn about her links to magic, fertility, sexuality, war, and death. She'…

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Love and War in Ancient Rome with Jenny Williamson 41:02

3M ago41:02

41:02

Season 6, Episode 1 - It's Exploress Book Club time! Join me for this excellent chat with Jenny Williamson, one half of the podcast Ancient History Fangirl, about her debut steamy ancient Roman romantasy novel, Enemy of My Dreams. We'll discuss her inspiration, how much of the true ancient past made it into her fictional novel, some of the real anc…

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How To Write Short Stories With Dan Coxon 53:23

4M ago53:23

53:23

In this episode, award-winning short story writer and editor Dan Coxon joins me for an in-depth chat about writing short fiction. We look at the definition of a short story, the different structures they can have, the pitfalls to avoid, and best practices for editing. Dan also shares his best tips on getting short stories published, sharing vital i…

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How To Write Grimdark With Anna Smith Spark 52:18

5M ago52:18

52:18

In this episode, I’m delighted to be joined by the Queen of Grimdark, Anna Smith Spark! Anna joins me for a deep dive into all things writing. We look at Anna’s process, how she wrote her brilliant books, A Court of Broken Knives, A Woman Of The Sword, and A Sword Of Bronze and Ashes, and how she approaches pantsing. Anna also shares her fantastic …

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The Best Writing Tips Of 2024 - Short Stories, Ian Rankin and more 21:34

6M ago21:34

21:34

In this final episode of 2024, I discuss all of the best writing tips I've come across in the past year, as well as the most helpful things I've learned. In particular, I dive into writing short stories and getting them published, amazing pieces of wisdom from legendary author Ian Rankin, and the most important thing I learned over the past 12 mont…

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How To Make An Audiobook 39:37

7M ago39:37

39:37

In this episode, I'm joined by voice over artist and audiobook producer, Ethan Fifield, for an explainer on how to make an audiobook. Ethan offers a fantastic insight into the process of making audiobooks, explaining what it's like to be a producer and what it's like to work with publishers and authors. Ethan also offers practical advice on how to …

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Re-Release: Spiritualists & Mediums of 19th-Century America 49:33

8M ago49:33

49:33

Season 5, Episode 15. Hey listener! I'm currently on maternity leave, but to get us in the Halloween spirit, I'm re-releasing my first ever Halloween special about the 19th-century mediums who used their connection to the dead to find fame and fortune. But this isn’t just an old episode repeating: I’ve remastered and re-recorded it to give it a 202…

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Ciel Pierlot On Writing Fantasy And Queer Fiction 33:06

8M ago33:06

33:06

In this episode, award-nominated author Ciel Pierlot joins me in the Toolshed for a fascinating chat about writing fantasy and writing queer fiction. Ciel's new book, The Hunter's Gambit, was published by Angry Robot earlier this year. We chat all about the writing of the story, Ciel's writing process as a whole, and crafting characters who are int…

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Re-Release: The History of Witch Hunts in Scotland and England 47:18

8M ago47:18

47:18

Season 5, Episode 14. Down, down, the Witches' Road... I'm currently off on maternity leave, but to get you in the mood for the spooky season I'm re-releasing what must be my most popular Halloween special to date. Between 1450 and 1750, some 100,000 Europeans were tried for witchcraft, and some of the most intense periods of witchy panic took plac…

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Special Episode: Stephen Aryan On Writing Novellas And Self Publishing 38:31

8M ago38:31

38:31

In this special episode, I'm delighted to be joined by returning guest and bestselling author, Stephen Aryan. Stephen has just released his latest fantasy novel, The Blood Dimmed Tide, and on 1st October, he's releasing his first-ever crime novella, New York Minute. We chat all about New York Minute, writing novellas, mixing fantasy and other genre…

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Forty Elephants: The All-Female Crime Gang of 1920s London 12:09

9M ago12:09

12:09

Season 5, Episode 13. Hey listener! I'm currently off on maternity leave, but I've decided to pull some special bonus episodes out of the Patreon vault during September for all my listeners to enjoy. This one's going to take us back to our season on the 1920s to meet the group of sticky-fingered bandits who became England's most notorious thieves. …

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The Writing Process With Kate J. Armstrong 41:08

