Latest Episode 
Folk Horror and Doppelgangers: Darren Simpson and Lykewise
Horror is having a moment. Looking at recent cinema releases, you’ll see the genre is booming as a big box office draw. But where on the scale does a horror story become fantasy?
Returning this week to Mythmakers, Darren Simpson discusses this with Julia Golding. They turn to the tradition of the doppelgänger story - the portrait in the attic, the ‘other’ or shadow self – and take a look at what it tells us about psychology. In Darren’s new children’s book, Lykewise, the doppelgänger is the Lyk
Recent Episodes
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Nov. 12, 2026
Folk Horror and Doppelgangers: Darren Simpson and Lykewise
Horror is having a moment. Looking at recent cinema releases, you’ll see the genre is booming as a big box office draw. But where on the scale does a horror story become fantasy? Returning this week to Mythmakers, Darren Simpson discusses this with Julia Golding. They turn to the tradition of the doppelgänger story - the portrait in the attic, the ‘other’ or shadow self – and take a look at what it tells us about psychology. In Darren’s new children’s book, Lykewise, the doppelgänger is the Lyk
10
Nov. 5, 2026
Just a Fool's Hope - LOTR: An Author's Journey, Bk 5 Ch 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
9
Oct. 29, 2026
Romantasy and The Wycherleys with Annaliese Avery
Annaliese Avery, author of the Wycherley series, joins Julia Golding on the pod to talk about the conclusion to her trilogy. Annaliese and Julia explore the phenomenon of romantasy, the kind of rules necessary to make magic systems believable, and the appeal of the Regency period as a fantasy setting. Prepare yourself for a few shocking revelations about first drafts and dragons! To learn more about Annaliese and her writing visit https://www.annalieseavery.com 00:00 Introduction: Welcome to
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Oct. 22, 2026
The Neverland Thieves: Katie and Kevin Tsang and the Peter Pan Legacy
When Great Ormond Street Hospital, home to the rights to Peter Pan, asks you to add to its beloved stories, you take on an awesome responsibility. In this episode of Mythmakers, authors Katie and Kevin Tsang join Julia Golding to share their journey into Neverland in support of this worthy cause, with profits benefiting the hospital’s charity. They made the bold decision to centre the story on Tom, a seriously ill patient at Great Ormond Street, bringing with it a particularly high level of res
7
Oct. 15, 2026
Where Will Wants Not, a Way Opens - LOTR: An Author's Journey, Bk 5 Ch 3
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
6
Oct. 8, 2026
Rock Music in Gerwig's Narnia and Other Film News
Today on Mythmakers, Julia Golding and Jacob Rennaker explore the latest film news surrounding some of the biggest upcoming fantasy movies. Thanks to a comprehensive article in Empire, we now have a clearer picture of what Greta Gerwig may be planning for The Magician’s Nephew. What are the pros, what are the possible cons? From there, Julia and Jacob turn to new set photos from Andy Serkis’ The Hunt for Gollum, before discussing the latest news on Katherine Rundell’s Impossible Creatures film
5
Oct. 1, 2026
The Dead Are Following - LOTR: An Author's Journey, Bk 5 Ch 2
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
4
Sept. 24, 2026
Harry Potter Full Cast Audio Series Books 1-7: Our Verdict
Andrew Head, our resident audiobook expert, joins Julia Golding today on Mythmakers to discuss the complete Harry Potter full-cast audio series. Did the switch to different actors for the older Harry, Ron, and Hermione work, or was it disorientating? What does the full-cast experience offer that a traditional audiobook or film adaptation doesn’t? And how might it connect with the forthcoming HBO series? Stay tuned as Andrew and Julia share their final verdict—and the all-important rating out of
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Recent Blog Posts
Nov. 12, 2026
Writing the Shadow Self: Exploring Doppelgangers in Children's Fantasy and Folk Horror
Doppelgangers in children's fantasy and folk horror act as physical manifestations of the psychological shadow self, allowing authors to explore dark desires, hidden impulses, and emotional struggles. By examining how mirror-born doubles and eerie r…
Nov. 5, 2026
How J.R.R. Tolkien Wrote The Siege of Gondor Using First World War Trench Warfare Realism
Discover how J.R.R. Tolkien translated his traumatic First World War trench experiences and Second World War rationing into the psychological realism of Book 5, Chapter 4 of The Lord of the Rings. This analysis explores how the author used sensory d…
Oct. 29, 2026
Draft Zero Method: How to Write Fantasy Novels by Deleting
Discover the unconventional writing process known as Draft Zero, a method popular among fantasy authors that relies on writing by deleting. Learn how to abandon rigid outlining, embrace generative drafting, and sculpt your speculative fiction manusc…