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Mythmakers Encore: Andy Serkis Reads The Silmarillion - The Verdict

Since April of 2022 Andy Serkis has been working his way through Tolkien's books, producing audio versions of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit- he has now turned his attention to The Silmarillion. Our expert on audiobooks, Andrew Head, who as a blind consumer often turns to audio versions to access stories, talks with Julia Golding about this latest version of The Silmarillion and the Martin Shaw reading that came before it. Which would you buy now? How does Andy cope with a book that has fa

Mythmakers Encore: Andy Serkis Reads The Silmarillion - The Verdict
Mythmakers
Mythmakers Encore: Andy Serkis Reads The Silmarillion - The Verdict

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Mythmakers Encore: Andy Serkis Reads The Silmarillion - The Verdict
51
Aug. 13, 2026

Mythmakers Encore: Andy Serkis Reads The Silmarillion - The Verdict

Since April of 2022 Andy Serkis has been working his way through Tolkien's books, producing audio versions of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit- he has now turned his attention to The Silmarillion. Our expert on audiobooks, Andrew Head, who as a blind consumer often turns to audio versions to access stories, talks with Julia Golding about this latest version of The Silmarillion and the Martin Shaw reading that came before it. Which would you buy now? How does Andy cope with a book that has fa
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LOTR: An Author's Journey - Wrap Up of The Two Towers, Book 4
50
Aug. 6, 2026

LOTR: An Author's Journey - Wrap Up of The Two Towers, Book 4

We are going on an adventure! Love The Lord of the Rings? Why not read along with us as we consider the books from the writer's point of view! Taking it chapter by chapter, novelist Julia Golding will reveal new details that you might not have noticed and techniques that will only go to increase your pleasure in future re-readings of our favourite novel. Julia also brings her expert knowledge of life in Oxford and English culture to explain some points that might have passed you by. 00:00 Intro
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Mythmakers Season 8 Wrap Up: Top 5 Author's Tips
49
July 30, 2026

Mythmakers Season 8 Wrap Up: Top 5 Author's Tips

As Mythmakers takes a short summer break, Julia Golding looks back at some of the standout conversations from Season 8, gathering five memorable pieces of writing wisdom from the season’s top-performing author interviews. Join us as we revisit Darren Simpson’s reflections on the long road to publication, and hear from Peadar Ó Guilín on how history and myth shape fantasy worlds. Marisa Linton shares her journey and advice for finding your publishing path, while Naomi Ishiguro dives into worldbu
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The Top 5 Writing Lessons from The Two Towers
48
July 23, 2026

The Top 5 Writing Lessons from The Two Towers

Having completed our journey through The Two Towers, in today's Sidecast episode Julia Golding pauses to reflect on the top five lessons she has taken from Tolkien’s craft as an author. From the interlacing of multiple storylines and the careful maintenance of suspense, to the creation of epic, living landscapes, Julia explores how Tolkien handles the challenges of a middle volume with remarkable skill. She also reflects on the poetry of his prose and the depth of his themes, amongst the wealth
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Not Asleep, Dead - LOTR: An Author's Journey, Bk 4 Ch 10
47
July 16, 2026

Not Asleep, Dead - LOTR: An Author's Journey, Bk 4 Ch 10

We are going on an adventure! Love The Lord of the Rings? Why not read along with us as we consider the books from the writer's point of view! Taking it chapter by chapter, novelist Julia Golding will reveal new details that you might not have noticed and techniques that will only go to increase your pleasure in future re-readings of our favourite novel. Julia also brings her expert knowledge of life in Oxford and English culture to explain some points that might have passed you by. 00:00 Intro
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She Had Many Exits From Her Lair - LOTR: An Author's Journey, Bk 4 Ch 8
46
July 9, 2026

She Had Many Exits From Her Lair - LOTR: An Author's Journey, Bk 4 Ch 8

We are going on an adventure! Love The Lord of the Rings? Why not read along with us as we consider the books from the writer's point of view! Taking it chapter by chapter, novelist Julia Golding will reveal new details that you might not have noticed and techniques that will only go to increase your pleasure in future re-readings of our favourite novel. Julia also brings her expert knowledge of life in Oxford and English culture to explain some points that might have passed you by. 00:00 Intro
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Don’t the Great Tales Never End? - LOTR: An Author's Journey, Bk 4 Ch 8
45
July 2, 2026

Don’t the Great Tales Never End? - LOTR: An Author's Journey, Bk 4 Ch 8

We are going on an adventure! Love The Lord of the Rings? Why not read along with us as we consider the books from the writer's point of view! Taking it chapter by chapter, novelist Julia Golding will reveal new details that you might not have noticed and techniques that will only go to increase your pleasure in future re-readings of our favourite novel. Julia also brings her expert knowledge of life in Oxford and English culture to explain some points that might have passed you by. 00:00 Intro
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They Cannot Conquer for Ever! - LOTR: An Author's Journey, Bk 4 Ch 7
44
June 25, 2026

They Cannot Conquer for Ever! - LOTR: An Author's Journey, Bk 4 Ch 7

We are going on an adventure! Love The Lord of the Rings? Why not read along with us as we consider the books from the writer's point of view! Taking it chapter by chapter, novelist Julia Golding will reveal new details that you might not have noticed and techniques that will only go to increase your pleasure in future re-readings of our favourite novel. Julia also brings her expert knowledge of life in Oxford and English culture to explain some points that might have passed you by. 00:00 Intro
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Recent Blog Posts

Martin Shaw vs. Andy Serkis: Which Silmarillion Audiobook Is Best?
Aug. 13, 2026

Martin Shaw vs. Andy Serkis: Which Silmarillion Audiobook Is Best?

When comparing the Martin Shaw and Andy Serkis Silmarillion audiobook narrations, listeners must weigh dramatic character voicing against traditional narrative gravity. While Serkis brings cinematic flair and essential bonus introductory material, S…
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Gollum as Narrative Whip: How Tolkien Uses Malignity to Drive the Plot in Book 4
Aug. 6, 2026

Gollum as Narrative Whip: How Tolkien Uses Malignity to Drive the Plot in Book 4

Discover how J.R.R. Tolkien uses Gollum not merely as a wretched antagonist, but as a crucial narrative whip to maintain tension, create high stakes, and prevent pacing stagnation during Frodo and Sam's weary journey through Ithilien in Book 4 of Th…
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How to Handle Constructive Criticism: Lessons from Professional Fantasy Authors
July 30, 2026

How to Handle Constructive Criticism: Lessons from Professional Fantasy Authors

Learning how to handle constructive criticism is one of the most critical milestones for an aspiring fantasy author. Professional writers often face intense editorial feedback that can challenge their creative vision. By examining insights from seas…
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