9M ago41:08

41:08

In this episode I'm delighted to be joined by fantasy author, Kate J. Armstrong. Kate's new book Fyrebirds recently hit the shelves and in this episode we talk all about it. We also dive into Kate's journey through the world of writing, how she found inspiration when it left her, and the crafty questions we love so much, such as how to create chara…

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Lady Pirates and Queen Elizabeth I’s Golden Age of Piracy 41:00

9M ago41:00

41:00

Season 5, Episode 12. Today we’ll learn how Queen Elizabeth I strategically defeated the Invincible Spanish Armada by allowing famous pirates like Sir Francis Drake and Sir Thomas Cavendish to take over the Royal Navy and fight on her behalf as “privateers.” We’ll also learn what life was like on a pirate ship in the Elizabethan age, why women were…

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How To Get Better At Writing 14:30

9M ago14:30

14:30

We're back after a long break with a new episode -- maybe the most useful one yet -- and an update on future plans. If you want to stay in the loop re future opportunities to learn from Amie, make sure you're on the mailing list, which you can join at amiekaufman.substack.com

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Announcement! 1:31

9M ago1:31

1:31

...see you on the other side, my friends. Have you ever thought about becoming a patron? They get all episodes early and ad-free, voting rights on content, behind the scenes stuff, AND up to two exclusive bonus episodes a month. I'll be posting episodes there throughout my maternity leave, so if you want more Exploress in your life, head on over! Y…

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The FYREBIRDS Audiobook 36:50

9M ago36:50

36:50

I'm thrilled to bring you this extra-long audio sample of the FYREBIRDS audiobook: the Prologue and Chapter 1, narrated by the amazing Saskia Maarleveld. If you like what you hear, the unabridged audiobook is out now wherever audiobooks are sold. You can request it to stream digitally from your local library; if they don't have it in their collecti…

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Writing Magical Women and the Belle Epoque with author Ryan Graudin 55:28

9M ago55:28

55:28

Season 5, Episode 11. Guess what? My second novel, FYREBIRDS, hits shelves TODAY. How exciting! I’m celebrating by inviting one of my favorite authors to join us. Ryan Graudin is the award-winning novel of many books for young adults and children; her debut adult fantasy, THE ENCHANTED LIES OF CELESTE ARTOIS, comes out today. This novel, set in Bel…

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NIGHTBIRDS: Let's Talk Spoilers 34:45

10M ago34:45

34:45

It’s FYREBIRDS month on The Exploress! To celebrate the release of my second novel, and the conclusion of the NIGHTBIRDS series, I’m sharing an episode of my other podcast, Pub Dates, where I’ve been taking listeners behind the scenes on this series’ creation. In this episode, I’m going to answer reader’s burning questions about NIGHTBIRDS. Warning…

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Jennifer L. Armentrout: On Writing And Born Of Blood And Ash 46:13

10M ago46:13

46:13

Jennifer L. Armentrout is one of the biggest authors in the world right now. A #1 NYT Bestseller, as well as a #1 International Bestseller, Jennifer has penned over 70 books in a range of genres and for all different audiences. In this episode, we talk all about Jennifer's journey into writing and how it all led to the release of her brand new book…

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FYREBIRDS and the Women of 1920s Prohibition, Revisited 1:09:38

10M ago1:09:38

1:09:38

Season 5, Episode 9. It’s FYREBIRDS month on The Exploress! I’m celebrating the release of my second novel, and the conclusion of the NIGHTBIRDS series, by revisiting an old episode from our season on the 1920s: the one where we talk about the women who skirted the Prohibition law. Make sure you listen through to the new epilogue, where I talk abou…

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Crude, Rude, and Setting the Mood: An Interview with Therese O'Neill 39:13

10M ago39:13

39:13

Season 5, Episode 8. It's interview time! Let's spend some time with the delightful Therese Oneill, author of such nonfiction gems as Unmentionable: A Victorian Lady’s Guide to Sex, Marriage and Manners and her latest book Unbecoming a Lady: The Forgotten Shrews and Sluts that Shaped America. This isn't your average collection of biographies. These…

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How To Write Young Adult Fiction With Sarah Arthur 49:21

11M ago49:21

49:21

In this episode, I'm delighted to welcome bestselling author, Sarah Arthur. Sarah's debut YA fantasy novel, Once A Queen has recently hit the shelves courtesy of Penguin Random House. We chat all about writing a YA fantasy novel, creating characters, transitioning from writing non-fiction to fiction, creating a magic portal-based system, and buildi…

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The History of the Bikini 36:33

11M ago36:33

36:33

Season 5, Episode 7. Today we’ll be tracing the history of women’s bathing suits from the 1700s to the 1960s. We’ll look at how swimwear fashion evolved from the drab bathing gowns and modest bloomer suits to the sporty one piece swimsuit and the scandalous bikini. We’ll learn how some old-timey swimsuits could literally kill you, or possibly just …

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A Lady's Life in Tokugawa Japan, 4: Off to Battle with Samurai Warrior Women 40:41

12M ago40:41

40:41

Season 5, Episode 6. In this four-part series, we're time traveling back to Tokugawa Japan (1603-1868) to find out what life was like there for the ladies. If you've been binging Shogun lately, then this one's for you! For show notes, including a list of sources and some cool images, go to The Exploress website (If you're dying for a full transcrip…

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How To Sell Books On Amazon With Kindlepreneur's Dave Chesson 46:23

12M ago46:23

46:23

In this episode, we welcome the Kindlepreneur himself, Dave Chesson for a chat about selling books on Amazon and Kindle Direct Publishing. Dave has devoted huge amounts of time and effort into helping authors sell books and reach readers. We chat about the latest changes Amazon has made to its book category system, how selling books on Amazon works…

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A Lady's Life in Tokugawa Japan, Part 3: Fashion & Fun with the Glamorous Geisha 55:22

12M ago55:22

55:22

Season 5, Episode 5. In this four-part series, we're time traveling back to Tokugawa Japan (1603-1868) to find out what life was like there for the ladies. If you've been binging Shogun lately, then this one's for you! For show notes, including a list of sources and some cool images, go to The Exploress website (If you're dying for a full transcrip…

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Can We Change The World With Our Writing? An Interview With Manda Scott 45:22

1y ago45:22

45:22

In this episode, I’m delighted to be joined by Sunday Times Bestselling author, Manda Scott. Manda is well known for her historical fiction series, Boudica. And in June, her new novel, Any Human Power is hitting the shelves. Any Human Power is a fantasy story of a family at the centre of a global uprising. A band of young tech-visionaries in the re…

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A Lady's Life in Tokugawa Japan, Part 2: Home, Duty, Marriage, and Tea 50:35

1y ago50:35

50:35

Season 5, Episode 4. In this four-part series, we're time traveling back to Tokugawa Japan (1603-1868) to find out what life was like there for the ladies. If you've been binging Shogun lately, then this one's for you! For show notes, including a list of sources and some cool images, go to The Exploress website (If you're dying for a full transcrip…

1
The Writing Process With Gabriela Houston 42:09

1y ago42:09

42:09

In this episode, I'm joined by fantasy author Gabriela Houston for an honest chat about writing and publishing. Gabriela has developed a reputation for writing brilliant, Slavic-inspired tales. The Bone Roots, published by Angry Robot, is her latest book. We talk all about it, as well as Gabriela's journey through writing, what it's like to be trad…

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A Lady's Life in Tokugawa Japan, Part 1: Welcome to the Edo Era 34:17

1y ago34:17

34:17

Season 5, Episode 3. In this four-part series, we're time traveling back to Tokugawa Japan (1603-1868) to find out what life was like there for the ladies. If you've been binging Shogun lately, then this one's for you! For show notes, including a list of sources and some cool images, go to The Exploress website (If you're dying for a full transcrip…

1
The Writing Process With Salinee Goldenberg 42:05

1y ago42:05

42:05

I'm joined by author Salinee Goldenberg for a brilliantly honest chat about writing her debut novel, The Last Phi Hunter, getting published, and dealing with challenges like Imposter Syndrome. The Last Phi Hunter is a fantasy book unlike any other, with strong inspiration taken from Thai demon folklore. Sal tells us all about the process of writing…

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The Crusader Queens, Part 2 29:09

1y ago29:09

29:09

Season 5, Episode 2. Once upon a time, back in the Middle Ages, four sisters would come to shape the Crusader States called Outremer. One would rebel (several times) against their father; another would come to rule more or less in her own right. All would see a healthy heaping of conflict while living in a chaotic time and place. In Part 2, we'll r…

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How To Write A Children's Fantasy Book 53:06

1y ago53:06

53:06

In this episode, award-winning author and leader in the world of children's literature and children's books, Meredith Davis, shares many a pearl of wisdom. Not only is Meredith a leading author of children's books, she's the founder of the Austin Chapter of the Society of Children's Books Writers and Illustrators, and also has an MFA in writing for…

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The Crusader Queens, Part 1 36:16

1y ago36:16

36:16

Season 5, Episode 1. Once upon a time, back in the Middle Ages, four sisters would come to shape the Crusader States called Outremer. One would rebel (several times) against their father; another would come to rule more or less in her own right. All would see a healthy heaping of conflict while living in a chaotic time and place. In Part 1, we'll e…

1
How To Write Romantasy 46:15

1y ago46:15

46:15

In this episode, we cover a very hot topic right now (in more ways than one)—romantasy. With the help of editor Jennia D'Lima and author Lara Buckheit, we look at what romantasy is, its surge in popularity, the reasons behind why, and how you can write your own fantastically romantic stories. What do you think of the romantasy phenomenon? Do you wr…

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Queens with Swords: Teuta, Amanirenas, and Mavia (Mawiyya) 19:53

1y ago19:53

19:53

There’s something stirring about a warrior woman: one who refuses to bow down to the forces against her, no matter how vast they may be. And when they win out? Even better. Let’s talk about three sword-wielding females who went up against the Romans, terrifying all who looked on: Teuta, Amanirenas, and Mavia (Mawiyya). Want more Exploress bonus epi…

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How To Make Fantasy Maps | An Interview With Inkarnate's Finest, Dread Maps and Tyndall Doodle 45:58

1y ago45:58

45:58

In this episode of the podcast, we take a comprehensive look at fantasy maps: how to make them, tips on designs and how to draw them both freehand and with the help of digital tools and websites.Helping me do that are two of the best cartographers around, Tyndall Doodle and Dread Maps. Both are talented artists and inspirational users of the fantas…

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The Black Female Entertainers of the 1920s 46:53

1+ y ago46:53

46:53

Season 4, Episode 16. In this last episode of Season 4, we're going to find out more about the Black female entertainers who lit up the stages of 1920s America: who they were, the (many) struggles they faced, and all the ways they absolutely slayed. We'll meet blues singers like Ma Rainey, Bessie Smith, Ethel Waters, and Mamie Smith, as well as dan…

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The Female Movie Stars of 1920s Hollywood 52:12

1+ y ago52:12

52:12

Season 4, Episode 15. Mary Pickford. Clara Bow. Gloria Swanson. Joan Crawford. Greta Garbo. Let’s travel back in time to learn more about the legendary female movie stars behind the most popular silent films of the 1920s. We’ll discuss the controlling Hollywood studio machine, glamorous movie palaces, obsessive fandoms, the Max Factor makeup brand,…

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America's Fight for Women's Rights: Interview with Elizabeth Cobbs 56:00

1+ y ago56:00

56:00

Season 4, Episode 14. Join us for an interview with Professor Elizabeth Cobbs, the author of Fearless Women: Feminist Patriots from Abigail Adams to Beyonce. Her book gives us a panoramic view of the fight for women's rights in America, and today, she'll talk to us about the history of feminism, suffrage, and what rights women really had in the 192…

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A Lady's Life in the 1920s, Part 4: A Friday Night 44:26

1+ y ago44:26

44:26

Season 4, Episode 13. Last time, we found out what stay-at-home wife life was like in the 1920s. Now we're going to go out on the town. Let's explore all the fun we were getting up to: dancing, nightclubs, amusement parks, swimming, and girls in automobiles. We'll even dive into the world on 1920s dating. You can now buy my ladycentric timelines, m…

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The Lady Killers of 1920s Chicago 46:32

1+ y ago46:32

46:32

Season 4, Episode 12. Settle in for a tale of passion, jealousy, corruption, and the lady killers who entranced 1920s America. Grab your gun, your best fur coat, and a flask of bootleg gin. Let’s go traveling. You can now buy my ladycentric timelines, maps, and art prints at the Exploress shop. Also, did you know I’ve got a novel out? NIGHTBIRDS is…